Difference between RAM brands?

[light94]

Crucial Ballistix has 3 models that are all 8GB 1600 MHz:

1) Sport Series
2) Tactical Series
3) Elite Series

What exactly is the difference between the 3 if they are all running at 1600 MHz? The advertisement says "increased speeds and lower latencies" but how do they achieve that at the same MHz rating?

Even the jump from 1600 -> 1866 MHz doesn't provide a significant performance boost according to reviews.

 

[Lexluethar]

Timing and CAS latency are the only differences I see.

Would 99.9% of users experience a difference between the three brands. The short answer is yes, in their wallets. The real answer is no, the average user will not notice a difference.

 

[PP Mguire]

Timings, heatsink, ICs (possible further overclocking on higher bins), price, and marketing. Other than that, just stick with what's cheap.

I haven't respected Crucial as a RAM brand since their DDR2 days though.