When it comes to building a computer, there are many technical terms and technologies that can confuse beginners. One such technology is RAM, or Random Access Memory.
Without enough RAM, your computer could run at a snail’s pace. This is because it would have to use its hard drive for immediate data storage.
Speed
The amount of RAM in your computer can make a big difference when it comes to performance. The faster it is, the more quickly your computer will respond to your commands and run programs. It is the main storage solution for your system and works much faster than the slower hard drive that stores long-term data.
Most people don’t need a lot of memory for everyday tasks like watching YouTube videos or browsing the web, but high-quality video games and computationally-heavy projects require a healthy dose of it to function smoothly. This is why it’s important to compare RAM capacity when choosing a model.
The other thing to keep in mind is the speed of RAM. This is measured in MHz and can vary between sticks of RAM. It can also depend on the type of RAM you buy, but it generally has a minor impact on performance overall. This is due to a number called latency, which is the time it takes for signals to travel from one row or column of the memory to the CPU and back again.
Capacity
The capacity of RAM is the amount of data it can store for immediate processing. Without enough space, your processor would have to swap data between RAM and the hard drive, a process that takes time and slows down performance.
Aside from enabling your computer to run multiple programs simultaneously, RAM allows you to work on memory-intensive tasks like video editing and image processing. It also ensures that your favorite games run smoothly, providing you with an enjoyable experience.
Considering the various ways that you use your computer, it is essential to determine how much memory you need. Most lightweight systems can get by with 4 GB, which is suitable for most everyday tasks like emailing and working in Word documents. However, 8 GB is ideal for multimedia and casual gaming. It’s also not difficult or expensive to upgrade to larger capacities if you need them in the future. However, high-end PC users should consider 64 GB or higher for an optimal experience.
Types
The type of RAM your computer has will have a significant impact on its performance. Generally speaking, the faster the memory, the better, but only go as high as you need to in order to keep your PC running smoothly.
DRAM (dynamic random-access memory) is the most common form of memory in modern computers. It stores data randomly, whereas storage drives store information in a sequential format. This allows data to be accessed much more quickly.
There are many types of DRAM. DDR2 SDRAM is a basic type that was popular before 2001, while DDR3 and DDR4 are the most commonly used today. There’s also RDRAM, which was popular in the early 2000s for graphics cards. Another type of DRAM is called synchronous RAM, which syncs to the system clock. This reduces the amount of time it takes to transfer data between the CPU and memory, resulting in higher overall CPU performance. Also, some types of DRAM support pipelining, which increases performance even further.
Installation
The amount of RAM you install has a big impact on your computer’s performance. Installing RAM is one of the most common upgrades that a computer user can carry out and, with a little care, should be fairly simple.
Whether you’re installing new RAM on an off-the-shelf desktop computer or a custom-built rig, the first step is to locate your existing RAM modules and, if necessary, remove them. This will be easier if you have the motherboard manual for your computer handy.
After locating your existing RAM, shut down your computer and unplug all cords and cables. Then, carefully lay your machine on its side and open the case. Before handling the RAM, consult your owner’s manual and ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal surface inside your case to discharge any static electricity. Finally, insert the new RAM module firmly into its slot and close the retainer clips. If the notches and tabs don’t match up, the RAM may be the wrong type for your motherboard.