Top memory module maker GEIL has added its DDR memory modules with record low latency of CL1.5 to the lineup of products on its web-site. This may potentially mean that the products, which were originally demonstrated at Computex Taipei 2005, will shortly emerge commercially.

GEIL ONE-series memory modules are capable of running at 400MHz with CL1.5 2-2-5 latency settings and at 600MHz with CL 2.5 4-4-7 latencies. Working voltage of the products may be from 2.55V to 2.95V. GEIL said that it used Samsung TCCD memory chips for its ONE family of products. So far the lowest latency setting for PC3200 memory has been CL2.0. Currently the influence of very – CL1.5 – low timings on performance is unclear.

Numerous applications rely more on memory timings, a number of cycles that a memory controller needs to access a memory module or perform other operation, rather than on frequency of random access memory. Furthermore, AMD Athlon XP- and AMD Athlon 64-based computers also benefit more from low latency settings rather than from improved memory speed, unlike Intel Pentium 4 chips.

A poll carried out by X-bit labs has shown that about 61% of end-users prefer high-speed modules with aggressive timings, while only 20% clearly favour timings over clock-speed and 19% of respondents would buy memory modules with extreme frequency without paying attention to latency settings.

The modules are available in 256MB and 512MB versions and in appropriate dual-channel kits. Pricing and exact availability dates of GEIL’s PC3200 memory modules with CL1.5 latency settings are unclear.