Package and Modules

Before we start on the modules themselves, we take a look at the package that the modules come in. Crucial packs all its modules into a cardboard box and seals it with the company logo and info. There are no pictures on the box; it is plain cardboard so you do not really know what you have until you open it. The modules come packed inside the box in two anti-static bags and are held upright by cardboard slits in the box.

The modules themselves are in fact quite plain. The black heat spreader on them only contains the Crucial logo as well as the Ballistix Tracer branding. All the info on the modules is actually placed on the outside of the anti-static bags. The heat spreader used is an alloy construction painted black. The spreaders are attached to the memory modules with double sided tape and U-clips.

The memory modules themselves are quite well designed in terms of the chips and specs. The modules are rated to run at 5-5-5-15 at a speed of 1066MHz DDR. Compared to our other modules, the Corsair XMS2, which use a 5-5-5-18 setup, the Crucial has an advantage already. For voltages the Crucial is supposed to run 1066MHz at 2.2V while the Corsair is rated for 2.4V, again less voltage, less chance of damage to the memory modules and the motherboard so another plus for Crucial.

Now this is one of the best features of the RAM. Crucial has designed the Ballistix Tracer not only for performance users but also case-mod enthusiasts. Both modules come with a set of LED lights inside the heat spreader at the top of the modules that light up when the memory is active.