How To Choose RAM For Laptop And Computer? – RAM memory is the engine of the computer. The speed of program execution depends on this key component. To identify the right amount of RAM you need, you need to know the different characteristics of a RAM to properly understand its data sheet.
This article is an explanatory guide that will allow you to choose a computer with a suitable RAM for your needs.
#1. The Function of RAM in a Computer
This remembrance is also called volatile memory. It is mainly used to store temporary information. This information is automatically deleted when the computer is shut down or turned off.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. IS living memory, one of the hubs of a computer. It comes in the form of a bar. The stored data disappears after the information is processed. Your computer’s ability to process data quickly therefore depends on how much RAM it has.
This so-called “flash” memory makes your computer run smoother!
What is RAM memory used for?
RAM memory is the storage space in which data relating to files in execution or processing are loaded. Imagine your computer has no RAM, so all data would be loaded from the hard drive. It would take considerable loading time. To work, the computer will look for the instructions to execute in its RAM memory. RAM has an ultra-fast reading capacity that far exceeds that of a hard drive.
What does RAM look like?
Why is it important to choose the right amount of RAM?
Without its volatile memory, a computer would not function. Since RAM memory is a central element of a computer’s internal device, it is advisable to think carefully about its choice for good computer performance. These days hard drives are getting faster and faster. Switching to SSD increases the performance of hard drives, which are still far from ultra-fast RAM memories.
#2. Use Dictates Choice
To choose a computer with adequate RAM, you need to consider your usage needs. Indeed, each user has their own needs and these needs should guide them in purchasing thinking.
RAMs have evolved over time with features that make them more efficient one after another. DDR (Double Data Rate, computer component acceleration technique) it has been scrapped since 2005. DDR2 has therefore replaced the previous model with double the transfer rate. We had reached 200 MHz with DDR2. In 2007, DDR3 began to be marketed with 40 times lower power consumption than DDR2 and speeds of up to 2133Mhz.
Today we are at the end of DDR3 and the beginning of DDR4. The standard tends towards the intensive use of DDR4 at the beginning of this year 2019.
New computers are very often equipped with DDR4. The latter is characterized by a noticeable increase in performance compared to previous standards.
Frequency
The frequency of a RAM memory is the number of clock cycles per second. The higher this frequency, the faster the treatments.
On most models outside of Apple, you can change or increase the RAM if you want a more responsive computer.
In the event of an upgrade, it is a good idea to check the compatibility of your motherboard with the RAM to ensure its operation. For better optimization, it is advisable to choose the highest frequency that the motherboard can adapt to.
Latency
Another feature of volatile memory is its latency time. This feature indicates the execution time of requests or commands. The lower the latency, the better the computer performance.
First of all, a user who primarily wants to perform word processors and tasks related to office automation, for example, do not require a large amount of RAM. 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM are sufficient to perform these tasks and for these programs to run correctly.
Another user profile is the “player”. The video games being very greedy in the consumption of RAM memory, it will necessarily be necessary to equip gaming computers with a large amount of RAM to facilitate their operation. Nowadays a minimum of 16GB is desirable for this type of use. Also note that the graphics card is a very important component to consider when choosing a gaming PC.
Finally, users who do video montages or graphic creations, they need 16GB or even 32GB of RAM for computers to perform at their full potential! In fact, visual editing and creation software such as some Adobe suite applications need these amounts of RAM to provide flawless rendering.
In short, the choice of a RAM memory is dictated by use! Each user profile can, depending on its needs, determine the amount of RAM it really needs. The right amount of RAM will optimize your computer’s performance for smoother use.
