Some years ago there was almost no difference between the RAM modules from different manufactures. Today however, the market is filled with many different RAM modules designed for different purposes.There are many modules to choose from for every purpose; however are there any modules versatile enough to cover as many market aspects as possible? The Crucial Ballistix are rumored to be as such.

I decided to utilize 2 systems for testing, both an Athlon 64 and a Pentium 4 system, since these 2 are the most popular configurations at the time plus they are completely different when it comes to memory performance. For testing, I will follow 4 steps. First, I will run both systems at their stock 200MHz speeds with SPD timings and 2.8V, covering the scenario of a system not being overclocked. Second, I will run the system at 250MHz, which is the rated speed of the modules, set at SPD timings and 2.8V, covering the scenario of the modules running at their rated speed. Third, I will run the modules at their tightest timings possible, with 3.0V through them to the highest possible point, covering the scenario of overclocking at low speeds and maintaining the tightest timings possible. Last, I will find the highest possible speed of the modules, with 3.0V through them, covering the scenario of high FSB overclocking for raw bandwidth.

Crucial Technology Ballistix PC4000 Review