Page 2: Stability, Testing, Overclocking, Conclusion
Stability
ASE Labs views stability a bit differently from most publications. At ASE Labs, RAM is only stable if it passes Memtest86+ and a plethora of memory intensive applications for a few hours like mprime and doing continuous compiling of specific programs. Just because the memory POSTs and runs doesn't mean that it is stable. Linux users may find memory errors by having errors in compiling (very common) to errors in tar as well as segfaults. Windows users can expect program faults and BSODs. Memory stability is very important. When we say that a specific specification of RAM is stable, we mean it!
Using an Asus P6T-Deluxe, the Crucial Ballistix Tracer Red 6GB kit was up and running on XMP settings without issue. The first XMP profile set the RAM to 8-8-8-24-1.65v and was stable as can be. Core i7 users with proper XMP support should be looking for XMP modules to make their systems work the first time around. The modules run stable at 1T as well.
Testing
Previous memory articles have shown that benchmarking memory is not a proper thing to do since the system will be running at different speeds on different components. At ASE Labs, we believe that a baseline should be kept consistent with testing and it is improper to give overclocked memory scores in comparison with anything. If the components elsewhere in the system are running at different speeds, the test is invalid.
A second XMP profile was set on the modules of 7-7-7-24-2T. This profile was unstable. Many memory manufacturers put a second profile of tighter timings on their modules. Don't bother using it, though. It just doesn't work.
About the LED pattern; Unlike the DDR2 version of the Tracers, this kit has a more "progress bar" type of pattern. The LEDs are lighted from the center of each module and go out to the end and repeat. The "running lights" on the bottom of the modules do give the memory sockets a nice glow, though. A video supplement is attached.
Overclocking
The primary focus on memory reviews is a few things. The first is stability, the second is price, and the third is overclockability. Leaving the kit at the rated speed of 1600MHz the absolute lowest timings that were achieved was 7-8-8-21 1T with the rated 1.65V which is a few ticks below the rated timings. Setting the modules to the rating timings and upping the speed yielded results as well. The fast stable speed was 1728MHz (FSB 144MHz). Anything higher and the system would eventually lock up after a few runs of memory intensive programs. While we're sure these modules can handle higher speeds at looser timings, we'd recommend you check out our sister publication\'s review for the hardcore enthusiast.
Conclusion
Compared to »other kits of the same speed, the »Crucial Ballistix Tracer Red 6GB kit is on the high end of the spectrum of pricing at near $300. While we believe that memory prices have fallen to more reasonable levels, you will be paying a premium price for the Tracer Red series. If these modules are too gaudy for you, Crucial offers traditional Ballistix triple channel kits at a »more reasonable price point.
Regardless, this kit will surely impress people at LAN parties or the like. Crucial's memory works well and comes with a lifetime warranty. If you are looking for that extra bit of splash for your next Core i7 build, the Crucial Ballistix Tracer Red DDR3 kit will serve you well.
ASE Labs would like to thank Crucial for making this review possible.
ASE Labs views stability a bit differently from most publications. At ASE Labs, RAM is only stable if it passes Memtest86+ and a plethora of memory intensive applications for a few hours like mprime and doing continuous compiling of specific programs. Just because the memory POSTs and runs doesn't mean that it is stable. Linux users may find memory errors by having errors in compiling (very common) to errors in tar as well as segfaults. Windows users can expect program faults and BSODs. Memory stability is very important. When we say that a specific specification of RAM is stable, we mean it!
Using an Asus P6T-Deluxe, the Crucial Ballistix Tracer Red 6GB kit was up and running on XMP settings without issue. The first XMP profile set the RAM to 8-8-8-24-1.65v and was stable as can be. Core i7 users with proper XMP support should be looking for XMP modules to make their systems work the first time around. The modules run stable at 1T as well.
Testing
Previous memory articles have shown that benchmarking memory is not a proper thing to do since the system will be running at different speeds on different components. At ASE Labs, we believe that a baseline should be kept consistent with testing and it is improper to give overclocked memory scores in comparison with anything. If the components elsewhere in the system are running at different speeds, the test is invalid.
A second XMP profile was set on the modules of 7-7-7-24-2T. This profile was unstable. Many memory manufacturers put a second profile of tighter timings on their modules. Don't bother using it, though. It just doesn't work.
About the LED pattern; Unlike the DDR2 version of the Tracers, this kit has a more "progress bar" type of pattern. The LEDs are lighted from the center of each module and go out to the end and repeat. The "running lights" on the bottom of the modules do give the memory sockets a nice glow, though. A video supplement is attached.
Overclocking
The primary focus on memory reviews is a few things. The first is stability, the second is price, and the third is overclockability. Leaving the kit at the rated speed of 1600MHz the absolute lowest timings that were achieved was 7-8-8-21 1T with the rated 1.65V which is a few ticks below the rated timings. Setting the modules to the rating timings and upping the speed yielded results as well. The fast stable speed was 1728MHz (FSB 144MHz). Anything higher and the system would eventually lock up after a few runs of memory intensive programs. While we're sure these modules can handle higher speeds at looser timings, we'd recommend you check out our sister publication\'s review for the hardcore enthusiast.
Conclusion
Compared to »other kits of the same speed, the »Crucial Ballistix Tracer Red 6GB kit is on the high end of the spectrum of pricing at near $300. While we believe that memory prices have fallen to more reasonable levels, you will be paying a premium price for the Tracer Red series. If these modules are too gaudy for you, Crucial offers traditional Ballistix triple channel kits at a »more reasonable price point.
Regardless, this kit will surely impress people at LAN parties or the like. Crucial's memory works well and comes with a lifetime warranty. If you are looking for that extra bit of splash for your next Core i7 build, the Crucial Ballistix Tracer Red DDR3 kit will serve you well.
ASE Labs would like to thank Crucial for making this review possible.