Performance:95%
While the not absolute fastest 32GB based kits we have seen, what it lacks in sheer speed it makes up for in capacity and ease of use. More importantly, it is not this RAM’s fault that Integrated Memory Controllers are having a tough time with 32GB RAM sticks at anything above DDR4-3200. Now if only they were CL14 and not CL16 and we would be entirely content.
Ease of Use:100%
The fact of the matter is most factory overclocked 32GB DDR4 sticks are finicky. Yes, they all eventually work but sometimes a bit of TLC (and occasional threats) are needed to get them running at their rated speeds. This is not the case with Ballistix Gaming 64GB kits. Be it LED or non-LED, both options just work. Intel. AMD. HEDT. ThreadRipper. We threw them into all the major options and they were plug and play simple. Now that is how you do mega-capacity RAM right.
Build Quality & Warranty: 90%
Are we disappointed that Ballistix has moved away from “Lifetime” to ten years? A little bit. Ten years however is a couple system upgrades and given the fact that DDR5 is on the horizon it is not a deal breaker to us. You may feel differently. The same is true of the aluminum heat spreaders. They certainly are not up to ‘Elite’ or ‘Max’ standards but they still are more than “good enough”. Mix in sensible color options, end-user replaced color accents, and even good LED options and we doubt many will complain (too much) on either their build quality or warranty.
Value: 85%
On the one hand spending 280 to 320 (US) dollars for RAM is going to take a good chunk out of most builder’s overall budget. On the other $600 for 128GB worth of RAM is downright reasonable by today’s standards. The fact of the matter is mega-capacity sticks cost more, and the typical high performance mega-capacity kit of RAM costs even more. As such, these kits are extremely reasonable. Just understand that they in order to hit a relatively low asking price Ballistix did have to tone down the Cas Latency to 16. CL16 instead of CL14 is a small price to pay for such an excellent price tag.
Final Score: 93%
While the new Ballistix Gaming 32GB RAM sticks will certainly not be for everyone or every build, for those interested in mega-capacity RAM at a reasonable price these should be on your short, short list. Doing otherwise may just cause you to overpay for ‘features’ you may never be able to use.
