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Notes for installed users: Basic knowledge of computer memory synchronization.

2023-03-16

Many computer users only pay attention to brand of memory, amount of memory, and frequency of memory when choosing computer memory. Little attention is paid to memory timing, in fact, memory timing is also one of memory parameters, but what does memory timing mean? It is estimated that few users understand quality of memory timings. Next, I will share with you some basic knowledge about memory timing.

Notes for installed users: Basic knowledge of computer memory synchronization.

1. What does memory timing mean?

Memory time is four parameters that describe performance of Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (SDRAM): CL, TRCD, TRP, and TRAS, and is measured in a clock cycle. They are usually written as four numbers separated by a dash, and 16-18-18-36, shown in figure below, represents time of this memory. (The fourth parameter is often omitted, and sometimes a fifth parameter is added: Command rate, usually 2T or 1T, also written as 2N, 1N.)

Among these four groups of numbers, CL has most noticeable impact on memory performance, which is why many products include memory CL index in product name. memory is between 5 and 11, and last three groups of values ​​are also less than DDR4 memory, that is, at same frequency, DDR3 memory is faster than DDR4 (the editor does not deny DDR4).

Notes for installed users: Basic knowledge of computer memory synchronization.

Second, is memory timing high or low?

The memory sync setting determines latency that affects speed of RAM. Smaller numbers usually mean better performance, so lower memory timings, better for same memory frequency.

In general, we only need to look at first number in memory timing, smaller number, better.

Third, memory recommendations

Actually, when choosing memory, memory timings are not primary factor. Instead, look at capacity first, then frequency, and finally compare memory timings.

For example, if there are two RAMs with same capacity and frequency, and their timings are 16-18-18-38 and 17-17-17-39 respectively, then performance of first one will naturally be better. (Of course, brand of memory should also be considered. It is better to choose memory of a large brand with high timing than counterfeit memory with low timing)

4. How to check computer memory timing?

We can load CPU-Z software and view four values ​​CL, TRCD, TRP and TRAS in memory tab.

Notes for installed users: Basic knowledge of computer memory synchronization.

Under normal circumstances, memory timing will be indicated on nameplate of memory. If sync is not checked on memory, we can also check memory sync using software (CPU-Z).

Conclusion: how to choose memory timing?

If amount of memory and frequency are same, lower timing, better. However, impact of memory timing on memory performance is very small, except that scoring software will show little difference. You won't feel it at all during normal computer use. Instead of getting confused about memory timing, it's best to choose a trusted brand just to be on safe side.

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