Introduction

We would like to thank Crucial for supplying the review sample.

Snipplet from the Crucial "About Page":

The Crucial Story
The Crucial story starts with Micron Technology, Inc., one of the largest dynamic random access memory (DRAM) manufacturers in the world and the only one based in the U.S. Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, Micron manufactures DRAM chips and assembles them into high-quality memory modules for sale to original equipment manufacturers ("OEMs") worldwide.

For nearly three decades, Micron has learned that when you make some of the very best memory in the world, lots of companies want it, from computer makers to wireless device manufacturers to printer producers. (And we're really glad that they do!)
But then Micron asked, well, what about the end user? What about the everyday folks who want to upgrade their existing systems with OEM-quality memory — the home desktop user, the IT network guy, the student notebook user? Why don't we offer our memory to the public, at factory-direct pricing?

So in 1996, Micron responded to a growing demand for high-quality memory upgrades among end users who wanted the best possible performance from their systems. Micron launched Crucial Technology in September of that year, and for the first time, end users had the opportunity to buy directly from the manufacturer the same memory modules bought by the world's major OEMs for original installation in their systems.
Having a direct sales division focused on selling Micron's DRAM to the public was apparently an idea whose time had come, and 10 successful years later, we have expanded our product line to include flash cards and readers, and USB flash drives.
Why is Crucial thriving? We offer our customers a number of clear advantages over our competitors.

From the product page:

• Module Size: 4GB kit (2GBx2)
• Package: Ballistix 240-pin DIMM
• Feature: DDR3 PC3-14900
• Specs: DDR3 PC3-14900 • 9-9-9-24 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1866 • 1.65V • 256Meg x 64

Packaging

Crucial ships their new Ballistix series of memory in a solid plastic mold package. The edges are soldered together tightly so that you will need to have a sharp knife or scissors at your disposal to gain access to the memory. I am no fan of such packaging, but it does get the job done. A little window allows you to take a look at the actual memory, teasing the potential buyer with the cool looks of the Ballistix. Turning the package over we have some promotional text on the back. The overall package is much better than the plain brown cardboard box we have seen from Crucial in the past, so this is definitely a step in the right direction.


Both modules are placed in a plastic tray to keep them from moving around inside the package and to further protect them from harm during shipping and handling.

A Closer Look

Crucial has employed thick aluminum heatspreaders this time around. While they still sell their normal height memory, these have fins extending well beyond the PCB itself, so you have to make sure that you have the clearance next to your CPU cooler.


Unlike most modules, the Ballistix kits have two different shaped heatspreaders. On one side you have a yellow, high-quality sticker running across the entire length of the module, while the other side lacks such a branding method. Instead you will only find a white sticker on there.


The aluminum heatspreaders are locked into each other, giving the kit additional strength and adding to the overall quality. They are held in place by very strong frag tape. I was not able to pull them apart as the force required could easily damage the PCB or electical components.


While Crucial has redesigned the look of the new high-end Ballistix kits, the actual logo has remained the same, so that users will know right away what memory this is. On top of that, there is the afore mentioned white sticker on the other side. It does disturb the overall look a bit in my humble opinion and it does not actually hold any interesting information at all. My guess, these are required by Crucial for tracking these modules in general.


Instead of placing a classic sticker on the kit with the specifications, Crucial has actually printed them unto the heatspreader. Yes, that means that these heatspreaders are "married" to the memory and yes, this approach is refreshingly cool. You will also find some printing on the black PCB, but it does not give away anything about the actual source of the circuit board itself.