14 DAY TRIAL // Kingston definitely stole the spotlight at Computex, at least for a while, when it showed off what is possibly the fastest ever triple-channel memory kit to receive Intel Extreme Memory Profile (XMP) certification. With a clock speed of 2533MHz, though, they will likely only be manufactured in a limited number and will obviously only make viable purchases for overclocking enthusiasts. For everyone else, Lexar Media has brought forth a certain Ballistix Series product with a special perk.
What Lexar Media has prepared is a dual-channel memory kit with a capacity of 4GB and thermal sensors on each of the two 2GB modules. Said sensors will allow overclockers, by means of the Ballistix MOD Utility, to keep track of the temperature generated. This should allow them to experiment with different settings with a reduced risk of overheating. This is useful because at 1,600MHz, there is still a considerable overclocking potential, a fact confirmed by the fact that even the aforementioned XMP technology is supported.
"Ask any PC enthusiast and they'll tell you that system heat is a constant concern," said Crucial Ballistix senior product manager, Jeremy Mortenson. "Our new Crucial Ballistix memory modules offer two incredibly effective tools in memory cooling: thermal sensors for temperature monitoring, and an improved heat spreader design."
The Ballistix 4GB kit has timings of 8-8-8-24 when operating on a current of 1.65V. Additionally, the two modules have redesigned heat spreaders that supposedly drive temperatures 30% lower than design used on the other Ballistix products. This is possible because of the 32 'fins' at the top and will prove quite an asset for mod makers, overclockers and high-end system builders that want to optimize their machines as much as possible. As for availability, shipments should start in July, though the price tag has not yet been mentioned.