Crucial Ballistix Sport VLP DDR3-1600 16GB Memory Review
(2x8GB Very Low Profile)

Often when looking at memory consumers, manufacturers and maybe even the press consider speed to be the key attribute... and often it is very important in a high specification. Reliability is key however and past that there isn't too much to worry about. Apart from that occasion where your new CPU cooler hits off the top of the extended heat spreaders... or you have a micro-ATX system to build in a really compact chassis.

With their Ballistix Sport VLP (Very Low Profile) modules Crucial are looking to offer a value packed product which appeals to consumers who need low voltage, compact memory in high capacities. So let's take a look...

Crucial package this version of their Ballistix memory in a plastic packet which gives us a clear view of the modules inside. We also get a cardboard sheet with some information as well as a sticker on the front cover to let us know what the specifications of this part are.


Crucial use a green PCB for these modules and attach their own memory to each side with a heatspreader then placed across the chips. As we mentioned in the introduction these modules are branded VLP which means Very Low Profile and that is very evident when we place them beside a standard height stick. And remember, on a standard stick with heat spreader the compact design of the VLP would be even more noticeable.

Each module contains 8GB of memory which will run at 1600MHz using 9-9-9-24-1T timings and 1.35v. Crucial have SPD and X.M.P. programmed the modules with the latter giving us the advertised settings twice, once at 1.35v and once at 1.5v. With X.M.P. being present we simply enter the BIOS, select the XMP profile we want, save then reboot.