Heather Skinner · 06-27-2005 · Category: Tech-planations

Conclusion

Price vs. Performance

If performance gains can be as small as five to ten percent, is it advisable to choose CAS2 memory? When budgets and compatibility align, the answer is yes. Since a lack of adequate computer memory capacity and speed can create bothersome bottlenecks, it's best to opt for the fastest memory available. CAS2 memory generally carries a price premium over CAS3, but the delta is not always huge, sometimes only a difference of five to ten percent.

Optimum Memory for Your System

Looking at the bottom line, while CAS2 is definitely faster than CAS3, there are several other important elements to consider when evaluating performance versus memory selection. In addition to the most critical item: the speed of the memory module (since CAS latencies are part of many different modules, ranging from PC2100 to PC3200), the processor speed; the motherboard's FSB (front side bus or how fast the memory signal travels along the motherboard); the video card and other peripherals all contribute-positively or otherwise-to the total system performance. Ultimately, combining lower CAS latency memory with faster processors and faster bus speeds makes for the performance difference.

Contents

1. Introduction
2. CAS and RAS Latencies
3. Conclusion

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