Ram timing -- does it really matter that much?

[eflat]

I building a high end Athlon XP computer..

How big a difference is CL2 vs CL3 timings going to make on overall system performance?

More than 2-3%?

 

[prochobo]

Not even.

 

[fixxxer0]

Its the 1T and 2T that will make a difference. Stay on 1T however u can.

 

[Jiggz]

In today's world, the CAS latency has very little effect on the performance of the system, unless the program is a memory intensive one. But if everything is the same, a lower CAS Latency is obviously better. Another one is the RAS to CAS Delay. The most important factor to look first is the rated speed of the RAMs. You always want to buy the fastest you can afford. Thereafter, start comparing the latencies and delays.

 

[CraKaJaX]

Maybe for a couple extra points in the benchmarks, but that's about all.