Explanation Needed: What is RAM CAS Latency Timing?
When buying RAM, what usually decides your purchase is the capacity and speed. Users should also focus on CL Timing, which is an acronym for Cas Latency. An example of CAS latency numbers is CL16-18-38 or CL 14-4-34. The numbers after the "CL" represent the CAS Latency of the RAM kit. But what does it all mean? And how does it impact performance? Let's talk about it in this newly written episode of Explanation Needed.
Column Address Strobe
Every RAM module features CAS Latency; it determines how many clock cycles it takes for the RAM module to access detailed data in one of its columns, making data available on the output pins.
There are several variations of CAS Latency. For example, a CAS 16 RAM kit has CAS 16 timings.
There are instances where you have RAM kits with the same data transfer rate yet different CAS timings. For example, the G.Skill Trident Z RGB Series CAS timing is CL 16-18-18-38, while the Kingston FURY Beast CAS timing is CL 15-19. Two RAMs beautifully designed, with the same 3200 Mhz Memory speed but different CAS Latency.
Difference Between RAM Speed and RAM Latency
RAM data transfer rate is the primary focus for system builders when shopping for memory. Data transfer in RAM can move massive amounts of data in just one second. However, regarding overall RAM performance, CAS latency is just as important.
CAS latency provides you the number of cycles it would take for RAM to send data; computer users should also give strong consideration to the longevity of each cycle, giving you a better idea of RAM overall latency.
The current generation DDR4 RAM has a better storage density, power efficiency, and a higher CAS latency than DDR3, around 9 or 10. In contrast, DDR4 memory will have a CAS latency of at least 15. Newer memory standards will always perform well overall.
