So here is my dumb question for the day..

[OfficialFBomb]

I found two sets of memory to upgrade my laptop with.

8GB DDR3 PC3-14900 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.35V 1024Meg x 64
CT4924979
DDR3 PC3-14900 • CL=13 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1866 • 1.35V • 1024Meg x 64 •

And.

8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.35V 1024Meg x 64
CT4924989
DDR3 PC3-12800 • CL=11 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1600 • 1.35V • 1024Meg x 64 •


Now my delima, both of these come in 16 gb kits, and this is just something i don't quite understand.. Is the 14900 faster? If so why does the 12800 have a lower Cl. The 12800 kit is also a cheaper option. I use my laptop for web browsing, light gaming, downloads etc.. Which should i choose??

 

[brispuss]

The effective latency is least on the DDR3-1600 PC3-12800 memory due to combination of CAS Latency and frequency rating. So this memory is just a bit faster than the DDR3-1866 PC3-14900 memory.

It is usual for the CAS Latency to increase in value for higher frequency memory, and conversely decrease in value for lower frequency memory. This is dependent on memory chips used and their architecture.

As the PC3-12800 memory is effectively a bit faster and as well as being cheaper, then this is the best choice!

 

[Tradesman1]

The 1600 would be the better, chack that it matches the laptop DRAM specs, most all laptops have locked BIOSs so you can't make adjustments to the DRAM settings if any problems