• Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
• Package: Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM (with LEDs)
• Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
• Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • 4-4-4-12 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 2.0V • 256Meg x 64 •

What is Ballistix Tracer memory? Ballistix Tracer memory is specifically built for performance enthusiasts and case modders who want to push the performance envelope while adding flash appeal to their boxes. The Ballistix line of high-performance memory modules features advanced speed grades, low latencies, and integrated aluminum heat spreaders. Ballistix Tracer memory features a black PCB, black integrated heat spreaders, and one or two rows of eight "chasing" red and green LEDs atop the module, circulating in a random pattern based on memory utilization. A custom-designed circuit relays bus activity to the LEDs, allowing them to accurately reflect usage of each memory module. In addition, eight blue ground effects LEDs emit a constant glow near the pins.

For more information about the Ballistix memory line, please visit the Ballistix section of our Web site.

What is a Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM?

A Ballistix Tracer dual inline memory module (DIMM) consists of a number of memory components that are attached to a black printed circuit board. The gold pins on the bottom of the DIMM provide a connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board. The pins on the front and back of a DIMM are not connected to each other.

Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMMs are used to provide DDR2 SDRAM memory for desktop computers. DDR2 is a leading-edge generation of memory with an improved architecture that allows it to transmit data very fast. Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMMs are available in DDR2 PC2-5300 (DDR2 667), SDRAM, DDR2 PC2-6400 (DDR2 800), and DDR2 PC2-8500 (DDR2 1066).

To use DDR2 memory, your system motherboard must have 240-pin DIMM slots and a DDR2-enabled chipset. A DDR2 SDRAM DIMM will not fit into a standard SDRAM DIMM socket or a DDR DIMM socket. (Information about which memory technology your system uses is included in the Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool.)

The number of black components on a Ballistix Tracer 240-pin DIMM can vary, but it always has 120 pins on the front and 120 pins on the back, for a total of 240. Ballistix 240-pin DIMMs are approximately 5.25 inches long and 1.18 inches high, though the heights can vary. While 240-pin DDR2 DIMMs, 184-pin DDR DIMMs, and 168-pin DIMMs are approximately the same size, 240-pin DIMMs and 184-pin DIMMs have only one notch within the row of pins. The notch in a 240-pin DDR2 DIMM is closer toward the center of the module.

Testing Setup:

Testing:

For this round of testing I will just be testing the Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module against the Patriot Viper Series PC2-8500 (1066MHz) Memory. I will be testing the Crucial Ballistix Tracer at 4-4-4-12 and 800 MHz as well as testing the Patiot Viper Series 800 MHz (4-4-4-15) and 1066 MHz (5-5-5-15). The benchmarks I will be using today will be PC Mark Vantage Memory Test, Super Pi using an 8MB calculation, Sisoft Sandra using the Memory Bandwidth Test, the Cache Memory Test, and the Latency Test. I will also be testing the gaming quality using Crysis Warhead Benchmark program on no AA, Gamer Settings, and 1280 x 1024 resolution.

These are the best memory bandwidth and benchmarking programs I have found and should give us a great view of the range of each modules capability. I will not be overclocking the ram for this test.

PCMark Vantage(Higher Number is Better):

SuperPi (8MB Test in Minutes Lower is Better):

 Crysis Warhead (In FPS Higher is Better 1280 x 1024):

  Sisoft Sandra (Higher is Better Except for Latency):

Even though I was unable to get a stable 1066 clock on the Crucial (it is possible on other boards) the Crucial Ballistix Tracer 4GB kit performed better and in some cases just as good as the 1066 clock on the Patriot memory. The timing on the Ballistix memory definitely helped in getting some of these scores. The most notable in my opinion is the real world test of FPS on Crysis Warhead if I were to base buying ram on gaming I would reach for the Ballistix over the Viper Series. Let’s see the final thoughts: