Introduction

Do we really need another introduction of Crucial Technology? Well, I wouldn't think so but since they have something special to celebrate it might be wise to just spend some extra words. It's hard to believe that Crucial has already been around for a whole decade, but September 2006 marks 10 years of their selling top-notch memory upgrades and providing stellar customer support. Crucial has been known for their quality memory, great prices, and fast shipping. In honor of reaching the 10th year milestone, no small feature for an online technology company, they've designed a limited edition memory module heat spreader. After all, aluminum is one of the traditional gifts for a 10th anniversary.

In recognition of Crucial's 10th anniversary, the company has released a special commemorative version of their DDR2 PC2-5300 module. This limited edition 240-pin DIMM is premium Crucial memory encased in a blue and silver aluminum heat spreader featuring the 10th anniversary logo. Since the introduction of the Intel 925X chipset, the memory landscape has been changing from the well known DDR to the high speed DDR2 version. With the release of AM2 and a slow move of emphasis by motherboard manufacturers towards the new AMD socket, DDR2 is the memory of choice for both AMD and Intel platforms. And these DDR2 modules allow for higher data transfer rates.

Crucial 10th Anniversary DDR2 PC2-5300 2GB Dual Channel Kit

As somehow already indicated we will be taking a look at a very special series of dual channel DDR2 memory from Crucial. To celebrate their 10th anniversary Crucial has designed a limited edition memory kit which needs to mark this special period. The memory is sold under the Crucial 10th Anniversary name and produced in a dual channel 2GB kit following the PC2-5300 specifications. The 240-pin (unbuffered, non ECC) DDR2 DIMM's are dual channel compatible and have a default rated speed of 667MHz. Default timings are very conservative at 3-3-3-12. To reach their rated 667MHz speed, the memory is rated for use with voltages as high as 2.2V.

The Crucial 10th Anniversary Box

The little brown box contains Crucial's latest and greatest offering, specifically the Crucial 10th Anniversary DDR2-667 2GB dual channel kit. The packaging is quite different then what we are used to see for memory modules, although quite common for Crucial. Most of the time we get a thin plastic package equipped with the memory and specifications. But not Crucial, they have their own way of doing things and a different way on getting their memory products to the market. Yes, and that includes their own style when it comes to the package.

This brown paperboard box does look very familiar, and of course it does. The same way of shipping as with previous packages is used by Crucial for all their memory products. 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. Although for their 10th Anniversary edition this feels a bit too plain and simple. But in the end all that really matters is that the memory arrives safe and sound.

Somehow it feels good, a sturdy box sealed of with the typical blue colored Crucial branding. But wouldn't you expect a bit more excitement? This box needs to represent their 10th Anniversary Limited Edition high-end DDR2 memory... Enough on that, let's take a peek inside and see what we got. First we gently remove the Crucial seal and open up the box. Inside the inner box you find each memory stick with its own cradle to separate them during shipment and prevent damage. Each module is enclosed in an anti-static bag with clear labeling on what is inside.

Within the paperboard box you will find two memory modules of each 1024MB capacity and an Installation Guide. This guide is actually detailing the installation procedure and some hints. Each of the 10th Anniversary 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. It is actually the best 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 paid for, some high performance memory.