Random access memory, also known as PC RAM, is the short-term storage that your computer processor uses to run applications and open files. It processes data at lightning-fast speeds.
If your computer or laptop is experiencing sluggish performance, low levels of RAM may be to blame. Luckily, upgrading your RAM is a relatively simple process.
What is RAM?
RAM is your computer’s short-term memory. It holds the data that helps it perform tasks, from opening apps to browsing websites and editing files. Keeping this data easily accessible allows your processor to work more quickly and efficiently.
When you’re done working, the data in your RAM is saved to disks (SSDs and HDDs). But this takes time, which slows down your computer’s work.
Non-volatile RAM data doesn’t lose its contents when power is cut, which makes it much faster than disks. RAM is also cheaper and offers greater storage capacity than SSDs. It comes in modules the size of a stick of gum and is easy to upgrade, so your device can keep up with your computing demands.
What is VRAM?
VRAM is an important part of a graphics card and is used to store the graphical data needed for rendering images. It is a type of DRAM memory, but designed specifically for use by GPUs. As a result, it has low latency and high bandwidth, which contributes to smooth, lag-free performance.
When a game is running, the GPU reads the textures, frame buffer and other graphical information from VRAM. The GPU then processes this data and sends it to the display. This data is then rendered on the screen as an image.
Gaming and other graphically intensive activities use a large amount of VRAM. The best way to increase the amount of VRAM is to purchase a new graphics card, but this can be expensive. Fortunately, there are a few ways to tweak the VRAM of your GPU without spending any money. One method involves changing a Registry value to make it appear that your GPU has more VRAM than it does.
How much RAM do I need?
The amount of RAM you need depends on your typical computing tasks. For light PC use, such as web browsing, email, and video streaming, 4GB to 8GB of RAM should be fine. However, if you often have multiple applications open and run resource-intensive websites, opting for 16GB or more will provide noticeably smoother performance.
Computer memory acts as a temporary workspace, storing the data that is currently in use. It is located near the CPU and accesses information much faster than a hard drive or SSD, which makes it an essential part of a fast-performing computer.
Amateur creatives using programs like Adobe Photoshop may be able to get away with 16GB, but professionals (like video editors or 3D animators) will need more. Adding 32GB of RAM to a modern gaming PC will also give you enough room to stream, multitask, and play modern games at high settings with ease. Ensure that you’re getting the best performance by matching your RAM speed to your motherboard and processor.
How do I check my RAM?
When you think of a computer’s brain, the CPU is its prefrontal cortex, the hard drive’s storage space is its long-term memory, and RAM (random access memory) is its short-term working memory. The more RAM your computer has, the more efficiently it can multitask.
If your PC is sluggish or you’re getting “low memory” error messages, it may be time to upgrade the RAM. But before you buy more RAM, it’s a good idea to check how much your current PC has installed and how much is in use.
On Windows, you can find basic information about your installed RAM by clicking the Start menu and typing “about your PC.” This will open a window with important computer specs, including the amount of RAM. You can also find basic RAM information on Mac by opening Spotlight and searching for system information. From here, click Memory to see a summary of your RAM’s type, speed, and capacity.