What CAS latency RAM is compatible with ZBook 15?

[Jeremy_Murphy]

The recommended modules for the ZBook 15 (first generation) have CAS latency (CL) 11.

Does it support lower-latency modules such as CL9 and CL10 (with the same speed, 1600 MHz)?

Or to make a finer point: what will happen if lower CAS latency modules are installed?

Will they:

1. Not work at all.
2. Function, but at CL11.
3. Function at their rated CL.

Thanks, cheers.

Jeremy

[banhien]

@Jeremy_Murphy

Please use the followin reliable vendor

   http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/compatible-upgrade-for/HP---Compaq/hp-zbook-15-mobile-workstation

As you can see, must be 11.

Regards.

[Jeremy_Murphy]

Thanks for your prompt reply, but it's not really answering my question.

[EddyK]

Hi Jeremy_Murphy,

banhien just linked you to Crucial's memory/SSD upgrade tool which is very reliable and all the RAM that is listed there is with CL (CAS Latency) 11. He answered that you should probably stick with 11.

I also recommend sticking with 11.

It really depends on a lot of factors like the motherboard however, you're barely going to see any performance differences with better CAS. 11 is good enough. It might be better to stick with the safe side.

Hope this helps,

kem579

Hit the Accept as Solution if I solved your problem.
Hit the thumbs up to show thanks!

[Jeremy_Murphy]

I appreciate the recommendation to choose CL 11 and will take that advice on board.

[Huffer · Accepted solution]

I can barely stop myself from posting a clip from the movie Spinal Tap ("goes to 11")...no matter what you install it will run at OEM rated specs...CL=11. That is why there is no need or benefit to use "gaming" or "performance" memory in a consumer laptop. 

[Jeremy_Murphy]

The reference would not go unappreciated.

Hmmm, you sound very definite about this and you evidently have a lot of experience, so I'm just going to trust you and accept it.

But if you wouldn't mind indulging my curiosity: how do you know?

Thanks, cheers.

Jeremy

[Huffer]

Look at my profile and see the count on my solutions. Simple answer: I tried it and I have answered lots of questions from lots of people here who disbelieve, go buy the gaming memory, put it in their laptop and run memory diagnostic on it and find out it runs at the same speed, etc as the OEM memory they replaced. On desktops you can manipulate memory timing to some extent and they will pick up whatever JEDEC specs the memory can tolerate but consumer laptop BIOS are locked down tighter than a drum. No variation permitted.