When upgrading your computer, one of the most crucial components to consider is the RAM or temporary memory. In our Guide to buying computer RAM, we’ll help you understand the key Criteria for buying RAM and make a smart choice. Do you know how much RAM is sufficient for your needs?
Or how to choose between the various types of RAM available on the market? In this article, we’ll show you how to select the best option for upgrading your system based on the Criteria for buying RAM. Stay with us to get comprehensive and practical information on buying computer RAM and enjoy enhanced system performance!
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What is RAM?
Before diving into the details of our Guide to buying computer RAM, let’s take a look at what RAM is. RAM, which stands for “Random Access Memory,” refers to the temporary memory used in computers. Unlike permanent storage like HDDs or SSDs, RAM is continually being filled and emptied. Its primary purpose is to allow the processor to quickly access data without the need for permanent storage.
In reality, RAM is much faster than permanent storage, but it cannot be used for long-term storage. This is because RAM only retains data while power is supplied; when the power is cut, all information in RAM is lost. Therefore, if you are looking to understand the Criteria for buying RAM, keep these points in mind to make an informed and effective choice.
Why is RAM Important for Your Computer?
So far, we’ve learned that RAM helps the processor and graphics card quickly access the data they need. But why is this memory so crucial for computers? The simple answer is: RAM is the key to running multiple programs simultaneously and performing multitasking smoothly and efficiently. In other words, if you want to keep several software applications open at once and enjoy seamless system performance, having sufficient RAM is essential.
For gamers, RAM plays a vital role as well. Game assets and files that the processor and graphics card need are stored in RAM for quick and hassle-free access. This allows you to run games at high quality without lag. Therefore, when considering the Criteria for buying RAM in our Guide to buying computer RAM, paying attention to the capacity and type of RAM can significantly impact your user experience.
Desktop RAM vs. Laptop RAM
When it comes to the Guide to buying computer RAM, one of the key considerations is the difference between desktop and laptop RAM. These differences primarily involve the form factor, size, and the way pins connect to the motherboard. In fact, choosing the right type of RAM can significantly impact your system’s performance.
Laptops use SO-DIMM modules (Short for “Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module”), whereas desktops require DIMM or UDIMM modules (Short for “Dual In-Line Memory Module”). As the names suggest, SO-DIMM is smaller than DIMM.
Due to space constraints in laptops, SO-DIMM is approximately half the size of DIMM, with a length of just 7 cm compared to the 13 cm length of DIMM modules. Additionally, SO-DIMM has 260 pins, while DIMM is equipped with 288 pins.
These size and pin differences mean that laptops cannot use DIMM modules, and desktops cannot use SO-DIMM modules. Therefore, when buying RAM, it’s crucial to pay close attention to the type to avoid any mistakes. Fortunately, the physical differences between these two types of RAM are clear enough that you can easily distinguish between them.
Types of RAM
When it comes to the Guide to buying computer RAM, one of the key aspects is understanding the different types of RAM available. RAM comes in various models, distinguished by the standard DDR numbering. These standards range from DDR1 to the more advanced DDR4, each offering improvements over the previous generation.
Generally, each new DDR generation offers higher speeds, lower power consumption, and reduced latency compared to its predecessor. However, it’s important to note that you cannot use just any generation of RAM in computers designed for the previous generation. This limitation arises due to differences in pin count and the spacing between the notches on the modules.
For instance, DDR3 DIMM RAM has 204 pins, whereas DDR4 RAM features 288 pins. Therefore, if your computer is designed for DDR3 RAM, you cannot install DDR4 RAM in it. Each motherboard supports only one DDR standard, which means you cannot use different types simultaneously.
Therefore, when buying RAM, it’s crucial to pay attention to the DDR standard required by your motherboard to ensure full compatibility and optimal performance.
Choosing the Right DDR Type
In the Guide to buying computer RAM, one of the most critical aspects is selecting the correct DDR type. Modern DDR SDRAM has been widely used over the past two decades, and we’ve seen various generations including DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4.
Most of today’s new computers use the fourth generation of RAM, DDR4, which reached its peak popularity in 2016. While DDR3 memory and motherboards compatible with DDR3 are still available on the market, they are likely to be phased out soon.
Simply put, DDR4 memory is significantly faster than its predecessors, offering noticeable improvements in all aspects. To ensure better system performance, you need to remember that DDR4 is not compatible with older motherboards and processors, and similarly, DDR3 is not compatible with newer motherboards and processors.
Therefore, when purchasing RAM, make sure to select the correct DDR type. In other words, you cannot install a DDR4 module in a motherboard that only supports DDR3, and vice versa. Choosing the right DDR type will help you achieve full compatibility and optimal performance for your system.
Motherboard Form Factor and Slot Count
Determining whether your motherboard supports DDR4 or DDR3 is not very difficult. Simply search for “System Information” in Windows, and under the “System Summary” section, you’ll find your motherboard model next to “System Model.” You can then visit the motherboard manufacturer’s website to find all the necessary and additional information about your motherboard.
Another key point in the Guide to buying computer RAM is paying attention to the number of RAM slots. You can find this information either on the motherboard’s official page or by physically inspecting the motherboard itself. The number of slots depends on the motherboard’s form factor:
- Mini ITX motherboards typically support two RAM slots.
- ATX motherboards usually have four RAM slots.
- Micro ATX motherboards generally support four RAM slots, although models with two slots are also available.
- EATX motherboards can accommodate up to eight RAM slots, though this feature is not essential for most gaming PCs.
Of course, the number of physical slots is only part of the story. Each motherboard has a maximum RAM capacity that it can support and cannot exceed this limit. This specification is easily identified through the component’s datasheet. However, don’t worry, especially if you’re planning to buy a gaming computer; most modern motherboards support at least 32GB of RAM.
Processor and Operating System Limitations
Processors, much like motherboards, have limitations regarding RAM capacity. In the Guide to buying computer RAM, these limitations generally don’t pose significant problems. Modern 64-bit processors, such as Intel’s 9th generation and Ryzen 3rd generation, typically support up to 64GB or 128GB of RAM.
As long as you are using a newer 64-bit processor, you won’t have to worry about RAM limitations imposed by the processor or the operating system. For today’s gaming, usually more than 16GB of RAM is unnecessary. However, if you have an older processor, it is essential to check how much RAM your processor supports. This information is a crucial part of the Guide to buying computer RAM.
Make sure that your processor and operating system are compatible with the amount of RAM you intend to purchase. Checking these details can help you avoid choosing RAM that is not compatible with your processor or operating system, ensuring the best choice in the Guide to buying computer RAM.
Clock Speed
The clock speed of RAM, measured in megahertz (MHz), is as crucial as the clock speed of processors and graphics cards in determining how quickly RAM processes data, significantly impacting its performance. Generally, a higher clock speed means faster data processing, but in the Guide to buying computer RAM, for gaming, RAM capacity often outweighs clock speed in importance.
Although higher clock speeds and overclocked RAM can enhance performance, the improvements are typically minimal, often just a few frames, and do not justify the expense of premium RAM with large heatsinks. These costs rarely result in significant performance gains, and purchasing RAM with a higher clock speed may offer less benefit relative to the cost.
Indeed, clock speed in the Guide to buying computer RAM for gaming is important, but the difference between 3200MHz and 2400MHz in DDR4 RAM for games is generally negligible. Therefore, if your primary focus in the Guide to buying computer RAM is gaming, there is no significant difference between these speeds, and selecting RAM with the appropriate clock speed is up to you.
RAM Capacity and Configuration
In today’s world, the use of 3GB and 4GB RAM in mobile phones is quite common. However, in the Guide to buying computer RAM, using 8GB and 16GB RAM, and even more, has become standard. With the decrease in RAM prices, cost-saving in this area is no longer advisable. Even for basic computers that only need to open a few text files and browse the web, a minimum of 8GB RAM is recommended. For tasks like 3D modeling, video editing, or gaming, opting for 16GB RAM or more seems reasonable.
Some may find themselves torn between choosing faster RAM with lower capacity and slower RAM with higher capacity. In such cases, it’s better to prioritize greater capacity and select RAM with the maximum possible capacity. This choice will enhance system performance and effectively address the Criteria for buying RAM.
Besides capacity, the number of channels is also crucial. RAM comes in single-channel, dual-channel, and quad-channel configurations, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Generally, using a multi-channel system increases the available bandwidth, allowing RAM to transfer more data simultaneously. Instead of purchasing one large-capacity single-channel RAM, it’s better to buy two RAM modules with half the capacity of the first option and use them in dual-channel mode. This approach improves overall system performance and meets the Guide to buying computer RAM criteria effectively.
Bandwidth, Single-Channel, Dual-Channel, and Quad-Channel
In the criteria for buying computer RAM, bandwidth and channel configurations are of paramount importance. Bandwidth determines the amount of data that can be transferred between the processor and RAM modules, which directly impacts system performance. To enhance RAM bandwidth and overall system performance, using dual-channel and quad-channel RAM configurations is recommended.
Dual-channel RAM setups utilize two RAM modules, while quad-channel configurations include four RAM modules. Adding more modules increases system bandwidth and improves performance. This is particularly critical in servers and workstations that demand higher bandwidth.
However, in gaming, the additional bandwidth from multi-channel RAM configurations may not significantly impact performance but still offers specific benefits. One of these benefits is cost. Purchasing multiple lower-capacity modules is often cheaper than buying a single high-capacity module. For example, buying two 8GB RAM modules or four 4GB RAM modules is generally less expensive than one 16GB RAM module.
Another advantage is the ease of module replacement. Lower-capacity RAM modules are more affordable, and if one module fails, you can continue using the remaining RAM until a replacement is obtained. Conversely, if you only have a single 16GB RAM module and it fails, your computer will be out of commission until you can replace it.
Therefore, the choice between single-channel, dual-channel, and quad-channel configurations significantly affects RAM bandwidth and system performance. Making an informed choice based on your needs and budget can help you optimize both bandwidth benefits and cost-efficiency.
Timing and Latency
In the guide to buying RAM for computers, timing and latency are crucial factors to consider. CAS Latency (CL) represents the delay, which is the time taken after receiving a read command for the data to be delivered to the processor. In DDR4 memory, this latency is measured in clock cycles and converted to nanoseconds.
For everyday users and gamers, RAM latency is typically less critical compared to clock speed and bandwidth. The benefits of low-latency RAM in gaming are relatively minimal, and this factor doesn’t outweigh the importance of RAM capacity. Indeed, RAM capacity should always be the primary focus in a RAM buying guide.
RAM speed is measured in megahertz (MHz) and is available in specific ranges, such as between 2133 MHz and 2400 MHz. RAM should fall within these valid frequencies. RAM frequency can be displayed as DDR3-1600 or PC3-12800. In these terms, the number following DDR and PC indicates the memory module type, while the final number represents the frequency. For DDR terms, the last number directly refers to the RAM frequency, and for PC terms, it refers to the maximum data transfer rate in megabytes per second. To convert the PC number to the base frequency, divide the second number by eight.
When buying RAM, it’s important to consider two key points regarding speed: First, always aim to get the highest speed memory available, and second, ensure the RAM frequency is compatible with your motherboard’s maximum supported frequency. Motherboard manufacturers provide information on supported frequencies and maximum frequencies. If your RAM frequency exceeds the motherboard’s maximum supported frequency, the RAM will operate at a lower speed than its rated frequency.
Latency, or CL, is another important factor in the RAM buying guide and is typically presented as a set of three or four numbers. The first number is CAS Latency (CL), measured in clock cycles, and indicates the delay between issuing a command and its execution. Higher frequency memory with lower latency generally offers better performance. Many people focus only on frequency and CL numbers, assuming that higher frequencies automatically increase CL, making part of the advertised speed unreachable. However, in reality, as frequency increases, latency either decreases or remains nearly constant.
Ultimately, a thorough RAM buying guide should carefully consider timing and latency to ensure the best possible selection.
Capacity of RAM: A Crucial Factor in the Computer RAM Buying Guide
In the guide to buying RAM for computers, RAM capacity is the most crucial factor in gaming. Currently, 16GB of RAM is considered the gold standard for gaming. Using more than 32GB of RAM for gaming in 2021 is regarded as overkill.
You can start with 8GB of RAM and upgrade it gradually. If you use applications that demand higher RAM capacity, installing 32GB of RAM in your computer can future-proof your system.
Nonetheless, the processor and graphics card are more critical in gaming and should not be compromised for the sake of better RAM. Especially if you want your computer to remain current for longer, focusing on the processor and graphics card is essential. As previously mentioned, upgrading RAM is one of the easiest components to upgrade in a computer, and if you find you need more than 16GB of RAM, you can always add more RAM.
In contrast, upgrading the processor or graphics card is much more complex and expensive. Therefore, in the RAM buying guide, you should prioritize the processor and graphics card over RAM in your budget.
Guide to Buying Computer RAM: Size and Form Factors
In the guide to buying computer RAM, there are two primary form factors: DIMM and SO-DIMM. Although these two types of RAM share many similarities in technology and performance, there are significant differences between them.
DIMM, which stands for Dual Inline Memory Module, is larger and more elongated and is primarily used in desktop computers. In contrast, SO-DIMM, or Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module, is smaller in size and is typically used in laptops and All-in-One computers.
The main difference between these two types of modules is their size, which determines their application in different devices.
Guide to Buying Computer RAM: Final Thoughts on the RAM Buying Guide
In conclusion of this guide to buying computer RAM, it’s crucial to keep the following key points in mind. While RAM modules can technically work together, it’s not recommended to mix modules from different brands or models. Doing so can lead to unexpected compatibility issues, system crashes, and buggy performance.
Additionally, if you use modules with different clock speeds, all modules will default to the speed of the slowest module, potentially negatively impacting overall system performance.
To summarize the guide to buying computer RAM, consider the following:
- Prioritize memory capacity over clock speed and latency.
- Opt for multiple modules with lower capacity rather than a single high-capacity module.
- Leave room for future expansion in your system.
- Avoid mixing modules from different brands if planning for future upgrades.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure optimal performance and stability for your system.