# DDR5 CL30 vs CL36: Price, Latency & Which Timing Is Better

Canonical: https://cloudzat.com/ddr5-cl30-vs-cl36/
Full Markdown: https://cloudzat.com/ddr5-cl30-vs-cl36/index.md
Cluster context: https://cloudzat.com/ai/ram-price-intelligence/context.json

Purpose: Compare DDR5 CL30 and CL36 prices and first-word latency at the same speed. See whether the tighter timing justifies its premium.
Direct answer: At the same DDR5 speed, CL30 has lower calculated first-word latency than CL36. Pay the premium when it is modest, the system supports the profile and the workload is latency-sensitive. Choose CL36 when savings are meaningful or stability and capacity matter more than a small timing advantage.

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