Random Access Memory (RAM) is the primary storage space for your computer. It is much faster to read from and write to than secondary storage, such as hard drives or SSDs.
Think of RAM like your desk: the stuff you use most is within arm’s reach, while less frequently used files go into drawers. This is why the more RAM you have, the faster your computer can perform tasks.
Memory capacity
Random access memory (RAM) is a type of super-fast storage that your computer uses to hold data it needs in the short term. Think of your hard drive as a filing cabinet, and RAM as a desk where you keep the stuff you use regularly within arm’s reach. The rest of your work goes into the filing cabinet, and that’s how your computer works.
If you’re running out of RAM, your programs will begin to slow down as they aren’t able to load from the hard drive as easily. RAM is also volatile, so the data it stores is lost when you turn off your computer.
You can check how much RAM your PC has by opening Task Manager or pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Your total memory usage will be displayed in the Performance tab, with the most-used processes appearing at the top of the list. You can also open Settings and click the option to “About your PC.” The Device Specifications section should show you the amount of installed RAM.
Speed
RAM is your computer’s temporary workspace. To access the files that make up programs, your computer retrieves them from long-term storage on a hard disk drive, then places them in RAM or “the digital countertop” for quick and easy access by its processor.
To perform well, RAM must transfer data to and from the CPU at a speed that matches the processor’s. The higher the frequency, the faster this process can occur, but other factors affect performance as well, including CAS latency and memory channels.
Higher CAS latency (formatted as 7-8-8-24) means that RAM must spend more time waiting for the CPU to send a request, slowing performance. The good news is that this is a setting that’s almost always controlled by the CPU, rather than the RAM itself.
Latency
RAM is your computer’s short-term memory that stores data it needs to open files and run applications. It also helps your computer to respond more quickly, especially in high-demand applications like video editing and 3D rendering.
When you’re shopping for RAM, the first thing you should look at is its speed and then CAS latency (CL). These numbers tell how long it takes for your RAM to begin sending data to your CPU after the CPU requests it. A RAM with a lower CL number has a shorter delay.
You can find these numbers by using utilities like CPU-Z and AIDA64. You can also see them listed on RAM manufacturers’ product pages (e.g., “DDR5 6000 CL36”). Generally speaking, higher speeds and lower latencies are better for gamers and content creators. However, you may need to sacrifice speed for capacity in some cases. In these situations, it’s worth looking for a RAM that can balance speed and capacity to deliver the best performance.
Reliability
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a memory component that’s used in computers to store data and provide the information to the processor. The reliability of RAM depends on several factors, including the intensity of use and the quality of the components.
In general, modern PC RAM modules are durable and can be expected to last a long time without failing. However, it’s important to know how to identify a bad module and replace it with a new one to avoid problems like system crashes and BSODs.
While many people in the gaming community believe that RAM has no bearing on FPS, it’s been shown that RAM can impact performance by taking strain off of other components and speeding up load times. Having a high-quality RAM kit can help to improve productivity, and is an essential part of any computer or laptop. It also helps to ensure that your machine is running at peak efficiency, ensuring that you get the most out of your hardware.