PC6400/800Mhz 1GB RAM Questions

[crazydj]

Hi Guys!

 

I wish to upgrade the RAM on my PC. I'm currently running 2 X PC6400/800 Crucial DDR2 1GB CL5. Howeever, at my local PC Megamart, almost ALL the shops do not bring in CL5 anymore. They only have CL 6 of the same specs(PC6400/800Mhz ).

 

What is the difference between:

 

1) PC6400/800 DDR2 1GB CL5

2) PC6400/800 DDR2 1GB CL6

3) PC6400/800 DDR2 1GB N5

4) PC6400/800 DDR2 1GB N6

 

I understand that the lower the number, the lower the latency, which is better. Am i right to say this? Thanks!

[chuan.z]

The CL number is the CAS latency. Generally, the lower the better. It's a measure of how many "clock cycles" the memory needs in order to retrieve the memory content, once it is told to do so.

 

Having said that, I have not tried mixing two modules of different CL numbers before. You might need to "underclock" your existing memory (through bios?) to match the CL6. I'll leave that for others more experienced to comment.

 

I'm not sure about N5/N6, haven't seen this before... Maybe I'm out of touch with the latest benchmark!

[crazydj]

That's what stored in SLS are selling. N6. I know that if i mix the CAS latency, my BIOS will automatically underclok all my modules to CL6. I've asked many shops and they said they only have CL6. I asked 1 shop they said because many people dont buy 1GB anymore hence CL6. Doesn't make sense at all. Looks like they clearing stock.

[redbeacon]

You tried the back-facing shops on the upper floors yet? They may still be selling older generation RAM sticks.

[crazydj]

Yeah. Dang. Now my mobo is faulty. Sibei Stressed