Crucial Ballistix Sport VLP DDR3-1600 16GB Kit - Let the Benchmarks Begin

SiSoftware Sandra:

This benchmark is used to test memory speed. My two test modules default to a slower speed so the Crucial Ballistix Sport VLP obviously does better in this benchmark since it runs a speed of 1600MHz in default.

With all three in XMP1 mode I wasn’t shocked to see all have similar results. The Ballistix Sport VLP rates slightly better than the Corsair XMS3 I tested against. The Ballistix Sport VLP also rates a little less than the Ballistix Tactical LP.  I was expecting this since the timings match my Corsair memory.

AIDA64:

This benchmark measures latency, utilizing read, write, and copy speeds to produce the results. As with my last memory review, I didn’t feel that Aida64 could really illustrate a more than nominal difference between the three modules tested.  The Ballistix Sport VLP fell to the bottom concerning read, write, and copy speeds. It also had the highest latency in all categories.

Final Thoughts:

I feel that the Crucial Ballistix Sport VLP performed well. It didn’t blow any of my test memory out of the water, and actually had some points scored against it from both test modules. This being said, it didn’t score bad, because any differences in the benchmarks was nominal at best.  This memory rates comparably with both my test modules. 

I was also pleased to see Crucial make an effort in putting out low profile memory. A lot of us don’t have tons of room when we take into account CPU coolers and smaller motherboard sizes, and Crucial Ballistix Sport's very low profile barely rises above the clip securing it in place.

This memory also uses less power. This will definitely help with the limited size the heat spreaders can use.

I didn’t encounter any issues installing or running this memory.

This memory lists for ~119$ on Crucial's website, but I was able to locate the same modules on newegg.com for ~77$.  At the lower price, this ram is a good buy because of its performance. I'm happy to recommend it for anyone with space restraints or looking to use less power while getting the same performance.

• Lower voltage
• Good quality
• Very Low profile 
• Good Price

Cons:

• None

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them at the link below.  I'd also like to take a moment to thank Crucial for sending out this kit of RAM for a review.