The Crucial Package

Let's open up the static wrapping and get a look at what we are dealing with. Instantly I noticed the really cool color scheme of the Crucial Ballistix series ram modules and notice how good these things look. The lightweight design and heatsinks are awesome and stylish to say the least.

First impressions on these modules are cosmetic impressions; simply put these are some dynamite looking heat spreaders. The golden anodized finish looks really good and gives these modules a nice look, while providing the more than enough heat dissipation capabilities. Contrasted with the black product logo and specifications, these modules look really good. But how will they perform? We will get the low down later on...

Currently the Ballistix DDR500 memory is available in 256MB and 512MB modules. And yes indeed until last year Crucial also had the 1024MB modules as a dual channel kit but due to the move to DDR2 the 2GB matched pair has been discontinued.

Specifications

• 500MHz Speed DDR (250MHz FSB)
• 2.5-4-4-8 Memory Timings
• Unbuffered DIMM Type
• Ballistix 184-pin DIMM
• 2.8V Operation
• 1GB (2x 512MB) Dual Channel Kit
• Aluminum Heat Spreader
• Lifetime Warranty

Here you get more angle on the Crucial Ballistix DDR500 heat spreaders with a look at both the top and bottom heat spreaders. These are basically the typical heat spreader that has been seen on a myriad of DDR offerings, however what is underneath will dramatically change. Being said the Crucial Ballistix DDR500 promises to give some excellent performance yields.

Up close we get a look at the black PCB and components. These modules are fine tuned for optimum performance while looking really sweet. The heat spreaders are held in place with retention clips and a double side thermal tape giving the Crucial Ballistix a very light weight but rugged feel. The Crucial Ballistix gold and black color is just fantastic to look at.

Both sides of the ram modules are quite the same, the only difference between both sides are the extra information put by Crucial. The heat spreaders themselves are completely the same for both sides. Now that we have checked the main features and specifications we can dig a bit deeper and take a closer look at these awesome looking Ballistix sticks.