RAM is short-term memory for the data your processor needs right now to run applications and open files. Without it, your computer would have to shuffle data between slower storage devices and the CPU, which makes everything slow down.
RAM can be soldered onto your motherboard or in removable modules called DIMMs that slot into your motherboard. There are several factors to consider when selecting pc ram:
Speed
RAM isn’t the only component that impacts performance, but its speed is crucial. It’s not enough to simply choose a large amount of memory: you need to look for high-speed RAM to get the best performance out of your system.
Faster RAM is faster at transferring data to and from the CPU, which can improve multitasking efficiency and decrease application load times. In addition to its bandwidth, RAM also has latency specifications that give an indication of how long it takes for the memory to handle computing functions.
A lower latency is better, but reducing the latency requires manual configuration or the use of software (like Intel XMP, accessible in your BIOS). This can be complicated and may not provide much benefit for everyday productivity tasks. Instead, focus on increasing the frequency of your RAM, as this will affect both the bandwidth and the latency of your device. This is the best way to improve performance without sacrificing stability.
Capacity
Aside from speed, capacity is another important factor that affects how quickly a computer can perform tasks. RAM functions as a large and relatively fast memory storage solution for your computer, but it can only hold so much data. When RAM fills up, the system must move data to secondary storage such as a hard drive, often by swapping or paging files, which slows down processing time.
Ideally, when you open an application on your computer, it loads almost instantly because the data is stored in the faster-accessing RAM. However, if you have multiple applications open at once, some of the data may not fit into RAM, so it gets moved to a slower and larger area of storage (known as the file page). The computer must then shuffle data between memory and storage to ensure that each application can be loaded and run as quickly as possible. This is called memory pressure. If your PC is constantly reshuffling data, it’s likely time to upgrade the RAM.
Latency
The latency of RAM is how long it takes for a memory module to output data your CPU requests. It can be measured in RAM clock cycles, and you’ll see it advertised as CAS 16 or CL 16, for example.
If you’re running a lot of programs at once, they may try to load into RAM all at the same time, and sometimes one will get bumped out of RAM, which can cause performance drops. Your computer then has to reload that program from storage, which is much slower than RAM.
This process is called paging, and it can be a major source of PC performance issues. If you’re a gamer, low latency RAM can make a big difference in gameplay smoothness and frame rates. It’s important to consider both the rated RAM speed in MHz and its CAS latency when selecting a RAM module for your gaming PC. Getting the fastest speed possible is best, but you also need to ensure that it has the lowest latency you can find.
Temperature
The amount of heat a piece of RAM generates is directly related to the system load. When it is heavily loaded, it works harder to transfer data and instructions to the CPU. This results in more heat being generated and can cause it to reach higher temperatures.
Although a lot of people worry about it, there is no need to panic. The tiny memory chips used in computers are encased in a protective layer that allows them to dissipate heat well. Even if they reach high temperatures, they won’t shorten their lifespan.
However, it is still a good idea to keep your RAM cool to maintain optimal performance. One way to do this is by using a cooler that has proper airflow. The exact direction of the fan blades and their placement can affect how much a RAM stick warms up or down. It can also depend on the type of case you have, as some may be designed to pull cooler air towards the motherboard instead of pushing it out at the rear.