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.

Article continues below

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.

Thomas Soderstrom is a Senior Staff Editor at Tom's Hardware US. He tests and reviews cases, cooling, memory and motherboards.