PC3-12800 - cl11 normal?

[GMasonDragonDad]

I just got a new workstation with an i7/c216 chipset.

CPU-z reports Hyundai Electronics at 800mhz cl = 11-11-11-28.

is it just slow ram or is there a performance vs reliability tradeoff between cl8 and cl11 ram? Just want information in case I see a sale on more memory.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

is it just slow ram or is there a performance vs reliability tradeoff between cl8 and cl11 ram? Just want information in case I see a sale on more memory.

Its just slow ram. One should be just as reliable as the other. Running at such loose timings is just to make 110% sure everything works as it should. No OEM is interested in replacing the system under warranty after all. The DIMM itself may even be capable of much lower timings then what's programmed in its SPD.

Think of it this way: the manufacturer may bin 1000 DIMMs to get one that's capable of enthusiast-level speeds and timings. That leaves 999 for retail-sale/OEM use. All have to go somewhere and they likely work perfectly at stock settings, but lack the OC potential.

Even the performance difference is minimal at best, so long as you avoid 1333MHz DIMMs.

 

[GMasonDragonDad]

I wanted to stay "stability" instead of "reliability". I did not go for the full Xenon/ECC setup due to it being even a more massive overkill than what I am currently using it for..

Was just curious as to if there was a technical reason after looking at build your own parts for so long.

thanks for the answer.

 

[Insert_Nickname]

I wanted to stay "stability" instead of "reliability".

If there is, its minimal. If you use that system for anything serious, I'd definitely not tamper too much with the ram timings. What may appear stable, can occasionally result in some very strange issues. Better safe then sorry.

Generally I buy either Corsair, Kingston or Samsung ram. Occasionally Crucial/Micron (non-Ballistix), if the price is right. It's been years since I have had a defective DIMM (since 2007, knock on wood).