CL16 vs CL18 RAM: Which is Better in 2024?

By: Editorial Team

CAS latency is one of the RAM specifications (frequency, size, and type) that affect RAM performance. High-performance gaming within a budget is every gamer’s role. And one of the components that adds a good amount of boost to performance is RAM.

CL16 is faster than CL18 because it takes fewer cycles to handle data from the GPU and GPU than CL18. But what if you have higher frequency RAM with high CL or lower frequency with lower CL. Keep in mind that, lower CL means shorter cycles and faster data transfers.

Here’s everything you need to know about CL16 vs CL18 RAM and which is better.

What is CAS Latency (CL) in RAM?

CAS latency is the number of cycles that RAM access data on average. This figure is important because it affects how quickly data can be transferred from the GPU or GPU to the RAM.

With lower CL, data can be transferred more quickly and will result in a better gaming experience and performance.

CL16 vs CL18 RAM

If both RAM is of the same speed, type, and size. Then the CL16 RAM will be the faster of the two. But what if you have to choose between a high-frequency high latency RAM or low-frequency low latency RAM.

Let’s say a 3200 Mhz CL16 and a 3600 Mhz CL18. We suggest going for the 3600 Mhz CL18 because high-frequency RAM allows for large data access and transfers at a slightly slower speed than lower frequency.

The advantage low-frequency low latency RAM has is being able to complete smaller data tasks faster.

However, for gaming and demanding applications, you need RAM that can handle large data transfers even though it will have slightly lower latency. 

CL18 VS CL16
CL16 VS CL18 RAM

What does CL18 mean on RAM?

CL18 means that it takes an average of 18 cycles to access data from the CPU or GPU. 

Is CL16 Better Than CL18?

Yes, CL16 is faster than CL18 because it takes fewer cycles to handle data from the GPU and GPU.

Is CL18 RAM Bad?

No, CL18 RAM isn’t bad. 

Can You Mix CL16 And CL18 RAM?

Yes, you can CL16 and CL18 RAM. Combining them will work fine. The system will adjust itself to the higher CL RAM rather than the lower. Furthermore, it’s not recommended due to the difference in CL. 

You will get many performance gains when you have RAM that has the same frequency, type, size, and CL.

Which CAS Latency Is Good for Ryzen?

Lower CAS latency is better for Ryzen. CL14 – CL16 is the recommended CAS latency RAM for AMD Ryzen builds. 

Which CAS Latency Is Better for Intel?

CL14 – CL18 are recommended for Intel PC builds.

CL16 Vs CL18 Gaming?

CL16 RAM is the better choice for gaming. Lower latency means less lag, higher FPS, and better gaming performance. Always go for lower latency RAM provided everything else is the same. 

16GB CL16 vs 32GB CL18?

A 16GB CL16 RAM is better than a 32GB CL18 RAM. Although the latter has a larger size. The former is faster and will provide better performance gains. Unless you plan on opening several heavy RAM usage applications. 

CL16 vs. CL18 3200 MHz

At the same RAM frequency or speed. The CL16 3200 Mhz will perform much better than the CL18 3200 Mhz RAM. Lower CL means lower cycles need to be completed to access and transfer data.

CL16 vs. CL18 3600 MHz

At the same RAM frequency or speed. The CL16 3600 Mhz will perform much better than the CL18 3600 Mhz RAM. Lower CL means lower cycles need to be completed to access and transfer data.

CL 16 vs CL 18 – which is better?

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Higher CL Better?

Higher CL means longer cycles and slower data transfers. Lower CL RAM has shorter cycles and faster data transfers because it uses fewer cycles to access data. This results in a more performant RAM that can handle higher-performance tasks. 

How Do I Know if My RAM is CL?

Check the manufacturer’s site, RAM label, or specifications. 

Can You Mix RAM With Different CL?

Yes, you can mix RAM with different CL. But, the system will run at the speed of the higher CL RAM. 

Summary: CL16 vs CL18 RAM: Which is Better?

CL16 RAM is better. Because CL16 is faster than CL18 because it takes fewer cycles to handle data from the GPU and GPU than CL18.

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