RAM - Is 'Low Latency' worth the extra?

Sooty · Post by **Sooty** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 9:58 am

Two sets of matched Corsair 1GB 3200 RAM - half way down page...
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/acatalog/ ... ir_65.html

Corsair 1GB DDR XMS3200C2PT TwinX (2x512MB) CAS2 (MY-030-CS)
A matched pair of 512MB XMS3200C2 memory modules - 1GB total - ideal for dual DDR motherboards.
£159.90 +VAT

Corsair 1GB DDR XMS3200LLPT TwinX (2x512MB) CAS2 (MY-018-CS)
A matched pair of 512MB XMS3200LL Low Latency memory modules - 1GB total - ideal for dual DDR motherboards.
£181.25 +VAT

The only difference I can figue (apart from price ), is the mention of 'Low Latency'. So what is Low Latency precisely, and is it worth the extra?

GamingGod · Post by **GamingGod** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 10:04 am

From benchmarks that ive seen you get about 2-3 frames a second faster in games. Its a pretty small differnce, I say just get the cheapest brand name RAM that will go in your board. Corsair is way too overpriced. Ive got Kingston hyperx and it works perfectly.

Harry Azol · Post by **Harry Azol** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 10:27 am

not worth it at all
http://www.gamepc.com/labs/view_content ... ths&page=1

Post by **Ralf Hutter** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 12:15 pm

As an ex-Overclocker (who's still in therapy) I'd have to say "no" from a seat-of-the-pants feel. You'll probably never notice it except on benchmarks.

If you're thinking of using that Corsair LL memory on a P4 875/865 board be careful. It's one of the most problematical types of RAM for those boards. Sometimes it works fine but a lot of people have problems with it too.

sbabb · Post by **sbabb** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 2:10 pm

Ralf Hutter wrote:As an ex-Overclocker (who's still in therapy) I'd have to say "no" from a seat-of-the-pants feel. You'll probably never notice it except on benchmarks.

If you're thinking of using that Corsair LL memory on a P4 875/865 board be careful. It's one of the most problematical types of RAM for those boards. Sometimes it works fine but a lot of people have problems with it too.

Hah! Your post says "no" but your signature says "Mushkin Level II"

I'd say it depends on what you're doing. If you're rendering 3D graphics or doing tons of video editing with effects, maybe it would help. Maybe not. It'd probably unnoticable if you're web surfing and reading e-mail. Gaming could be a mixed bag. The graphics card usually seems to be a limiting factor in gaming.

I don't know if running memory slower than specs will generate less heat (and require less cooling == less noise.)

Scott

GamingGod · Post by **GamingGod** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 2:19 pm

Low latency is definately faster. But its a luxery item I think. You would be better off putting the money into a better graphics card or processor. LL memory is just to get that little extra umpf for alot more money.

the_smell · Post by **the_smell** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 2:22 pm

Just to give my two cents - I can't notice much difference between using 'low latency' RAM compared to the more everyday stuff 99% of the time. I only use Corsair LLPT because it was going cheap (£100 inc VAT) in a sale a while back.

Save you money or buy more RAM for the same price, just please get a good reliable brand, I've found generic RAM can be unreliable.

crypt0r · Post by **crypt0r** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 2:31 pm

I was about to get some moderately high end RAM (Kingston HyperX PC3500) today until I saw this post. The link was supposed to dissuade me from getting LL RAM. However, it convinced me to get Mushkin Black Level II. Go figure =p.

energy · Post by **energy** » Mon Dec 15, 2003 5:37 pm

You can get 1Gb PC2700 Crucial for £102 inc shipping at Crucial.com/uk using a coupon code, BBUKWEBPROMO.

Not bad for reliable memory with a lifetime warranty.

silvervarg · Post by **silvervarg** » Tue Dec 16, 2003 1:52 am

I'm not an expert on memory timings, but read a few tests recently to decide what memory to buy.
Going from CAS2.5 to CAS2 usually gives about 3% performance. Going from CAS2 to more agressive CAS2 settings (that can be possible with low latency memory) give you a lot less performance. Probably in the 1% range.
The speed difference is in syntetic benchmarks, so in every day work the difference will be smaller.

The major benefit with high quality memory is that you can overclock by raising the FSB and the memory can still keep up. Just going up 5% FSB gives a lot more speed than tweaking the last bit of memory timings out of your RAM.
Oh, one last thing. Do stick with good brands, you do get better quality, better stability, and better return policy if something doesn't work as it should.

efcoins · Post by **efcoins** » Wed Dec 17, 2003 4:47 am

Both the modules you linked to are Low latency
CAS2 = low latency
CAS2.5 = medium latency
CAS3 = High

silvervarg · Post by **silvervarg** » Thu Dec 18, 2003 1:18 am

I think the low latency in this case referes to the less important memory setting. Comparing setting 2-4-4 vs 2-3-3 vs 2-2-2 will make a small difference that was what I ment with the 1% performance difference.

RAM - Is 'Low Latency' worth the extra?

RAM - Is 'Low Latency' worth the extra?

funny