Crucial Ballistix Elite DDR3-1600 16GB Quad Channel Memory Kit Review

Final Thoughts
As I said it has been quite some time since we have taken a look at a Crucial Ballistix memory kit.  Ballistix memory has always impressed us and this kit is no different.  Once again Crucial has created the perfect type of memory for hardcore enthusiasts and extreme gamers.

Let’s start with looks.  This kit looks fierce and solid at the same time!  As always Crucial has gone with a black PCB that matches the black heatspreaders.  Across the heatspreaders you have a large Ballistix logo and on the far left you have all of the information on the modules actually printed on the heatspreaders.  The top of the heatspreaders have a fin design that will help dissipate the heat generated by the modules.  The heatspreaders are some of the largest that we have seen in a while.  So before purchasing this memory make sure that it will fit with your CPU cooler.

One thing that really surprised me was how far I was able to push this memory.  This is 1600MHz memory and I was able to get it up to 1866MHz without having to change the timings or voltage.  With a small voltage bump and a bit looser timings (9-9-9-27) I was able to get the memory up to 2133MHz.  Pushing the memory even further my highest overclock that I was able to achieve was 2218MHz with timings of 10-10-10-30.  Not bad at all for DDR3-1600 memory! That’s a 618MHz overclock and simply done!

Crucial is selling these modules in dual, triple and quad channel kits.  The 1600MHz 16GB Quad Channel kit (BLE4KIT4G3D1608DE1TX0) we reviewed today is selling directly from Crucial for $151.99.  Now this puts them at a $20 premium over most other 1600MHz 16GB quad channel kits.  Crucial also stands behind their products and offers a lifetime warranty with these modules.  Overall ThinkComputers gives the Crucial Ballistix Elite DDR3-1600 16GB Quad Channel Memory Kit a 10 out of 10 score and our Editor’s Choice Award!

rating10 10 small TC award editorschoice small

Pros:
– Great performance
– VERY overclockable
– Sleek look
– Lifetime warranty

Cons:
– Heatspreaders are very large

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