RAM timing, 4 digits

[HookedOnPhonicsMonkey]

So, I've gathered that the lower the better for CAS, but why are there 4 small digits (often single digit) and then 1 big double digit at the end. What does this bigger number represent? Are the 3 smaller digits the Latency, and the bigger digit the actual transfer of data?

I'm interested and intrigued because I'm currently running an 8GB rig, but I'm wanting to take the leap up to a 16GB rig. I've found 2 different ones from a brand I've been recommended, Corsair. Links to the 2 are below if you're interested in taking a look for yourself to better help, or recommend your own preference for me.
Also, wouldn't a 1600mhz be better then 1333mhz by default? Just because it's a stronger chip?



http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-Vengeance-Desktop-Memory-CMZ16GX3M2A1600C10/dp/B006EWUO22/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1389856269&sr=1-1-fkmr1&keywords=CORSAIR+8GB+240-Pin+DDR3+SDRAM+DDR3+1600+%28PC3+12800%29+Desktop+Memory+Model+CMV8GX3M1A1600C11


http://www.amazon.com/Corsair-1x8GB-Desktop-Memory-CMX8GX3M1A1333C9/dp/B006XB56VI/ref=br_lf_m_1001203001_1_7_ttl?ie=UTF8&s=pc&pf_rd_p=1705756862&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_i=1001203001&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1Y8T1X4HS8CX3Q8GPFE2

 

[Deuce65]

They represent different timings for the memory. So if you see something like say, 9-9-9-24, the last number is known as "row active time" and represents the amount of time, in clock cycles, it takes to refresh a row.

None of these numbers represent the the speed of data transfer. See where it says PCxxxx (pc12800, or whatever it happens to be)? That is the actual rate of data transfer, in MB/s.

I'm not sure what you mean by stronger chip, but yes memory rated at 1600 is typically faster than memory rated at 1333. Of course, what you actually are able to achieve when overclocking the memory will vary. Price isn't usually a good indication of this because a lot of times, the more expensive memory is more expensive not because it is better, but because it comes with a more expensive (but largely useless) heat spreader.

If you are planning on just plugging in the memory and letting it run at whatever speed comes up than just buy whatever you want, from a reputable brand such as corsair. If you plan on overclocking your memory, than what these ratings represent is what the manufacturer is promising the memory can do (and in theory, what they tested it at). You could very well get it to go faster than that though.

 

[Cons29]

personally, i don't really pay much attention to those, as long as it's the common timing then i'm ok with it. Besides, tighter timings are more expensive but i doubt the difference would be night and day

 

[HookedOnPhonicsMonkey]

They represent different timings for the memory. So if you see something like say, 9-9-9-24, the last number is known as "row active time" and represents the amount of time, in clock cycles, it takes to refresh a row.

None of these numbers represent the the speed of data transfer. See where it says PCxxxx (pc12800, or whatever it happens to be)? That is the actual rate of data transfer, in MB/s.

I'm not sure what you mean by stronger chip, but yes memory rated at 1600 is typically faster than memory rated at 1333. Of course, what you actually are able to achieve when overclocking the memory will vary. Price isn't usually a good indication of this because a lot of times, the more expensive memory is more expensive not because it is better, but because it comes with a more expensive (but largely useless) heat spreader.

If you are planning on just plugging in the memory and letting it run at whatever speed comes up than just buy whatever you want, from a reputable brand such as corsair. If you plan on overclocking your memory, than what these ratings represent is what the manufacturer is promising the memory can do (and in theory, what they tested it at). You could very well get it to go faster than that though.

So between the 2 I've linked, which one would you suggest?

 

[Deuce65]

I would go with G skill F3-1600C9D-16GSR tbh. It's priced the same as the corsair vengence you have there and is better memory. If you insist on choosing between those two, you will be fine with the xms3.