The
only motherboards that can even support that kind
of speed are some of the better 955X based motherboards
and even so only when running Intel EE 1066MHz FSB
processors, or when they are overclocked of course.
Crucial sent us a 1GB kit (2X512MB matched pair) of
PC2-8000 modules, so let us check what kind of potential
these modules possess.
Manufacturer
specifications:
• Part Number: BL2KIT6464AA1005
• Module Size: 1GB kit (512MBx2)
• Package: Ballistix 240-pin DIMM
• Feature: DDR2 PC2-8000
• Configuration: 64Meg x 64
• DIMM Type: UNBUFFERED
• Error Checking: NON-ECC
• Speed: DDR2-1000
• Voltage: 2.2V
• Memory Timings: 5-5-5-15
• Specs: DDR2 PC2-8000 • 5-5-5-15 •
UNBUFFERED • NON-ECC • DDR2-1000 •
2.2V • 64Meg x 64
Here is a quote from Crucial’s
website, concerning the Ballistix modules:
“What
is Ballistix memory?
The Ballistix line is specifically built for performance
enthusiasts who want to push the performance envelope
without worrying about data loss or corruption, mysterious
intermittent errors and display problems, or worse
— the dreaded BSOD! The Ballistix line of high-performance
memory modules features advanced speed grades, low
latencies, and integrated aluminum heat spreaders.
What
is a Ballistix 240-pin DIMM?
A Ballistix dual inline memory module (DIMM) consists
of a number of memory components that are attached
to a black printed circuit board. The gold pins on
the bottom of the DIMM provide a connection between
the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit
board. The pins on the front and back of a DIMM are
not connected to each other.
Ballistix
240-pin DIMMs are used to provide DDR2 SDRAM memory
for desktop computers. DDR2 is a leading-edge generation
of memory with an improved architecture that allows
it to transmit data very fast. Ballistix 240-pin DIMMs
are available in DDR2 PC2-4200 SDRAM (DDR2 533), DDR2
PC2-5300 SDRAM (DDR2 667), and DDR2 PC2-6400 (DDR2
1000).
To use DDR2 memory, your system motherboard must have
240-pin DIMM slots and a DDR2-enabled chipset. A DDR2
SDRAM DIMM will not fit into a standard SDRAM DIMM
socket or a DDR DIMM socket. (Information about which
memory technology your system uses is included in
the Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool.)
The number
of black components on a Ballistix 240-pin DIMM can
vary, but it always has 120 pins on the front and
120 pins on the back, for a total of 240. Ballistix
240-pin DIMMs are approximately 5.25 inches long and
1.18 inches high, though the heights can vary. While
240-pin DDR2 DIMMs, 184-pin DDR DIMMs, and 168-pin
DIMMs are approximately the same size, 240-pin DIMMs
and 184-pin DIMMs have only one notch within the row
of pins. The notch in a 240-pin DDR2 DIMM is closer
toward the center of the module.”
The modules
come into a simple cardboard box, which is not particularly
attractive but it sure does its job extremely well,
protecting the modules that is. Along with the modules,
you aren’t going to get anything like a rich
bundle, but there is a small manual concerning the
modules. It is merely a small installation guide and
warranty information.
The Ballistix
modules come into a small sealed antistatic bag each,
nothing too special about it though. Quite usual for
Ballistix modules, they are built on a black PCB and
feature golden heatspreaders. The heatspreaders feel
light, so they probably are aluminum, but DDR-2 chips
do not get very warm to begin with. At the middle
of the striking gold heatspreaders, the Ballistix
logo adds to the appearance of the modules. The heatspreaders
appear to be attached very well, as there are no gaps
between the heatspreaders and the module chips. That
is a very good thing, since a badly attached heatspreader
does much more damage than it can do for good.
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