RAM Latency

[kaisermoran]

When I was choosing my new RAM i had to decide between.

a)GeIL Value Dual Channel Kit - memory - 1024 MB ( 2 x 512 MB ) - DIMM 184-PIN - DDR

OR

b)Samsung memory - 1 GB - DIMM 184-PIN - DDR

The GeIL has a latency of CL2.5 whilst the Samsung is CL3

What does this mean? Which is best? Should I go with the 2 x 512MB or the single stick samsung?

Confused.

 

[gaara]

Latency is the time it takes data to get from the source to the destination (eg memory to CPU). Cas latency is a specific stage that your RAM takes during the read/write process and lower is generally defined as faster

That being said, cas latency only has a slight influence on bandwidth therefore you will see any realworld difference between cas of 2.5 and 3...however, it has a large influence on stability therefore if you are overclocking it is ideal you get memory with lower cas latency

Basically, only if you are overclocking should latency effect your purchase...in realworld stock speed enviroments 200MHz 2-2-2-5 should not show a difference from 3-3-3-8

I would personally take the 2x512MB as you can run them in dual channel which increases memory bandwidth about 5% and lowers latency

 

[kaisermoran]

Cheers man