Flights of Memory

Two questions that come up on occasion are what is the best memory and what in the $%*#@!!!! is CAS latency?

Second question first: CAS stands for Column Access Strobe (sometime it's called Column Access Select). Latency is the time interval between stimulus and response. Let's further complicate this by throwing in RAS (Row Access Strobe). This is another factor that is involved in calculating the speed of the memory. Clock speed is also yet another factor considered in measuring memory speed. Then we can go on and on with single, dual or triple channel, number of pins, etc. You can read more at ExtremeTech. This will give you a chance to zombie-fy and melt in your chair if you are an average user. I had to get up and walk around for several minutes before the dizziness went away. Still think there are parts me me stuck to the chair...
THE BOTTOM LINE
It's probably safe to say that if you are going for max performance the lower the CAS latency figure the better. This is not applicable across the board. Most people that are average users can get by with the lower speed and probably never notice the difference. Gamers on the other hand will always research like the crazy nerds they are and find the fastest RAM available for their particular machine.

Now the First question: Many manufacturers make great RAM. You can always go to NewEgg find the memory you need and read the reviews. Good way to judge how others have reacted to a specific product. And believe me, geeks pull no punches. Personally I like Kingston Hyper-X RAM. One reason my latest lap-top was ordered with 4gigs of memory is that the pair of 8gig modules (actually 2 4gig sticks)is not yet available for my Qosmio laptop in Hyper-X or any other comparable brand unless you can spend $500.00. I'd just like to hold that much money in my hand before distributing to various institutions (elec company, water company, cell, etc.). Needless to say the 4gigs will definitely suffice for a while.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Shop around, ask people what they like especially if they use a computer that is similar to your own. Look for values at good sites. Check local office supply stores. Sometimes they have incredible values.

What's your opinions? Anyone prefer other brands (and why?)? Got any feelings about RAM shopping? Let me know by using the comments section. Be sure and get a professional technician to install the RAM if you are not sure of what you are doing. It's easy to crack a memory stick if not aligned properly. Hope this helps.

"Memory is like kitchen cabinet space or closet space -- you can never have too much!"
~Bill Wobblynife