Crucial, a division of Micron, has a long tradition in producing quality memory modules for all categories of users. Their fastest ever memory comes under the codename Ballistix PC2-8000, DDR2 memory capable of running at up to 1000MHz, ensuring the maximum available speed with currently sold Intel Core2Duo motherboards and processors. We had the chance to test Crucial's new memory modules and provide our impressions in this review.

- Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA1005 — The ultimate in gaming performance

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.

A Ballistix dual inline memory module (DIMM) consists of a number of memory components that reside on a black printed circuit board. The gold pins on the DIMM provide the best possible connection between the module and a socket on a larger printed circuit board, usually a motherboard.

Ballistix 240-pin DIMMs are used to provide DDR2 SDRAM memory for desktop computers. Ballistix 240-pin DIMMs are available in DDR2 PC2-4200 SDRAM (DDR2 533), DDR2 PC2-5300 SDRAM (DDR2 667), DDR2 PC2-6400 (DDR2 800) and DDR2 PC2-8000 (DDR2 1000)

- Main features

• Module Size: 2GB kit (1GBx2)
• Package: Ballistix 240-pin DIMM
• Feature: DDR2 PC2-8000
• Configuration: 128Meg x 64
• DIMM Type: UNBUFFERED
• Error Checking: NON-ECC
• Speed: DDR2-1000
• Voltage: 2.2V
• Memory Timings: 5-5-5-15

- Retail package

Crucial provided us with the retail package for the 2x1GB Ballistix PC2-8000 series. The retail price is around US$555, directly from Crucial. The kit we received arrived in our labs had the memory modules sealed inside anti static bags.

After removing the memory modules from the plastic bags, we took a closer look. On both sides of the heat-spreader are the "crucial.com" and "Ballistix" logos, while on one side there are the part numbers and manufacturing information.