How to read RAM timings (CL30-38-38-96, explained)

CAS latency, tRCD, tRP, tRAS — what each number means, and why a lower CAS is not always the faster kit.

The four numbers

A timings string like CL30-38-38-96 lists four latencies in clock cycles: CAS latency (CL, the delay before a read begins), tRCD (row-to-column delay), tRP (row precharge time), and tRAS (row active time). Lower numbers mean less waiting per cycle — but they only tell half the story.

Why CAS alone lies

A DDR5-6000 kit at CL30 and a DDR5-6400 kit at CL32 have a similar real-world latency once you divide CAS by the actual clock speed. That's why we show CL next to the DDR speed on every listing — read them together, never the CAS number alone.

What we can show you today

Full four-number timing strings aren't in our data yet — every listing here shows CAS latency (CLxx) alongside the DDR speed, which is enough to compare kits at a glance. We'll expand to the full string as vendors expose it consistently.