PC RAM, or random access memory, is the key to keeping your computer running smoothly. If you’re struggling with unresponsive programs or lag when playing games, it may be time to upgrade your RAM.
Like processors, RAM comes in different speeds that you can choose from. The higher the speed, the faster your computer will run.
How much memory do I need?
A computer’s memory, also known as RAM, is a crucial component that allows it to perform everyday tasks such as browsing the internet, sending emails, and creating digital photo albums. However, some tasks require a lot of computing power that cannot be handled by the CPU alone, such as streaming 4K videos and playing modern video games at high frame rates.
Without enough RAM, a computer may experience lag or slow performance when multitasking, especially with demanding programs or games. A lack of available RAM can cause applications to crash or become unresponsive. It can also lead to corrupted textures and laggy game play experiences.
To avoid these problems, it is important to understand how much RAM you need for your specific computing needs and budget. To run most modern applications and games, you will need at least 16GB of RAM. Enthusiast gamers, professional video editors, and 3D rendering professionals will need 32GB or more of RAM to achieve the best performance.
What type of memory do I need?
Like every other component in a modern computer, RAM has its own set of specifications. Generally speaking, more is better, but the type and model of RAM you choose will have a larger impact on price and performance.
RAM acts as a temporary storage location for data that your processor needs to access quickly. It’s a much faster option than retrieving the same information from internal hard drives or SSDs, which is why RAM is so crucial to PC performance.
To see what type of RAM your system is currently using, open Speccy and click Memory. Here, you’ll be shown a sorted list of all installed RAM with details such as capacity, speed, configured clockspeed, slots used, form factor, and hardware reserved. You’ll also be able to see the current CAS latency of your RAM, which is important if you plan on using your computer for memory-intensive applications. This includes editing software, streaming music or videos, and graphics-intensive games.
How much RAM can I fit in my motherboard?
A motherboard has a set maximum RAM capacity that it can support. The best way to determine this is to consult the manufacturer’s documentation or website. There are also a number of online tools that can scan your system and report how much RAM it supports.
RAM size is important for ensuring you have enough storage to multitask and run resource-intensive applications or games. However, speed is usually a secondary concern when it comes to choosing RAM. A higher-speed RAM module may cost more, but it won’t necessarily improve performance any more than a slower one.
It’s important to consider your budget and future upgradability plans when determining how much RAM to purchase. If you have a limited budget, it’s often more cost-effective to start with a lower-capacity module and upgrade later. Most modern desktop motherboards have four DIMM slots that can support up to 128GB of memory. The slots are typically numbered, but you can check the motherboard’s specifications to find out how many slots and what maximum capacity they can handle.
How do I know if I need more RAM?
A computer’s RAM acts as a high-speed temporary workspace that lets the CPU quickly access data needed in real-time. When your system is low on RAM, programs may crash, videos or video games will stutter, and other tasks can become extremely slow or impossible.
There are a few ways to tell if your machine is running out of memory. One way is to look at the amount of RAM currently in use. You can do this by opening Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and selecting the Performance tab.
Another way to check is to open the system information in Control Panel and view your hardware details. From here, you can see how much RAM is installed and if it is DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5.
Lastly, a reputable retailer such as Crucial can scan your system to show you upgrade options that are compatible with your motherboard. Be sure to only buy RAM from a trusted supplier with dependable warranties and return policies.