| Summary : |
Presentation :
Crucial Ballistix PC2-5300
Known for several years now and enjoying an excellent reputation, Crucial had been satisfied until now to only offer standard modules, following the established JEDEC standards, but not going beyond that. Recently, Crucial also launched a high-end line of modules for overclockers.
In practice, Crucial has much to like. First, the modules they supplied are of excellent quality since they are mainly based on “grade A” Micron chips, or occasionally, on “grade A” chips from other manufacturers such as Samsung in the event that Micron is unable to supply enough “grade A” chips. Then, the Crucial.com sales site makes it possible to buy the modules in question very easily, with speedy UPS delivery (typically less than 48 hours) at a very reasonable price. The selection is broad, ranging from EDO to DDR2-667, the after sale service is remarkably effective (with a lifetime warranty) and, icing on the cake, the prices quoted on their online store are only very slightly higher than generic memory you find elsewhere.
In short, Crucial is, according to us, one of the best choices in traditional
memory. As good as they are with traditional memory, it remains to be
seen now how their high-end modules will rate. Let us begin the study
of the latter with packaging. As usual at Crucial, through deliveries
by UPS, the modules are very well protected, in a sturdy cardboard box:
Each box includes a label including the address and the customer order number, as well as the contents of the shipment. The contents make it clear that Crucial already understands which essential goodies need to be included with this type of product:
In addition to the module and an installation guide, you’ll also find a case badge and a "Ballistix" sticker. The modules are packed in individual anti-static bags -- a well proven packaging. Now let’s look at the two modules in larger size:
A heat spreader very similar to that of OCZ, though this time, Crucial opted for aluminum rather than copper. In any event, considering the near-zero utility of these heatspreaders, the significant point of the casing is aesthetics, and that seems to have been well satisfied here. It should be noted that there are no other markings on the modules and therefore it is impossible to know the frequency by looking at it.
With the launch of the Ballistix range, Crucial announced four types
of modules: the first being DDR, with DDR400 CAS-2 and DDR500 CAS-2.5.
Then DDR2-533 and DDR2-667. How better to satisfy the anticipation of
high-end enthusiasts.