Which gives more RAM. RAM characteristics

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And what is it intended for? Almost everything modern devices and gadgets are equipped with RAM (random access memory). So what does such memory give to a computer or laptop? Let's try to understand the issue.

What is this?

RAM of a laptop or PC is an important part of the device system, on which the speed of operation depends different applications. Why is it needed? RAM on the computer? It stores commands and temporary data that the computer processor needs to perform certain operations. There are many, each of which performs its own task. The RAM looks like an elongated green chip. In the system unit or under back cover The laptop has a compartment where it is located. Even a user who does not understand technology can install it himself.

Purpose

What gives or RAM (Random Access Memory) - volatile and relatively fast memory A PC that has random access. It carries out various types of operations for exchanging information between devices. Operational If you turn off the power, the data contained in it will be erased. RAM stores streams of information that the processor needs to process. Devices are contacted with RAM through system bus, exchange with it through the cache. Random access RAM means that the memory accesses the desired block directly when needed.

At the same time, the access speed does not change. RAM is different from volatile RAM; it rarely fails. If it is damaged, it affects the entire system and negatively affects the operation of some PC devices. RAM comes as a separate module or block of a device or chip. If in modern gadgets did not use the element in question, then all operations would be slow. What does adding RAM do? It allows you to reduce information processing time, and applications will work and launch twice as fast.

Type and volume

What does RAM do? It helps the computer run faster. To increase the capabilities of the device, you need to know and take into account the characteristics of this element. For example, if the RAM is 8 GB, this is its capacity. It is an integral element of any module in the system. The performance of a computer or laptop depends on the total amount of RAM; the more it is installed, the better for the user.

How to correctly determine how much memory is installed on a PC? This can be done in different ways. If the computer has an operating system Windows system 7, then you need to do next steps: Click "Start" then right click mouse on "Computer" - "Properties". A window will appear containing information about the volume. There you can also see information about the processor and system type. In the same way, you can find out the amount of RAM (8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, etc.) in Windows XP.

If the user needs to find out information about the module and other characteristics, it is necessary to install a special program to determine PC parameters. Experts also advise using S&M - a diagnostic application about the state of your computer.

Peculiarities

Modern laptop and computer users know what RAM does. It is responsible for performance - how quickly the received command will be executed and processed by the PC. To determine the frequency of a specific module, you can simply look at the sticker where the numbers and letters are indicated, for example: DDR3 - 1600 PC3 - 12800 CL9 ECC REG.

In addition, you can use special programs, which allow you to determine the characteristics of RAM. What does this code mean?

DDR3 is a generation of RAM and is the most common type.
1600 - operating frequency memory, which is measured in MHz.
PC3 - 12800 - parameter indicating throughput, that is, the amount of information processed in 1 second.
C19 - information about RAM timing, measured in milliseconds. The lower the number, the better.
ECC - memory has parity control. The module has a special controller that corrects errors that occur during operation.

Therefore, if you want to increase RAM, then take these parameters into account, otherwise there is a high risk of incompatibility between the device and RAM.

Laptop RAM

Many modern netbooks, laptops and tablets use DDR RAM with the SODIMM form factor. The difference between these modules and others is appearance. Each generation of RAM has its own characteristics. They are related to technological process. So, the module for a laptop has a different number of contacts, unlike the first generation DDR. Some laptop users may encounter an unpleasant problem: the OS slows down and works erratically. This happens if several applications are downloaded at the same time. Then you will need to clear the RAM.

What can the user do? Close all applications, restart the device. In addition, you can use programs that clear RAM. All of these methods have pros and cons. If they do not solve the problem, you should seek help from service center.

How to install?

We have found out what RAM provides, now we will tell you how to install it in a computer or laptop:

First, turn off the device and wait five minutes.
Opening system unit.
There must be free slots on the motherboard - install RAM there. Each board has its own DDR generation.

What are the benefits of increasing RAM? The computer will work faster, but you need to increase it carefully. First, find out what motherboard is installed on your device, also focus on the model and brand of the laptop. All this will make it clear how much RAM to add and whether it needs to be done. To increase memory, you must do the following:

define model motherboard or laptop;
decide on the amount of RAM and module;
check compatibility with motherboard;
purchase a module.

Installing memory is easy. To do this you need to know general outline, what a PC or laptop consists of, the functionality of all its parts.

Hello again everyone! Today we will talk about RAM. What is RAM? What is it for? How does this work? What types of RAM are there? What characteristics should you pay attention to when choosing it? You will find answers to these questions below in this article. And let's start in order.

What is RAM?

Random access memory - also known as RAM (Random Access Memory), RAM (random access memory), memory, RAM - a volatile part of the computer memory system in which executable machine code (programs), as well as input, output and intermediate codes are stored during computer operation data processed by the processor.

Physically, the RAM module is embodied in the form of the following strips, which are inserted into a special connector on:

So, in principle, I answered the first two questions. Although no, from this definition to an ordinary person little is clear. But now we will analyze everything in detail. So.

There are several types of memory in a computer: energy NOT dependent and volatile or temporary.

Non-volatile memory is any memory device that can store data whether it is powered or not. In a computer this is . You can save a file on it, unplug your computer, and the next time you turn it on again, everything will remain in place.

Volatile memory is computer memory that requires constant food. This is what RAM is in a computer. Which means that if you turn off the power supply (turn off the computer), all the information stored in it will disappear. That is, every time you turn on your computer, its RAM is empty.

I think this is understandable. The next part of the definition answers our next question.

What is RAM needed for?

A fair question would be: why in a computer other than hard drive, on which data is stored regardless of whether power is supplied to it or not, do you need an additional, unreliable thing like RAM?

The fact is that in comparison with the speed of operation, the speed of reading and writing on hard drive very small. And if the processor worked directly with it, the computer's performance would be very low.

RAM, compared to hard drive works much faster. If you don't take into account various caches, then RAM will be the fastest element in the computer device, after the central processor.

Thus, RAM is needed to increase the performance of a computer, due to the fact that it allows the latter to receive the necessary data faster.

How does it all work?

When you start the computer, all the necessary data: the operating system kernel, drivers, various services and startup programs are loaded from the hard drive into RAM and from there the CPU takes them for processing. The processor also returns the results of its work to RAM and not to the hard drive. Every program, every window of any program you open on your computer is in RAM. With her CPU and it works. And only when you save some of the results of your work, they are written to the hard drive.

To help you understand better, let's look at a simple example of creating text document in Word.

When you click on the program launch shortcut, all the files necessary for its operation are loaded into RAM and after that the editor window appears on the computer monitor. When you start writing text, it is also in RAM; you simply won’t find it on your hard drive. In order for the result of your work to be saved on it, you must save it by clicking the button of the same name in Word. Everyone has had it at least once when you were writing, writing some text and suddenly closed the program or the computer turned off, and after turning it on again, your text disappeared. Precisely because the RAM was reset to zero, and you never bothered to save your creativity.

I think now you already understand what RAM is, why it is needed and how it works. Now let's move on to more practical things. Namely, we will consider the types of RAM and its main characteristics.

Types (types) of RAM

Nowadays, RAM can be of two types: static (SRAM) and dynamic (DRAM). Static RAM is faster than dynamic RAM due to its production technology, but at the same time more expensive. This type is often used as processor cache memory. For mass production of RAM modules, DRAM technology is used. And there are several types of such memory. Those that can now be found:

DDR SDRAM— synchronous dynamic memory with random access and double data transfer speed ( D double D ata R ate S synchronous D dynamic R andom A access M emory) first generation;
DDR2 SDRAM- second generation DDR SDRAM;
DDR3 SDRAM- third generation DDR SDRAM;
DDR4 SDRAM- fourth generation DDR SDRAM;

As you might guess, DDR SDRAM is the oldest type of RAM, which is now very difficult to find. DDR4 is the newest. Today the most common is DDR3. These types of memory differ in performance and appearance.

To prevent you from accidentally inserting a stick with one type of RAM into a slot intended for another type, the stick has special key(cut), and in the connector on the motherboard there is a protrusion in the same place. And it is different for each type of memory.

In addition, using this key you will not be able to insert the RAM module backwards.

Main characteristics of RAM

RAM type. You must know what type of RAM your motherboard supports: DDR, DDR2, DDR3 or DDR4. And build on this further.
RAM capacity. Here you need to build on your needs. As I wrote above, everything will fit into RAM running programs. Accordingly, the more RAM you have on your computer, the more programs you will be able to use at the same time. But I’ll still give you a little hint. For simple home or office 2 GB will be enough for your computer. For home multimedia You can install from 4 GB of memory. If you have game computer or you often use “heavy” professional programs You can install 8 or more GB of RAM.
Clock frequency. More the better. But here you also need to make sure that this frequency is supported by the motherboard and processor. Otherwise, if the RAM frequency is higher than what the motherboard supports, the RAM will operate at lower frequencies, which will mean overpaying for unnecessary performance.
Timings. This is the delay between accessing memory and until it produces the necessary data. Accordingly, the lower the delays, the faster the RAM will work.

I'll end with this. I tried to present basic information on computer RAM, which will be sufficient to the average user to understand what RAM is, why it is needed and how it works, its main characteristics. In the comments you can ask me questions if you don’t understand something.

RAM, or random access memory, is essentially a piece of hardware that stores your computer's short-term memory while it's running.

The difference between a RAM module and a storage device (whether a hard drive or a solid state drive) is that RAM is volatile memory, which means the data is completely erased when the power source is removed. In non-volatile types of memory, such as data storage, stored data is retained in the absence of electricity.

Although RAM is cleared every time you reboot, memory management has a significant impact on your system's performance. We'll show you everything you need to know about RAM, how it works, and how you can improve its efficiency.

Different types of RAM

DDR RAM, EDO, FPM, SDRAM, SIMM, DIMM... it can all be a little confusing, especially if this is your first introduction to computer hardware.

These terms describe various types RAM modules, each of which has different physical properties. Typically, RAM modules are divided into two types:

SIMM (Single Line Memory Module)

DIMM (Dual Integrated Memory Module)

SIMMs were first released in 1983 and are not in use today. With the advent of 64-bit processors, 32-bit SIMMs had to be installed in pairs to remain compatible. Consequently, SIMMs are replaced by 64-bit DIMMs, which can be installed separately.

EDO (Extended Data Out) and FPM (Fast Page Mode) are types of SIMM, while DDR (Dual Data Rate) and SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM) are categorized as DIMM. There is also something called SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM), which is smaller in size and usually found in laptops.

You may have noticed that DDR RAM comes in different versions, namely DDR, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4. These are all faster RAM modules that are incompatible with each other.

RAM capacity, frequency and delays (latency)

Memory capacity, or the capacity of memory modules, is measured in megabytes, gigabytes, and terabytes (MB, GB, and TB, respectively). For example, the 64-bit version of Windows 10 Professional can support up to 2 TB of RAM.

At 32- bit system you can unlock up to 64GB of RAM using Physical Address Extension (PAE). On an average computer, you'll likely find between 1GB and 4GB of RAM, which is enough for most casual users.

Frequency is measured in MHz, with higher numbers potentially indicating more quick access to information stored in memory. This is a key factor if your graphics card shares your RAM. Latency describes the delay between the request and the task being completed, meaning lower numbers are better.

Frequency and latency (latency) together affect the speed of your RAM.

More high frequency, which makes the RAM faster, can compensate for the higher latency that makes the RAM slower. In general, however, you should prioritize performance over frequency and latency. More is always better.

To find out how much RAM is installed on your Windows PC, open File Explorer, right-click your PC, and select Properties. This will open the System page in your Control Panel which will show the capacity installed memory(RAM).

To find out the specs of your RAM, you need to use a tool like CPU-Z, which can analyze system characteristics. This will also show whether your RAM is performing as advertised by the manufacturer.

When you run out of RAM

All modern operating systems have a so-called page file, which is special file on your drive, which temporarily stores data from RAM. It comes into play when your computer needs to manage too much data that can't fit entirely on the RAM modules alone.

To make up for this lack of RAM, the least used data is transferred third party file swaps and become what is called virtual memory.

Thus, over time, the page file can grow in size and exceed hundreds of MB, although the operating system may set limits on the size of the page file, usually giving you so much virtual memory how much physical memory is in your system.

If you ever see an error message indicating that you are low on virtual memory, it means that you are approaching your page file limit.

On Windows, you can manually increase the page file size using Control Panel.

Please note that when the system has to access data stored in the page file, it may slow down your computer because hard drives much slower than RAM modules. So, instead of increasing your page file, you should consider installing more RAM.

RAM data can be compressed

In Windows 10, the page file still exists, but before the system transfers data to your local disk Windows 10 compresses the least used data. Compression can reduce the size of stored data by 60%.

Microsoft estimates that as a result of memory compression, the page file in Windows 10 is used half as much as in previous versions. Windows versions. It can be seen in action in the task manager as system and compressed memory.

Please note that memory compression is not new feature. It is known as ZRAM on Linux or ZSWAP on Android long before emergence of Windows 10.

The only potential downside to memory compression is that the tool that handles the compression, the memory manager, requires additional computing power. If this fails, RAM compression may result in high load CPU.

This general Windows problem 10 is usually resolved by disabling sleep mode, BIOS updates or - when you also observe high load per processor for system interrupts- updating drivers related to memory and versions compatible with Windows 10.

Intelligent RAM Management with SuperFetch Technology

SuperFetch is Windows tool, which improves memory management in several different ways.

First, SuperFetch analyzes how you use your computer and note patterns, such as common times when certain files and programs are available. Secondly, SuperFetch interacts with Windows defragmenter to store files in the order in which they are usually accessed. Finally, it can load applications into memory at a convenient time.

Overall, SuperFetch promotes effective use available memory to speed up time Windows boot and speed up application launch.

It is possible to disable SuperFetch if this is negatively impacting disk performance, but in the absence of this issue, we strongly recommend that you enable SuperFetch! Disabling SuperFetch may increase the amount of available memory, but it will negative influence on your system performance.

ReadyBoost Technology: HDD Only

ReadyBoost is a neglected feature that works similar to SuperFetch. It analyzes user activity and writes information to specified flash drives or SD cards. This type of cache is faster than information stored on a notoriously slow hard drive and can thus improve computer performance.

However, with the growth solid state drives ReadyBoost has lost many of its advantages. But if you're still using a hard drive and are interested in ReadyBoost, I'll cover it in my next article on how to increase your RAM, although strictly speaking ReadyBoost doesn't actually increase your available RAM.

RAM is overloaded

With all the tools designed to optimize memory management, your RAM doesn't need much care. Just make sure you install the right amount and version of RAM and you will never experience memory problems. Worst case scenario, increase the page file size or try ReadyBoost.

Have you come across any other RAM-related terms that people should know? Or can you recommend any memory management tools? Please share with us in the comments!

You've narrowed down the source of your PC's slowness to RAM, but what will you do about it? Should you increase the amount of RAM or will you be better off with faster RAM? This question is not as simple as it seems.

Why do you need RAM?

You need to be sure that you have enough RAM to meet your overall needs. If you don't know what RAM is, don't worry, we can help you.

In short, think of RAM as short term memory which is yours computer processor used to store files that it must access quickly and frequently. Taking advantage of this space allows your machine to respond instantly rather than taking a few seconds. This may not sound like much, but often waiting just a few seconds can make you feel like your computer is old and not fast enough.

When your computer tries to open the program you want to run, it may need more RAM than it has. The slowdown occurs because your PC needs to offload tasks from fast RAM to the hard drive (RAM swap file). This shared storage area has a lot of space, but its speed is much slower.

You may have low RAM if you are using old computer, which had sufficient memory a few years ago, but no longer meets the requirements of today. You will also likely run out of RAM if you buy a cheap laptop that comes with low memory. Initially, these devices are fast, but as changes in software and programs increase the amount of memory, leaving no room for future growth.

The difference between performance and speed

You can measure the amount of RAM in megabytes (MB), gigabytes (GB), or terabytes (TB). Increasing the size of your RAM reduces the likelihood that you will need to use your hard drive for these temporary files. But when you have enough memory to satisfy your needs, you reach a point where adding more can't happen. the best way to get the speed you are looking for. You can get more benefit from purchasing RAM that is faster than the RAM you already have.

There are several metrics that determine the speed of your RAM. Frequency affects maximum throughput, which is how much data can move in and out of your memory card at once. Latency affects the speed at which RAM can respond to a request.

Frequency is measured in megahertz (MHz), and you need a higher number. Latency is shown as a series of numbers (eg 5-5-5-12) and you want them to be lower.

Once your capacity needs are met, increasing the frequency and reducing latency can give you a more noticeable result than packing in more RAM.

How much (and how fast) RAM do you need?

Having more RAM is useful if you do professional video or audio editing. But even then, 8-16 GB of RAM should be enough to run multiple professional applications simultaneously. You probably won't have to think about upgrading for a few years if that's the case.

If you're a gamer, you might get some benefits with 16GB, but most games can handle 8GB. There is no need to increase memory to 32 GB at this time. At this point, you might want faster memory.

No matter how you use your computer, speed doesn't matter if your motherboard isn't as fast as your RAM. System board 1333 MHz will limit your 2000 MHz RAM to 1333 MHz.

There are situations where more RAM is needed, but you'll most likely encounter them if you manage servers. The demands of running apps, games, and websites are simply not high enough to warrant packing your desktop with all the RAM you can muster.

How to buy or upgrade RAM?

Are you trying to upgrade or start from scratch? The first option comes with a lot of restrictions.

For starters, how many memory slots does your machine have? This can determine how much RAM you can have. DDR2 allows you to install a memory cell of a maximum of 4 GB. DDR3 cells can go up to 8GB. If you want 16 GB of RAM, you will need two DDR3 RAM cards. If your machine can handle DDR4, then you can install 16GB of memory with one card.

So when your computer only has one RAM card installed, but there are enough slots for two, try adding a second card instead of replacing the existing one. Dual-channel platforms may have some advantages depending on the voltage type your computer runs on.

That said, if you're starting from scratch and debating between one 8GB card and two 4GB cards, go with the former. This leaves you with the option of adding a second card to reach 16GB in the future, rather than replacing the ones you have. The difference between one and two cards isn't so big that you'll probably regret (or even notice).

If you want to upgrade your RAM, but all your slots are already at maximum power, then your the only choice- buy faster cards.

Have you upgraded the RAM on your machine? What was your experience like? Was there another component that seemed to have a greater impact on speed than RAM? Share your impressions with us in the comments below!

Answering the question of what RAM affects is even easier than explaining the principle of its operation.

First of all, the type, frequency and amount of RAM affect the data transfer speed– and, therefore, how quickly the application and, especially, the game will work.

Insufficient RAM can lead to the program being unable to work, the computer freezing, and even rebooting the operating system.

Contents:

Impact of RAM size

Operating memory(or RAM, or RAM) is a volatile chip through which data is exchanged.

When the power is turned off, all information stored in it disappears.

Data transfer between RAM and the processor can be carried out directly and through the so-called zero-level memory or cache.

The exchange speed depends on the operational parameters - frequency and even type (from DDR to DDR4). But one of the main characteristics that you should pay attention to is its volume.

On modern computers it is at least 2 gigabytes - quite enough to run most applications and even not very new games (mostly released in the 2000s).

You can find a smaller volume value - for example, 1 GB, 512 MB - only on older computers.

Size 4 GB – quite suitable option for budget home computer , designed for Internet surfing, watching videos with decent quality (although this will also require an appropriate video card) and listening to music. You won't be able to play modern games on a computer with it, even at medium settings. However, some of them will start with minimal parameters.

Volumes of 8 and 16 gigabytes are more than enough for any tasks assigned to their computer by the average user. Especially if it comes with 4–8 GB graphics memory GDDR5.

And 32 GB is quite enough so as not to worry about the work of the most modern applications for several more years.

Important: You should not count on a sharp increase in PC speed after replacing it with an option twice the size. Along with it, it is also necessary to upgrade the video and the central processor. And 32-bit operating systems support no more than 3 GB of RAM.

Influence of memory type

The speed of working with applications and data transfer also depends on the type. In computers built over the past few years, you can find three options:

DDR2(with a frequency of up to 1200 MHz) - used on new PCs several years ago, but was almost completely replaced by the new generation;
DDR3(frequency up to 2400 MHz) – relatively new option, installed on most modern budget and mid-range computers);
DDR4(frequency up to 3200 MHz) - which could replace DDR3, but is not supported by all motherboards and processors.

By installing a DDR4 bar on your computer, you can increase the information transfer speed by about 1.5–2 times. However, to install it you will have to change both the motherboard and the processor.

This option is not suitable for all users planning to partially upgrade their PC.

And for them it will be much more profitable to install larger RAM or with best performance frequencies.

The buyer of a new (and, most importantly, gaming) computer should, if possible, choose DDR4 - and, preferably, provide for the possibility of adding new brackets.

Frequency value

The frequency indicator matters for. AND modern models practically not produced with a value of this parameter less than 1600 MHz.

However, if you decide to replace the bracket on your PC or laptop, you should also pay attention to the capabilities of the motherboard.

If the motherboard supports no more than 1333 MHz, and the installed one has a frequency of 1833 MHz, the data transfer rate will be limited to a lower value.

Increased work efficiency

Sometimes the owner of a computer with enough large volume RAM may experience application slowdowns.

And you may even think about the need to add a new operating system - or even completely upgrade your PC. However, the problem can be solved in more ways in a simple way:

checking how busy it is on at the moment(through "Task Manager");