Conclusion:
The
Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC2-8500 2GB DDR2 Memory Kit performs up to 45% better in some tests than a similarly clocked competitor. This DDR2 kit is advertised to operate at 1066MHz with (5-5-5-15) timings, and even with more aggressive timings (4-4-4-12) this kit remained stable up to 1075MHz. Relaxing the timings back to (5-5-5-15) allowed the kit to overclock up to 1185MHz with no problems.
PriceGrabber lists this memory at five retailers for as little as $195 shipped, you're getting a pretty good bargain. Now if you are sold on only the performance and don't care for the LEDs, keep in mind that Crucial offers the same memory without the Tracers for
slightly less money.
Given the price, performance, and geekish appeal of LED lighting, the
Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC2-8500 2GB DDR2 Memory Kit earns the award of "Highly Recommended".
Pros:
» Runs stable at advertised 1066MHz clock speed and default 5-5-5-15 timings
» Stable (no errors) up to 1075MHz (4-4-4-12) or 1185MHz (5-5-5-15)
» LEDs add that extra "flair" to your case
Cons:
» None
Special thanks to
Crucial for providing the Crucial Ballistix Tracer PC2-8500 2GB DDR2 Memory Kit to Bigbruin.com for review!
