System Builder Marathon: Day Three

Memory: 2x 1 GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-8000

Any speed faster than PC2-6400 isn't likely to help a stock-FSB Core 2 Duo, no matter how "Extreme" it appears to be, but once again we're leaving lots of room in every component for future overclocking.

2x 1 GB Crucial Ballistix PC2-8000

The Ballistix PC2-8000 can do a lot of impressive things, such as running at data rates of 800 MHz CAS 4 if desired, or 1000 MHz CAS 5 as rated. It can also go up to 1200 MHz, depending on luck and skill, with no further increases in latency. Heck, we even saw speeds exceeding 1200 MHz data rate at CAS 5 on the "lesser" Ballistix PC2-6400 modules back in February.

Ballistix has for several months supported nVidia SLI memory mode, also known as Enhanced Performance Profiles (EPP), making configuration of advanced settings super-easy.

Ballistix Part Number BL2KIT12864AA1005 is available directly from Crucial for $250, though a select few online venders have it for $220 or less.