Final Words & Conclusion

Final Words & Conclusion

On an Intel platform, you can always argue the actual effect of faster frequency memory, it just matters less than on the AMD platform. So quite honestly, anything 2666~3000 MHz really is fine already. And if you do want a bit more bite out of that cake, tweak it a bit. Todays tested 3000 MHz DDR4 memory kit, for example, ran totally stable at 3333 MHz, that's on the very same timings at 1.35v. Ballistix offers a nice new kit, in several varieties and two frequencies (2666 and 3000 MHz). We discussed that many times already, extremely fast clocked memory helps you in performance, but the benefits remain relative, it is just a tiny little bit. More memory over faster memory is preferred as there are always other bottlenecks in your Intel Z270/Z370 PC that are more important. You even could opt a 2666 MHz kit, especially if you go quad-channel. In dual-channel, however, faster-clocked memory can make a little more sense.

Aesthetics

The DIMMs we tested today are high-density 8GB DIMM modules and, as such, it is impressive to see that this kit can easily run an up-to 3333 MHz frequency, Ballistix (Crucial) for offers 8GB and 16GB DIMMs, meaning you will be tied to a 16GB, 32GB, 64GB kit or a 128GB kit in whatever multiplied combo you purchase it. With current DRAM pricing, however, I assume that last option would be out of reach :). Our kit does so with a what is considered are fairly slow latency timings (CL17) and a low 1.35 Voltage. The 2666 MHz kit, however, is at 16CL and 1.20 Volts. The kit tested today is targeted at the latest series Coffee Lake Intel processor solutions that allow much higher frequencies quite easily. If you are not an uber enthusiast pro-overclocker, your best bet is to simply use the XMP configured timings. I mean, at the XMP default (for this kit). 

At anywhere from 2666 to 3000 MHz you have pretty sweet-spot bandwidth/performance, on the Intel platform and then you combine it with the tasty and aesthetic looks. So yes, this memory just looks great. Obviously, the kit tested today is targeted at the latest series Z270/Z370 Intel motherboard solutions, as well as X299.

Conclusion

The new Ballistix series offers a somewhat more value memory kit offering here. Personally, I am not getting that TUF branding vibe though, the chances you will be purchasing an ASUS TUF motherboard is just so small. So if you do not purchase a TUF motherboard, then I see little demographic available left for dark colored DIMMs with that very specific yellow/orange striping. The memory itself is great really, it runs stable tweaked at 3333 MHz as well, however, if you are not comfortable with tweaking, with merely a flick of the XMP BIOS switch 2666 or alternatively the 3000 MHz kit (albeit more expensive) will help you there. DRAM prices are going up and down a lot at the moment due to shortages, making it more expensive than needed really. For your money, you receive DIMMs with a proper lifetime warranty. As stated, the kit is easy to configure over SPD XMP profiles and gives a nice feel in quality. Ballistix, of course, has a wide bracket of products in their portfolio that range from lower clocked to high-frequency and low latency kits. Basically, as much as you are willing to spend on a DDR4 memory kit matches something that they offer. Obviously, the series is a more mainstream to high-end series. If you purchase this memory to combine on Coffee Lake, really, the DDR4 memory frequency isn't that important. If the price is much better, a 2666 MHz 2x8 GB kit would even get my recommendation. Ideally, a 3000 MHz kit might be a good sweet-spot as, however from what we see, it's a bit more expensive, while you can easily tweak there yourself.

The memory as tested today is for the guys and gals that want decent numbers for their system, with a design that matches their specific ASUS TUF motherboard and chassis aesthetics. In closing, high-frequency MHz kits remain trivial when it comes to actual real-world performance benefits, so please keep in mind that we deem volume to matter more than frequency. That, of course, is different for AMD Ryzen setups, where we recommend 3200 MHz. You can tweak this memory at its advertised timings close to or at 3333 MHz here as well, and therein is a lot of value to be found. We also have been able to lock and load the four DIMMs on an X470 motherboard with Ryzen 5 2600X fully stable at 3200 MHz CL14. While that does require a manual tweak, it might be a golden opportunity value for money wise.

A 16GB kit (2x8) will cost you roughly 159 EUR for the 2666 MHz CL16 version and EUR 319,- for a 32GB kit (4x8GB). The 16GB 3000 MHz CL17 kit EUR 179,- with the 32 GB kit being EUR 349,- and remember the 2666 MHz kits will likely tweak identical. Sixteen GB of DDR4 will be our recommendation for a proper gaming rig (2x8GB) and 32GB for more professional usage or to be a little more future proof. Aside from it's default latency values, we cannot really complain about the Ballistix AT Sport series at all, and they cover these DIMMs with a limited lifetime warranty as well. It might not offer the sharpest timings, but it certainly gets the job done at a competitive price, especially if you seek quantity over frequency. As such recommended as your average DDR4 kit.

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