Introduction

Crucial Technology, the memory experts. 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 (OEM's) worldwide. Over the past 26 years, 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.

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 November 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 OEM's for original installation in their systems. Why is Crucial thriving? We offer our customers a number of clear advantages over our competitors.

Crucial Ballistix DDR500 PC-4000 1GB Dual Channel Kit

Crucial Technology has been known for their quality memory, great prices, and fast shipping. Recently Crucial has a new high performance memory product line, which goes by the name of Ballistix. The Ballistix line of memory encompasses both DDR and DDR2 products, and emphasizes performance while still maintaining Crucial's high standards of quality. The Ballistix memory modules features advanced speed grades, low latencies, and integrated aluminum heat spreaders. Ballistix modules are specifically built for performance enthusiasts who want to push the performance envelope without worrying about data loss or corruption.

We will be checking out the 1GB set of dual channel DDR from Crucial. It is sold under the Crucial Ballistix name: this pair of 512MB PC-4000 DDR modules has been well received by the enthusiast community. The 184-pin (unbuffered, non ECC) DDR DIMM's are dual channel compatible and have a default rated speed of 250MHz. Default timings are very conservative at 3-4-4-8. To reach an overclocked speed of 250MHz, the memory is rated for use with voltages as high as 2.8V.

The Crucial Technology Box

The little brown box contains Crucial's latest and greatest offering, specifically the Crucial Ballistix DDR500 PC-4000 1GB Dual Channel Kit. The packaging is quite different then what we are used to see for memory modules. Most of the time we get a thin plastic package equipped with the memory and specifications. So Crucial already stands out in the crowd by using a different way on getting their memory products to the market.

The brown paperboard box is sealed with a blue Crucial sticker, and by this making sure the package has not been opened yet upon arrival or purchase. Let's take a peek inside and see what we got. First off we have the packing order slip, 2x 512MB DDR500 modules packaged inside the typical anti-static wrappers stuffed neatly inside the OEM style box we received.

Out of the box, we can see the nice bundle that Crucial has made for their highly rated Ballistix dual channel memory kit. Within the paperboard box you will find two memory modules of each 512MB capacity and a User's Guide. This User's Guide is actually detailing the installation procedure for the memory and comes in six different languages.

Each of the Ballistix memory modules is protected by an anti-static bag. This the first time I see this being done for any memory kit we have received so far. I have to hand it to Crucial that this really shows their professional approach by adding some extra protection while shipping the memory. On top of that the anti-static bag shows which kind of memory is included within.

The back of the anti-static protection doesn't have anything written on them and that is not needed either. This extra security added by Crucial for shipping their Ballistix memory has impressed me already. I guess it is time to cut these bags open and to finally reveal the memory sticks in full detail and find out what these are capable off.