The difference between CL2 and CL3 for ram

[kenyen]

Hi, I'm looking to add an additional 128 megs of ram to my Gateway Performance 800. From reading in your forums, crucial ram seems to be top quality so I want to get a stick of that. THe problem is when I went to there site, I found out that for 128 megs...there are two choices, CL2 and CL3. Could someone please recommend to me which CL I should get? It would be great if they also explained to me what CL2 and CL3 mean. Thank you and have a nice day!

 

[Majinga]

What is the performance difference between CL2 and CL3?


Description:

What is the performance difference between CL2 and CL3?

Solution:

CL2 parts process data a little quicker than CL3 parts in that you have to wait one less clock cycle for the initial data. However, after the first piece of data is processed, the rest of the data is processed at equal speeds. Latency only affects the initial burst of data. Once data starts flowing, there is no effect. Bear in mind, a clock cycle for a PC100 module is 10 nanoseconds so you probably won't notice a significant performance difference. Most systems will accept either latency part. However, there are some systems that require either CL2 or CL3 parts. These requirements are built into our Memory Selector¢â.

 

[kenyen]

thanks for the speedy response...however, i still don't fully understand. is my best bet to buy the CL2 ram? How can I find out if I have CL2 or CL3 ram in my computer now?

 

[Mingon]

cas2 is backwardly compatible i.e it will run at cas3. So your best bet is to get cas and if your existing is cas2 then no worries, if it is cas3 then again no probs.

 

[kenyen]

do i need to configure it at all? or will my computer automatically detect the cas?

 

[Mingon]

it will run at the same speed as the current memory.

 

[kenyen]

thanks...i don't know if you read the hot deals forum...but if you do, would you suggest i go for the crucial memory or jump on the cheap kingston memory? or do you suggest some other brand of memory?

 

[macssuck]

Either brand is a good choice but if you want to take the risk on cheap stuff its up to you though.

 

[Mingon]

Crucial memory all the way, thats stuff is the mutts nuts