RAM (or memory) is a computer’s short-term storage. It helps your PC run programs and open files much faster than storage drives.
If you notice your computer takes a long time to load apps or files, it may be low on RAM capacity. Adding more RAM can fix this problem.
How does RAM work?
Unlike your hard drive, RAM holds data only when you need it, such as for the apps and files you’re using. When you shut down your computer, the processor clears out the memory and any data that wasn’t saved to disk.
To access a bit of information in RAM, the processor sends a signal to read or write it by row line and column line. When the signal is sent, the capacitors in a memory chip take on either a high or low state.
Depending on the type of memory your computer has, it can take between 30 and 70 nanoseconds to refresh each cell. This means that when you’re playing a video game, you might notice that it takes longer than usual to open up a new screen or menu. The reason for this difference is that large bits of data take more time to access than smaller ones. It is because of this that larger RAM modules are more expensive than smaller ones.
What is RAM?
Aside from the hard drive, RAM is the most important component of a computer for enabling applications to work and open. RAM is like your own short-term memory, holding the data you need right now—and processing it significantly faster than storage can.
When you open a program, the operating system loads it into RAM for immediate access. Once the program is no longer actively working with that data, it moves back to long-term storage.
RAM comes in the form of computer chips, integrated circuits, that are either soldered directly onto a motherboard or installed in modules that go into sockets on the board. It can be referred to by several acronyms, including DRAM and SRAM. The latter uses memory cells with a transistor and capacitor that require refreshing (receiving a new electronic charge) every few milliseconds. Each type of memory is faster or slower, depending on how it is built and what its performance characteristics are.
How much RAM do I need?
A computer’s RAM is the short-term, fast-access storage that temporarily holds information between your processor and long-term storage like SSD/HDD. This reduces the back-and-forth between storage and processing, making programs and games respond faster.
In general, 8GB of RAM should be enough for most average PC users. This is the minimum amount shipped with new computers and should be enough to handle multiple programs running simultaneously. It will also be more than enough for most games on their lowest settings, though many games require more to run well.
If you plan on using memory-intensive applications like video editing software, 4K or 8K photo editing or gaming at high resolutions and frame rates, consider 16GB of RAM to ensure your computer can perform without slowing down or crashing. If your computing needs are quite demanding, you may want to opt for 32GB of RAM or more if you can afford it. However, adding more RAM will not necessarily make your computer run faster if it doesn’t have the right type of software to take advantage of it.
Which type of RAM is best?
As with most PC components, the type of RAM you need depends on your personal computing needs. Most new computers come with 4GB of RAM, but you can upgrade to 8 or 16GB to support high-end editing software and games.
There are a few specifications you should keep in mind when selecting RAM, such as the frequency (in MT/s or MHz) and timing performance. The faster your RAM is, the more processing power it can handle without scaling back to maintain performance.
For example, if your computer uses DDR4 RAM, you should look for modules with a speed of 2,400MHz or higher. You also want to make sure that the RAM you choose is compatible with your motherboard to avoid compatibility issues. Lastly, you should choose RAM that has the same form factor as the existing modules in your system to prevent conflicts that may hinder performance. You can technically mix different types of RAM, but doing so will cause the modules to not operate at their fastest speeds.