CAS Latency vs Speed for RAM

[drnatedogg]

Hey guys. In my ongoing quest to create my first gaming PC, I've run into a slight problem. There seem to be many low budget RAM cards (if that's a correct term) that fit my bill. My question is how much does CAS matter compared to Speed. For instance, would an 2x4 8gb package with 1866 speed and 9 CAS be better than an 2x4 8gb package with 2133 speed and 10 CAS, both priced slightly above $80. (I know the prices are brutal, but I live in Canada, so yeah.)
For further information, I'm also looking at 2x4 8gb with 1600 speed and 8 CAS, also priced slightly above $80. 8 and 10 seem to be in the minority for CAS too, so can many motherboards support them?

 

[Andrew Buck]

Frequency does overcome CAS Latency as you go higher, but it looks pretty much like this: (I will use = in place of about equal to) 1333 CL7 = 1600 CL8 = 1866 CL9 = 2133 CL10 = 2400 CL11 and you won't go much higher in your case. What I must know is your CPU. AMD CPUs don't handle RAM well and lower their performance. They also don't like high frequencies. Intel Haswell CPUs (Core i3-4330, Core i5-4670k, Core i7-4770k) has the BEST performance (which is why I got it, I will be getting 2666 CL10 RAM very soon) followed by Ivy Bridge (Core i3-3240, Core i5-3570K, Core i7-3770K). I would go with 2133 CL9 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231689&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= if you are on Intel Haswell or Ivy Bridge, or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= if you are anything else. I am glad to help, so just ask if you need any.

 

[Tradesman1]

Frequency does overcome CAS Latency as you go higher, but it looks pretty much like this: (I will use = in place of about equal to) 1333 CL7 = 1600 CL8 = 1866 CL9 = 2133 CL10 = 2400 CL11 and you won't go much higher in your case. What I must know is your CPU. AMD CPUs don't handle RAM well and lower their performance. They also don't like high frequencies. Intel Haswell CPUs (Core i3-4330, Core i5-4670k, Core i7-4770k) has the BEST performance (which is why I got it, I will be getting 2666 CL10 RAM very soon) followed by Ivy Bridge (Core i3-3240, Core i5-3570K, Core i7-3770K). I would go with 2133 CL9 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231689&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= if you are on Intel Haswell or Ivy Bridge, or http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID= if you are anything else. I am glad to help, so just ask if you need any.

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+1

 

[drnatedogg]

Just one more thing to ask, how well does 4x4gb work if I ever wanted to upgrade to 16gb. Is it better to just get 2x8gb now or will 4x4gb be fine if I ever decide I need 16gb?

 

[Andrew Buck]

Just one more thing to ask, how well does 4x4gb work if I ever wanted to upgrade to 16gb. Is it better to just get 2x8gb now or will 4x4gb be fine if I ever decide I need 16gb?

2x8 now would be better if your motherboard is only dual channel, 4x4 on a dual channel board is just adding more work for your CPU. That's not to say it wouldn't work - it would, quite well, but it just isn't optimal.

 

[drnatedogg]

Ok, thanks for all your advice. I'm still putting together my build so I could always change something for a more optimal setup. I'll look into the motherboards I'm looking at now and see if they are only dual channel or not. It's not like I'll need 16gb, but you never know.

 

[Andrew Buck]

Ok, thanks for all your advice. I'm still putting together my build so I could always change something for a more optimal setup. I'll look into the motherboards I'm looking at now and see if they are only dual channel or not. It's not like I'll need 16gb, but you never know.

Yeah. What CPU are you getting/do you have?

 

[drnatedogg]

Planning on something in the range of i5-4690k. Maybe i5-4670k to save a few bucks, but I hear it has overheating problems with even minor overclocking. I'm still rather new, this will be my first build, so your advice is always welcome.

 

[Andrew Buck]

Planning on something in the range of i5-4690k. Maybe i5-4670k to save a few bucks, but I hear it has overheating problems with even minor overclocking. I'm still rather new, this will be my first build, so your advice is always welcome.

Stay with the 4690K. It will be well worth it. I made the mistake of getting the i7-4770K instead of waiting 16 days for the 4790K. Impatience sucks.

 

[drnatedogg]

Ok. Thanks for all your help.

 

[Andrew Buck]

No problem, feel free to ask if you have any other questions

 

[drnatedogg]

I guess I have one kind of off-topic of ram. Do you have any experience with any Corsair CX series budget power supply? They are quite cheap and have a nice range of low wattage, it's just somebody advised me that they are made with cheap secondary capacitors that have longevity issues. I could opt instead for a lower budget EVGA model. Also if it's easier for you I can send you private messages so you don't have to track this thread.

 

[Andrew Buck]

I guess I have one kind of off-topic of ram. Do you have any experience with any Corsair CX series budget power supply? They are quite cheap and have a nice range of low wattage, it's just somebody advised me that they are made with cheap secondary capacitors that have longevity issues. I could opt instead for a lower budget EVGA model. Also if it's easier for you I can send you private messages so you don't have to track this thread.

If you want to PM, that is fine, but I can come here. I have a CX750 and had a CX430 originally, my experiences with them are great, but according to some, not so good. The XFX and SeaSonic 550W PSUs are great.

 

[drnatedogg]

I guess here is fine. I made a mock build of a PC with the aim to be under $1000 with Windows 7. Do you think my graphics card will suffice. It would be nice to bring the price down a bit too. Is the motherboard a good deal. I guess just give your general thoughts. Also I realize the Patriot 3 RAM Package is super overpriced, but in Canada it's only $74. The Canadian build adds about $60, so I thought it would just be easier to keep it U.S.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($117.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Viper 3 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($104.92 @ Amazon)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra Plus 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($70.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.91 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 270X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($199.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.62 @ Mwave)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $995.38
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

 

[Andrew Buck]

That is good, but go with the R9 270X MSI Gaming. It is much better because it is cheaper and comes with afterburner. The cooler is also superior.

 

[drnatedogg]

Thanks, was looking at R9 270x models, but I guess I missed that one. Seems to be a good deal.

 

[Andrew Buck]

Thanks, was looking at R9 270x models, but I guess I missed that one. Seems to be a good deal.

Yes it is. I love mine. Good luck!

 

[drnatedogg]

Ok, last questions XD. Is it worth getting an SSD for Windows 7 and other programs to run faster, as I would like to cut some more costs. My only concern is if it would be difficult to put Windows 7 on an SSD down the road if I get one. Also is the motherboard a good deal for the price. Motherboards are the one thing that I haven't really been able to narrow down to a few products because other than simple things like ports and RAM slots they seem quite confusing.

 

[Andrew Buck]

Ok, last questions XD. Is it worth getting an SSD for Windows 7 and other programs to run faster, as I would like to cut some more costs. My only concern is if it would be difficult to put Windows 7 on an SSD down the road if I get one. Also is the motherboard a good deal for the price. Motherboards are the one thing that I haven't really been able to narrow down to a few products because other than simple things like ports and RAM slots they seem quite confusing.

An SSD for Windows 7 is a great choice. For gaming, the loading times will be cut in half. In BF4, getting the first vehicles is critical, and with an SSD, it is much more possible. Down the road, you would have to install windows on a new drive, transfer needed files, and wipe the old HD. You would have to redo all settings and installation of programs. For the motherboard, that is an amazing motherboard that will not disappoint.

 

[drnatedogg]

Ok, thanks for all your help! I'll leave you alone know with all the questions as I am quite confident with what I have found so far, although I might do some more looking. Thanks again.

 

[Andrew Buck]

Ok, thanks for all your help! I'll leave you alone know with all the questions as I am quite confident with what I have found so far, although I might do some more looking. Thanks again.

Alright, good luck and I hope that you make a good decision