RAM keeps the data you use within arm’s reach, so your computer works quickly. The rest of your files are saved on your hard drive, which is a lot farther away.
All information is encoded in a series of 1’s and 0’s called bits. There are many different ways to store these bits, each offering tradeoffs between speed and density.
What is RAM?
RAM is the digital brain boost that gives all your apps and games the space they need to work at lightning-fast speed. It works much like a stack of sticky notes, with the data encoded as binary – 0’s and 1’s (or on and off, if you prefer).
The difference is that unlike long-term storage on your hard drive, which requires time to retrieve information, RAM can instantly process it. And when you stop actively working with the data, the computer operating system saves it back to long-term storage.
The memory chips in a computer are usually packed into a rectangular flat circuit board called a module and connect to the motherboard with pins that are notched at one end. Depending on the kind of computer you have, modules may come in various capacities and speeds. The faster the clock speed, the better. But there are other factors to consider, too.
Why is RAM important?
Your computer’s RAM is essential for letting you work with programs and files quickly. It helps other computer components find data, such as a photo you want to edit or a web page to open, without needing to thumb through slower storage like hard drives or solid-state drives.
Non-volatile system storage, such as hard drives and SSDs, keep your data safe from power loss by writing it to them every time you shut off the machine. But that slows things down because you have to wait for the data to be retrieved.
RAM is a fast type of memory because it can store large amounts of information at once, as small bits. It’s able to do this because it works with pulses of the system clock, sending data whenever a peak in the cycle happens. Each new generation of memory technology, such as DDR4, increases the number of times that can happen per pulse, speeding things up even more.
How much RAM do I need?
Most modern PCs come with 8GB of RAM out of the box, which is plenty for everyday web browsing and light multitasking. But depending on your goals and tasks, you might need more. If you like to stream YouTube videos, use Discord and chat with friends, and play a few games in focused sessions, then 16GB might be better. It’s also the minimum requirement for most newer AAA titles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2.
To find out if you need more, open your computer’s Task Manager and check its memory usage. If the graph is close to full, then it’s time to upgrade. You can use the major RAM makers’ product finders to figure out what type of RAM your system supports, or do a little web sleuthing to find compatible sticks (especially if you didn’t build your PC yourself). But it’s important to balance your current usage patterns and future-proofing needs with your budget when choosing a RAM upgrade.
How do I install RAM?
RAM (random-access memory) is a computer component that stores information your computer processor needs to run applications and open files. Adding RAM to your computer or laptop can make it faster and more responsive. It’s a cheap and easy way to upgrade your desktop or laptop computer to improve performance.
First, turn off your computer and unplug the power cable. This will discharge any static electricity that may be present in the system.
You’ll find the RAM slots on your motherboard near the CPU and the fan mounted on it. Each slot has two small clips on either side that you’ll need to press down to open. Once the slots are opened, align the notch on the RAM stick with the divot in the slot. Apply pressure evenly, and the sticks will snap into place with a slight click.
Make sure you’re installing them in the correct slots (channel A and B) to get optimal performance. Mixing up the order can lead to erratic behavior and instability.