Let’s take a look at Doom3:

To get all those numbers to make a bit more sense, use this handy comparison chart:

     I also made several attempts to get the Tracer RAM to boot with the timings changed.  Much like our experience with the last test, I was unable to get the Tracer RAM to come up with the timings changed faster than 667 and stay stable using the current Foxconn BIOS.   The chart above will show you that a little creative clock ramping will push the RAM even further.

The Tracer LED lights:

     Performance puts the Crucial Ballistix Tracer on the map, but the LED lights are what take this DDR2 to the next level.  Any RAM can look good with the lights on.  But can your RAM do this?

Click on image for larger version.

     I cannot begin to describe the huge smile on my face the first time I saw these lights in action!  The red and green lights chase each other around clockwise in the center of each piece.  The LED’s are not just for show but are also a visual measure of the load each stick is under.

     To show these LED’s both at rest and under load, I captured the boot process in a 30 second video: 

Ballistix Boot Video HERE.

Conclusion:

     Crucial Memory has long been the choice for serious performance enthusiasts due to their high quality products and their outstanding lifetime warranty.  With the Ballistic line, Crucial has added performance and outstanding looks to the list.  The performance RAM market is filled with impersonators, many selling Crucial RAM repackaged as their own high performance line.  Why buy a knock off when you can get the real deal right from the source.

     Crucial RAM can be purchased direct at www.crucial.com for $359.99. (2x512) Right now featuring free shipping and a 4% coupon.