Memory timing question.

[QueBert]

I have 512 megs of Corsair XMS Pro in my system now, the timing is 3-3-3-5 (I believe) I was looking at prices and saw the newer XMS XL memory with 2-2-2-5 timing. I poked around on Google for compairsons, but the best I cound find were pointless results from benchmarks. Real world usage, what kind of performance difference would I see if I went with the 2-2-2-5, obviously it would be faster, but would it be a Raptor vs. good 7200 HD case. Where you don't typically notice too much difference?

 

[pkypkypky]

if you're not o/c'ing them, you're looking an almost neglible difference. 1-2% is my estimate for real-world difference. Money wasted. Double up your memory if you want something real

 

[QueBert]

that's what I figured, but since the price difference between the non XL and XL was small I thought I'd ask.

now another question. If I get another 512 stick of XMS Pro and toss in it, is there any chance I'll have issues running it dual channel? I've read a few places tonight you should get the Twinx pack, which seems hype to get you to spend more money.

 

[Appledrop]

two identical sticks should have zero problems running DC.

 

[Calin]

The more you need to access the memory, the better the results will be. However, I expect a 15% difference at most in specially written applications, and 5% at most in common programs (or games). This 5% is barely above the threshold at which you can make a difference.