Ballistix Tactical Tracer DDR4 RGB 32GB 2667 MHz review

Memory (DDR4/DDR5) and Storage (SSD/NVMe) 367 Page 17 of 17 Published by

teaser

Final Words & Conclusion

Final Words & Conclusion

On an Intel platform, you can always argue the effect of faster frequency memory, it just matters less than on the AMD platform. Ergo, 2666 MHz really is fine. And if you do want a bit more bite out of that cake, tweak it a bit. Our 2666 MHz Tracer memory ran totally stable at 3100 MHz on the very same timing, with just a bit of added voltage (1.35v). Ballistix offers a lovely new kit, in many varieties and two frequencies. We discussed that many times already, extremely fast clocked memory helps you in performance, but 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 could go for a 2666 MHz as tested here today, especially if you need to go quad-channel. In dual-channel, however, faster-clocked memory can make a little more sense.

Pleasant 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 3100 MHz frequency or at least 3000 MHz  (1.35v required) 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 normal latency timings (CL16) and a low 1.20 Voltage at 2666 MHz. Obviously, 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). 

 

40586_img_0635

 

Pretty cool RGB LEDs, and a nice software suite are present for the Ballistix DDR4 DIMM series, it is simply a proper DDR4 memory series as well. 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.


Guru3d-recommended

 

Conclusion

Ballistix offers a nice memory kit offering here at hand with the new Tactical Tracer RGB series. We like that the memory itself is fast and runs stable tweaked at 3100 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 way 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 Tactical Tracert 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 way more expensive, while you can easily tweak there yourself. The kit as tested today is for the guys and gals that want proper numbers on everything in their system, with a design that matches their 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 3100 MHz, and therein is a lot of value to be found. Sixteen GB will be our recommendation for a proper gaming rig (2x8GB) and 32GB for more professional usage or to be a little more future proof. We cannot complain about the Ballistix Tactical Tracer RGB series at all, and they cover these DIMMs with a limited lifetime warranty as well. As such recommended.

Share this content
Twitter Facebook Reddit WhatsApp Email Print