Crucial, a division of Micron, produces quality memory modules for all categories of users. We had tested in the past their Ballistix PC2-8000, a DDR2 memory module that could run up to 1000MHz. Recently, Crucial announced a new, faster memory that can reach 1067MHz. How much faster is the new memory and how much higher can you overclock it, especially, compared with the "older" PC2-8000? We will find out in this review, but first, let's meet the Crucial Ballistix PC2-8500 series.

- Crucial Ballistix BL2KIT12864AA1065  — 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 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. 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 PC2-8500 (DDR2 1067)

- Main features

• Module Size: 2GB kit (1GBx2)
• Package: Ballistix 240-pin DIMM
• Feature: DDR2 PC2-8500
• Configuration: 128Meg x 64
• DIMM Type: UNBUFFERED
• Error Checking: NON-ECC
• Speed: DDR2-1067
• Voltage: 2.2V
• Memory Timings: 5-5-5-15

- Retail package

Crucial provided us with the retail package consisting of 2x1GB of Ballistix PC2-8000 series. The retail price for the package is around US$380 and can be obtained directly from Crucial. The kit we received arrived at our labs in sealed antistatic plastic bags.

Removing the memory modules from the plastic bags, we have a clearer view. On both sides of the heatspreader, there are the "Crucial.com" and "Ballistix" logos. One side features the sticker with the part number and other manufacturing information.