In a RAM, there you will find different important parameters that are responsible for providing a better performance. Among them, CL or CAS Latency is one of the important parameters of RAM.
Basically, it’s a time period that requires the RAM to respond to the CPU’s data request. And that’s while buying a RAM, it’s important to check out the value of CAS Latency of the RAM to get optimal and better performance.
If you don’t have any idea about CL in RAM then here, we are to help you out. In today’s Hogwarts class, we will learn about every possible thing related to the CL. So, hop in the Hogwarts Express, and let’s reach the Hogwarts classroom together to know the unknown!
What Does CL Mean in RAM?
You can refer to CL or CAS (Column Access Strobe) Latency as memory latency. In simple words, it’s the time that is needed by the RAM to access the requested data. CAS Latency or CL is measured in clock cycles. Here we have provided an example, that will help you to understand what CL actually means.
Let’s say, your RAM has a CL value of 20, it means, the memory module will require 20 clock cycles to access the requested data. If the value is 15, then the required time is 15 clock cycles. CAS Latency is an important parameter of RAM because it can tell a user how efficiently the RAM can work.
Importance of CAS Latency Value in RAM
There is a thumb rule that states that the lower the CAS Latency, the faster the RAM will be. Basically, it’s more important when you are doing work that requires frequent memory access. For example, when you are gaming intensively, or editing pictures, you will require a lot of memory access.
Having a RAM with lower CL will help to get the memory access quickly and as a result you will get a better performance. If you have RAMs with different CL values, then you can check them out by yourself and, you will definitely get a noticeable difference in the performance of both RAMs.
Where You Can Find the CL Value of RAM
Generally, the CL value can be found printed on the RAM’s body. You will find something like this, CL17-18-18-38, and here the first two digits are the CAS Latency value of RAM.
If you didn’t get this kind of thing on your RAM then you can use third-party software like CPU-Z, Piriform Speccy, Command Prompt, etc. to find out the CL value. Moreover, you can search on Google by the RAM model or name, and then you can find out the CL value from its specification.
Final Thoughts
While buying RAM, besides other factors, you will need to consider CL value as well. Always remember, that RAM with a better frequency and CL value can provide you with a better performance. So, keep yourself from higher CL RAM and prevent your system from slowing down.
People Also Ask – PAA
What is a Good CAS Latency for RAM?
Actually, the lower the value of CL, the better the RAM is. So, there isn’t any particular value that can be referred to as a good CL value. For example, between 22 and 16, 16 is better.
Can I Mix CAS Latency RAM?
Yes, you can but it won’t be a good idea. Because the CL of the slower counterpart will be used by the motherboard you won’t be able to get better performance.
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