1. What is RAM Latency?

RAM latency refers to the time delay between when a memory controller requests data from RAM and when that data becomes available. It's a critical performance metric measured in nanoseconds (ns) that affects how quickly your system can access data from memory.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RAM latency formula:

Where:

• \( CAS Latency \) — Column Address Strobe latency (cycles)
• \( RAM Clock \) — Memory clock speed (MHz)
• \( 2000 \) — Conversion factor (1000 for MHz to GHz × 2 for double data rate)

Explanation: The formula calculates the actual time delay in nanoseconds based on the CAS latency cycles and the memory clock frequency.

3. Importance of RAM Latency

Details: Lower latency means faster memory response times, which can improve system performance, especially in memory-intensive applications and games. It's an important consideration when comparing different RAM modules.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the CAS Latency (typically between 14-22 cycles) and RAM Clock speed (e.g., 2133, 2400, 3200 MHz). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is CAS Latency?
A: CAS (Column Address Strobe) Latency is the number of clock cycles it takes for the RAM to return data after receiving a request from the memory controller.

Q2: Is lower latency always better?
A: Generally yes, but the relationship between latency and actual performance is complex. Both frequency and latency contribute to overall memory performance.

Q3: How does DDR affect latency calculations?
A: DDR (Double Data Rate) memory transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock cycle, which is why we multiply by 2000 instead of 1000 in the formula.

Q4: What are typical latency values?
A: For modern DDR4/DDR5 RAM, latency typically ranges from 8-20ns, depending on the specific memory specifications.

Q5: Can I compare latency across different RAM speeds?
A: Yes, calculating the actual latency in nanoseconds allows for direct comparison between different RAM modules regardless of their clock speeds.