As a short-term storage location that gets wiped when the computer is turned off, RAM offers lightning-fast access to data. The faster it is, the better your PC performs.
This Team Group kit looks great and is a solid choice for a gaming PC build. Just make sure your motherboard can support it and that you have enough slots.
What is RAM?
RAM is the short-term storage bank for data that your computer needs to function. Your processor needs quick access to this data to complete the immediate processing tasks you give it. RAM is orders of magnitude faster than accessing the long-term storage in a hard drive or solid state disk.
When you finish with an application, your system transfers the data from RAM to long-term storage, and the memory is then available for the next task. Consequently, the capacity of your computer’s RAM directly correlates to how smoothly your system works.
RAM can be soldered onto your motherboard or stored in removable modules called DIMMs that slot into a motherboard. The latter are referred to as UDIMMs or SO-DIMMs depending on their physical form factor. Most consumer RAM is registered, but you can also find unregistered options as well as the more advanced ECC-equipped DDR5. The two main characteristics of PC RAM are speed and latency.
How does RAM work?
RAM acts as your computer’s short-term memory, and is where the data goes that your processor needs to use to open applications, files, and video games. When a process finishes using the data, the operating system moves it back to long-term storage like the hard drive or SSD.
But not all of that data is actually moved to storage: it’s copied into cache, a pool of very fast memory built into your CPU. This happens millions of times every second as the CPU needs different types of data.
Aside from capacity, the main things to consider when choosing RAM are its frequency and latency. Frequency refers to how fast the RAM modules operate, while latency is the time delay between your computer’s CPU sending a request and the memory actually delivering that data. Most users require 4,000MHz or higher RAM and a column access strobe (CAS) latency of 15-18 or lower for optimal performance. You can find this information on your motherboard’s SPD (serial presence detect) chip, or by running an online memory compatibility tool.
How much RAM do I need?
Generally speaking, for basic computer use — like browsing the web, checking emails, using standard Office applications and light photo editing — 8GB of RAM should be sufficient. However, gamers, demanding software users, and those who want to future-proof their computers will likely need 16GB of RAM or more.
Since RAM works to store and quickly access data for processing, without enough memory, your system may experience lag, slow downs or even crash. If you want to make sure your computer is properly equipped for the demands of modern programs, consider upgrading to 16GB or more of fast DDR5 RAM. This will help you run resource-hungry apps like Photoshop and the latest games at high resolutions and frame rates. Professionals who work with 4K video, advanced editing software and 3D design applications will likely require 32GB or more of RAM to unlock the full potential of these programs. These users should also look into adding VRAM to their computers for better performance.
How do I upgrade my RAM?
Whether you’re a gamer looking for smoother gameplay or a content creator seeking faster rendering times, increasing your RAM is an inexpensive way to unlock your computer’s potential. RAM upgrades are easy to install and deliver significant performance improvements, making them a smart upgrade for any computer.
Before starting, shut down the computer and remove any power cables to discharge any capacitors (you can also hold the power button on the case for a few seconds). Place your computer on a clean work surface and prepare a screwdriver or other suitable tool for opening the chassis and accessing the RAM slots. If necessary, use a compressed air canister to clear any dust or debris from the slots and surrounding components.
Choose compatible RAM modules that match your computer’s specifications in terms of size, capacity and speed. For maximum performance, consider a dual-channel memory configuration by installing identical modules in each available slot. Once the new modules are installed, reboot and verify that your system recognizes the increased amount of RAM.