Login

or
don't have an account?
back to glossary

CAS Latency

pc

CAS Latency is the number of clock cycles it takes for a memory module to access a specific column of data in RAM once a memory controller sends a request to the memory module's column access strobe (CAS) line.

expanded

CAS Latency, often abbreviated as 'CL,' is a key performance metric for DRAM modules, indicating the time delay between the data request and actual data availability. The lower the CAS Latency number, the faster the data retrieval time, crucial for applications requiring high-speed data processing. It is typically denoted in cycles and is an important consideration in balancing memory performance with cost-efficiency in computer systems.

examples

A computer system using DDR4-3200 RAM with a CAS Latency of CL16.

This specification is common in gaming environments where rapid data access is critical for smooth performance during complex, high-speed gaming scenarios.

A server setup utilizing DDR4-2666 ECC RAM with CAS Latency CL19.

This arrangement is typical in enterprise servers where data integrity and stability are prioritized along with efficient data access speeds.