DDR3 Memory Cas 9 overclocked to Cas 7... VS ...DDR3 Memory Cas 7...

[heyuptiger]

What is the difference of DDR3 memory with Cas latency of 9 thats being overclocked to Cas 7

2GB (2x1GB) CorsairTwinX XMS3, DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600),240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 9-9-9-24, DHX

VS DDR3 memory that is sold as Cas 7.

2GB (2x1GB) Corsair XMS3 DDR3, PC3-12800 (1600), 240 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 7-7-7-20, DHX

Can the DDR3 memory with Cas 7 be overclocked any lower???
if not is the DDR3 Memory with Cas 7 like having the memory already factory overclocked?
I know what latency is, so you don't need to explain, which is a marvel considering lol
This would be useful to find out as you could save £40 if you can overclock without a difference between the two.

Let me know your thoughts
cheers for your help folks


This is the link of the ddr3 memory that i was referring to....
http://scan.co.uk/Index.aspx?NT=1-0-24-32-0

[Webby]

Well if you understand what the latancies mean why are you asking the question?

If you bought DDR2-800 with timings 4-4-4-12 you might expect it to clock higher by relaxing the timings but equally it may end up having the same max speed as memory with 5-5-5-15 stock timings you really can't tell, on the whole lower timings are better and give you every possible advantage in overclocking them further by allowing you to relax them further from stock settings. Also you would need to check if the motherboard supported memory that fast as stock or not or you may not even be able to run at that speed without overclocking the processor.

[heyuptiger]

ooo perhaps i dont know as much as i thought... so the ddr3 cas 7 memory starts at cas 7 leaving more room for overclocking higher bandwidth at decent speeds. where as the other option has a higher latency which would depreciate the value of bandwidth to latency ratio....... so the cas 7 memory is the way to go...

another question i think 2gb ddr3 1600 cas 7 is better than 4gb ddr3 1600 cas 9... would you agree? both are similar prices... i know gaming prefers lower latency but large applications prefer more ram.. so i guess your gonna say it depends on your situation.

thanks for your help webby

[Webby]

On the whole Intel processors care very little about latencies so don't worry about them over much, lower is still better but cost is a big factor. Personally I would rather have 4GB at 9 than 2GB at 7 yes its slightly slower (not something you will notice outside of benchmarks) but you just doubled your bandwidth which will help even out that a bit