Hi. My Nitro 5 laptop came with two sticks of SODIMM 8GB DDR5 4800 MT/s giving 16GB total. When shopping around for two 16GB DDR5 4800MT/s giving 32GB I found there are different CAS latency options.
For example I found a Crucial kit with a CAS latency of 40 and a G.SKILL Ripjaws kit with a CAS latency of 32. A lower CAS latency should provide better performance. I believe the DDR5 RAM that came with the Nitro 5 has a CAS latency of 40.
I am considering the higher performance DDR5 RAM with a CAS latency of 32. But I wonder if there could be a compatibility issue i.e. laptop it won’t boot up, instability under load, or perhaps the RAM will run at the higher CAS latency of 40 even though it is rated for 32 due to some constraint of the laptop.
Can anyone confirm that the higher performance DDR5 RAM with a CAS latency of 32 would work appropriately?
Upgrading the RAM in your laptop can indeed improve performance, but it’s crucial to consider compatibility to avoid potential issues. In general, RAM modules will operate at the speed and latency supported by the slowest module in the system. Therefore, it’s advisable to choose RAM that matches or is compatible with the specifications of the existing RAM in your laptop.
In your case, the Nitro 5 (AN515-58-56CH) comes with DDR5 4800 MT/s RAM with a CAS latency of 40. If you’re considering upgrading to a higher performance DDR5 RAM with a CAS latency of 32, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Compatibility with Existing RAM:
Ideally, try to match the specifications of the existing RAM (4800 MT/s, CAS latency 40) to ensure compatibility. Mixing RAM with different speeds or latencies may lead to stability issues.
Downclocking:
If you install RAM with a lower CAS latency, there’s a possibility that it may operate at the higher CAS latency of the existing RAM. This is because the system will often default to the speed and timings of the slowest module.
Check Laptop Specifications:
Review your laptop’s specifications in the user manual or on the manufacturer’s website to see if it provides information on the supported RAM speeds and latencies. This can guide you in selecting compatible RAM.
Manufacturer’s Recommendations:
Some laptop manufacturers provide a list of tested and approved RAM modules. Checking if your desired RAM is on this list can provide additional assurance of compatibility.
RAM Testing:
Before purchasing, check if the RAM vendor provides a compatibility tool or list of compatible laptops. Additionally, consider purchasing from retailers with a lenient return policy in case any issues arise.
While a lower CAS latency can potentially provide better performance, it’s important to weigh the benefits against potential compatibility concerns. If unsure, it might be safer to stick with RAM that matches the existing specifications of your laptop’s installed memory. If you’re determined to upgrade to a different specification, you can consult with the laptop manufacturer’s support for specific recommendations based on your model.