What do the RAM timing settings mean?

[eLiu]

Could someone explain...or link me to an article that explains how ram timings work, and how adjusting them affects performance? (with OCing in mind that is)

thanks,
-eric

 

[Evadman]

really simply, the PC100 133 or 150 mean how fast the memory can run. At a bus speed of 100, 133 or 150 ( 150 for overclocking ) just because memory is rated for 100 does not mean it will not over clock to 133 though.

The second thing is the CL rating. CL2 or CL3. CL3 means that it takes 3 cpu cycles for the memory to respond, CL2 means it takes 2. obvously cl2 helps, as it can be a 1/3 speed gain.

Hope that helps. There are more things that Mem is rated for, but those are the main 2.

 

[eLiu]

Thanks

a further question: people often talk about running RAM at like 2-2-2 or 2-2-3, etc...what do those #'s mean? And how does adjusting those (in BIODS, right?) affect performance/stability...again, OCing could be a factor

thanks,
-eric

 

[RedBeard0531]

Rule-of-thumb for RAM timming - Low = fast and high = stable
hope that helps

 

[eLiu]

lol

does changing any particular # in that "2-2-2" sequence affect a particular part of the system?

And, when I OC, which #'s do I adjust up for increased stability...if there are problems?