Crucial Ballistix DDR3-1600

INTRODUCTION

If you are a computer enthusiast and I'd like to think at heart we all are, then you will have noticed every few years we are introduced to a new memory technology. It will start out expensive and rare then eventually become affordable and mainstream. Which is where we are now with DDR2. Just as we get comfortable it is supplanted by a new memory technology that starts the cycle all over again. Every time the cycle begins we all get a little excited at the possibilities the new memory can bring and what wonders it will behold. But we also ask ourselves 'Is it for me?', 'Should I upgrade now or wait?'. These are valid questions that everyone should ask themselves when a new product arrives and that is what I am here to help you with today.

Without further ado I present the Ballistix DDR3-1600 memory kit from Crucial. Designed with high speed and quality construction in mind, this kit is offered with rock solid support. Does it have what it takes to earn a spot in your rig? Is it the right choice for you? And most importantly, should you upgrade now or wait? Let's get to it.

Crucial: The Company

From the Crucial site:

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.