Test – Ballistix Tactical Tracer RGB 4 x 8 Go 3000 MHz |Specs | Price

Introduction

Hi all!

Ballistix which is the “gaming” branch of Crucial (which is in fact Micron, we must follow!) Offers memory modules for desktop computers, particularly oriented for gamers (talking about marketing). After several tests of the brand’s memory kits and rather well-filled ranges, Ballistix is ​​back today with what so many people were waiting for, RGB!
Indeed, Ballistix Tactical Tracer RGB modules have arrived on the market, with characteristics close to “classic” Tactical models but of course with RGB on the program. I am going to offer you the test of a kit of 4 x 8 GB (32 GB therefore, thank you for the mathematics!) Of DDR4 clocked at 3000 MHz, which theoretically ensure excellent performance in all types of use, and not games only 😉 Let’s take a closer look.

Characteristics

The memory kit from Ballistix is ​​equipped with 4 x 8 GB modules, so it is delivered to operate both in “Dual Channel” or in “Quad Channel” (for high-end motherboards / processors, like the Core i9 at Intel or the AMD Threadripper).
In order to ensure optimal compatibility Ballistix has of course installed various different SPD profiles in order to adapt to almost all possible configurations. Indeed and like all these kits the frequency for which it has been tested is only reached when the XMP option is selected in the BIOS, which is neither more nor less than an automatic overclocking perfect for neophytes .
DDR4 has a base voltage of 1.2V, as the frequency increases the voltage often follows this trend as well. So there is nothing very strange to see the 4 x 8 GB Ballistix Tactical RGB kit go to 1.35V once the XMP profile is activated.
The kit is available at a price of around 500 €, which is rather expensive, it must be admitted. Indeed it is possible to find 32 GB kits with RGB LEDs for around 100 € less for equivalent performance, to see if the price will come down while everything is put in place.

Presentation

Due to lack of stock Ballistix sent me 4 8gb strips that can be bought individually, they are completely identical to the 4 x 8Gb kit!
As usual with Ballistix, the box is made of transparent plastic, with the name of the brand and the model on the front, as well as of course the capacity, frequency and voltage of the kit (or of the bar in my case!). At the back we find little information apart from the mention of the limited lifetime warranty, most of it being used for a little marketing speech in 7 different languages ​​which I will spare you.

Inside we can clearly say it’s spartan, with the bar (or bars) in a plastic case, and that’s it!
Even if we are dealing with a memory kit and the bundle is clearly secondary it would still have been nice to put a manual with technical data or other.

Here is the beast! Here and before switching on, we could say to ourselves that sobriety is essential! Ballistix has installed a very well finished aluminum radiator on each strip, with of course the brand logo and the range prominently. The build quality is excellent as usual and the product is quality.
Note that the height here is higher than a “low profile” kit, and even if we clearly do not arrive at the highest models on the market, this should be taken into account when purchasing.
Note that unlike DDR3 DDR4 strips do not have a straight PCB at the pins, in the center the pins are longer than at the sides, there may be a practical reason for this, such as a drop breakage during installation, I could not say!

On one side is a sticker with the main characteristics, in case the bar is dragging in a corner and we do not know what it is 😉

The top is clearly the big change from the RGB version of the Ballistix Tactical Tracer. Indeed the brand has installed on the radiators an opaque white plastic band with the logo of the brand which will diffuse the light of all the LEDs present on the PCB.
The little extra for people with a 3D printer is the ability to remove this plastic part and change it for another.

By removing 2 pieces of plastic it is possible to detach the top and change it if you feel like it. Ballistix has uploaded different 3D plans already ready for those who would like to change, like this Ballistix for example:

The usefulness of the thing is clearly questionable, just like the RGB for that matter but at least you know that this option is present. To access the 3D plans you can go directly to the manufacturer’s website here.

The software

In order to drive the LEDs integrated into memory sticks Ballistix provides homemade software, MOD! It is possible to download it here, for those who need it.

The software is very easy to learn and for good reason, there is not a lot to do with it. Indeed during the launch we come across the “SPD Data” tab, which is here to inform us of all the settings available for each memory module installed.

It is not really necessary to draw you a picture as to the function of the “Temperature” nail, it is good to know that each module of the Ballistix Tactical Tracer RGB kit is equipped with a temperature sensor however.

The part that interests us the most in the MOD software is of course the “LED CONTROL” tab, allowing us to manage the Christmas tree installed above the memory modules. Here it is clear that the brand has gone all out and allows very specific customization.
Each module can be controlled individually, whether through solid colors or pre-recorded effects. The brightness is also adjustable, as needed.

When switching to “Advanced” mode, the user has control over each of the 8 different zones (1 zone = 2 LEDs) on the top of the modules. For each zone it is possible to adjust the color, an effect and so on. From there anything is possible and those who like to put all the colors of the rainbow will be in heaven.
Here are some examples in practice, watch out for your eyes!

Everything is there here, solid color, rainbow, modules of different colors etc. You just have your imagination to do with it what you want, if that’s your thing. That said, whether we like RGB or not the rendering is really excellent, the brand has not messed up on this.