RAM is the short-term memory for your computer. It stores the data your processor needs to run applications and open files. Without enough RAM, your computer has to shuffle data between primary and secondary storage, which can significantly slow down performance.
You can check your computer’s installed RAM by clicking the Start button and right-clicking “This PC.” Then, click Properties on the options list.
It stores data
Every piece of software, game or website you visit is encoded into a series of 0’s and 1’s, or on’s and off’s called bits. A simple colour would need 24 of these bits to be represented, while a word or number uses many more. This data is stored on your computer’s circuit board in a stack of capacitors and transistors that are constantly being filled and refilled with electricity.
When that data is needed, it’s moved from RAM into the CPU’s cache – a small pool of very fast memory actually built into the CPU itself. This happens millions of times a second as the CPU needs different bits of data. Then the information is stored in a long-term storage system such as a hard drive or SSD. This is a much slower process than reading it directly from RAM. This can cause significant delays when using a computer. As a result, it’s a good idea to use RAM optimization software to clear wasteful clutter regularly.
It speeds up your computer
Increasing the total capacity of RAM helps speed up your computer because it acts as a large and relatively quick memory storage solution for your machine. When the machine needs to open a program, it moves it from the hard drive into RAM. This function is particularly crucial during startup, and adding more RAM to reduce the amount of time it takes to load all the startup programs can improve your computer’s startup time.
The two primary attributes of RAM that influence its performance are latency and capacity. Latency is how long it takes for the RAM to communicate with the processor. Higher latency results in slower performance, but there’s a tipping point where the faster bandwidth of fast RAM offsets the increased latency.
Aside from installing new RAM, there are other things you can do to speed up your computer. Try uninstalling apps you no longer use, cleaning up browser data, and scanning for malware.
It’s more expensive than a hard drive
Although these two things are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing. RAM is made of active DRAM logic chips and it’s a purely digital device that needs to be continuously powered or the data in memory will disappear. In contrast, a hard drive is electro-mechanical and uses platters or circular disks to store specific files and the operating system. Hard drives require more power, byte for byte, than RAM.
RAM speeds up other components by allowing them to fetch data without having to retrieve it from slower storage devices like hard drives or SSDs. This helps them run faster and saves wear on those slower storage components, which can help extend their lifespan. If you’re thinking of upgrading your business devices to improve performance or capacity, figuring out what kind and how much you’ll need ahead of time will be beneficial. The Tech Tip team recommends a minimum of 16GB of RAM to ensure your devices can efficiently handle future operating system advancements.
It’s easy to upgrade
You can easily upgrade the RAM in a laptop or PC to boost performance and improve computing experience. However, it’s important to choose a reliable supplier with dependable warranties and return policies. Also, you should make sure that the new RAM modules you purchase are compatible with your motherboard’s specifications in terms of type, capacity, and speed.
RAM is the computer’s short-term memory, so it can quickly shuffle data in and out of it. This saves the computer from having to rely on slower storage components such as hard drives and solid-state drives, which are much more sluggish.
To install new RAM, first locate the slot(s) on your computer’s motherboard and remove any existing modules. You may need to release retention clips or levers to access the slots. Then, place the new RAM module in the slot by aligning the notch on the module with the notch on the slot. Apply firm, even pressure until the module snaps into place.