RAM Latency Calculator (True ns)
Compare memory kits fairly. CL alone lies — true latency in nanoseconds is what counts.
Quick Summary · TL;DR
True latency (ns) = CL × 2000 ÷ speed (MT/s). DDR5-6000 CL30 = 10ns, the same as DDR4-3200 CL16 — so a bigger CL is not automatically slower. Aim for ~10ns or lower on DDR5.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher CAS latency (CL) always worse?
No; CL is only half the story. True latency in nanoseconds is CL divided by the data rate, so a DDR5-6000 CL30 kit and a DDR4-3200 CL16 kit both land near 10ns despite very different CL numbers.
What RAM latency is good for gaming in 2026?
On DDR5, aim for roughly 10ns or lower; DDR5-6000 CL30 is the sweet spot for AMD AM5 because it also syncs 1:1 with the memory controller.
Does RAM latency or speed matter more for gaming?
They work together; what matters is the true latency in nanoseconds and the bandwidth from the data rate. A balanced kit like DDR5-6000 CL30 optimises both.
See which memory kit each tier uses in the Auto PC Builder, or browse every tool on the tools page.