I'm thinking about buying some DDR5 RAM, but I need a bit of guidance. Specifically, what CAS latency (CL) should I aim for? Is there a noticeable difference between CL32 and CL36? Also, should I choose RAM rated at 6400 MT/s or 6000 MT/s? I've seen MT/s mentioned, but I'm not familiar with the difference between MT/s and MHz in this context.
2 Answers
The CPU you're using can really influence the RAM specs you should aim for. If you're going with a 9800X3D, both CL32 and CL36 are decent, but CL32 will give you slightly better performance in terms of speed. As for the frequency, 6400 MT/s is generally faster than 6000 MT/s, so if it's in your budget, go for the higher speed!
When choosing between CL32 and CL36, if the price difference isn't huge, I would recommend going for CL32. The lower the latency, the better, especially for gaming and intensive tasks. Regarding the speed, MT/s refers to millions of transfers per second, while MHz measures the frequency. Remember, the higher the MT/s, the better the performance up to a point, so 6400 MT/s is ideal if possible!
Gotcha! So it’s good to prioritize both lower CL and higher MT/s if I can manage it. Thanks for breaking it down!
Thanks for the insights! So, if budget isn't a big issue, the gain from 6400 MT/s is worth it? I’ve heard mixed things.