I know overall this is a forum dedicated to games, not components, but I had a question about memory and wondered if this would be the right place.

Edit--

Okay, I know that 4-8GB of memory will cover most gaming and other processes. In fact, some systems can't even handle more than that.

But assuming you had a motherboard and processor that could handle it and you would need it, what amount of memory would be more advisable?

1: 4 x 4GB sticks of 14900 (1833) w/ timing of 8-9-9. CAS latency of 8.

2: 4 x 8 GB sticks of 17000 (2133) Timing 9-11-11. CAs latency of 9.

My question is would there be a sufficient performance difference to merit the extra cost of the 2133? How about if compared to the first option expanded to 32 GB as 4 sticks of 8GB?

Post your question at our Glitches forum. Our tech experts are there.

I'll move you there. Just click on the move link.

Thanks MaG!

This question is above my head, but you don't mention the operating system. I assume you also have a 64-bit operating system which can recognize more than 3.5 GB of memory.

What memory and how much memory is advisable also depends on what tasks you intend to do on your computer. When you start getting above 8 GB of RAM, you are talking about a very high end processor and the need for some demanding processing tasks that are probably beyond gaming. As I understand it, a less than adequate processor can have bottlenecks that do not take full advantage of very high amounts of RAM no matter the latency. I know the lower the number, the faster the RAM.

EDIT: I found this website which explains the relationship between CAS latency and RAM, but I don't know if it answers your question.

Understanding Ram Timing

But Jenny100 and InlandAZ are the experts here and I'm sure they will have much better information for you.

Yes, assuming the CPU and software can handle it.

I'm sorry it's not really my area of expertise.
But what I'd do would be to figure out the maximum amount of RAM I needed and go with that. And for maximum speed I'd choose RAM with the lowest CAS latency (as Draclvr suggested).

Inland would probably be a better source of advice.

Memory can be a factor in games, especially those that load large levels between chapters. As Jenny and Drac stated, the lower the timings the faster the access will be.

Not all motherboards are created equally however; what is the model of your PC? If it's a custom rig, what is the model of the motherboard?

Another thing you'll want to keep in mind is to avoid mixing modules of different speeds (e.g. CL 9 with CL 7). The overall memory will operate at the speed of the slowest module. It's always best to replace memory in matched sets.

Unless you intend to do a fair amount of multi-tasking 6GB should be sufficient.

If your PC is an older model, make sure there are no other bottlenecks lurking, like slow IO transfer rates. The video bus is another important factor.