Microsoft Planning To Shift To MT/s Memory Speed Metric Instead of MHz In Upcoming Windows 11 Update

Microsoft has quietly been testing a change in how memory speeds are displayed in the Windows 11 Task Manager. Instead of the familiar “MHz” (megahertz) measurement, the company is experimenting with using “MT/s” (mega-transfers per second) as the new metric.

The Shift to “MT/s”

Historically, memory speeds have been represented in MHz, which stands for millions of cycles per second. Each cycle represents an action conducted on the memory module, such as storing or retrieving data. However, the newer “MT/s” unit focuses on data transfers per second, rather than just state changes. It accounts for manipulation happening on both clock edges in DDR memory. In other words, it reflects the actual data transfer rate rather than just the speed of state transitions¹.

Why the Change?

The move to “MT/s” is driven by the increasing adoption of this metric by newly released memory modules. While the change may seem subtle, it provides a more accurate representation of memory performance. An increase in MT/s doesn’t necessarily mean higher RAM speeds; rather, it indicates that more data is being transferred. As modern memory modules continue to evolve, the MT/s unit becomes a more relevant measure.

Spotting the Change

Windows expert PhantomOcean3 noticed the shift while navigating the “Performance” section in the Windows 11 Task Manager on Beta build 22635.3570. Although it’s not confirmed whether Microsoft will officially adopt this new naming standard, it’s a step toward keeping up with modern trends in memory technology.

In summary, the move from “MHz” to “MT/s” aims to make memory speed measurement more precise and align with the way data is transferred in today’s memory modules. Keep an eye out for further updates as Windows 11 continues to evolve!