16-18-18-18-36 RAM Timing | What’s the Deal With This Timing?
When you talk about memory timings, you’re talking about how much time a memory module takes to read and write. It takes time for memory chips to completely execute commands because of the intrinsic characteristics of VLSI (Very Large Scale Integration) as well as microelectronics. Data damage and system difficulties may happen from typing commands too fast. For memory components to be provided the chance to properly switch diodes and charge capacitors while also accurately signaling back info to the program memory, it is necessary to allow for sufficient time between commands. This timing has a direct effect on the quality of the system as the performance of the model is dependent on how quickly memory can be utilized.
Relative delay (and, consequently, system performance) are controlled both by timings and also the frequency of the memory clock. Remember that when converting memory timings to real delay, the timings are usually measured using clock cycles, which means that with double data transmission memory, the transmission rate is half that of the generally cited transfer rate. This is difficult to determine whether one group of timings becomes “faster” than the other without first determining the clock frequency.
RAM is a critical computer element, although we don’t hear much about it these days. Unless it is equipped with advanced temperature spreader architecture as well as RGB decorations, RAM is rarely exposed to the elements. The CPU establishes the environment in which the other of your system runs, and you’ll get a little more performance through your PC by upgrading to quicker memory. The speed of your RAM is determined by the clock speed as well as the timing, or delay.
Finding Your RAM’s Clock Speed
It is possible to find out the performance of the RAM by looking at it on the packet or the module, or by using software such as CPU-Z or even the BIOS/UEFI. Your RAM module’s full name will be along the lines of the below.
Although the real clock speed in DDR RAM is half as fast as the data rate – 1600 MHz – the internal clock speed of the RAM is 400 MHz, which is ramped up by the use of additive pre-fetch bits to achieve the higher speed. The actual clock speed can be considered to be twice as fast as the true clock speed, as DDR transmits data twice for every click of the clock. As a consequence, the data transfer rate is effectively the same for the visible clock speed of the RAM measured in megahertz (MHz).
In this case, the Computer number, 25600, represents the transmission rate, which is calculated in MB per second (MB/s). The maximum potential transmission rate can be calculated by multiplying the bit rate (in mega transfers) even by the size of the I/O bus (64 bits on all recent motherboards), which yields the following result:
3200 mega transfers every second multiplied by 64 bits each transfer and 8 bits each byte equals 25600 mega transfers each second.
Each number refers to how fast your RAM is on an individual basis. However, both numbers contain the same data, it is only presented differently.
What is RAM Timing?
Timings are yet another method of determining RAM speed. These timings of a RAM chip are used to quantify the latency between several typical operations on the memory chip. Latency is defined as the time elapsed between two operations. It is sometimes referred to as the “waiting time.” Because the lowest timings are determined by spec, you could consult a table that lists the highest RAM timings that are possible for every DDR standard.
Clock cycles are used to determine RAM timing. Times are listed as four numerals separated by dashes, such as 16-18-18-38, in retail stores. Smaller numbers move more quickly. The significance of the numerals is revealed by the order in which they appear.
Memory having low specified timings will be more robust than memory with higher-rated timings when both are operated at the very same clock frequency. To be honest, You should always choose for memory that has the absolute lowest delays while maintaining an acceptable clock speed. This way, You can increase the clock speeds while still having enough freedom to alter the timings to guarantee that it operated reliably and efficiently. Previously, You might have done so; simply get the best computer You can manage and enable the XMP feature.
In addition, it’s important to note that stated the bandwidth of the memory is impacted by a range of variables other than just clocks as well as timings, independent of the test used. Each of the following factors can create a change: motherboard configuration, memory layout, trace pattern, or BIOS revision.
Analysis 16-18-18-18-36 RAM Timing
Each number is explained below –
First Number: CAS Latency (CL)
The CAS latency is the amount of time it takes therefore for memory to react to the CPU (CL). CL. However, you cannot view it in isolation. Depending on the transmission rate of the RAM, this calculation transforms CL timing approximately in nanoseconds. It is as follows:
multiplied by (CL/Transfer Rate) x 2000
In a conclusion, slower RAM with a smaller CL can potentially offer lower latency than faster RAM with the same CL.
Second Number: TRCD
The addressing of RAM modules is accomplished through the usage of a grid-based design. The overlap of rows or columns numbers shows the location of a specific memory address in the system. The row addressing to column addressing delay (TRCD) is a measure of the shortest amount of time that elapses between the entry of a new row of memory and also the commencement of accessing columns within it. One way of thinking about it is the longer it will take for the RAM to “get to” this address. TRCD + CL is the time required to have the first bite out of a previously inert row after it has been idled for a while.
Third Number: TRP
The Row Precharge Time (TRP) is a measure of the latency required in establishing a new row in RAM. When it comes to the technical details, it monitors the time that elapses between providing the precharge instruction to inactive (or shut) one row with giving the activation command to start another row. It’s almost always the same as the second number in the sequence. The latency of both processes is influenced by the same causes.
Fourth Number: TRAS
To successfully write input, a row must be open for a minimum number of cycles, which is measured by Row Active Time (TRAS). According to the specifications, it measures the time elapsed between delivering an active command on one row and submitting a precharge command on the very same row, or the shortest possible time among opening and shutting a row. TRCD + CL is the formula for calculating TRAS in SDRAM modules.
These latencies have the effect of slowing down the productivity of your RAM. However, it is the RAM specs that determine the upper limit. Such timings are enforced by the controller that regulates your RAM, which means they can be adjusted, only if the motherboard allows. Overclocking your RAM and compressing the timings according to cycles can be able to improve the quality of your system’s memory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does CL16 18 18 38 on RAM Mean?
You may notice the RAM timings while buying a RAM such as CL16-18-18-38 or CL14-14-14-34 or CL 16-18-18-36. CL is referred to “CAS Latency” and the number after “CL” represent the CAS latency of that RAM kit.
What Is the Best CL16 Timing?
The best CL16 timing is CL16-18-18. It provides better performance, lower latency and improved response rate than CL16-20-20.
Is CL16 or CL18 better?
CL18 can process more instructions but takes much time. On the other hand, CL16 can take a little bit less time but process fewer instructions than CL8. So, if speed is your concern, then you can go for the CL16. But if instructions are more important to you, then go for the CL18.
Conclusion
When it comes to hardware overclocking procedures, RAM overclocking has to be the most fickle, demanding the most pauses and trial-and-error testing. Faster RAM reduces the computation time required for RAM-bound activities, resulting in improved rendering performance and virtual server responsiveness.
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