The lower the numbers, the faster the memory. The memory timings are given through a series of numbers (example 16-19-19-39). These numbers indicate the amount of clock cycles that it takes the memory to perform a certain operation. The higher the number, the faster the memory. This is the number you see most often and is how fast the module sends and receives data.
The specs that determine how fast RAM is can be split into the following: This results in higher performance in games and workstation applications, the amount will vary depending on the program.
Having faster RAM allows your CPU to access the data it needs in less time. If you do not load your XMP / DOCP profile you will be left at stock (JEDEC) speed. Not all memory sticks have this feature and basic sticks will have what’s called stock or JEDEC profiles. If your PC boots successfully stock speed is pretty much guaranteed to work but is always slower than loading XMP / DOCP. Its technically an overclock, by that I mean it’s not guaranteed to work on all motherboards however it’s not going to damage your system.
Simply put its the advertised memory speed for your ram (and some but not all timings) stored in a profile(s) which you can load from the bios.
