Conclusion:

The Crucial 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3 kit with thermal sensor offered rock solid performance during our testing. In most of our testing, the stock speed results were comparable with other 1600MHz kits on hand, and we were able to get about a 250MHz overclock with very little effort.

The redesigned heatspreader is a nice touch by Crucial, as a finned design seems to have become the standard for enthusiast grade kits. Whether they need the extra cooling these fins might provide is debatable, but they definitely look cooler. The addition of the thermal monitor feature is nice, but keep in mind the software is still in Beta. It did work rather well though, and keeping an eye on the temperatures could be a useful tool for overclocking.



There isn't all that much to say on the downside regarding this kit. While the monitoring software is still in Beta and may be a little flaky, Crucial has an unreleased update which will address some of the issues we experienced.

As far as the pricing of this 4GB 1600MHz kit is concerned, they are priced right in the middle of the pack of other comparable kits. Currently, this Crucial Ballistix kit can be found at Newegg.com for $119.99, where other 4GB 1600MHz kits sell for anywhere from just under $100, to just over $200. If you consider that this kit has been programmed with an XMP profile, the low latencies, and the novelty of the thermal sensors, the price is rather appealing.

The Crucial Ballistix 4GB PC3-12800 DDR3 Kit with Thermal Sensor earns the Bigbruin.com "Gaming Approved" award, because once again Crucial has provided a top notch product aimed right at the heart of enthusiasts and overclockers.



Pros:

» XMP profile for 8-8-8-24 timings at 1600MHz
» Good bit of headroom for overclocking
» Finned heatsinks and thermal sensors provided to enhance performance
» Moderately priced compared to kits with similar specifications
» Limited lifetime warranty

Cons:

» Current release of monitoring utility is still in Beta and may be flaky
» Other than the thermal sensor, there's nothing really new

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