Crucial Ballistix Memory Stability Testing and Review

[Lsdmeasap]

Crucial Ballistix Memory Stability Testing and Review

Special thanks to Kelly at Crucial Memory for providing these test samples for review and testing in Gigabyte boards.

Crucial was kind enough to offer these samples so that I may offer the best support to our many Crucial users with first hand knowledge of the ram itself.

This is test results and findings on two specific models of Crucial Memory. I am providing several sets of timings and voltages at various speeds for Gigabyte P35 and P45 based boards at the end of this article.

Crucial has been a long time provider and manufacturer of Computer Dram Modules and Ram based products. Crucial is a Part of the Lexar Media Family of products and is owned by Micron Technology. They manufacture high-quality products in several memory based categories which include USB flash drives, all popular form factors of memory cards and card readers, and DRAM computer memory for PC and Mac systems. They also manufacture solid state drives (SSD) which are now becoming more and more popular and more accessible to the general public with prices coming down recently.

Crucial has received many awards for various products which you may view here and follow links to the full reviews and awards >>
Crucial’s Awards

What is Ballistix memory?

The Ballistix line is specifically built for performance enthusiasts who want to push the performance envelope without worrying about data loss or corruption, mysterious intermittent errors and display problems, or worse — the dreaded BSOD! The Ballistix line of high-performance memory modules features advanced speed grades, low latencies, and integrated aluminum heat spreaders.

The kits described here are Crucial’s new Ballistix kits and are rated at PC2-6400 @ 2.0V

The modules are as follows:

1GB Module (4x1GB in testing)



1GB, Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 memory module

Module Size: 1GB
Package: Ballistix 240-pin DIMM
Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • 4-4-4-12 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 2.0V • 128Meg x 64


2GB Module (2x2GB in testing)





2GB, Ballistix 240-pin DIMM, DDR2 PC2-6400 memory module

Module Size: 2GB
Package: Ballistix 240-pin DIMM
Feature: DDR2 PC2-6400
Specs: DDR2 PC2-6400 • 4-4-4-12 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 2.0V • 256Meg x 64


Tests were performed for each of the following settings in these boards: Two P35 boards and one P45 board. Each passed 12 hours or more of Memtest86+ 2.11, and each passed several hours of HCI Design’s Memtest running dual tests within windows while the system was in use. Along with that, each setting range was thoroughly put through various benchmark programs and tests, some of which will be graphed below. The graphed results were obtained in my main system, a GA-EP45-DS4P.


You may rest assured each of the tables of settings that are provided below will be fully stable for you on the memory side of things. If you have any issues, they would likely be due to other various non- memory related settings. The settings provided are for starting stability, and not fully tweaked. The reason I requested this memory was to help user s with stability issues, so please start there.


Benchmark results are provided at three common speed ranges: 800, 900, and 1000. The 800 and 1000 speeds are programmed into the SPD of each module. For simplicity in helping others most all of these benchmarks and settings provided will be using the 2.00B or 2.00D (1:1) MCH/NB Strap. These results are solely based on the stable settings provided for initial stability, not tweaked at all. They can however be tweaked to better then I have posted here, and by no means is the settings provided all that this Crucial Memory will do.

Testing Setup:

Gigabyte P35-DS4, P35-DQ6, EP45-DS4P
Intel Xeon E3110 3.0Ghz
Crucial DDR2 PC2-6400 Ram (4x1GB, 2x2GB)
Sapphire HD3870 Toxic 512MB GDDR4
750W PSU (Don't ask )
OS: Vista Ultimate SP1 x64


4x1GB Benchmarks











2x2GB Benchmarks











Super PI Benchmarks (Both sets of memory)

[Lsdmeasap]

DO NOT use all of my voltage settings in the latter images, as many of them are motherboard or CPU specific and you would need to find your hardware’s own stable voltage ranges.


And, as always, if you do need help, I am here to offer it!



Benchmark images for the above graphs and other benchmarks can be posted upon request. I did not post them as I have far to many to add, and some of them are on split images as I made my personal notes and findings


General settings for P35 and P45 boards for the speeds posted above


800MHz

4x1GB



2x2GB



P35

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto or Fast]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [x] 
Fine Clock Ratio ____________[0.0]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [399/401] for 1:1 Ratio (333 if not overclocking)
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00 for 1:1] (2.40 if using 333 FSB)
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ 4
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 4
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______ 4
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 12

ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ 3
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 3
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 5-6
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 48-52
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 3
Static tRead Value_______________ 5/6-7
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ [Auto]

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.2V] = 2.0V
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V] 
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V] 
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.1V - 0.2V] 
CPU Voltage Control_______ [x.xx]

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

P45

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: x.xx


Clock Chip Control 
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 399/401Mhz for 1:1 Ratio (333 if not overclocking)
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100

C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< 
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< 


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.00B or 2.00D for 1:1 Ratio (2.40 if using 333 FSB)
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 800
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................ 4
tRCD ......................................... 4
tRP'........................................... 4
tRAS.......................................... 12


Advanced Timing Control
tRRD........................................... 3
tWTR.......................................... 3
tWR............................................ 5-6
tRFC........................................... 48-52
tRTP........................................... 3
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................ 1066

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:5/6-7 (Depending on other voltages and strap being used)

 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto 
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto 
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:5/6-7 (Depending on other voltages and strap being used)

 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto 
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto 
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................: x.xx
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.2-1.5 depending on Vcore, try to keep at least .1 under vcore.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.5-1.65.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU Referen.…………....0.755V*.......: <<< .64% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

CPU Reference2………,,0.800V*.......:<<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: << 1.2-1.26 (amount needed will depend on Strap used and tRD used)

MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< May need adjusted, depends on your board and CPU being used, and all other voltages.  See my signature for how to adjust.

MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: <<< 1.5-1.55
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< 1.14-1.2

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.0V
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

[Lsdmeasap]

900Mhz

4x1GB


2x2GB

444-12 tRD 8 with the 2x2GB also tested and is fine. I just cannot find my image of the HCI test. All settings were tested in Memtest86+ as well as said above. This was a initial test but I found them to be fine at 444-12 as well (Adjusted MCH Ref Voltages after this run, .76 % was too much, my motherboard/CPU needed .70 to run these 2x2GB at 900Mhz 444-12 tRD 8)



P35

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto or Fast]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [x] 
Fine Clock Ratio ____________[0.0]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [450] 
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00]
DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ 4
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 4
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______ 4
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 12

ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ 3
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 3
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 5-6
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 48-52
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 3
Static tRead Value_______________ 7-8
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ [Auto]

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.2V] = 2.0V
PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V] 
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V] 
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.1V - 0.2V] 
CPU Voltage Control_______ [x.xx]

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

P45

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: x.xx


Clock Chip Control 
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 450Mhz
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100

C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< 
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< 


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.00B or 2.00D
Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 900
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................ 4
tRCD ......................................... 4
tRP'........................................... 4
tRAS.......................................... 12


Advanced Timing Control
tRRD........................................... 3
tWTR.......................................... 3
tWR............................................ 5-6
tRFC........................................... 48-52
tRTP........................................... 3
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................ 1066

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:7/8-9 (Depending on other voltages and strap being used)

 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto 
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto 
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:7/8-9 (Depending on other voltages and strap being used)

 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto 
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto 
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................: x.xx
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.2-1.5 depending on Vcore, try to keep at least .1 under vcore.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.5-1.65.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU Referen.…………....0.755V*.......: <<< .64% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

CPU Reference2………,,0.800V*.......:<<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: << 1.2-1.26 (amount needed will depend on Strap used and tRD used)

MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< May need adjusted, depends on your board and CPU being used, and all other voltages.  See my signature for how to adjust.

MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: <<< 1.5-1.55
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< 1.14-1.2

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.0V
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

[Lsdmeasap]

1000Mhz

4x1GB



2x2GB



P35

Robust Graphics Booster___________ [Auto or Fast]
CPU Clock Ratio ____________ [x] 
Fine Clock Ratio ____________[0.0]
CPU Host Clock Control_ [Enabled]
CPU Host Frequency (MHz)__________ [500 or 417 *See Ram Multi Note* ] 
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz)_______ [100]
C.I.A. 2__________________________ [Disabled]
System Memory Multiplier (SPD)____ [2.00 or 2.40] (*2.00 for 500 FSB - 2.40 for 417 FSB)

DRAM Timing Selectable_______ SPD __ [Manual]

Performance Enhance = [Standard]

CAS Latency Time________________ 5
Dram RAS# to CAS# Delay_________ 5
Dram RAS# Precharge Delay_______ 5
Precharge Delay (tRAS)__________ 15

ACT to ACT Delay (tRRD)_________ 3
Rank Write to READ Delay________ 3-4
Write to Precharge Delay_________ 5-6
Refresh to ACT Delay______________ 50-54
Read to Precharge Delay__________ 3
Static tRead Value_______________ 8-9
Static tRead Phase Adjust________ [Auto]

System Voltage Control____ [Manual]
DDR2 OverVoltage Control__ [+0.2V] = 2.0V (2.05 may be needed depending on tRD and MCH Voltage)

PCI-E OverVoltage Control_ [+0.1V] 
FSB OverVoltage Control___ [+0.1V] 
(G)MCH OverVoltage Control [+0.1V - 0.2V] 
CPU Voltage Control_______ [x.xx]

Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect___________________[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

P45

MB Intelligent Tweaker(M.I.T.)
Robust Graphics Booster ...............: Auto or Fast
CPU Clock Ratio ..........................: x
Fine CPU Clock Ratio.....................:.0
CPU Frequency ...........................: x.xx


Clock Chip Control 
Standard Clock Control
CPU Host Clock Control..................: [Enabled] 
CPU Host Frequency (Mhz) ............: 500Mhz or 417Mhz *See Ram Multi Note*
PCI Express Frequency (Mhz) .........:Set to 100

C.I.A.2 .................................:[Disabled]


Advanced Clock Control [Press Enter]
CPU Clock Drive...........................: <<< 800
PCI Express Clock Drive.................: <<< 900
CPU Clock Skew (ps)....................: <<< 
MCH Clock Skew (ps)...................: <<< 


DRAM Performance Control
Performance Enhance...................: [STANDARD]
Extreme Memory Profile (X.M.P.).....: Disabled
(G)MCH Frequency Latch...............: [Auto]
System Memory Multiplier ..............: 2.00B/2.00D or 2.40 (*2.00 for 500 FSB - 2.40 for 417 FSB)

Memory Frequency (Mhz) ..............: 1000Mhz
DRAM Timing Selectable ................: [Manual]

Standard Timing Control
CAS Latency Time........................ 5
tRCD ......................................... 5
tRP'........................................... 5
tRAS.......................................... 15


Advanced Timing Control
tRRD........................................... 3
tWTR.......................................... 3-4
tWR............................................ 5-6
tRFC........................................... 50-54
tRTP........................................... 3
Command Rate (CMD) ....................:2

Driving Strength Profiles
Driving Strength ............................ 1066

Channel A
Static tRead Value.........................:7/8-9 (Depending on other voltages and strap being used)

 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto 
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto 
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Channel B
Static tRead Value.........................:7/8-9 (Depending on other voltages and strap being used)

 tRD Phase0 Adjustment...................:Auto <<< Leave for all below as well
tRD Phase1 Adjustment...................:Auto
 tRD Phase2 Adjustment .................:Auto
 tRD Phase3 Adjustment..................:Auto
Trd2rd(Different Rank)....................:Auto 
Twr2wr(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Twr2rd(Different Rank)...................:Auto 
Trd2wr(Same/Diff Rank)..................:Auto 
Dimm1 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps
Dimm2 Clock Skew Control...............:Auto  ps

Motherboard Voltage Control
Voltage Type.………... Manual
CPU
CPU Vcore….……….........................: x.xx
CPU Termination…..... 1.200V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.2-1.5 depending on Vcore, try to keep at least .1 under vcore.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU PLL…………………....1.500V*.......: << If overclocking Please set to stock, Auto overvolts this way to much.  Optimal range for overclock would be 1.5-1.65.  Auto is fine if not overclocking

CPU Referen.…………....0.755V*.......: <<< .64% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

CPU Reference2………,,0.800V*.......:<<< .67% Of Vtt (Termination above) Auto Will set this correctly 

MCH/ICH
MCH Core…………….....1.100V...........: << 1.2-1.26 (amount needed will depend on Strap used and tRD used)

MCH Reference….…….0.800V...........; <<< May need adjusted, depends on your board and CPU being used, and all other voltages.  See my signature for how to adjust.

MCH/DRAM Ref.…......0.900V...........: <<< Leave
ICH I/O……………….....1.550V............: <<< 1.5-1.55
ICH Core…………...……1.100V............: <<< 1.14-1.2

DRAM
DRAM Voltage ……....1.800V............: 2.0V (2.05V May be needed)
DRAM Termination .…0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel A Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave
Channel B Reference 0.900V............: <<< Leave

Advanced Settings
Limit CPUID Max. to 3.....................: [Disabled]
No-Execute Memory Protect............: [Enabled]
CPU Enhanced Halt (C1E)................: [Disabled]
C2/C2E State Support....................: [Disabled]
x C4/C4E State Support..................: [Disabled]
CPU Thermal Monitor 2(TM2) ...........: [Enabled]
CPU EIST Function.........................: [Disabled]
Virtualization Technology................: [Disabled] Enabled if you use Vmware/Virtual PC

Integrated Peripherals
Legacy USB Storage Detect ..............[Disabled] *Note* Must be enabled to flash from USB

Highest memory speed reached at acceptable voltages and timings. I did not run any 500+ FSB for simplicity purposes because this article is to help others gain starting stability, above 500 FSB each user would need many specific settings tweaked which cannot be generalized.

I did however, run a few tests at higher speeds then listed below with a set of the 1GB Modules. They (2x1GB) ran up to 1200Mhz without issue using 450 FSB X 2.66D and 500 X 2.40B.

4x1GB

1100Mhz tRD 8 (2.40B) *Click to enlarge*



1160Mhz tRD 8 (2.66D) *Click to enlarge*




2x2GB


1140Mhz tRD 8 (2.66D) *Click to enlarge*




Disclaimer: This document is only intended to help anyone who is using Crucial Memory to obtain a stable starting point for their memory in a Gigabyte board. This is not the usual ram overclocking and testing reviews you may find online by other professionals. Thank you for leaving only constructive comments, please.

[Lsdmeasap]

Thanks to Kelly, and everyone @ Crucial Memory for making this review possible!!

After this review I am now a Crucial Fan for sure, much better timings at higher speeds then other brands I have been testing and using as of late!


Ballistix is great memory Crucial, keep up the superb craftsmanship!!!

[rkorenek]

I would not assume that hardware that I purchase will perform the same as hardware provided by a vendor for testing purposes.

[Lsdmeasap]

I would not assume that hardware that I purchase will perform the same as hardware provided by a vendor for testing purposes.

These modules were not sent to me for a Review.

They were sent to me for the specific purpose of testing for compatibility and stability in Gigabyte boards, and so that I could find optimal advanced settings for users who use this ram.

Crucial did not hand pick/test these modules as it would skew my results in trying to best help Crucial and Gigabyte customers.

I took my own initiative to write a review.

I will ask Kelly if she would like to make an official reply on this subject.

[C3D76]

Nice review, I can see you have been busy.
I like how you gave detailed settings for the different frequencies :)

[Nickel020]

Thanks for the review, especially the listing of your settings is very useful
Maybe I'll take another go at finally hitting those 10 000 MB/s in everest ;)

Also, did you noitice any speed or overclockability differences between the P45 and the P35?

[Lsdmeasap]

Nice review, I can see you have been busy.
I like how you gave detailed settings for the different frequencies :)

Thanks for your comments, they are most appreciated! This was my first review and with time permitted and my hectic home schedule I could not write up a full review. However for the reasons I requested this memory, and the fact that a review was not in mind when I was sent them I think I got things covered pretty well.

Thanks for the review, especially the listing of your settings is very useful
Maybe I'll take another go at finally hitting those 10 000 MB/s in everest ;)

Also, did you noitice any speed or overclockability differences between the P45 and the P35?

Are you using this memory, if so which set? Just wondering.

Hmm, well the one main thing I noticed between P35 and P45 was the tRD setting differences. I found that P35 would accept a lower tRD as it would use the 333 strap most often, depending on the Multi used of course. I can say on P45 using 400 Strap/Multi's a higher tRD was needed compared to 333 on P35 or P45, but I think that is a given.

And from my results and all my tests I think P45 tRD = P35 tRD + 1, meaning a tRD of 7 in P45 would be equal to a tRD of 6 in P35. Don't quote me on that as I did not do any tests to confirm that, but it just seems that way looking over results and thinking back on settings used and ease of use.

Overall the P45 was just a bit trickier when it comes to finding the right MCH Ref voltages (I am covering this in my GA-EP45-DS4P review) and getting the tRD you want to run to be stable.

As for scores, P45 only scored slightly higher at the same clocks, very slight. I do think becuase of the many options and settings in P45 I could run higher clocks easier due to better control though. So if you have P35 and are thinking of getting a P45 it would be a nice upgrade for sure.