New Version Ballistix PC2-8500 Review

[Richie P]

aw.

what a bummer. No more classic D9DCT/GMH/GKX IC

Moved onto their newer 78nm IC


A bigger question is how does this scale with voltage?


You guys arent looking at this on the positive side though -- GOOD 4GB ddr2 ballistix kits!

Exactly

Bring them on. Thanks for the review, Richie.

You're welcome

Thanks for the review Rich!

So it's rated for the same timings but at 2.0V EPP instead of 2.2V as used to be... but at the same time it oc's worse at C3, C4 and C5 @ 2.2V. I mean I've not properly tested mine but they do 800 3-2-2-1 2-25-4/5-8-8-3-8-2 at 2.18V real fully benchable but those couldn't get close.

How were the loaded temps on them at stock compared to GKX/GMH?

I like the 6hr P95 testing you included though, worth it to show everyday use scenarios.

One thing: The image shows stock bootup at tRFC 52, is this really what they're rated for?

My GMH 2 revs back were rated at 1066 42 tRFC @ 2.2V and it required most volts to drop below 35 past 1100. I got a friend to send some older rev over to UK and it cost me 70+25 dollars so they still worked out cheaper than these.

Can't say I've tested temps, I always run with a couple of 80mm fans around the NB and RAM.

About the tRFC, apart from the normal 4 settings (tCL, tRTC, tRP, tRAS), the rest were left on Auto and I used a P5K Deluxe.

If you can get hold of an old set then they're bound to be better, and UK-US pricing is a bit messed up. £60 is a very good price for these, and they're back in stock in a number of shops as well.

Thanks for the review Richie!

So they changed the chips from the old 16FD3 to the new 8FE5, I already expected that when someone was complaining about not getting good overclocks with his Ballistix 8500 in the respective thread.

I also think these are D9HNL or similar, I disagree with you on that, because I think GCT was a member of the GMH/GKX/GKW etc family.
Any chance you will take the heatspreaders off your kit to check?

You're welcome! Unfortunately I'm in the middle of moving house at the moment (far too much going on in my personal life ) so I'm a bit pre-occupied. Veritas has just posted what he's got so hopefully that helps...I will do in a week or so if still required.

thanks for the review and heads up Richie!

I'm glad people like it