What does CAS latency measure in RAM?

CAS latency, often referred to as CL, specifically measures the delay time between when a read command is issued to the RAM and when the requested data is available on the output pins. This value is crucial because it directly impacts overall system performance; a lower CAS latency means that the RAM can respond more quickly to commands, improving data retrieval times.

This timing is usually expressed in clock cycles, which indicates the number of cycles it takes for the data to be accessed after a read request is made. Therefore, when considering RAM performance, not just the speed in megahertz is important, but also the CAS latency, as it can significantly influence the responsiveness of applications and processes running on the system.

Other options are not related to CAS latency, as they either pertain to different aspects of RAM performance or specification, like overall speed or power consumption. Hence, the choice regarding delay time accurately reflects the specific function of CAS latency in RAM.