Is 2-2-2-5-1T really worth it?

[IronBits]

Exploring the performance impact of memory latency
THESE DAYS, SEEMINGLY every major memory module manufacturer is producing fancy low-latency DIMMs. These DIMMs are equipped with tricked-out heat spreaders and come in a variety of different colors, making them easy to pick out in a crowd. There's more to them than funky cosmetics, though. The most exotic low-latency DIMMs are rated to run at extremely tight 2-2-2-5 timings at 400MHz. Unfortunately, you'll pay a small fortune for the privilege. Low-latency modules cost close to twice as much as more pedestrian DIMMs, if not more.

Lower latencies are a good thing, of course, but how much can they really improve system performance? Are exotic, low-latency DIMMs worth the price premium? Read on as we explore the effects of memory latency on Athlon 64 performance in synthetic memory benchmarks, games, and real-world applications.
http://techreport.com/etc/2005q4/mem-latency/index.x?pg=1

[Shish]

Yeah, I`ve been reading around recently and I think it was on Anandtech I was reading several reports considering just this.
It would appear that, dependent on use obviously, you may lose only between, worst case, 16% and 5% by using value ram and standard speeds and timings.
They tested over a variety of benchmarks including all the standard stuff and graphics stuff.
Interesting reading.
I already knew from similar research on some boards and cpus that AMD stuff gets hurt more by the 2T command where you`re using 1Gb modules or 4xwhatever modules in dual channel than by increasin Cas 2 and Cas 2.5 to Cas 3 to get better speed when overclocking.
They also had a lot more interesting stuff on similar subjects and some info on new (DFI?) boards allowing 1T command rate on 4x Dual channel rams and the bigger 2x1Gb rams.
I think they had a major comparison which charted a lot of different rams speeds at different speeds and latencies which was eye opening to say the least.

Now I gotta find time to read that link IB <mutter mutter>.....
;)
Bring back the 30 hour day :rolleyes: