The more RAM your computer has, the faster it will run. It’s important for multitasking and running memory-intensive apps or video games. RAM is different from the hard drive, which stores all your computer’s data for the long term.
Adding more RAM improves performance, but there’s a point of diminishing returns. Most users can get by with 16GB, but professionals and gamers might need more.
It stores data
Like your own short-term memory, RAM holds the immediate data you need to complete tasks. This is important because the faster the CPU can access the information, the smoother your experience will be.
Each bit of information is stored in a capacitor that is protected by a gate. When a computer needs to read the bit, it opens the gate and uses a sense-amplifier to observe whether current flows. A high current means a 1 bit, while a low current indicates a 0 bit. The reading and writing process takes place in nanoseconds.
Unlike long-term storage, RAM is volatile and loses data when the system is turned off. This is why it is important to save your work to storage before turning off the computer. Computers typically have two or more RAM modules, also known as a memory bank. The modules are rectangular flat circuit boards with memory chips attached, and they can be installed without tools.
It’s faster than a hard drive
The primary purpose of RAM is to make the CPU perform faster by keeping frequently-used data within arm’s reach, while the data that’s not used often or needs to be saved for later is stored on a hard disk or solid state drive. The hard drive takes much longer to access information than RAM, so having more of it will improve your computer’s overall speed.
The larger the RAM memory capacity, the more quickly your computer can complete tasks, and the smoother your experience will be. It also allows you to open bigger files and use demanding programs, such as video editing software.
You can’t download more RAM, but you can upgrade it to get better performance. However, it’s important to know the difference between RAM and storage. If you’re having trouble with slow loading and freezing, you should consider upgrading your internal storage instead of your RAM. This will also help you save space for photos and applications.
It’s more expensive than a hard drive
Despite the fact that RAM is more expensive per gigabyte than hard disk space, it offers much better performance. This is because it uses faster semiconductor technology and tighter packaging, testing, and design constraints to deliver orders of magnitude higher speed and lower latency than the transistors and capacitors used in hard disk drives.
The amount of RAM your computer needs depends on the tasks you perform on it. For most users, 8GB of RAM will be enough for most modern applications and games. However, people who edit large video files or use word programs will probably need more.
RAM is volatile storage, meaning that data in the memory is erased when the device is powered off. It also requires constant power to retain data, contributing to the overall power consumption of a computer. In contrast, SSDs are nonvolatile and use permanent storage. However, they also require more time to read and write data than RAM.
It’s more durable than a hard drive
When you play a game or stream a movie, your CPU loads the data it needs for those applications into RAM. The more RAM you have, the faster your computer will work and the smoother your experience will be.
However, RAM is volatile, meaning it only retains data while your computer is running. Once you shut down your computer, all the information in RAM is erased. That’s why you need to save your files to storage before you turn off your computer.
RAM is typically stored in rectangular flat circuit boards with memory chips, called modules. The modules are usually plugged into your motherboard. Most computers come with two or more RAM modules and have space for additional ones. They can be purchased individually or in sets of four. The best option for most PCs is 16GB, which can handle demanding apps and video games well. It’s also affordable for most users. The more you have, the more smoothly your computer will run and the faster it will be able to open files.