Author Topic: Significance of RAM timing? (Read 443 times)

Krusty · « **on:** August 09, 2005, 08:51:10 PM »

I know on RAM the CAS latency is how fast in ms the ram reacts, the larger the latency the slower the RAM will be. But I've been seeing these timing listings on RAM when I browse online. Things like "2-3-3-6" and "3-4-4" at this one:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820223009

So what does this number mean? And what does it mean with "timing"?

StarOfAfrica2 · « **Reply #1 on:** August 09, 2005, 09:08:38 PM »

Krusty, rather than try to explain it all myself, here are the tools to your understanding. Enjoy.

Ok so I'm lazy and I'm tired. Sue me. lol

http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=2223

Woops. Meant to put this one in too.

Sorry.

http://webopedia.com/Hardware/Memory/

Krusty · « **Reply #2 on:** August 09, 2005, 09:34:37 PM »

Thanks for the links, SA2, I don't know too many websites like that!

WindX · « **Reply #3 on:** August 13, 2005, 08:19:59 PM »

generaly lower is better I.E. 2-2-2-5. I am running 2gigs of PDP Patriot Dual Channel ddr400 pc3200 XBL ultra low latency rated at cl 2-2-2-5 in my system and I have "never" had any memory related issues! I highly recommend this memory. It hasnt been around as long as Kingston, Corsair and some of the others but its performance is right up there if not higher and the prices on PDP Patriot cant be beat! I paid 165.00 for 2 - 2x512 modules

Balsy · « **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2005, 09:29:53 AM »

Im running the Corsair 2-2-2-5 Extreme LLS somthing or other... no problems. I think thats the "fastest" memory CAS wize out there.

Grits · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2005, 10:45:03 AM »

So after reading that, dual channel RAM is more important on a P4 system than an AMD system? How much will I gain from upgrading my MB to a dual channel, but otherwise using what I have?

Asus P4S800
P4 3.0
6800 AGP 128M
1 G pc3200 (no name) RAM

I dont care about performance in anything but AH, so if any upgrades are "it will make your spreadsheet teh 1337 roxx0r" I'm not interested.

Krusty · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2005, 10:56:51 PM »

Looks like dual channel only gets rid of the odd missed cycles where ram is accessed when the bus isn't ready (dual channel, so if one isn't ready during a bus cycle the other is, that's how I read it). So I think that's very little benefit (a few missed bus transmits? Drop in the pan compared to the big picture).

I think you're good Grits.

I'm starting to worry, however... Turns out my stick of 512MB is CS 3. I've heard people griping about how they didn't like such high ram latency so they went with 2.5 or less.... But then part of me thinks "It's so infinitesimally small a delay, how much will I even notice?!" So I don't know what to expect when I put this sucker in my new case*.

*: If/when the new case ever gets here!

Edbert1 · « **Reply #7 on:** August 15, 2005, 10:42:37 AM »

Where does the -1 -2 -3 timing come onto play with regards to this?

Krusty · « **Reply #8 on:** August 15, 2005, 10:45:32 AM »

Read the links posted in reply to the original post. If you are too lazy to read them, they are different events being timed. The most important is the first number in the timing list (that's your CL)