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Not bad at all, but the modules could pump a little extra. For their size and voltage though, it is certainly nothing to complain about, especially when compared to the Viper Xtreme’s. Note that for all benchmark results – for read/write/copy higher scores are better; for latency lower scores are better:
Next we have SiSoftware’s Sandra benchmark suite:
Essentially the same results. The Tactical LP’s are a tad faster than the Sport VLP’s. Both handily beat the Viper Xtreme’s.
Finally MaxxMEM completes the set of testing software:
Again, the same old results. The Tactical LP’s definitely perform better than the Sport VLP’s, but not by much; both modules leave the Xtreme’s in the dust. Keep in mind that the Tactical LP’s are $100 compared to the Sport VLP’s $80 price tag, so you will have to decide if the $20 difference is worth the performance bump. Either way your sticks will be protected by Crucial’s lifetime warranty, so a solid investment regardless.
FINAL WORDS AND CONCLUSION
It is clear that Crucial’s Ballistix Low-Profile line can compete with the best out there. Both the Sport VLP and Tactical LP kits showed their capability in every benchmark. Even though the Tactical LP’s performed better than the Sport VLP’s, they were essentially neck and neck throughout. With the Sport VLP’s being classified as entry-level memory and likewise stamped with an $80 MSRP, they certainly gave the Tactical LP’s a run for their money priced $20 more at $100.
Running at 1.35 volts, the smaller heat and energy signature is substantial as the custom heat-spreaders make them run nice and cool while boosting performance. Furthermore, older motherboards can run them at 1.50v in case they do not support the 1.35v spec. Of course the defining feature is the fact that they install without any hassle; just a simple push and lock into the slots without the fear of any obtrusions complicating your build process.
I honestly cannot find any issues with either of these two kits – the Sport VLP’s and Tactical LP’s far surpassed my expectations. Getting amazing performance out of tiny sticks like these is no easy feat, but Crucial have managed to engineer them flawlessly. Make no mistake, both kits are absolutely worth your money. Considering the lifetime warranty and the price:performance ratio, the Sport VLP’s and Tactical LP’s are an amazing value. Look no further; the new additions to the Ballistix series are certainly the perfect fit for any modern system.
