RAM is a crucial component in your computer. It’s used for storing temporary data that is accessed quickly by the processor. Without it, your computer would run much slower.
RAM comes in many different capacities and speeds. The type of memory you choose depends on your needs and your budget.
What is RAM?
RAM is short-term memory that holds data accessed by your computer’s applications and programs. It acts as a buffer between your processor and permanent data storage like an HDD or SSD. RAM is much faster than storage, so having it close to the processor helps your PC operate quickly and efficiently.
If you’re a casual gamer or light photo editor, 4GB of RAM should be plenty. More demanding users (or those who want to be sure their computer can handle the latest games) should consider 16GB or more.
Sometimes, the term “memory” is used interchangeably with “storage.” But it’s important to remember that storage — whether on an old HDD or a newer solid-state drive — is where files and programs reside at all times, even when the device is shut down. The information in those drives must be pulled back into RAM before the system can work with it again, which takes time and slows down performance.
How much RAM do I need?
A computer’s RAM capacity plays a key role in how fast it can run programs, handle multitasking and play games. It acts as a buffer between the processor and permanent data storage, like an HDD/SSD.
As such, RAM is often one of the first upgrades people make when they want to improve a desktop or laptop’s performance. The amount of RAM you need depends on your computing needs.
For general use, 4GB of RAM is enough for surfing the web and running basic programs like Microsoft Word or Excel. 8GB is standard in most modern PCs and is good for gaming at lower settings. However, for those looking to enjoy demanding titles at higher resolutions, 16GB is recommended.
For serious work with MS Office or image editing, 32GB is ideal. Those using professional software or working with larger data sets might require 64GB or more. Adding more than your system can support may cause your computer to freeze or slow down.
What type of RAM should I buy?
If you’re just using your PC for basic tasks such as web browsing, word processing and Solitaire, 8 GB of RAM is fine. However, if you want to take your gaming to the next level and run more programs at once, consider 16 GB.
Generally, you should only use new RAM because it’s more reliable than older versions and comes with manufacturer warranty protection. Secondhand or refurbished RAM is often cheaper, but it’s less reliable and won’t have warranty protection.
The form factor, or physical shape of the module, should also be considered. Most desktop computers will require UDIMMs (which stand for Unbuffered and Unregistered DIMM) while laptops will usually use SO-DIMMs. The RAM’s speed should be a consideration as well, with kits that operate at around 3,600 MHz typically providing the best performance. Its timings or CAS latency, which essentially denote how long the RAM takes to send data, should also be looked at; low numbers are better.
How do I know if I have enough RAM?
When running many applications simultaneously, RAM is the primary hardware element that allows them to work well together. If there isn’t enough, the CPU will start to swap files from RAM to the hard disk, which slows down PC performance.
Adding more RAM can often resolve these issues, and a quick way to see whether you have enough is by checking the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc for Windows or Ctrl+Alt+Del for Mac). This displays a graph of how much memory is being used, and a spike in usage usually indicates a lack of RAM.
Another important consideration is how much VRAM you need for graphically demanding games and programs like 3D design software or 4K video editing. This is stored on the graphics card and typically requires 8 GB for smooth operation. As with the main memory, you can check how much VRAM your motherboard supports by looking at its documentation or using a compatibility tool.