In RAM performance, what does "latency" refer to?

Latency in RAM performance specifically refers to the time it takes for the RAM to respond to a request made by the processor. It is a critical factor because it affects how quickly data can be accessed and how efficiently the system can operate. Lower latency means that the RAM can deliver data to the processor more quickly, which enhances overall system performance, particularly in applications that require rapid data retrieval, such as gaming or high-performance computing tasks.

While speed at which RAM operates (another term often used in the context of RAM performance) is important, it generally refers to the data transfer rate rather than the response time to requests. The amount of data stored in RAM and the total amount of RAM available are also significant for performance but do not directly pertain to how quickly the RAM can respond to the CPU's demands. Thus, understanding latency is crucial for evaluating RAM's performance in a computing environment.