1. What is RAM Latency?

RAM latency measures the delay between when a memory controller requests data and when it's available. It's typically measured in nanoseconds (ns) and is calculated using CAS Latency (CL) and memory speed.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the RAM latency equation:

Where:

• \( CL \) — CAS Latency (clock cycles)
• \( Speed_{MT/s} \) — Memory transfer rate in megatransfers per second
• 2000 — Conversion factor (milliseconds to nanoseconds)

Explanation: The equation converts clock cycles to time by accounting for the memory's clock speed.

3. Importance of RAM Latency

Details: Lower latency means faster response times, which can improve system performance, especially in memory-intensive applications. However, both latency and bandwidth affect real-world performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the CAS Latency (CL) value from your RAM specifications and the memory speed in MT/s (e.g., 3200 for DDR4-3200). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is lower latency always better?
A: Generally yes, but the impact depends on workload. Some applications benefit more from higher bandwidth than lower latency.

Q2: How does DDR affect latency calculations?
A: DDR (Double Data Rate) transfers data on both clock edges, but latency is calculated using the base clock rate (MT/s is already accounting for DDR).

Q3: What are typical latency values?
A: DDR4 typically ranges from 10-20ns, while DDR5 might be slightly higher due to higher speeds despite lower CL values.

Q4: Can I compare latency across different RAM generations?
A: Yes, since latency is measured in absolute time (ns), but newer generations often compensate with higher bandwidth.

Q5: Does latency affect gaming performance?
A: Yes, especially in CPU-bound scenarios, but the impact varies by game and system configuration.