RAM CAS latency compatibility inquiry

[Warlord2003]

I have a stick of 128 MB 2.5 CAS RAM in my computer right now... if I buy a 256 MB stick of RAM labeled@ 3 CAS latency and I leave my BIOS settings at 2.5... will my computer be stable... if not... can I even use those two sticks at all... even set at 3 CAS?
Thanks much.

 

[Lord Evermore]

They will both work at CAS3. Whether they'll work at CAS2.5 depends on the quality of the CAS3 module, and what speed chips they actually used. The memory may use somewhat slower chips, and be rated at CAS3 to allow them to reach the frequency they're rated for.

You can usually find CAS2 or CAS2.5 rated memory for about the same price as CAS3, unless you're trying to use them at 400MHz.

 

[Zepper]

CAS 2.5 has pretty much become standard for DDR. I wouldn't buy CAS 3 to save a few bucks. In RAM, you can always run to slower spec. PC133 can run at PC100, CAS 2 at CAS 2.5 or 3 etc..
.bh.