This RAM latency calculator determines your memory’s true latency in nanoseconds (ns) by using its clock speed (MHz) and CAS latency (CL).
This helps you compare performance across different RAM kits.
RAM Latency Calculator
Results
This calculator computes the true latency of your RAM based on its clock speed and CAS latency.
Formula: True Latency (ns) = (CAS Latency / Clock Speed (MHz)) × 2000
What Is a RAM Latency Calculator?
This tool calculates how quickly your RAM responds to requests, measured in nanoseconds (ns).
It’s designed for PC builders, gamers, and overclockers who want to optimize their system’s memory performance.
By inputting your RAM’s clock speed and CAS latency, you’ll get its true latency—a key factor in real-world speed beyond just MHz ratings.
Understanding RAM latency helps when:
- Comparing different RAM kits (higher MHz doesn’t always mean faster performance).
- Tuning overclocking settings for better responsiveness.
- Troubleshooting bottlenecks in gaming or productivity workloads.
How to Use the RAM Latency Calculator
- Enter Clock Speed: Input your RAM’s rated speed in MHz (e.g., 3200, 3600).
- Enter CAS Latency: Add its CL value (e.g., CL16, CL18—found in the specs).
- Click “Calculate”: Instantly see your RAM’s cycle time (ns) and true latency (ns).
Pro Tip: Lower latency (e.g., 10ns vs. 12ns) means faster response times, even if clock speeds differ.
Real-World Use Cases
- Gaming: A 3600MHz CL18 kit might have worse latency than a 3200MHz CL14 kit, affecting FPS.
- Content Creation: Tight latency speeds up rendering in apps like Premiere Pro.
- Overclocking: Test how adjusting CL or MHz impacts latency for stability tuning.
How RAM Latency Is Calculated
The formula used:
True Latency (ns) = (CAS Latency ÷ Clock Speed in MHz) × 2000
Example:
- 3200MHz CL16: (16 ÷ 3200) × 2000 = 10ns
- 3600MHz CL18: (18 ÷ 3600) × 2000 = 10ns → Same latency, but higher bandwidth.
FAQs
1. Is lower RAM latency always better?
Yes, but balance it with MHz. A 3600MHz CL18 kit may outperform 3200MHz CL14 in bandwidth-heavy tasks.
2. Where do I find my RAM’s CAS latency?
Check the label (e.g., “DDR4-3200 CL16”) or use tools like CPU-Z under the “Memory” tab.
3. Does latency affect gaming?
Yes, especially in CPU-bound games (e.g., Valorant, CS2), where lower latency reduces stuttering.
4. Can I improve latency without buying new RAM?
Sometimes! Enable XMP/DOCP in BIOS or manually overclock (advanced users only).
5. Why does DDR5 have higher CAS latency than DDR4?
DDR5 uses higher CL values (e.g., CL40) but compensates with massively increased MHz speeds.
Related Tools to Optimize Your PC
While RAM latency affects performance, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. For a complete system analysis, use our PC Bottleneck Calculator to identify whether your CPU, GPU, or RAM is limiting your performance in games or workloads.
Example:
Pair this tool with our bottleneck calculator to prioritize the right upgrades.
High RAM latency plus a CPU bottleneck? Upgrading just your RAM might not solve slowdowns.
Bookmark this tool for future upgrades, or share it with fellow builders!
