Crucial Ballistix Tracer 4GB DDR3 Memory Kit Review

Conclusion

I am impressed with this memory. The fact that you can run this kit at the speed of high end DDR2 kits of yesteryear with the same timings (1066 MHz @ 5-5-5-15) is impressive. Even more impressive is that I was able to run this kit at quite low timings at the rated speed for this kit (1600 MHz @ 8-8-7-21. Rated at 1600 MHz @ 8-8-8-24). Add to that the dancing LEDs, and you get an exceptional performer and the satisfaction of having your money well spent. When it came to overclocking, I was only able to get an 88 MHz overclock. I would have liked more, but I think the lower timings made up for it by reducing the latency.

At the time of the writing of this article, the lowest priced 4GB 1600 MHz CL8 DDR3 kit on Newegg is $115, while this Crucial kit sells for $132. A price premium of $17 is not bad and is to be expected considering that this is the only kit on the market to feature dancing LEDs.

Pros –

• Best appearance in class with the LEDs. Great for showing off at LAN Parties.
• Tight performance! Runs at much lower timings that those advertised.

Cons –

• Only 88 MHz overclock on my review sample

This has become one of my favorite kits for flashiness and for low latency performance. I’m off to show off those dancing LEDs to others. Before I leave, I would like to give this kit ABT Editor’s Choice and Innovation award to Crucial for being the only manufacturer for taking show-off capability to a new level.