How important is RAM latency 16 replies

How much does RAM latency effect performance when gaming? What is the difference between Newegg.com - G.SKILL Trident 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL6T-6GBTD - Desktop Memory and Newegg.com - OCZ Gold 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Low Voltage Desktop Memory Model OCZ3G1600LV6GK - Desktop Memory? The first one is more expensive for better latency. Does the better latency really justify being so much more expensive?

I'd go for the G.Skill, from what I've heard OCZ isn't that good of a brand for RAM. As far as latency goes, the lower the latency the better. RAM doesn't make nearly as much difference in performance as the CPU or GPU, but it can make a difference, so definitely get the G.Skill RAM. (Posting from a Library PC :D)

computernerd;4947476I'd go for the G.Skill, from what I've heard OCZ isn't that good of a brand for RAM. As far as latency goes, the lower the latency the better. RAM doesn't make nearly as much difference in performance as the CPU or GPU, but it can make a difference, so definitely get the G.Skill RAM. (Posting from a Library PC :D)

Yeah...err...what? Do libraries exist in a different dimension or something?

I ask because OCZ make decent stuff and they pretty much always have, and RAM is their specialty. Personally I wouldn't buy their stuff but that's not because OCZ's RAM isn't worth buying, it's because I'm a Corsair whore. As for latencies, yes they make a difference but there's no way in hell that difference is worth $70 - which means the G.Skill is nearly double the price of the OCZ kit - which conveniently brings me back to the alternate dimension I mentioned earlier, nerd.

The difference between ram latency makes almost ZERO difference in real-world conditions. However, when you bring synthetic benchmarks into the equation there can be a very little amount of difference between low and high latency ram.

I'd suggest this kit if it comes back in stock soon. Newegg.com - SUPER TALENT Chrome Series 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model WB160UX6G8 - Desktop Memory

Bs|Archaon;4947502Yeah...err...what? Do libraries exist in a different dimension or something?

Feels like it sometimes ;), I didn't see the price of that until now, that's definitely expensive.

I know lower is better. I was just wondering if it would make a difference when it comes to gaming. Will I get different fps at all? Or would it just be for bragging rights that I have "better" RAM? For that matter, how much difference does frequency make? Would I get a large difference between 1600MHz an and 1800MHz? (Yes, I know higher is better in this case :p)

TheClairvoyant;4947593I know lower is better. I was just wondering if it would make a difference when it comes to gaming. Will I get different fps at all? Or would it just be for bragging rights that I have "better" RAM? For that matter, how much difference does frequency make? Would I get a large difference between 1600MHz an and 1800MHz? (Yes, I know higher is better in this case :p)

No. No difference between FPS/ anything else. You'd only notice a tiny difference in synthetic benchmarks. Latency does very little to performance and theres less than a 1% difference between 1600mhz and 1800mhz

kow_ciller;4947594No. No difference between FPS/ anything else. You'd only notice a tiny difference in synthetic benchmarks.

And that's only if you use your PC for benchmarks.

Well, that's good to know. I won't go spending two times what I need to. What's the point of Newegg.com - mushkin Redline 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model 998729 - Desktop Memory? That's extremely expensive for something that's barely better than its $100-120 counterparts.

Edit-and no, I don't plan on being a benchmark freak. I just want performance in real situations.

I'm too lazy to do it, but there was a site that did a review on RAM, and the difference between generic RAM, and performance RAM was about 3fps. I'd get the OCZ stuff, because: a) I use their ReaperXs, and they're excellent, and b) because it's cheaper. :D