RAM is a critical component that works hand in hand with your CPU and must be working optimally for a smooth experience. The kind of RAM you need depends on your machine’s configuration and how much you plan to use it for.
Think of it as the top of your desk: data you need immediate access to goes in your RAM, while other information gets saved on a hard drive for long-term storage.
What Is RAM?
RAM is the super-fast storage that holds all of the data your computer processor needs to perform tasks. When you play a game or stream a movie, the data is stored in RAM so that your processor can access it quickly. Then, when you close the program, your CPU can replace that data with new information to support the next task you give it.
The more RAM a computer has, the faster and more smoothly it can perform multiple tasks simultaneously. It also allows you to open larger files and use demanding applications, such as video editing programs.
Computer RAM has evolved over the years, starting out as a proprietary board that required enthusiasts to plug in chips one at a time. Later, manufacturers created SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) boards that used a 30-pin connector and were installed in pairs. Now, you can buy RAM in modules that contain four or more chips and run at speeds of up to 5,000MHz (which is important for gamers and modded computers). Unlike RAM, ROM (read-only memory) stores data that cannot be updated.
How Much RAM Do I Need?
RAM is your computer or laptop’s short term memory, storing data that needs to be quickly accessible to your processor. Without sufficient RAM, it would take longer to open a file or application because your CPU (Central Processing Unit) constantly has to move data between the slower hard drive and your RAM.
Generally, 16GB is enough RAM for most PCs to handle day-to-day tasks and play modern games. For serious gaming or demanding applications, 32GB is ideal.
Check your system settings or “About this computer” section to see how much RAM is currently installed in your machine. You can also find out what type of RAM your machine uses (DIMM or RIMM) by referring to the manual that came with it, or using online tools. Be careful when shopping for RAM, as there are many fakes out there. Only buy from reputable manufacturers.
What Type of RAM Should I Buy?
The graphics card and processor often steal the show when it comes to selecting PC components, but RAM is just as important. RAM helps games load and run smoother, and it’s essential for multitasking in Windows.
When shopping for RAM, it’s essential to select the right type and quantity. A DIMM’s physical form factor, DDR type, frequency, and timings are all important specifications to consider.
Another specification to keep an eye out for is voltage. This is a key indicator of how much heat the RAM will generate, and it’s especially important for overclockers.
While older DDR3 memory is still available, the best value play is DDR4. DDR4 and DDR5 are both compatible with current Intel processors (Skylake and later) and AMD Ryzen processors (1st gen and newer).
How Do I Know If I Need More RAM?
The short answer is that if your computer feels slow and sluggish, you likely need more RAM. More RAM will help speed up programs and games, especially if they are demanding. However, adding more RAM to a machine that has already reached its maximum capacity won’t make it faster.
The best way to determine whether you need more RAM is to run a memory test in the Windows Task Manager or macOS Activity Monitor (located in the Utilities folder). The bar graph at the bottom of the screen will show you how much RAM your system is using. A green graph means your computer is efficiently using its current amount of RAM; yellow and red indicate that it would benefit from more memory.
The gray section at the top of the graph shows you how much RAM your hardware uses, which shouldn’t be a large percentage. The orange section is used by low priority tasks, so this should be fairly small as well.