Do RAM timings really make a difference?

[imported_Slider]

Right now I have some corsair value select with 2.5 - 3 - 3 - 8 timings on it. This RAM right here has lower timings:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-006&depa=0

But it's pretty much the same other than that. I was wondering how much of a performance I would gain if I bought it.

specs:

a64 socket 939 3000+ @ 2.2ghz
RAM mentioned above
chaintech vnf4ultra

 

[mwmorph]

yes. lower timings offset frequency. a 2-2-2 stick of400mhz will run faster than 3-3-3 533mhz.

 

[AristoV300]

For Intel chips really don't take advantage of tighter timings, running 1:1 is the key.

 

[MisterChief]

Originally posted by: mwmorph
yes. lower timings offset frequency. a 2-2-2 stick of400mhz will run faster than 3-3-3 533mhz.

:thumbsup:

 

[Woody419]

In the real world you will never, ever notice the difference.

 

[imported_Slider]

Thanks

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: Woody419
In the real world you will never, ever notice the difference.

 

[boshuter]

The answer is yes.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: boshuter
The answer is yes.

if yes means 1-2%, then sure. but you wont ever notice a difference

 

[Chopstick217]

Originally posted by: Woody419
In the real world you will never, ever notice the difference.

I agree, most desktop users will not notice the difference whatsoever. Only in benchmarking programs can the difference be seen.

 

[ChaosPhoenix]

Although I'm sure many will disagree with this, AMD 64-bit CPU's aren't highly affected by memory timings. Well dealing with A64's from an OC'ing perspective, you want as many Mhz as you can get, for that is what will give you the performance.

 

[Demonicon]

Unless your favorite games are benchmarks, it makes little difference.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: Demonicon
Unless your favorite games are benchmarks, it makes little difference.

thetre is 1 game that takes memory into account, Farcry. performance is increased by a noticible amount when faster/ll memory is used.

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: mwmorph

Originally posted by: Demonicon
Unless your favorite games are benchmarks, it makes little difference.

thetre is 1 game that takes memory into account, Farcry. performance is increased by a noticible amount when faster/ll memory is used.

proof?

 

[Auric]

The primary difference is in the ability to increase timings on the faster spec RAM to run at higher frequencies to match a CPU o'erclock without reducing the bus speed. Otherwise it is generally poor bang for the rupee if paying significantly more for just lower timings compared to a faster viddy card or CPU.

 

[Lemodular]

the differences will be measured in nano seconds.

 

[KoolDrew]

There will be NO noicable difference. The only reason to go with expensive low timing RAM is if you are overclocking. If you do not plan on overclocking just go with something like Corsair Value Select.

 

[BadThad]

The only real difference I've seen between CAS2 and CAS3 is with the SETI@Home client. Using CAS2 shaves ~ 4-5 min off a wu time on one of my systems.

 

[larry89]

OCZ VX PC3200
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-227-204&depa=0

OCZ VX PC4000
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-227-206&depa=0

Twinmos TMII400
http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-218-062&depa=0

Anand's Article On Ram That shows Lower Timings + Lower FSB but faster.
http://www.anandtech.com/memory/showdoc.aspx?i=2369


Hope this helps. You will need an insane amount of dram voltage to get ddr533 + 2-2-2 timings though. around 3.3-3.5v

 

[Ike0069]

Originally posted by: BadThad
The only real difference I've seen between CAS2 and CAS3 is with the SETI@Home client. Using CAS2 shaves ~ 4-5 min off a wu time on one of my systems.

4-5 minutes off of how long?

 

[nick1985]

Originally posted by: Ike0069

Originally posted by: BadThad
The only real difference I've seen between CAS2 and CAS3 is with the SETI@Home client. Using CAS2 shaves ~ 4-5 min off a wu time on one of my systems.

4-5 minutes off of how long?

20 hours.

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: Slider
Right now I have some corsair value select with 2.5 - 3 - 3 - 8 timings on it. This RAM right here has lower timings:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=20-220-006&depa=0

But it's pretty much the same other than that. I was wondering how much of a performance I would gain if I bought it.

specs:

a64 socket 939 3000+ @ 2.2ghz
RAM mentioned above
chaintech vnf4ultra

Unless you're gonna push the FSB, I don't think you'll notice much difference other than bench scores.

But that looks like a very good deal for a gig with those timings. Prolly otta post that in Hot Deal section. No kidding