Entry № 041-3 / V-5278 · 0:00 synced

High Speed RAM - Is it Worth it? DDR3 1333MHz vs 2400MHz Test

Linus Tech Tips@LinusTechTips2.5M viewsSep 25, 20134:38
Source
YT
Views
2.5M
Subscribers
16.8M
Critic
?
Audience
?

0 up · 0 down · 0 ratings

Channels and socials

High speed memory has been a staple for enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their systems for YEARS, but in this investigation we take a look at how much of a difference it actually makes to performance. Sponsor link: linustechtips.com Join our community forum: bit.ly twitter.com @LinusTech Intro Screen Music Credit: Adhesive Wombat -

Check out his channel here: youtube.com Outtro Screen Music Credit: Approaching Nirvana - Sugar High youtube.com

Start
AI OverviewDefault language

The video examines whether high speed RAM actually translates into noticeable performance improvements, focusing on DDR3 modules ranging from 1333 MHz to 2400 MHz. The host explains the two main RAM characteristics that influence performance: frequency, which mainly affects maximum bandwidth, and latency, which governs response time. Through a hands-on test using 800 MHz, 1333 MHz, 1600 MHz (both CL9 and CL8), and 2400 MHz configurations, the video compares gaming benchmarks and Cinebench results to illustrate how different speeds impact real-world performance. The presenter notes that higher bandwidth RAM often sacrifices latency, and that when latency is tightened the benefits of higher frequency can cancel out the gains, leading to little overall performance difference. The analysis also includes a cost-per-FPS perspective, showing that paying more for faster RAM does not reliably yield proportionally higher frame rates. The takeaway is that for most desktop scenarios, upgrading RAM speed beyond a certain point offers diminishing returns, and purchases should factor in brand reliability, warranty, and personal preferences such as aesthetics or motherboard compatibility. The host encourages viewers to consider their actual use case, existing RAM capacity, and whether the perceived gains justify the extra expense, while acknowledging that memory needs can be situational, especially in professional or memory-intensive workflows. The video ends with practical shopping advice, emphasizing brand trust, warranty, and the realities of consumer RAM pricing, before inviting viewers to like, dislike if they disagree, and subscribe for more tests.

Topics · computer_hardware · performance_testing · memory_ram · gaming_performance · hardware_reviews

Questions answered

What is the main performance impact of increasing RAM frequency versus decreasing latency?
Frequency mainly increases bandwidth, while latency affects responsiveness; in practice higher frequency can lead to diminishing returns because gains can be offset by increased latency, resulting in little overall performance difference in many desktop scenarios.
Is there a significant real-world benefit to investing in DDR3 2400 MHz RAM over 1333 MHz for gaming or general use?
No, not in most cases. The tests show that moving to higher speeds yields limited performance improvements in games and synthetic benchmarks, and the extra cost per FPS is often high.