RAM (random access memory) is the lifeblood of your computer. Without it, programs slow down and your system lags.
RAM is sold in sticks that snap into slots on your motherboard. Choosing the right RAM requires consideration of speed, latency, capacity and type. This guide will help you make the best choice for your needs.
Speed
RAM is super-fast, compared to the much slower data access speed of storage devices (such as hard drives). If you open many programs at once, they’ll try to load completely into RAM so that your CPU can use them immediately. If they can’t all fit, your system will start to rely more on the slower disk storage.
Depending on the application, this can have noticeable performance impacts, especially in games. It’s important to note, however, that bandwidth isn’t the only factor when it comes to evaluating RAM performance; latency also plays a role.
Latency refers to the amount of time it takes for your RAM to respond to a command. It can vary, but generally speaking higher latency is bad and lower is good. The other big metric is frequency, or how fast the module can transfer data. Higher MHz speeds usually correlate to higher memory bandwidth, but it’s not always the case. The reason is that different modules have slightly different timings, which can cause conflicts with your motherboard.
Latency
RAM is your computer or laptop’s short-term memory where the information that powers applications and opens files is stored. Its latency is a major factor that affects performance, but it’s not the only one.
Another big consideration is the clock cycle time, which is how long it takes for RAM to start sending data that was requested by your CPU. This is also a measure of how fast your computer can perform, although it has less of an impact on average performance than latency. This is why newer memory types often have faster Clock Cycle Times than older ones.
Capacity
The more memory your computer has, the larger its digital workspace is. This allows programs to work more efficiently and quickly. Think of it like a desk that can hold more papers, folders, and tasks at once. The more things you have on it, the faster and easier it is to access them all without thumbing through a filing cabinet.
RAM augments the cache on your processor, giving it faster access to data than it could get on its own. For example, a game may store its art assets in RAM so that it can be retrieved more rapidly than from a hard drive or SSD.
Today, most lightweight systems can easily run on 4 GB of RAM, which is enough for most everyday applications, including web browsing and word processing. However, 8 GB is better for gamers and high-end multimedia users who want to try out new technology and keep their games running smoothly.
Type
RAM serves as a functional workspace for your computer, and it’s an essential component for PC gamers. It receives a program command from the processor and stores it temporarily for easy access by the CPU, graphics card, and other components. When the program is finished running, it removes itself from RAM and allows space for new information to be stored in its place.
Like other computer components, RAM can come in various capacities and speeds. It can also be found in different form factors, such as DIMM or SO-DIMM, and it needs to be compatible with your motherboard and processor to work properly. The type of RAM you choose affects performance, too. For example, dual-rank RAM performs better because the CPU can access data from both sides of the memory chip at once. It also runs cooler, which helps to prevent overheating. However, it is more expensive than single-rank RAM. So, you must consider your budget when selecting the right RAM for your computer.