For PC gamers, performance is a very important factor, as it can take their gaming experience to a level of pleasure or disgrace. And while many gamers tend to focus their attention on the GPU and CPU to get good performance in their games, RAM is also a necessary component to achieve this result. However, there is a debate between two aspects associated with this hardware: timing vs. frequency. Which one matters in gaming? Keep reading the post to find out.

Understanding RAM specifications

Before going on to explore in depth the points related to memory timing vs. frequency, let’s define these terms so that you can be clear about the mechanics that govern the operation of this component.

Frequency (MHz)

This refers to the number of cycles (times per second) that RAM can perform to access data. The higher the frequency, the higher the speed at which data will be transferred from the RAM to the CPU, which will have a favorable impact on game performance.

Timing

This is a characteristic that represents the latency or delay experienced in the process of requesting and delivering data between RAM and CPU. Within the timing there are four numbers that represent the following:

• CAS Latency (CL): The delay between the request for data by the memory controller and the sending of the first data bit.
• Row Column Delay (tRCD): The delay between the activation of a memory row and the access to the columns inside of it.
• Row Precharge Time (tRP): The time required to terminate access to an open row and open access to the next row.
• Row Active Time (tRAS): The time that the row remains open for access.

The interaction that occurs between frequency and timing is complex, which impacts overall RAM performance.

Impact of memory timing and raw frequency in modern games

When contrasting how memory timing and frequency separately impact modern games we find that frequency tends to have a more significant effect on their performance. Still, it’s important to take both factors into account in order to bring this gaming indicator to an optimal level. Let’s now take a look at how each feature impacts gaming.

Impact of frequency on modern games

RAM with higher frequencies usually provide higher performance in games. What happens if we increase the RAM frequency from 2400 MHz to 3200 MHz?

Well, by doing this you’ll get a noticeable improvement (between 5 and 10%) in frame rates in games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Red Dead Redemption 2. For DDR5 RAM, the sweet spot for gaming performance is around 6000-6400 MT/s.

Impact of timing on modern games

Although it has less impact than frequency, tighter timing can favorably impact gaming performance. Lower CAS latency can improve game response, especially in memory-sensitive applications. In a Cyberpunk 2077 test, an adjustment of CL16 to CL14 timing was applied at a frequency of 3200 MHz. This resulted in a 3% increase in frame rates in the game, which, while not impressive, demonstrates the effectiveness of this initiative.

Balancing frequency and memory timing

If you’re thinking of upgrading your PC’s RAM to boost your gaming performance, we recommend buying one from a balanced approach.

This means making sure that the model you purchase has a frequency between 3200 to 3600 MHz and a CL16 timing or lower. So, a RAM with these values in frequency and timing will give you a favorable performance-to-value ratio for most of the games you play.

Also, if you do a price comparison of RAMs, you’ll see that those with higher frequencies are usually more expensive than those with lower frequencies and lower timings. It’s important to keep in mind that the impact of RAM specifications on game performance can vary depending on the game you’re playing and your PC system configuration.

While RAM speed and timing optimizations can provide measurable benefits, other factors such as CPU and GPU performance often have a more significant impact on the overall gaming experience.

Ultimately, while pursuing the highest possible specifications in RAM can bring measurable benefits in gaming performance it’s prudent to apply the law of diminishing returns. This means that if you have a RAM with a frequency of 2400 MHz and replace it with one with a frequency of 3200 MHz the effect will likely be more noticeable than if you do so with a RAM that has a frequency of 3200 MHz and replace it with a 4000 MHz RAM.

Remember that RAM is only one part of the gaming performance equation. Ensuring a balanced system with a capable CPU and GPU is equally if not more important for an optimal gaming experience.

Memory timing vs. frequency: Who wins in the performance game?

After learning how frequency and timing exert their influence on gaming performance it can be said that there is no absolute winner between these two aspects. Each plays a crucial role in this indicator and is almost always in tandem, so to think that one doesn’t depend on the other to have its effect is wrong.

So, to get good performance in most of the games you play, you’ll want to keep a balance between these features when buying RAM. Be sure to look for models whose frequency is in the 3200-360 MHz range and that have CL16 timings or lower. Also, consider the types of games you play most often so that you choose a RAM whose frequency and timing will boost its performance.