Crucial Ballistix Elite 16GB DDR4 3000MHz Memory Kit Review

Introduction

Consumers have an enormous selection of DDR4 memory kits to choose from featuring different heatspreader designs, frequencies and voltage ratings. Initially, DDR4 modules had a hefty price premium and could only be acquired by professionals opting into the X99 platform. Thankfully, DDR4 support was added to Skylake and prices eventually settled. Now, it’s possible to acquire a 16GB kit with a relatively high memory speed under £80. This is great news for consumers and I’d personally recommend buying a 16GB kit because more games are starting to recommend capacities above 8GB.

Crucial is one of the most respected players in the memory business and has years of expertise to draw upon. As a result, their products have superb reliability and consistently receive plaudits from hardware reviewers. Today, I’m analysing the Crucial Ballistix Elite 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz memory kit which utilises 15-16-16-35 timings and 1.35v. Not only that, the DIMMs are backed by a comprehensive lifetime warranty and include really stylish matte black heatspreaders. As you can see, this is a very attractive package which should meet the requirements of most hardware enthusiasts. Saying that, there is fierce competition from the likes of Corsair, Avexir, G.Skill and other leading memory manufacturers all vying for your hard earned cash. Can the  Crucial Ballistix Elite 16GB (2x8GB) 3000MHz memory kit excel enough to stand out from rival options? Let’s find out.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

The memory kit arrives in a traditional blister pack containing two precise moulds which hold the modules in place. While this creates a fairly bland and unspectacular unboxing experience, it’s functional and employed by the majority of memory vendors.

The rear section outlines Crucial’s memory range in a number of different languages and directs you to their website in case you encounter stability problems and need to request some assistance.

A Closer Look

Aesthetically-speaking, the Crucial Ballistix Elite is sublime and based on a bold yet simplistic design. Instead of infusing two vivid colours together, Crucial focused on a matte black theme and added a more striking appearance through the use of unusual cut-outs. While some users might prefer an ostentatious design with RGB illumination, you still have to admire the modules’ sophisticated styling.

On another note, the Crucial branding is implemented in a fashionable way and the white text provides a good contrast. The visual aspect is worthy of praise and I think Crucial has done a stellar job. In terms of dimensions, the height from the PCB to the top element is 40mm. This isn’t overly tall but it’s not what I’d describe as low-profile.