Whether you’re building a new gaming PC or need to upgrade an older rig, choosing the right RAM is essential. RAM is critical to game load times and system responsiveness.
RAM is sold in modules called DIMMs that slot into a motherboard. The best choice depends on capacity, speed, and compatibility with your motherboard and CPU.
What is RAM?
RAM is short-term memory that stores data that your computer processor needs to quickly access. Without RAM, your PC would have to spend a lot of time waiting for information from non-volatile storage like hard disk drives or solid-state drives.
These types of storage hold your data for long periods of time, but the processor is much slower to retrieve this information than RAM. This is why the more RAM you have, the faster your computer will perform.
RAM comes in sticks, or memory modules, that snap into the motherboard’s memory slots. Each module’s label shows its manufacturer, form factor (which will usually be number 8 for DIMM modules found in desktop computers or 12 for laptops’ SODIMM forms) and capacity/speed. The manufacturer and form factor are important to know because RAM that’s not compatible with your system won’t fit or won’t work properly. The speed is important because it determines how fast the RAM can transfer data to and from your CPU.
How does RAM work?
Unlike nonvolatile storage like hard disks or solid-state drives that save data indefinitely, RAM resets each time the computer shuts down. It holds the information that processors need to run programs, retrieve files and perform other tasks.
This is why the more RAM you have, the faster your computer will work. The CPU can access this data significantly faster than long-term storage, which is why RAM capacity is so critical for performance.
RAM is located inside rectangular flat circuit boards with memory chips called modules that connect to the motherboard. A typical desktop or laptop comes with two to four modules, though you can add more to upgrade the system’s speed and power. To install new RAM, you’ll need to pop open your computer (for a laptop, this often requires a screwdriver) and remove the existing modules before inserting the new ones. The process varies by model, so you’ll need to consult your user’s guide for specific instructions.
How much RAM do I need?
Adding more RAM can help your computer run better, especially when running memory-hungry programs like photo and video editing software. It also helps with gaming, as it allows you to play games at higher resolutions and frame rates.
For everyday tasks such as web browsing, writing a few words in a word processor and managing digital photo albums, 8GB of RAM should be sufficient. However, if you are planning to do more advanced computing, consider upgrading to 16GB or 32GB.
You can check how much RAM your computer has by going to Settings > System > About this PC, and look at the ‘Installed RAM’ figure. Alternatively, you can use Windows Task Manager or download the free Resource Monitor to see real-time usage. You can also add more RAM to your desktop PC by installing an additional memory module. The amount of additional RAM you need depends on your computing needs and budget. For example, you’ll want more VRAM (Video RAM) if you work with photos or 4K video.
How do I know if I need more RAM?
If your computer is struggling to keep up with a single program, it could be a sign that you need more RAM. This is especially true if you use your computer for video editing or playing high-quality games.
Your computer may also need more RAM if you’re frequently experiencing problems like slow performance, frequent crashes and freezes, or if apps open very slowly. You can check your computer’s memory usage by launching the Task Manager or by using a system profiling utility.
You can find out the maximum amount of RAM supported by your computer’s motherboard by opening the About Your PC utility in Windows. This will display your current RAM capacity in the Device Specifications section. For most systems, 8 GB of fast RAM should be sufficient for most tasks, but 16 GB may be needed for more demanding applications or for users who want to stream and play videos in high resolutions. Make sure to purchase RAM that’s compatible with your motherboard.