Introduction

As more and more consumers move to Windows Vista, so will the need for more and more ram ... that's if you want to take full advantage of the features offered by Vista. We are now seeing a lot of memory manufacturers producing 2Gb kits and even 4Gb Kits now. Crucial have always produced really good quality memory modules that offers both performance and value for money. Their latest product now includes the Ballistix PC2-8500 2Gb Kits.

       

The modules are Crucial's top-of-the-range product, and it's now available to consumers. It features EPP (Enhanced Performance Profile) for increased speed and performance. Rated at DDR2-1066, it's compatible with all the high-end motherboards.

We explained before that Crucial's parent company ... Micron Technology. And if you're an enthusiast, you should know that most of the brand name memory makers such as Corsair, OCZ and of course Crucial, use Micron memory chips.

In this review, we'll be taking at look at their PC2-8500 2Gb Kit. These modules are rated at DDR2-1066 and runs at 533Mhz, with memory timings of 5-5-5-15 and features EPP (Enhanced Performance Profiles).  We explained before in our previous reviews that EPP is an ingenious way for users to increase performance without manually adjusting the BIOS settings. If a motherboard is equipped with EPP, and by using EPP memory modules ... the system will automatically adjust voltages and memory timings to give the best possible settings for increased performance. Excellent.

       

When I first heard about DDR2 memory, I was pretty confused how they class and labelled them. K, I'll try and give you some DDR2 terminology ...

• PC2-4200 : DDR2-533 : 133FSB : 266Mhz
• PC2-5300 : DDR2-667 : 166FSB : 333Mhz
• PC2-6400 : DDR2-800 : 200FSB : 400Mhz
• PC2-8000 : DDR2-1000 : 250FSB : 500Mhz
• PC2-8500 : DDR2-1066 : 266FSB : 533Mhz
• PC2-10000 : DDR2-1200 : 300FSB : 600Mhz

Crucial has a very good page on their website, explaining in detail all the technical blurb in plain english ... go here

I've explained in our last memory review, the importance of Nvidia's SLI-Ready certification. It's not just a label or a marketing ploy. With the right hardware and matching components ... it can make a difference in performance. That's why it appeals to both enthusiasts and gamers.

OK, now let's not waste any more time and see how well these modules will perform against others in it's class ...