Darksaber
12-16-2007, 02:25 PM
[page=Introduction & Packaging]
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/Crucial_Logo.jpg
We would like to thank Crucial (http://www.crucial.com) for supplying the review sample.
Snipplet from the Crucial "About Page" (http://www.crucial.com/company/index.aspx):
The Crucial Story
The Crucial story starts with Micron Technology, Inc., one of the largest dynamic random access memory (DRAM) manufacturers in the world and the only one based in the U.S. Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Micron manufactures DRAM chips and assembles them into high-quality memory modules for sale to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") worldwide.
For nearly three decades, Micron has learned that when you make some of the very best memory in the world, lots of companies want it, from computer makers to wireless device manufacturers to printer producers. (And we're really glad that they do!)
But then Micron asked, well, what about the end user? What about the everyday folks who want to upgrade their existing systems with OEM-quality memory — the home desktop user, the IT network guy, the student notebook user? Why don't we offer our memory to the public, at factory-direct pricing?
So in 1996, Micron responded to a growing demand for high-quality memory upgrades among end users who wanted the best possible performance from their systems. Micron launched Crucial Technology in September of that year, and for the first time, end users had the opportunity to buy directly from the manufacturer the same memory modules bought by the world's major OEMs for original installation in their systems.
Having a direct sales division focused on selling Micron's DRAM to the public was apparently an idea whose time had come, and 10 successful years later, we have expanded our product line to include flash cards and readers, and USB flash drives.
Why is Crucial thriving? We offer our customers a number of clear advantages over our competitors.
From the manufacturer Crucial (http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.aspx?IMODULE=BL2KIT12864BA1608l):
Module Size: 2GB kit (1GBx2)
Package: Ballistix 240-pin DIMM
Feature: DDR3 PC3-12800
Specs: DDR3 PC3-12800 • 8-8-8-24 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/box_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/box.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/textonbox_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/textonbox.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/boxopened_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/boxopened.jpg)
Crucial uses some very unique, but plain cardboard box. There is no label as to what is inside the package. I am not sure how the shipping process works to get you the right parts. The package is sealed with a blue sticker, which lets you know to take a look at their website for further help and support. The memory itself is held in place by cardboard within the package.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/mempacked_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/mempacked.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/manual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/manual.jpg)
The DIMMs have been sealed within anti-static bags. You better have some scissors at your disposal to gain access. The manual is text only, so if this is your first time installing memory, be careful, especially as this is DDR3.
[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/memnew_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/memnew.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/memsides_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/memsides.jpg)
The Ballistix DDR3 DIMMs utilize thin aluminum heatspreaders, which look identical on both sides. They are held in place by thermal tape, so you should not pull them off, as this will certainly void your warranty. The yellow looks great and should be a nice eye catcher.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/ballistixlogo_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/ballistixlogo.jpg)
Crucial has decided to keep the Ballistix logo and simply add "DDR3" next to it, to point out the fact, that you are looking at the new generation of system memory.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/label_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/label.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/labelncrucial_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/labelncrucial.jpg)
There are two stickers on the DIMMs. Neither of them clearly state any rated speed or CL setting. You better remember what the memory is rated for, as the SPD programming is different than what it is supposed to run at, but more on that later.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/levin_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/levin.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/pcbnrbr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/pcbnrbr.jpg)
Crucial is a brand from Micron and the PCB used is black. Upon closer inspection you will find two markings on either end. One is "LEVIN" while the other one is made up of 4 numbers followed by the letter C.
[page=Performance & Overclocking]
Test Setup
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="systable">
<tr><th colspan="2" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Test System</th></tr>
<tr>
<th width="100">CPU:</th>
<td>Intel E6300 Conroe<br />1.8 GHz, 2 MB Cache</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Motherboard:</th>
<td>ASUS P5K3 Deluxe BIOS 0704</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Video Card:</th>
<td>PowerColor X800XL Pro 16 PCI-E</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Harddisk:</th>
<td>Samsung P80 80 GB</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Power Supply:</th>
<td>Ultra V-Power 450W</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Software:</th>
<td>Windows XP SP2, Catalyst 7.6</td>
</tr>
</table>
Performance & Overclocking
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/cpuz_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/cpuz.jpg)
As soon as the memory was installed, CPU-Z was used to check the SPD programming and as it turns out, there are three somewhat exotic speeds present. The DIMM Kit is rated for 1600 MHz, but the maximum set is 1218 MHz. The CL rating is also advertised as 8-8-8-20, while the kit is programmed at 8-8-8-23.
The memory was first set to the intended setting of 1600 MHz CL8-8-8-20 at 1.8V. The FSB of the CPU was set to 400 MHz and the highest divider was used. To make sure that the Intel Core 2 Duo was not the bottleneck, the multiplier was lowered to 6 from the standard 7x. This setting was not changed while testing and the dividers were also kept at the same setting. This will give you a good idea as to how the CPU and memory scale with higher FSB. Only at 500 MHz did we use a unique divider to keep above 400 MHz FSB and thus 2400 MHz for the CPU.
The memory was tested at CL5-5-5-10, 6-6-6-12, 7-7-7-15 and 8-8-8-20. While it is possible to go higher with CL9 or CL10, it does not really serve any purpose, as such loose settings translate into slower performance. All milestones were benchmarked, as well as the highest possible at standard 1.5V or 2.0V - the maximum one should use for DDR3 with sufficient cooling. The Crucial Ballistix kit managed 1600 MHz at CL7-7-7-15 and just shy of 2 GHz at CL 8-8-8-20 with 1944 MHz. This is a very respectable setting, but 2.0V is required to reach this point. As you can see the FSB is fairly high as well with 486 MHz. From past tests we know that this CPU can easily go above 3 GHz and the board manages an FSB just shy of 500 MHz, so this is the limit of the memory.
<table class="ramtable" border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="640">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="9"><strong>Crucial Ballistix DDR3 1600 MHz CL8-8-8-20 2 GB Kit</strong></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th nowrap="nowrap">CPU Clock<br>
Memory Ratio</th>
<th>Memory<br>
Speed</th>
<th>Memory<br>
Timings</th>
<th>Everest<br>
Read</th>
<th>Everest<br>
Write</th>
<th>Everest<br>
Latency</th>
<th>Quake 3<br>
Timedemo</th>
<th>3DMark<br>
2001SE</th>
<th>SuperPi<br>
Mod 1M</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 375 1:2 </th>
<td>780 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 1.5V </td>
<td>8649 MB/s </td>
<td>6220 MB/s </td>
<td>60.6 ns </td>
<td>666.3 fps </td>
<td>27896</td>
<td>22.93 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 400 1:2 </th>
<td>800 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 1.7V </td>
<td>8567 MB/s </td>
<td>6353 MB/s </td>
<td>61.5 ns </td>
<td>682.9 fps </td>
<td>28110</td>
<td>22.40 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 423 1:2 </th>
<td>846 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 1.7V </td>
<td>9132 MB/s </td>
<td>6721 MB/s </td>
<td>58.2 ns </td>
<td>715.1 fps </td>
<td>29089</td>
<td>21.10 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 451 1:2 </th>
<td>902 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 1.8V </td>
<td>9634 MB/s </td>
<td>7149 MB/s </td>
<td>54.6 ns </td>
<td>754.0 fps </td>
<td>29753</td>
<td>19.90 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 486 1:2 </th>
<td>972 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 2.0V </td>
<td>10412 MB/s </td>
<td>7722 MB/s </td>
<td>50.6 ns </td>
<td>800.0 fps </td>
<td>30848</td>
<td>18.45 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 343 1:2</th>
<td>686 MHz </td>
<td>7-7-7-14 1.5V </td>
<td>7869 MB/s </td>
<td>5464 MB/s </td>
<td>65.8 ns </td>
<td>584.1 fps </td>
<td>26187</td>
<td>25.96 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 371 1:2</th>
<td>742 MHz</td>
<td>7-7-7-14 1.6V </td>
<td>8264 MB/s </td>
<td>5935 MB/s </td>
<td>63.4 ns </td>
<td>640.9 fps </td>
<td>27220</td>
<td>24.00 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 400 1:2</th>
<td>800 MHz</td>
<td>7-7-7-14 1.9V </td>
<td>8903 MB/s </td>
<td>6385 MB/s </td>
<td>58.9 ns </td>
<td>692.3 fps </td>
<td>28275</td>
<td>22.31 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 438 1:2</th>
<td>876 MHz</td>
<td>7-7-7-14 2.0V </td>
<td> 9633 MB/s </td>
<td>6987 MB/s </td>
<td>53.7 ns </td>
<td>739.4 fps </td>
<td>29508</td>
<td>20.37 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 398 2:3</th>
<td>598 MHz</td>
<td>6-6-6-12 1.5V </td>
<td>7870 MB/s </td>
<td>6351 MB/s </td>
<td>67.3 ns </td>
<td>672.0 fps </td>
<td>27769</td>
<td>22.64 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 444 2:3</th>
<td>666 MHz</td>
<td>6-6-6-12 1.7V </td>
<td>8857 MB/s </td>
<td>7073 MB/s </td>
<td>60.4 ns </td>
<td>741.2 fps </td>
<td>29308</td>
<td>20.32 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 470 2:3</th>
<td>705 MHz</td>
<td>6-6-6-12 2.0V </td>
<td>9279 MB/s </td>
<td>7486 MB/s </td>
<td>57.1 ns </td>
<td>773.5 fps </td>
<td>30199</td>
<td>19.20 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 400 4:5</th>
<td>500 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-10 1.5V </td>
<td>7654 MB/s </td>
<td>6353 MB/s </td>
<td>68.4 ns </td>
<td>672.0 fps </td>
<td>27947</td>
<td>22.71 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 400 2:3</th>
<td>600 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-10 1.8V </td>
<td>8179 MB/s </td>
<td>6359 MB/s </td>
<td>64.1 ns </td>
<td>680.7 fps </td>
<td>28015</td>
<td>22.48 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>6 x 444 2:3</th>
<td>666 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-10 2.0V </td>
<td>9162 MB/s </td>
<td>7061 MB/s </td>
<td>57.8 ns </td>
<td>746.0 fps </td>
<td>29552</td>
<td>20.26 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>6 x 452 2:3</th>
<td>678 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-10 2.0V </td>
<td>9119 MB/s </td>
<td>7107 MB/s </td>
<td>57.4 ns </td>
<td>749.7 fps </td>
<td>29650</td>
<td>20.12 s</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph2.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph3.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph4.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph5.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph6.gif
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/crucialvoltage.jpg
The voltage scaling graph shows some great properties. The Crucial DDR3 memory is very balanced, as both a higher CL setting and an increase in voltage result in a speed improvement. Only at CL6 do we see an invisible wall, which the memory did not seem to be able to break, no matter how much we set the voltage at or even though we set the divider to 1:2. Please note that each individual module overclocks different, the results here can only be seen as an indicator of performance.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The 2 GB kit of Crucial Ballistix DDR3 sells for $499 US Dollars or around 435€.</td><br>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Manages 1600 MHz CL7-7-7-15
Lot of room up to 1944 MHz CL8-8-8-20 at 2.0V
Runs at CL5-5-5-10 and 1333 MHz with ease.
Lifetime warranty
Environmently friendly packaging
Compact heatspreaders
Sticks also sold seperately
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Pricey
Currently only this one model available
SPD progamming holds three weird settings.
Stickers do not hold any usable information
Other brands run at 7-7-7-18 at same speed.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>8.8</th>
<td>The Crucial Ballistix DDR3 1600 MHz CL8 kit is the company's only offering of the new memory standard at the moment, which is aimed at the enthusiast. There are slower, standard variants available, but no faster ones. It can be considered a solid start for the new format, but holds room for improvement. It would have been nice to see the memory being offered at CL7-7-7, as it can easily manage the advertised speed at these settings. Nonetheless this kit is certainly worthy of the Ballistix brand name and performs extremely well, by almost managing 2 GHz at CL8 and 2.0V. It seems like the memory follows the same theme as the package - understatement. It may not look out of the ordinary but works extremely well once installed in a system.
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/Crucial_Logo.jpg
We would like to thank Crucial (http://www.crucial.com) for supplying the review sample.
Snipplet from the Crucial "About Page" (http://www.crucial.com/company/index.aspx):
The Crucial Story
The Crucial story starts with Micron Technology, Inc., one of the largest dynamic random access memory (DRAM) manufacturers in the world and the only one based in the U.S. Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Micron manufactures DRAM chips and assembles them into high-quality memory modules for sale to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") worldwide.
For nearly three decades, Micron has learned that when you make some of the very best memory in the world, lots of companies want it, from computer makers to wireless device manufacturers to printer producers. (And we're really glad that they do!)
But then Micron asked, well, what about the end user? What about the everyday folks who want to upgrade their existing systems with OEM-quality memory — the home desktop user, the IT network guy, the student notebook user? Why don't we offer our memory to the public, at factory-direct pricing?
So in 1996, Micron responded to a growing demand for high-quality memory upgrades among end users who wanted the best possible performance from their systems. Micron launched Crucial Technology in September of that year, and for the first time, end users had the opportunity to buy directly from the manufacturer the same memory modules bought by the world's major OEMs for original installation in their systems.
Having a direct sales division focused on selling Micron's DRAM to the public was apparently an idea whose time had come, and 10 successful years later, we have expanded our product line to include flash cards and readers, and USB flash drives.
Why is Crucial thriving? We offer our customers a number of clear advantages over our competitors.
From the manufacturer Crucial (http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.aspx?IMODULE=BL2KIT12864BA1608l):
Module Size: 2GB kit (1GBx2)
Package: Ballistix 240-pin DIMM
Feature: DDR3 PC3-12800
Specs: DDR3 PC3-12800 • 8-8-8-24 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64
Packaging
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/box_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/box.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/textonbox_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/textonbox.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/boxopened_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/boxopened.jpg)
Crucial uses some very unique, but plain cardboard box. There is no label as to what is inside the package. I am not sure how the shipping process works to get you the right parts. The package is sealed with a blue sticker, which lets you know to take a look at their website for further help and support. The memory itself is held in place by cardboard within the package.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/mempacked_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/mempacked.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/manual_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/manual.jpg)
The DIMMs have been sealed within anti-static bags. You better have some scissors at your disposal to gain access. The manual is text only, so if this is your first time installing memory, be careful, especially as this is DDR3.
[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/memnew_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/memnew.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/memsides_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/memsides.jpg)
The Ballistix DDR3 DIMMs utilize thin aluminum heatspreaders, which look identical on both sides. They are held in place by thermal tape, so you should not pull them off, as this will certainly void your warranty. The yellow looks great and should be a nice eye catcher.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/ballistixlogo_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/ballistixlogo.jpg)
Crucial has decided to keep the Ballistix logo and simply add "DDR3" next to it, to point out the fact, that you are looking at the new generation of system memory.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/label_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/label.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/labelncrucial_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/labelncrucial.jpg)
There are two stickers on the DIMMs. Neither of them clearly state any rated speed or CL setting. You better remember what the memory is rated for, as the SPD programming is different than what it is supposed to run at, but more on that later.
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/levin_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/levin.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/pcbnrbr_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/pcbnrbr.jpg)
Crucial is a brand from Micron and the PCB used is black. Upon closer inspection you will find two markings on either end. One is "LEVIN" while the other one is made up of 4 numbers followed by the letter C.
[page=Performance & Overclocking]
Test Setup
<table border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" class="systable">
<tr><th colspan="2" style="font-size:larger;text-align:center">Test System</th></tr>
<tr>
<th width="100">CPU:</th>
<td>Intel E6300 Conroe<br />1.8 GHz, 2 MB Cache</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Motherboard:</th>
<td>ASUS P5K3 Deluxe BIOS 0704</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Video Card:</th>
<td>PowerColor X800XL Pro 16 PCI-E</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Harddisk:</th>
<td>Samsung P80 80 GB</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Power Supply:</th>
<td>Ultra V-Power 450W</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>Software:</th>
<td>Windows XP SP2, Catalyst 7.6</td>
</tr>
</table>
Performance & Overclocking
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/cpuz_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/cpuz.jpg)
As soon as the memory was installed, CPU-Z was used to check the SPD programming and as it turns out, there are three somewhat exotic speeds present. The DIMM Kit is rated for 1600 MHz, but the maximum set is 1218 MHz. The CL rating is also advertised as 8-8-8-20, while the kit is programmed at 8-8-8-23.
The memory was first set to the intended setting of 1600 MHz CL8-8-8-20 at 1.8V. The FSB of the CPU was set to 400 MHz and the highest divider was used. To make sure that the Intel Core 2 Duo was not the bottleneck, the multiplier was lowered to 6 from the standard 7x. This setting was not changed while testing and the dividers were also kept at the same setting. This will give you a good idea as to how the CPU and memory scale with higher FSB. Only at 500 MHz did we use a unique divider to keep above 400 MHz FSB and thus 2400 MHz for the CPU.
The memory was tested at CL5-5-5-10, 6-6-6-12, 7-7-7-15 and 8-8-8-20. While it is possible to go higher with CL9 or CL10, it does not really serve any purpose, as such loose settings translate into slower performance. All milestones were benchmarked, as well as the highest possible at standard 1.5V or 2.0V - the maximum one should use for DDR3 with sufficient cooling. The Crucial Ballistix kit managed 1600 MHz at CL7-7-7-15 and just shy of 2 GHz at CL 8-8-8-20 with 1944 MHz. This is a very respectable setting, but 2.0V is required to reach this point. As you can see the FSB is fairly high as well with 486 MHz. From past tests we know that this CPU can easily go above 3 GHz and the board manages an FSB just shy of 500 MHz, so this is the limit of the memory.
<table class="ramtable" border="1" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="0" width="640">
<tbody>
<tr>
<th colspan="9"><strong>Crucial Ballistix DDR3 1600 MHz CL8-8-8-20 2 GB Kit</strong></th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th nowrap="nowrap">CPU Clock<br>
Memory Ratio</th>
<th>Memory<br>
Speed</th>
<th>Memory<br>
Timings</th>
<th>Everest<br>
Read</th>
<th>Everest<br>
Write</th>
<th>Everest<br>
Latency</th>
<th>Quake 3<br>
Timedemo</th>
<th>3DMark<br>
2001SE</th>
<th>SuperPi<br>
Mod 1M</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 375 1:2 </th>
<td>780 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 1.5V </td>
<td>8649 MB/s </td>
<td>6220 MB/s </td>
<td>60.6 ns </td>
<td>666.3 fps </td>
<td>27896</td>
<td>22.93 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 400 1:2 </th>
<td>800 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 1.7V </td>
<td>8567 MB/s </td>
<td>6353 MB/s </td>
<td>61.5 ns </td>
<td>682.9 fps </td>
<td>28110</td>
<td>22.40 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 423 1:2 </th>
<td>846 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 1.7V </td>
<td>9132 MB/s </td>
<td>6721 MB/s </td>
<td>58.2 ns </td>
<td>715.1 fps </td>
<td>29089</td>
<td>21.10 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 451 1:2 </th>
<td>902 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 1.8V </td>
<td>9634 MB/s </td>
<td>7149 MB/s </td>
<td>54.6 ns </td>
<td>754.0 fps </td>
<td>29753</td>
<td>19.90 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 486 1:2 </th>
<td>972 MHz </td>
<td>8-8-8-20 2.0V </td>
<td>10412 MB/s </td>
<td>7722 MB/s </td>
<td>50.6 ns </td>
<td>800.0 fps </td>
<td>30848</td>
<td>18.45 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 343 1:2</th>
<td>686 MHz </td>
<td>7-7-7-14 1.5V </td>
<td>7869 MB/s </td>
<td>5464 MB/s </td>
<td>65.8 ns </td>
<td>584.1 fps </td>
<td>26187</td>
<td>25.96 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 371 1:2</th>
<td>742 MHz</td>
<td>7-7-7-14 1.6V </td>
<td>8264 MB/s </td>
<td>5935 MB/s </td>
<td>63.4 ns </td>
<td>640.9 fps </td>
<td>27220</td>
<td>24.00 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 400 1:2</th>
<td>800 MHz</td>
<td>7-7-7-14 1.9V </td>
<td>8903 MB/s </td>
<td>6385 MB/s </td>
<td>58.9 ns </td>
<td>692.3 fps </td>
<td>28275</td>
<td>22.31 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 438 1:2</th>
<td>876 MHz</td>
<td>7-7-7-14 2.0V </td>
<td> 9633 MB/s </td>
<td>6987 MB/s </td>
<td>53.7 ns </td>
<td>739.4 fps </td>
<td>29508</td>
<td>20.37 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 398 2:3</th>
<td>598 MHz</td>
<td>6-6-6-12 1.5V </td>
<td>7870 MB/s </td>
<td>6351 MB/s </td>
<td>67.3 ns </td>
<td>672.0 fps </td>
<td>27769</td>
<td>22.64 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 444 2:3</th>
<td>666 MHz</td>
<td>6-6-6-12 1.7V </td>
<td>8857 MB/s </td>
<td>7073 MB/s </td>
<td>60.4 ns </td>
<td>741.2 fps </td>
<td>29308</td>
<td>20.32 s </td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 470 2:3</th>
<td>705 MHz</td>
<td>6-6-6-12 2.0V </td>
<td>9279 MB/s </td>
<td>7486 MB/s </td>
<td>57.1 ns </td>
<td>773.5 fps </td>
<td>30199</td>
<td>19.20 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 400 4:5</th>
<td>500 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-10 1.5V </td>
<td>7654 MB/s </td>
<td>6353 MB/s </td>
<td>68.4 ns </td>
<td>672.0 fps </td>
<td>27947</td>
<td>22.71 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>7 x 400 2:3</th>
<td>600 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-10 1.8V </td>
<td>8179 MB/s </td>
<td>6359 MB/s </td>
<td>64.1 ns </td>
<td>680.7 fps </td>
<td>28015</td>
<td>22.48 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>6 x 444 2:3</th>
<td>666 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-10 2.0V </td>
<td>9162 MB/s </td>
<td>7061 MB/s </td>
<td>57.8 ns </td>
<td>746.0 fps </td>
<td>29552</td>
<td>20.26 s</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>6 x 452 2:3</th>
<td>678 MHz</td>
<td>5-5-5-10 2.0V </td>
<td>9119 MB/s </td>
<td>7107 MB/s </td>
<td>57.4 ns </td>
<td>749.7 fps </td>
<td>29650</td>
<td>20.12 s</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph1.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph2.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph3.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph4.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph5.gif http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/graph6.gif
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Crucial/Ballistix_PC3_12800U/images/crucialvoltage.jpg
The voltage scaling graph shows some great properties. The Crucial DDR3 memory is very balanced, as both a higher CL setting and an increase in voltage result in a speed improvement. Only at CL6 do we see an invisible wall, which the memory did not seem to be able to break, no matter how much we set the voltage at or even though we set the divider to 1:2. Please note that each individual module overclocks different, the results here can only be seen as an indicator of performance.
[page=Value & Conclusion]
Value and Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The 2 GB kit of Crucial Ballistix DDR3 sells for $499 US Dollars or around 435€.</td><br>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Manages 1600 MHz CL7-7-7-15
Lot of room up to 1944 MHz CL8-8-8-20 at 2.0V
Runs at CL5-5-5-10 and 1333 MHz with ease.
Lifetime warranty
Environmently friendly packaging
Compact heatspreaders
Sticks also sold seperately
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
Pricey
Currently only this one model available
SPD progamming holds three weird settings.
Stickers do not hold any usable information
Other brands run at 7-7-7-18 at same speed.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>8.8</th>
<td>The Crucial Ballistix DDR3 1600 MHz CL8 kit is the company's only offering of the new memory standard at the moment, which is aimed at the enthusiast. There are slower, standard variants available, but no faster ones. It can be considered a solid start for the new format, but holds room for improvement. It would have been nice to see the memory being offered at CL7-7-7, as it can easily manage the advertised speed at these settings. Nonetheless this kit is certainly worthy of the Ballistix brand name and performs extremely well, by almost managing 2 GHz at CL8 and 2.0V. It seems like the memory follows the same theme as the package - understatement. It may not look out of the ordinary but works extremely well once installed in a system.
<tr><th></th><td>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/recommended.gif</td></tr>
</table>