Introduction

High performance memory kits have evolved quite a bit over the last few years, both in styling and technology. Styling has shifted to heavier heat sinks, LED light bars, and fancy RGB control software. The technology has done what it inevitably will by producing greater speeds and densities at generally lower cost (recent inflation notwithstanding). While some would bemoan the current design trends, I believe they are beneficial in general, providing greater build flexibility and putting more control in the hands of the user. Generalities, of course, always come with exceptions. Like another Ballistix kit I recently looked at, the Ballistix Elite 3600 MHz aims to be such an exception.

The Ballistix Elite faces the particularly difficult challenge of competing in the premium market segment without any of the accouterments typically attributed to products of that type. The Ballistix Elite forgoes illumination of any kind or any flashy decoration. This kit instead leans into a rugged solidity to convey its premium design. While tricky, this is a much more popular segment than current design trends would lead you to believe.

This is the same strategy as employed to great effect with the Team Group Extreme memory, and it is no small feat. While kits like the Ballistix AT Sport have the advantage of being of excellent value, the Ballistix Elite must compete in a much more aggressive market segment. Subtlety and simplicity are far harder to pin down compared to flash and circumstance. So, does the Ballistix Elite 3600 MHz pull it off and is the performance there to match?

Specifications

Packaging

The packaging for the Ballistix Elite 3600 MHz is quite fancy by memory kit standards, using a glossy cardboard box with a printed diamond plate background and "Ballistix Elite Gaming Memory" over a diagonal splash of light gray. "Ballistix by Micron" is in the bottom-left corner with the kit info in the top right. A flap is held down with a small magnet that reveals a large clear section displaying the sticks within.

The back of the box has the same printed diamond plate background and very basic product information and the support site information in several languages. "Elite" is in the top-left corner, while a limited lifetime warranty badge is in the top right. The bottom left has another "Ballistix by Micron", as well as "Built to win", with the product bar code in the bottom right.


Inside the box are two clear clamshells with two sticks contained in each. The overall packaging is very well executed and definitely feels to be of high quality.