As we have presented in the review about
the modern CPU LGA1155 memory controller. It is the operating frequency of
dual-channel memories that affects the strongest on the platforms’ performance.
Therefore, increasing it above the standard level is the key element that helps
increasing memory’s overclocking potential and operating ability.
On this aspect, the tested Crucial
Ballistix Tactical Lp and Crucial Ballistix Sport VLP seem to be very
promising. Although their nominal frequencies are very normal, these memory
modules can offer a really wide flexibility, if we consider on the aspect of
increasing the voltage, which directly affect the overclocking ability.
Besides, they are produced from Micron’s chips and have very efficient
heatsinks. Moreover, during the last years, Crucial has built up their
reputation for many highly reliable memory modules. All of these allow us to
hope that Crucial Ballistix Tactical LP and Crucial Ballistix Sport VLP would
work with a higher speed during the overclocking process comparing to what was
declared in their official specifications.
Here’s our algorithm in overclocking
testing process of DDR3 SDRAM:
·
The voltage of the memory modules was increased
to 1.65 V, which according to Intel was the greatest value that did not do any
harm to the operation of the memory controller. We also increased the voltage
of VCCSA to 1.0 V. This theoretically affected well on the stability of the
memory controller.
·
Failsafe timing of Ram was 11-13-13-31-2N, which
was the chosen parameter showing the maximum operating frequency where the
memory is still stable.
·
Using the maximum frequency that found, we
pointed out the best timing parameter where the memory was still stable.
The stability of
the memory subsystem is clarified by 10 running periods of Linx 0.64 AVX
Edition, using all memory capacity and by checking one more hour with Memtest+
v4.20.
Crucial Ballistix Tactical LP DDR3-1600 2x8GB (BLT2K8G3D1608ET3LX0)
The Crucial’s low-profile products are very
suitable for overclocking process. Before overclocked by the producers, memory
for enthusiasts can only be sped up by one or two steps. Ballistix Tactical LP
is different because it is RAM DDR3L. It is good even in the default voltage of
1.35 V. BLT2K8G3D1608ET3LX0 is also stable like DDR3-1866. However we reduced
the timing parameter to 10-10-10-3-1N because of that reason.
Overclocking at the default voltage seldom
has the practical value. If you want your memory to achieve the efficient
specifications as what are announced by the manufacturer, maybe you will try it
at the voltage of 1.65 V. It will be safe enough to consider that the
manufacturer ensures that all of these products can work at the voltage of 1.5
V. At the voltage of 1.65 V, Ballistix Tactical Lp is still stable in the
DDR3-2000 mode. This is really impressive although we set the timing parameter
at 11-13-12-31-1N.
Overclocking
process
Thus, Crucial Ballistix Tactical LP is
introduced to overclocking fans for its broad compatibility with the coolers of
CPU and high overclocking potential. If you do not mind the voltage increase
(and the level of power consumption), you can boost their operating frequencies
up to almost 40%. Few memory kits are able to achieve that success.
Crucial
Ballistix Sport VLP DDR3-1600 2x8GB (BLS2K8G3D1609ES2LX0)
Nevertheless, with the less sensitive the
default timing parameter and smaller cooler, Ballistix Sport VLP works just
like its brother, Ballistix Tactical LP. At the default voltage of 1.35 V, they
can be clocked as DDR3-1866 with the timing parameter of 10-11-11-31-1N. At the
voltage of 1.65 V, we easily overclock them up to the frequency of 2200 MHz.
The
overclocking process
Timing parameter is relaxed to
11-13-13-31-1N, but that is normal. The high clock rate always goes together
with the high timing parameter. Ballistix Sport DDR3-1600 2x8 GB turns out to
be very identical with Crucial Bllistix Tactical LP DDR3-1600 2x8GB in
overclocking potential, as they are both based on the same chips from Micron.
That means you cannot choose any memory kits for your overclocking computer
just based on the preferences and exact requirements about the height of
low-profile memory series.
