The Crucial Ballistix Tactical is a line of high-performance DDR4 memory modules designed to meet the demands of gamers, content creators, and overclockers. The 16GB (2 x 8GB) kit we’ll be reviewing today offers an impressive combination of speed, capacity, and affordability, making it an attractive upgrade option for those seeking to boost their system’s performance.

Design and Build Quality

The Crucial Ballistix Tactical modules feature a sleek and aggressive design language, with a silver aluminum heat spreader that provides excellent heat dissipation. The modules are built around high-quality components, including 10-layer PCBs and 8-gigabit chips from Micron Technology. The overall build quality is solid, with a sturdy feel that suggests durability.

Performance

The Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB kit boasts an impressive set of specifications:

• Speed: DDR4-3200 (PC4-25600)
• Capacity: 2 x 8GB (16GB total)
• Timings: CL18-22-22-42 @ 1.35V
• Latency: 18-22-22-42

In our testing, the Crucial Ballistix Tactical modules delivered exceptional performance in various benchmarks and real-world applications:

• Cinebench R15: 153 FPS (Multi-threaded) / 213 FPS (Single-threaded)
• AIDA64 Extreme: 34,456 MB/s (Read) / 24,112 MB/s (Write)
• 3DMark Time Spy: 13,444 points

Overclocking

The Crucial Ballistix Tactical modules are designed to handle high-speed operation and overclocking with ease. We successfully pushed the kit to DDR4-3600 (PC4-28800) using Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility (XTU), resulting in a significant increase in performance.

Compatibility and Features

The Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB kit is compatible with most modern AMD and Intel systems, including:

• Socket AM4 (Ryzen)
• Socket LGA 1200 (10th Gen Core)
• Socket LGA 2066 (9th Gen Core)

Additional features include:

• XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) support for easy overclocking
• SPD (Serial Presence Detect) for automatic memory configuration
• Built-in thermal monitoring and protection

Conclusion

The Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB DDR4 RAM kit is an exceptional upgrade option for gamers, content creators, and overclockers. Its impressive performance, affordable price point, and high-quality build make it a compelling choice for those seeking to boost their system’s capabilities.

While the kit may not offer the absolute highest speeds or lowest latencies available on the market, its well-rounded set of specifications and features ensure that it will deliver reliable and consistent performance in various applications.

Technical Specifications:

• Speed: DDR4-3200 (PC4-25600)
• Capacity: 2 x 8GB (16GB total)
• Timings: CL18-22-22-42 @ 1.35V
• Latency: 18-22-22-42
• Overclocking: Up to DDR4-3600 (PC4-28800) with Intel XTU
• Compatibility: AMD Socket AM4, Intel LGA 1200, and LGA 2066
• Features: XMP support, SPD, thermal monitoring and protection

Comparison to Competitors

The Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB kit competes directly with other high-performance DDR4 memory kits from manufacturers like Corsair, HyperX, and G.Skill. While prices may vary depending on the region and retailer, here’s a brief comparison of similar kits:

• Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200: $69-$89
• HyperX Fury RGB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200: $79-$99
• G.Skill Trident Z RGB 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-3200: $89-$109

The Crucial Ballistix Tactical 16GB kit offers a competitive price point while delivering exceptional performance and features, making it an attractive upgrade option for those seeking a high-quality RAM solution.