CL5 vs CL6

[nadeejalm]

I'm upgrading my memory and I have a Kingston 2gb ddr2 800mhz ram already installed. So in order to achieve dual channel best performance some one told me to make sure that my current ram's bus speed and cas latancy(CL) are identicle to the new ram that I'm going to buy.
My current ram's CL is 5 and I checked with many stores but never came across a ram with CL5. Reason is Kingston discontinued making CL5s and only making ram modules with CL6.
So what should I do? I even checked here.
But they don't list the CL value of a ram module.🙁
Is it okay if I get a CL6 ram?
As far as I know higher the CL value is ram speed will also decrease, right?
So why did Kingston stopped making those rams with lower CL values?

 

[Legohouse]

Yes, CL6 memory will work. Also maybe you can set the latency of the existing memory to CL6 and it should work. The memory will still run in Dual channel mode. You can try getting the memory from the site you have mentioned (memorystock) or try Kingston or crucial.

Btw, I noticed the site you have mentioned has a live chat feature why don't you try contacting their support and ask the latency. Cheers!!

 

[ebtechie1357]

depending how much your want to spend.... you can totally replace the other sticks with the new ones you will buy and upgrade, or if you would like to go the cheaper route just upgrade as long as the bandwidth is the same and they are the same type you should be fine, the CL difference will be very small. Also , both sticks will go to what ever the slowest link in the "chain" is. Let me know if this helps

 

[nadeejalm]

But CL6 is slower than CL5 right? So upgrading to CL6 can slow down my current ram too.
Can you please state whether there is going to be a noticable change or can I just ignore it?

 

[Legohouse]

But CL6 is slower than CL5 right? So upgrading to CL6 can slow down my current ram too.
Can you please state whether there is going to be a noticable change or can I just ignore it?

Yes, CL6 is slower than CL5 but the difference is minute and you wouldn't notice it (we are talking milli and micro seconds here!) You can ignore it. I've never heard that CL slowing down both the memory modules but the frequency or clock speed will be downclocked when higher speed mixed with lower.