Crucial Ballistix PC3200 (DDR400) 1GB Kit

Rob Williams · 06-20-2005, 08:27 PM

With so many companies now offering performance memory, it makes it harder to choose which one to buy. We are taking a look at Crucial's offering, the Ballistix PC3200. Is their memory with a purchase? Let's check it out.

After reading the review here, feel free to post questions or comments here! If I was wrong on any of my facts, flames are welcome too

madmat · 06-21-2005, 12:04 AM

Pretty schpankity ram there Rob...I love the numbers that kit pulled at the high end, very impressive for "PC3200".

abracadabra · 08-23-2005, 06:44 PM

Thanks for the review-I was getting same errors as you at all timings. Trc and Trcf tip worked wonders. If i put any more than 2.5 volts in whatever the timings are at it errors. I see Rob you are at 2.5-3-3-8 @3.0v! i have got past test #7 at the time of writing this post and ill let test run all night too see if it errors. I read somewhere somebody got 2.5-2-2-5 @ddr500 with this ram. Again thanks for the trc trcf tip. What settings would u recommend for testing cpu stability in prime95, any other progs i should use? This is my first week of ocing and first ever ocing post so please write back noob proof. thanks

abracadabra · 08-23-2005, 06:47 PM

oops

AMD winchester 3200 @2.5
DFI LanParty Ultra-D
Crucial Ballistix pc3200 @2.5-3-3-6 2.5V
X850XT PE

Do i paste this at bottom of all posts or is there somewhere to save it?

(cf)Eclipse · 08-23-2005, 07:54 PM

Rob asked me to fill in here, so here goes for my first post.

If i put any more than 2.5 volts in whatever the timings are at it errors.
hmm, i've seen some people have this issue before. a few questions that could help:
which bios are you using? i recommend bios 5/10 -2 for the dfi nf4 if you don't have an X2.
next.. which ram slots are you using?
in the bios, did you change the dram drive strength?
last, do you have a fan blowing on the ram? in my own testing i find that ballistix runs rather hot. while it's strange that you have to drop to 2.5v, cooler temps never hurt anything.

I read somewhere somebody got 2.5-2-2-5 @ddr500 with this ram.
this is an above average result, but is doable for some with enough voltage, proper tweaking, and good cooling.

What settings would u recommend for testing cpu stability in prime95, any other progs i should use?
settings.. i won't touch on, but for testing ram stability, i highly recomment memtest86 and superPI
edit: just noticed that you said CPU stability. silly me. use in-place FFT's in prime95

lastly, here's where you should enter your sig:
http://www.techgage.com/forums/profi...=editsignature

Rob Williams · 08-23-2005, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abracadabra

I read somewhere somebody got 2.5-2-2-5 @ddr500 with this ram.

That sounds like something I want to try once I have the PC3200 back in this PC. It definitely sounds achievable.

For settings you could try:

2-2-2-6 @ 2.5v / 200MHz, DDR400, 2.0GHz
1.5-2-2-6 @ 2.5v / 200MHz, DDR400, 2.0GHz
2-2-2-6 @ 2.8v / 218MHz, DDR436, 2.4GHz
1.5-2-2-6 @ 2.8v / 218MHz, DDR436, 2.4GHz
2.5-3-3-6 @ 2.8v / 229MHz, DDR458, 2.521GHz
2.5-2-3-6 @ 2.9v / 270MHz, DDR540, 2.7GHz
2.5-4-4-10 @ 3.2v / 260MHz, DDR520, 2.85GHz
2.5-4-4-10 @ 3.2v / 280MHz, DDR561, 2.80GHz

Those are the same ones I used in the review, and you have a *similar* CPU, so you may have luck with some. I personally wouldn't try the last two right off, but you could try 2.5-3-3-8 @ 3.0v (270*10 or the like).

Glad you are having fun with your OC'ing!

abracadabra · 08-23-2005, 08:16 PM

Thanks for the quick reply. Im not sure what bios im using, how would i tell? cant seem to ever find that info in bios. I did update it from the one that came with the board though (510p??? if that exists cant remember) beacause ballistix memory would have loads of errors with origonal bios. Memtest at #7, 3 passes at time of writing this!hurray!

Maybe without bios revision my next question may be hard to answer. I find that maybe every 6 or 8 shutdown and reboot the bios splash screen comes up fine then u get that white on black writting then before booting to either memtest or hdd the system reboots!Just DFI being DFI or something to do with my oc? Strange though because it does this even with a stable set-up.

Rob Williams · 08-23-2005, 08:23 PM

You can download a the latest version of CPU-Z, which will tell you the BIOS date. You can head over to techPowerUp! for the latest BIOS, beta and official. I would recommend trying the 702-2 one, which is what I am currently using.

If you don't want to use a BETA BIOS, you could use the 623 version off there. Just remember to reset your BIOS settings before flashing, or you may need to reset the CMOS.. as I've had to do a few times.

Chances are, if the computer reboots randomly, but often, it could be the memory OC. Sometimes it will pass fine, and others it won't. I've also had this happen in the past with certain settings, but it's never really affected my performance anywere.

(cf)Eclipse · 08-23-2005, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rob Williams

You can download a the latest version of CPU-Z, which will tell you the BIOS date.

yup, in the memory tab, if you have trouble finding it

also, are you only using test #7 in memtest?

abracadabra · 08-23-2005, 08:35 PM

no running all tests just coincidence its at #7. No lie its at #7 pass 4 right now!ha. ok will do bios update. On linux at mo so will have to do that in the morning ( im uk late nighter). To get your 3v rob have u used changed the dram jumper? Also u suggest 27 * 10 lol im on aire cooling what would u say a safe voltage was to go up to on my winnie. I can only go up to 1.55v or is that where vid specail contoll come in

Rob Williams · 08-23-2005, 09:04 PM

I personally have not gone above 1.5v on the CPU, because I use stock cooling as well. I would just watch your temps and make sure you do not go too high.

My DFI BIOS supports up to 3.2, so I didn't touch any jumpers, but it may not hurt to try. I've never had to touch that for any OC's.

Good, another Linux user :P

abracadabra · 08-23-2005, 09:09 PM

Ah you have moved to page 2 lol. Yes gentoo linux user, nice to meet you! cant wait to get my dfi stable to put gentoo 64 bit on it. imagine that!

abracadabra · 08-23-2005, 09:11 PM

let me get this straight, ur at 2.7 @1.5v on air? didnt think u could do that. hopefully my winnie goes that high

Rob Williams · 08-23-2005, 09:23 PM

Go into your User CP and then the options. You can set how many posts are displayed per page if you like!

Yuppers, 1.5v @ 2.7 GHz. You can see ALL my info right here!

abracadabra · 08-23-2005, 09:35 PM

Bet that goes some. Check out "overclockix" unless you have already. Sorry one more thing, im 8 passes no errors 2.5-3-3-6 2.5v ddr500, should i assume its stable or leave for anothet 20 hours?. where would u say to go to next?(as in ddr520? )

06-20-2005, 08:27 PM	#1
Rob Williams Editor-in-Chief Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 13,231	Crucial Ballistix PC3200 (DDR400) 1GB Kit With so many companies now offering performance memory, it makes it harder to choose which one to buy. We are taking a look at Crucial's offering, the Ballistix PC3200. Is their memory with a purchase? Let's check it out. After reading the review here, feel free to post questions or comments here! If I was wrong on any of my facts, flames are welcome too __________________ Intel Core i7-990X EE @ 3.43GHz, GIGABYTE X58A-UD5, Kingston 12GB DDR3-1333, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 2GB Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB SSD, WD VR 1TB, WD 2TB, Seagate 2TB, LG BD-ROM, ASUS DVD-RW, Corsair 1000HX, Corsair H60 Cooler Corsair 800D, Dell 2408WFP 24", ASUS Xonar Essence STX, Gentoo (KDE 4.10, 3.7 Kernel) "Take care to get what you like, or you will be forced to like what you get!" - H.P. Baxxter <Toad772> I don't always drink alcohol, but when I do, I take it too far.

06-21-2005, 12:04 AM	#2
madmat Soup Nazi Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: No soup for you! Posts: 1,636	Pretty schpankity ram there Rob...I love the numbers that kit pulled at the high end, very impressive for "PC3200". __________________ M4N82 Deluxe Phenom II 940 Black Edition quad core @ 3.5Ghz 2x1 gig OCZ PC26400 Platinum, 2x1gig GSkill PC26400 EVGA GTX260 Buncha drives, Some other stuff, Even more stuff, If the automobile had followed the same development cycle as the computer, a Rolls-Royce would today cost $100, get a million miles per gallon, and explode once a year, killing everyone inside. --Robert X. Cringely, InfoWorld magazine Sign Me!

08-23-2005, 07:54 PM	#5
(cf)Eclipse Micron Lover Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 33	Rob asked me to fill in here, so here goes for my first post. If i put any more than 2.5 volts in whatever the timings are at it errors. hmm, i've seen some people have this issue before. a few questions that could help: which bios are you using? i recommend bios 5/10 -2 for the dfi nf4 if you don't have an X2. next.. which ram slots are you using? in the bios, did you change the dram drive strength? last, do you have a fan blowing on the ram? in my own testing i find that ballistix runs rather hot. while it's strange that you have to drop to 2.5v, cooler temps never hurt anything. I read somewhere somebody got 2.5-2-2-5 @ddr500 with this ram. this is an above average result, but is doable for some with enough voltage, proper tweaking, and good cooling. What settings would u recommend for testing cpu stability in prime95, any other progs i should use? settings.. i won't touch on, but for testing ram stability, i highly recomment memtest86 and superPI edit: just noticed that you said CPU stability. silly me. use in-place FFT's in prime95 lastly, here's where you should enter your sig: http://www.techgage.com/forums/profi...=editsignature Last edited by (cf)Eclipse; 08-23-2005 at 08:08 PM.

08-23-2005, 08:23 PM	#8
Rob Williams Editor-in-Chief Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 13,231	You can download a the latest version of CPU-Z, which will tell you the BIOS date. You can head over to techPowerUp! for the latest BIOS, beta and official. I would recommend trying the 702-2 one, which is what I am currently using. If you don't want to use a BETA BIOS, you could use the 623 version off there. Just remember to reset your BIOS settings before flashing, or you may need to reset the CMOS.. as I've had to do a few times. Chances are, if the computer reboots randomly, but often, it could be the memory OC. Sometimes it will pass fine, and others it won't. I've also had this happen in the past with certain settings, but it's never really affected my performance anywere. __________________ Intel Core i7-990X EE @ 3.43GHz, GIGABYTE X58A-UD5, Kingston 12GB DDR3-1333, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 2GB Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB SSD, WD VR 1TB, WD 2TB, Seagate 2TB, LG BD-ROM, ASUS DVD-RW, Corsair 1000HX, Corsair H60 Cooler Corsair 800D, Dell 2408WFP 24", ASUS Xonar Essence STX, Gentoo (KDE 4.10, 3.7 Kernel) "Take care to get what you like, or you will be forced to like what you get!" - H.P. Baxxter <Toad772> I don't always drink alcohol, but when I do, I take it too far.

08-23-2005, 08:35 PM	#10
abracadabra Obliviot Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 39	no running all tests just coincidence its at #7. No lie its at #7 pass 4 right now!ha. ok will do bios update. On linux at mo so will have to do that in the morning ( im uk late nighter). To get your 3v rob have u used changed the dram jumper? Also u suggest 27 * 10 lol im on aire cooling what would u say a safe voltage was to go up to on my winnie. I can only go up to 1.55v or is that where vid specail contoll come in __________________ AMD winchester 3200 @2.55ghz 1V325+110% Crucial Ballistix pc3200 @2.5-2-2-5 1T 3V0 ddr510 DFI LanParty Ultra-D X850XT PE 250GB Diamondmax 10

08-23-2005, 06:44 PM	#3
abracadabra Obliviot Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 39	Thanks for the review-I was getting same errors as you at all timings. Trc and Trcf tip worked wonders. If i put any more than 2.5 volts in whatever the timings are at it errors. I see Rob you are at 2.5-3-3-8 @3.0v! i have got past test #7 at the time of writing this post and ill let test run all night too see if it errors. I read somewhere somebody got 2.5-2-2-5 @ddr500 with this ram. Again thanks for the trc trcf tip. What settings would u recommend for testing cpu stability in prime95, any other progs i should use? This is my first week of ocing and first ever ocing post so please write back noob proof. thanks

08-23-2005, 06:47 PM	#4
abracadabra Obliviot Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 39	oops AMD winchester 3200 @2.5 DFI LanParty Ultra-D Crucial Ballistix pc3200 @2.5-3-3-6 2.5V X850XT PE Do i paste this at bottom of all posts or is there somewhere to save it?

08-23-2005, 08:16 PM	#7
abracadabra Obliviot Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 39	Thanks for the quick reply. Im not sure what bios im using, how would i tell? cant seem to ever find that info in bios. I did update it from the one that came with the board though (510p??? if that exists cant remember) beacause ballistix memory would have loads of errors with origonal bios. Memtest at #7, 3 passes at time of writing this!hurray! Maybe without bios revision my next question may be hard to answer. I find that maybe every 6 or 8 shutdown and reboot the bios splash screen comes up fine then u get that white on black writting then before booting to either memtest or hdd the system reboots!Just DFI being DFI or something to do with my oc? Strange though because it does this even with a stable set-up. __________________ AMD winchester 3200 @2.55ghz 1V325+110% Crucial Ballistix pc3200 @2.5-2-2-5 1T 3V0 ddr510 DFI LanParty Ultra-D X850XT PE 250GB Diamondmax 10

08-23-2005, 09:04 PM	#11
Rob Williams Editor-in-Chief Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 13,231	I personally have not gone above 1.5v on the CPU, because I use stock cooling as well. I would just watch your temps and make sure you do not go too high. My DFI BIOS supports up to 3.2, so I didn't touch any jumpers, but it may not hurt to try. I've never had to touch that for any OC's. Good, another Linux user :P __________________ Intel Core i7-990X EE @ 3.43GHz, GIGABYTE X58A-UD5, Kingston 12GB DDR3-1333, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 2GB Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB SSD, WD VR 1TB, WD 2TB, Seagate 2TB, LG BD-ROM, ASUS DVD-RW, Corsair 1000HX, Corsair H60 Cooler Corsair 800D, Dell 2408WFP 24", ASUS Xonar Essence STX, Gentoo (KDE 4.10, 3.7 Kernel) "Take care to get what you like, or you will be forced to like what you get!" - H.P. Baxxter <Toad772> I don't always drink alcohol, but when I do, I take it too far.

08-23-2005, 09:09 PM	#12
abracadabra Obliviot Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 39	Ah you have moved to page 2 lol. Yes gentoo linux user, nice to meet you! cant wait to get my dfi stable to put gentoo 64 bit on it. imagine that! __________________ AMD winchester 3200 @2.55ghz 1V325+110% Crucial Ballistix pc3200 @2.5-2-2-5 1T 3V0 ddr510 DFI LanParty Ultra-D X850XT PE 250GB Diamondmax 10

08-23-2005, 09:11 PM	#13
abracadabra Obliviot Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 39	let me get this straight, ur at 2.7 @1.5v on air? didnt think u could do that. hopefully my winnie goes that high __________________ AMD winchester 3200 @2.55ghz 1V325+110% Crucial Ballistix pc3200 @2.5-2-2-5 1T 3V0 ddr510 DFI LanParty Ultra-D X850XT PE 250GB Diamondmax 10

08-23-2005, 09:23 PM	#14
Rob Williams Editor-in-Chief Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Atlantic Canada Posts: 13,231	Go into your User CP and then the options. You can set how many posts are displayed per page if you like! Yuppers, 1.5v @ 2.7 GHz. You can see ALL my info right here! __________________ Intel Core i7-990X EE @ 3.43GHz, GIGABYTE X58A-UD5, Kingston 12GB DDR3-1333, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 680 2GB Kingston HyperX 3K 240GB SSD, WD VR 1TB, WD 2TB, Seagate 2TB, LG BD-ROM, ASUS DVD-RW, Corsair 1000HX, Corsair H60 Cooler Corsair 800D, Dell 2408WFP 24", ASUS Xonar Essence STX, Gentoo (KDE 4.10, 3.7 Kernel) "Take care to get what you like, or you will be forced to like what you get!" - H.P. Baxxter <Toad772> I don't always drink alcohol, but when I do, I take it too far.

08-23-2005, 09:35 PM	#15
abracadabra Obliviot Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 39	Bet that goes some. Check out "overclockix" unless you have already. Sorry one more thing, im 8 passes no errors 2.5-3-3-6 2.5v ddr500, should i assume its stable or leave for anothet 20 hours?. where would u say to go to next?(as in ddr520? ) __________________ AMD winchester 3200 @2.55ghz 1V325+110% Crucial Ballistix pc3200 @2.5-2-2-5 1T 3V0 ddr510 DFI LanParty Ultra-D X850XT PE 250GB Diamondmax 10 Last edited by abracadabra; 08-23-2005 at 09:37 PM.

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