AD9516-1 use VCO or bypass?

Question

I have generated the required clocks using two different configurations of the AD9516-1. One mode uses VCO, divides by 2, and thus I need a higher input clock frequency. The other mode bypasses VCO, and thus I can use a lower input clock frequency. 
 Is there an obvious advantage to using one versus the other (phase noise effects) ? Should I always use the VCO when possible, or always bypass the VCO when possible? Or should I just try both and see which gives the best results? 
 See image:

ADIApproved · Accepted Answer

Neither option uses the onboard VCO. You are only using the VCO divider for the option requiring you to come in at 2X the rate because you are going through the VCO divider with divide setting = 2. Either will give similar phase noise performance. If you don't need the VCO/PLL, then I would recommend using the AD9516-5.

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AD9516-1 use VCO or bypass?

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