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    DDR2 533 CL4 vs DDR2 667 CL5 (running at 533)

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Zeta, Sep 1, 2008.

  1. Zeta

    Zeta Notebook Geek

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    Ok I have searched and read some topics and know that 533 with CL4 has similar performance with 667 CL5, however, I would like to know if my chipset only support up to 533, will 533 CL4 actually better than 667 CL5 (running at 533)? Or maybe the same?

    Because I found that 667 CL5 is slightly cheaper than 533 CL4, but my motherboard support 533 only anyway.
     
    Zeta, Sep 1, 2008
    #1
  2. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

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    Many times the faster when it downclocks the CL lowers also. No guarantee though.
     
    powerpack, Sep 1, 2008
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  3. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    The lower the CAS latency (given the same clock speed), the less time it takes to fetch data.

    DDR2-533 CL4 is kinda standard, so if you get DDR2-667 CL4 RAM it should downclock to DDR2-533 CL3, and should provide a boost when running intensive tasks....
     
    Andy, Sep 1, 2008
    #3
  4. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

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    Most CL5 DDR2-667 RAM will automatically run at CL4 at 533MHz. The RAM is coded with a table (called SPD) for its minimum timings at different frequencies. See this example for a Transcend 2GB module:

    [​IMG]

    The BIOS inspects the RAM during bootup and uses the fastest timing supported by both modules. Note that CPU-Z reports the true memory bus speed. DDR2 means the data frequency is twice the bus speed.

    John
     
    John Ratsey, Sep 1, 2008
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  5. Zeta

    Zeta Notebook Geek

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    It's clear now, thanks to everyone.
     
    Zeta, Sep 1, 2008
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  6. miro_gt

    miro_gt Notebook Deity

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    currently mine doesn't show this whole information for the memory. I just shows slot1: 1024 MB, DD2 .. and that's it :(

    stock memory from Lenovo, 2x1 GB modules, with Hynix chips
     
    miro_gt, Sep 1, 2008
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  7. Andy

    Andy Notebook Prophet

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    Upload a screenshot of the Memory and SPD pages in CPU-Z....
     
    Andy, Sep 1, 2008
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