All of the information that your computer uses is stored in RAM, making it quick to access. If the information was in long-term storage like your hard drive, it would take much longer to get to.
All of this data is encoded into a set of on’s and off’s, called bits. Various ways to store these bits exist, but they all trade performance for density.
RAM Size
Increasing the amount of RAM on your computer allows you to run demanding programs and play games at higher frame rates and resolutions. It also gives you the room to open larger files, such as HD video or photo editing software.
A minimum of 4GB of RAM will allow you to run a modern operating system and use basic applications like word processing and web browsing. However, if you plan to play video games or use 3D graphic design applications, 8GB is more appropriate.
If you’re unsure of how much RAM your computer needs, read the program specifications to see what its recommended requirements are. Keep in mind, though, that just having enough RAM won’t guarantee smooth performance – you also need a fast CPU and graphics card to take advantage of it. Also, remember that RAM cannot be downloaded and must be installed into your motherboard. It’s available in DIMM (dual-in-line memory module) sticks designed for desktop motherboards, and SO-DIMM modules made for laptops, mini PCs, and small form factor PCs.
RAM Speed
The faster your RAM is, the more quickly your computer can perform tasks. However, that’s not the only factor that determines your PC’s speed and performance.
RAM is a fast-access storage component that augments your CPU cache, which helps your processor get the information it needs quickly. Without it, your CPU would have to grab that data from the hard drive (or solid state drive) — a much slower process.
Your computer uses RAM to do everything you do, from browsing the web to typing in Word to jumping into a video game. It’s this short-term memory that explains why your computer can work so quickly. But as the number of tabs you open in your browser or games you play increases, you’ll likely notice that your computer slows down a bit. It’s because the work isn’t being managed as well as it could be by the system’s processor and hard drive. That’s where RAM comes in to save the day.
RAM Type
The type of RAM installed in your computer can have an impact on performance. You can choose between SDRAM and DDR, with the latter typically having faster speeds. Each type has different latency, which measures the amount of time it takes for memory to send information to other components.
The technology behind SDRAM allows it to transmit data on each pulse of the system clock. This enables the pulses to have shorter durations, decreasing power requirements. Additionally, it decreases the granularity of each bank, which helps boost speed and reduce pre-charging delays.
It’s important to remember that RAM is volatile, meaning it only retains data while the system is powered on. It’s contrasted with non-volatile storage, such as a hard disk drive or solid state drive (SSD), which preserves data until it is deleted. These differences are what make RAM much more useful than storage.
RAM Installation
A typical computer has several slots for adding memory. RAM is built into the circuit board as a series of capacitors and transistors (basically switches), or is installed in small modules that plug into sockets on the motherboard. Modules are usually color-coded to identify their capacity, and are labeled DIMM (Dual in-line memory module) for desktop motherboards or SO-DIMM (small outline dual in-line memory module) for laptops and some Mini-ITX small form factor (SFF) motherboards.
If your computer is having trouble working with memory-hungry applications – including video games, multimedia editing programs, and high-resolution photo editing software – it may be time to add more RAM to your system. It’s a relatively inexpensive upgrade for most computers, and experienced PC users can install it themselves or have a professional do it. Without RAM, a processor can only work as fast as it can pull files up from the hard drive, and that takes a long time.