Everything depends on the timing...
Everything depends on the timing...
Consider the DDR4 3600 kit with two 8 GB modules, each offering different timing options. The older model uses 16-16-16-36 while the newer version has 16-19-19-39 timings. Currently, the newer one is pricier on sites like Newegg. Your concerns revolve around whether these changes affect performance noticeably and if users can adjust the new timing to match the old one. Bonus thought: assuming stability, identical performance might be expected.
For everyday use it doesn't matter much. You're looking for the quickest possible setup—around 3600mhz—and the smallest possible latency within your budget. In gaming scenarios, you might notice a difference of just 1-2 frames between the two options. It's likely you can adjust the timing settings on the 16-19-19-39 model to improve performance.
At their standard configurations, the chances are slim. 16-16-16-36 is essentially a Samsung failure point (and some others too), while 16-19-19-39 offers better reliability from Hynix CJR, though it has tighter timing constraints. You might achieve stability with 16-16-16-36 using voltage adjustments, but the optimal settings would likely be around 14-19-16-36.