Technology

RAM Latency Calculator

Free RAM latency calculator to determine true memory latency in nanoseconds from DDR4/DDR5 frequency and CAS timings. Compare memory kits and optimize your PC build.

MHz
CL
Advanced Timings (Optional)

Calculate True RAM Latency

Memory speed isn't just about MHz - latency matters too. Our calculator converts CAS latency timings to real-world nanoseconds, helping you compare DDR4 and DDR5 memory kits to find the best balance of speed and responsiveness.

Understanding RAM Latency

RAM latency is the delay between requesting data and receiving it. While higher frequency (MHz) means more bandwidth, CAS Latency (CL) determines how many clock cycles until data arrives. True latency in nanoseconds combines both factors.

Latency Formula

Latency (ns) = (CAS Latency × 2000) ÷ Frequency (MHz)

Why RAM Latency Matters

Gaming Performance

Lower latency reduces frame time variance and improves 1% lows, especially in CPU-bound games.

Productivity

Applications that frequently access memory benefit from faster response times.

Value Comparison

Compare DDR4 vs DDR5 kits fairly - DDR5 has higher CL numbers but also higher frequencies.

How to Use the RAM Latency Calculator

1

2

3

4

5

Common RAM Configurations

DDR4-3200 CL16

10ns latency - great budget choice for gaming and general use.

DDR4-3600 CL14

7.78ns latency - excellent for Ryzen systems, top-tier DDR4.

DDR5-6000 CL30

10ns latency - sweet spot for DDR5 with high bandwidth.

DDR5-6400 CL32

10ns latency - fast DDR5 matching DDR4-3200 latency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Both matter. For gaming, aim for sub-10ns true latency. For productivity requiring bandwidth (video editing, compression), higher frequency helps even with slightly higher latency.