Convert between real clock (MHz), effective transfer rate (MT/s) and clock cycle time — and end the 3000 vs 6000 confusion.
Updated 11 Nov 2026 · 2 min read
Quick answer
DDR means Double Data Rate: the effective rate is twice the real clock. Enter either number and get the other, plus the duration of one clock cycle in nanoseconds.
RAM Frequency Calculator
Convert between real clock (MHz), effective transfer rate (MT/s) and clock cycle time — and end the 3000 vs 6000 confusion.
Why CPU-Z and Task Manager disagree
CPU-Z reports the real clock (e.g. 3000MHz for a DDR5-6000 kit). Task Manager reports the effective transfer rate (6000 MT/s). Both are correct — they are measuring the same thing in different units. Our lower-speed guide explains when a low number is a real problem (JEDEC fallback) versus just units.
Frequently asked questions
Is ‘MHz’ on RAM boxes accurate?
Manufacturers print the MT/s figure but label it MHz — technically wrong, universally done. Treat any RAM ‘MHz’ number as MT/s.
What is clock cycle time used for?
It is the bridge between cycle-based timings and real time: timing in ns = cycles × cycle time. Latency and timing calculators do this automatically.