Introduction

Crucial Technology, the memory experts isn't new to us. Some weeks ago we had the pleasure to take a look at the Ballistix memory modules and this Crucial has sent us their Ballistix Tracer version. Crucial has been known for their quality memory, great prices, and fast shipping. 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 Tracer memory is specifically built for performance enthusiasts and case modders who want to push the performance envelope while adding flash appeal to their boxes. Ballistix Tracer memory features a black PCB, black integrated heat spreaders, and two rows of eight chasing red and green LED's atop the module, circulating at varying speeds proportional to usage. A custom designed circuit relays bus activity to the LED's, allowing them to accurately reflect usage of each memory module. In addition, eight blue ground effects LED's emit a constant glow near the pins.

Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR500 PC-4000 1GB Dual Channel Kit

We will be checking out the 1GB set of dual channel DDR from Crucial. It is sold under the Crucial Ballistix Tracer 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 with LED's are dual channel compatible and have a default rated speed of 250MHz. Default timings are very conservative at 2.5-4-4-8. To reach an overclocked speed of 250MHz, the memory is rated for use with voltages as high as 2.8V.

The Crucial Tracer Box

The Ballistix Tracer memory came in the usual brown Crucial box which contains Crucial's latest offering in high-performance memory, specifically the Crucial Ballistix Tracer DDR500 PC-4000 1GB Dual Channel Kit. The packaging is somehow different then what other manufactures are using, most of the time we get a thin plastic package equipped with the memory and specifications. In that way Crucial already stands out in the crowd by using a different way on getting their memory products to the market.

This brown paperboard box does look very familiar, and of course it does. The same way of shipping as with the previous standard Ballistix package is used by Crucial for the Tracer variant. The box comes sealed with a blue Crucial sticker, and by this making sure the package has not been opened yet upon arrival or purchase. So no fancy artwork or packaging details, but a neat package. All that really matters is that the memory arrives safe and sound. Let's take a peek inside and see what we got.

Inside the inner box you find each memory stick with its own cradle to separate them during shipment and prevent damage. Each module is in an anti-static bag with clear labeling on what is inside. Out of the box, we can see the nice bundle that Crucial has made for their highly rated Ballistix Tracer 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.

Each of the Tracer memory sticks is protected by an anti-static bag. This isn't the first that we see this approach so far, except that it seems as only Crucial is doing so. I actually like this way of securing the memory modules against damage and electronic interference. By adding this extra protection Crucial is showing their professional way of thinking and making sure that you get what you have paid for, some high performance memory.

On top of that the anti-static bag shows which kind of memory is included within. This extra security added by Crucial for shipping their Ballistix memory has impressed me already. The packaging shows how much Crucial takes care in the handling of their products. I guess we should bags open these bags and finally reveal the memory sticks in full detail and find out what these are capable off.