DDR Memory - PC2400@CAS 2.0 vs PC3200@CAS2.5

[Randy_77]

I'm confused by DDR memory specifications/sales pitches. Some vendors seem to make a "big deal" out of "CAS2.0 Certified", and charge a significant premium price over standard CAS2.5 for the same PCnn00 speed.
If I plan to run my 266mHz AthlonXP 2200+ on an nForce2 motherboard at a system speed of about 140-148mHz (versus 133mHz base - marginal overclocking), why can't I just get PC3200 spec memory (for a couple of dollars more per stick) and run it at CAS2.0 rather than spend a LOT more for PC2100 or PC2400 "certified" for CAS2.0?

[Rick]

CAS latency is the amount of time it takes for your memory to respond to a command.
It only affects the initial burst of data. Once data starts flowing, latency has no effect.

You need to ask yuor self is it worth the extra price
for a minor performace increase