Your computer uses RAM to keep the most important information it needs for quick access at any time. That’s why it can open files and apps much faster than a hard drive or SSD can save them.
Think of RAM like the top of your desk, where you keep the most important things at hand. Anything you don’t use gets moved to storage or cache (a pool of fast memory built into your CPU).
What is RAM?
RAM is a short-term memory component that helps your computer perform its most basic functions. When you type a document, save it, or play a video game, your computer stores all the relevant data in RAM so that its processor can easily retrieve and manipulate it. This allows your system to work much more quickly than it would if it had to store all the information in non-volatile storage like hard drives or SSDs.
Various software programs, including CPU-Z and Speccy, can show you lots of different details about the RAM in your computer. You can use the “Memory” and “SPD” views to find out specific information about your RAM, such as its form factor (which indicates the physical shape of the module), serial number, and manufacturer. The “Memory” view should also tell you the type of RAM, such as DDR3, DDR4, and so on. “ConfiguredClockSpeed” will tell you the speed that your RAM is currently running at.
How much RAM do I need?
The amount of RAM you need depends on the tasks you use your computer for. If you’re simply browsing the web, working in Word documents, and managing digital photo albums, 4-8 GB should be enough for your computer to run well.
More RAM will allow the computer to work faster and more efficiently. Since it stores data much quicker than an HDD or SSD (which only store information when powered on), the processor can access the data in RAM instantly.
More RAM will also allow you to run more demanding programs. This can include video editing and motion graphics software, where larger data files are often stored on the computer. 16GB is generally considered the sweet spot for PC gaming, as well, giving you enough headroom to play resource-intensive games and manage multiple tabs in web browsers or other programs simultaneously. This is the recommended amount for most desktops and laptops. However, your computer’s motherboard may limit the amount of RAM it can accept.
What are the different types of RAM?
RAM is a workspace where you store the programs that your computer uses. It provides lightning-fast data access and prevents other components, like hard disk drives or solid-state drives, from having to access slower storage when you open a new browser tab or switch between apps.
There are different types of RAM, with each one suited for different tasks. For example, SRAM keeps data in memory as long as power is supplied but requires refresh circuitry to hold on to information and is more expensive than DRAM.
DRAM can either be soldered on to a motherboard or used in removable modules called DIMMs that slot into the motherboard. DDR stands for Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random-Access Memory, which increases speeds by syncing memory operations to the system clock (hence the “D”). It also improves performance by decreasing the granularity of each bank of RAM, which reduces wait times. Other types of RAM include EDO, which was popular in the 1990s for its speed boost and DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5. The SPD tab in CPU-Z or Speccy will provide information on your specific type of RAM including its capacity, current frequency, and configured clockspeed.
How do I know if I need more RAM?
For most computers, 4 GB of RAM will be enough for everyday computing. For example, browsing the web, working with standard Office applications, and light photo editing. However, those who want to play demanding video games or work with complex media files will need more than this.
Without enough RAM, the processor needs to access data stored on your hard drive or solid state disk (SSD) rather than in memory, which can take longer. When this happens, the computer is forced to shuffle data around and slows down performance.
Increasing the capacity of RAM will make your computer faster. But, to truly get the best performance out of your computer, you should also consider upgrading the storage. Adding a fast SSD will speed up the way your computer boots, opens, and closes apps and files, as well as improve battery life and free up space for photos and videos. You can also improve your performance by running a bloatware remover, like AVG TuneUp, to reduce unneeded background processes that waste memory and clog up your system.