RAM for old computers. At the end it is worth summarizing the main points

Don't forget. There are two very important purchases left for any boyar - RAM and a video card. We'll talk about graphics accelerators later, when Nvidia and its partners finally release 20-series cards for general sale. Today we will understand the intricacies of choice random access memory.

As with many aspects of life, RAM isn't easy. It would seem that take more volume, and that’s all. But there are many subtleties that can spoil the purchase experience so that no tens of gigabytes will please you. So, let’s go in order, so that, on the one hand, we don’t overpay for unnecessary things, and on the other hand, we don’t end up with a glitchy computer in an attempt to save too much.

Again, we emphasize that for computer gurus this article may cause attacks of contemptuous grins and increased finger itching. That's right, because our guide is aimed at people who haven't attended university computer literacy and not every day they are faced with the problem of choosing the “most correct” timings.

Types of RAM

Have you thought that you need to decide on the volume first? Like, more gigabytes means more happiness? No, first you should find out what type of RAM you need.

The computer market, despite pessimistic forecasts, is constantly evolving, and RAM is improving along with it. From time to time, new technologies and standards appear that make it possible to increase the speed of memory and reduce its power consumption and heat dissipation. So, generation after generation, more and more new types of RAM are released.

Old DDR memory. This one is no longer produced

You can easily find out which generation the memory stick belongs to: DDR marking(double data rate - “double data transfer speed”). Regular DDR desktop systems You won’t see it for a long time, just like DDR2. On older, but not released assemblies, DDR3 may still be found, but if we're talking about about current computers with a brand new “offal”, then there will be DDR4 without options. The memory of the fifth generation has been looming somewhere on the horizon for many years, but for now we can forget about it.

Thus, if we focus on new current processors and motherboards, then the choice comes down to the DDR4 memory type. By the way, even if you made a mistake and bought the wrong type of RAM, you don’t have to be afraid of ruining your computer - you simply won’t be able to install this stick in the motherboard. Each type of memory comes on a board with a special connector, which must correspond to the connector on the motherboard. Do you see that the notch on the memory chip does not coincide with the partition in the slot? Congratulations - this type of RAM is not suitable for your machine! All that remains is to negotiate with the store and exchange it for something more useful.

With DDR4 it’s clear - we’ll only talk about it further. But what else is DDR4 DIMM? What about DDR4 SO-DIMM? Or DDR4 DIMM Registered? Well, DIMM is just a Dual In-line Memory Module (double-sided memory module), that is, a direct and not very necessary designation of the fact that this is a RAM module of a certain form factor and nothing more (or less). DDR4 DIMM is just what you need for desktop computers.

Memory modules of the SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module) format, as is clear from the English translation of the name, are distinguished by more compact dimensions compared to DIMMs. Such strips are used in systems with limited internal space. Laptops and mini-PCs are the habitat for such memory.

DDR4 DIMM Registered is register memory with a buffer that partially takes over control of data transfer in memory. Such modules are considered more reliable and fault-tolerant, but they are usually a little more expensive and, they say, a little slower than a regular DIMM. They are used almost exclusively in servers and are of little interest to the classic home user.

Briefly about the main thing. Are you assembling a computer from new, up-to-date components? This means that you don’t have to understand the types of memory and immediately check the box next to DDR4 DIMM, ignoring all the others.

Memory

Many people think that this parameter is the most important. And this is really almost true! At the same time, it is also the simplest. Yes, the “more is better” principle works great here. But within reasonable limits.

There is no point in buying 64 GB of RAM if... No, let's just leave it as “there is no point in buying 64 GB of RAM.” Of course, you can process terabytes of video for days on end, but then you’re unlikely to read this guide.

The minimum amount of RAM allowed today is 4 GB. Anything below is money thrown away. This volume is enough for web surfing, watching movies, and undemanding games. In general, what you need for a working office machine.

8 GB is enough for almost everything and for almost everyone. Games, movies in high resolution, photo processing and a little video, a browser with a dozen or two open tabs. All this without special problems will run, but one at a time. Option without reserve, but you can live.

16 GB - for now best option for the vast majority of users. A browser with thousands of tabs can no longer be closed before starting a demanding game. In general, you don’t have to close anything. A very convenient container, with a small reserve, but without crocodile tears for unnecessary expenses.

32 GB is needed, but so far only for specific tasks “not for everyone.” This much memory will be useful for work, for example, by designers or those same video editing specialists. IN home computer 32 GB has not yet become a standard, although it is occasionally found among enthusiasts who need more of everything. Perhaps in a couple of years, individual AAA projects will begin to happily “eat” so much RAM.

Briefly about the main thing. For a computer “to surf the Internet” and with a very reduced budget, take 4 GB and save up for the same amount. 8 GB is a reasonable choice, but if possible, it is still better to give preference to 16 GB and forget about RAM for the near future. 32 GB - if you don't want to think about it at all.

Two 8 GB modules are better than four 4 GB modules

Above we talked about different amounts of RAM - 4, 8, 16, 32 GB. But why is there no word about 9 or 12 GB? After all, you can take one module with a capacity of 4 GB, then buy another 4 GB, save some money and cram another 4 GB into your computer. So let's deceive the system! Let's start small and gradually upgrade!

No one forbids doing this, but there is a nuance. Firstly, we must proceed from the fact that today memory sticks with capacities of 4, 8 and 16 GB are widespread. That is, installing 3 GB + 6 GB will definitely not work. Secondly, computers like an even number of installed memory sticks, that is, in fact, two or four modules. Thirdly, if you jam all four slots on the motherboard, it will lead to increased load on the memory controller, and therefore can negatively affect system stability and performance, as well as possible overclocking.

Thus, it turns out that it is best to use two slots (three is very undesirable, one is possible, but with an eye to the “additive”). Four are possible, but you must be sure of the quality of all system components and that you will not overclock it.

So which is better - one 8 GB module or two 4 GB modules? If we are talking about a new system, it is more logical to buy one 8-gigabyte module and start saving for another one of the same kind. What if the choice is between one 16 GB module and two 8 GB modules? In this case, the second option is preferable, and here's why.

IN modern computers Dual-channel memory mode is supported, which increases the speed of data transfer between memory and computer components. That is, the user actually receives an increase in computer performance for free. The power will not increase much, but why not take advantage of such a nice bonus?

There is a nuance here too - for dual-channel operation, you need two memory modules with identical characteristics from the same manufacturer. Many vendors offer kits of such memory - identical and guaranteed to work in this mode. It happens that such kits are more expensive than similar modules, but not included in the kit. It is not necessary to go for “prefabricated” offers; it is enough to buy identical planks of the same series (check the labeling).

For dual-channel mode to work, the memory must be installed in the “correct” slots on the motherboard. Usually they are designated in one color and placed one after another. For example, blue 1st and 3rd slots, as well as black 2nd and 4th.

Briefly about the main thing. Your motherboard most likely has four RAM slots. Don't rush to fill them all out! It's better to get by with two. Two 8GB modules are a reasonable option. Have some extra shekels? Then take two 16 GB. To make the system work a little faster thanks to the dual-channel mode, choose identical strips from the same series and from the same manufacturer.

Frequency and timings

Frequency and timings - key parameters speed of RAM. Today to standard frequencies DDR4 memory includes 2133, 2400, 2666 and 3200 MHz. There are also sticks with other frequencies on sale - copies overclocked by the manufacturer. Timings indicate the time it takes for memory to process information and are designated as follows: 16-18-18-38, 14-16-16-31, etc.

Theoretically, the higher the memory frequency and lower the timings, the better. But (ha ha!) not everything is so simple. In the silicon life of our inorganic friends, the higher the frequency, the higher the timings. That is, by relying on one performance indicator, you will have to sacrifice another.

It is believed that frequency is more important for video editing, when working with large archives and in creating multimedia content. Low timings have a better effect on games. Let us note that in both cases we are not talking about a catastrophic difference; usually the increase is limited to a few percent at best.

It is also very important what maximum memory frequency your motherboard supports. A RAM with a frequency of 3200 MHz can be installed on a board that supports frequencies up to 2666 MHz, but will not be able to use its full potential and will operate at a lower frequency. This primarily applies to budget motherboards.

Briefly about the main thing. The higher the frequency and lower the timings, the better the RAM. It's a pity that there is no RAM with high frequencies and low timings. A module with a frequency of 2400 or 2666 MHz and associated timings is enough for everything.

Radiators, lighting, manufacturer

Phew, our memory is so cool, so powerful that we can’t do without this car radiator! It has become fashionable to hang the unfortunate operative with pieces of iron. But not because she absolutely needs to cool down, but simply for the sake of beauty.

RAM is one of the most heat-resistant and at the same time cold computer components. Heat sinks won't help or prevent anything simply because the memory modules don't need them. Moreover, massive elements can interfere with each other when installing the brackets into slots on the motherboard one after another. They can also touch the processor cooler.

It’s another matter if you are a furious overclocker who, with sweat and blood, extracts additional megahertz from every piece of hardware. With extreme overclocking and increasing the voltage to power the RAM, heat dissipation can increase significantly, and then without additional cooling and the truth is indispensable. However, this is the lot of 0.5% of users who know what to do even without our guides.

One of the equally useless, but increasing the price of memory, unnecessary things is the backlight. It’s especially funny when people buy such models in a closed case without windows. It is recommended only for those who consciously assemble not only a computer, but also a Christmas tree.

But the memory manufacturer is really important. When you open our catalog, you will see that RAM is produced by at least 40 vendors! The vast majority of them are essentially ordinary assemblers of products from ready-made components. But the most important thing - memory chips - is made by only a few companies. The most popular are chips produced by Samsung and Hynix. These same brands themselves produce memory modules - we recommend them for purchase. Brands like Crucial, Kingston, Corsair, Patriot have also proven themselves well.

Briefly about the main thing. Aren't you going to waste your property in its tail and mane? This means that radiators are not needed. Are you used to playing and working at the computer, and not admiring the LEDs shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow? This means that memory backlighting is definitely not needed. Among the manufacturers, we recommend paying attention first of all to Samsung and Hynix.

Overclocking

Enthusiasts love to buy inexpensive components and overclock them, manually increasing the performance. Moreover, they like to overclock not only processors, but also RAM. The topic of overclocking is very extensive and cannot possibly fit into one chapter.

But if you really want to do this here and now, you can look for memory modules with XMP support. The manufacturer already includes profiles with overclocked parameters in such brackets - increased frequency, changed timings and increased voltage. You don't need to do anything, just select this profile in the BIOS motherboard or using a separate program.

But it is necessary to take into account that often the performance gain from such factory overclocking will be noticeable only in benchmarks.

Briefly about the main thing. To overclock RAM yourself, you need a separate guide, the purpose of which is to find the optimal ratio of frequency, timings and voltage. You can use models that support XMP profiles, the parameters of which are already overclocked. But you shouldn’t expect a noticeable performance increase from such components.

Very briefly about the most important things

• For new system choose modules like DDR4 DIMM, all others can be safely skipped. If you want to upgrade something older, you'll most likely need DDR3.
• For current modern system 16 GB of RAM (two 8 GB modules) is enough. If you have the opportunity to spend money “in reserve,” then install 32 GB (two 16 GB modules).
• Frequencies and timings are the main indicator of RAM speed. But if you don’t give preference to very cheap copies, then you shouldn’t worry too much about these parameters, because you won’t notice a difference in performance anyway.
• Chips for RAM modules are made by only a few manufacturers, and the modules themselves are assembled great amount companies. The technical process has reached a level where quality problems almost never occur, so you can choose based on your favorite or familiar brand, design, warranty conditions, etc.
• Unoverclocked RAM does not require cooling in the form of metal radiators. They only increase the cost of RAM and give it an aggressively polished look.

RAM frequency– the higher the frequency, the faster the information will be transferred for processing and the higher the computer performance will be. When they talk about the frequency of RAM, they mean the data transfer frequency, not the clock frequency.

1. DDR— 200/266/333/400 MHz (clock frequencies 100/133/166/200 MHz).
   DDR2- 400/533/667/800/1066 MHz (200/266/333/400/533 MHz clock frequency).
2. DDR3— 800/1066/1333/1600/1800/2000/2133/2200/2400 MHz (400/533/667/800/1800/1000/1066/1100/1200 MHz clock frequency). But due to high timings (latencies), memory modules of the same frequency are inferior in performance to DDR2.
3. DDR4 — 2133/2400/2666/2800/3000/3200/3333.

Data transmission frequency

Data transmission frequency (correctly called data transfer rate, Data rate) is the number of data transfer operations per second through the selected channel. Measured in gigatransfers (GT/s) or megatransfers (MT/s). For DDR3-1333 the data transfer rate will be 1333 MT/s.

You need to understand that this is not a clock frequency. The actual frequency will be half of the specified one, DDR (Double Data Rate) is double the data transfer rate. Therefore, DDR-400 memory operates at 200 MHz, DDR2-800 at 400 MHz, and DDR3-1333 at 666 MHz.

The RAM frequency indicated on the board is the maximum frequency at which it can operate. If you install 2 DDR3-2400 and DDR3-1333 boards, the system will operate at the maximum frequency of the weakest board, i.e. to 1333. Thus, the throughput will decrease, but the decrease in throughput is not the only problem, errors may appear during loading operating system and critical errors during work. If you are going to buy RAM, you need to consider the frequency at which it can operate. This frequency must match the frequency supported by the motherboard.

Maximum data transfer rate

The second parameter (PC3-10666 in the photo) is the maximum data transfer speed measured in Mb/s. For DDR3-1333 PC3-10666, the maximum data transfer speed is 10.664 MB/s.

Timings and frequency of RAM

Many motherboards, when installing memory modules on them, do not set the maximum clock frequency for them. One of the reasons is the lack of performance gain when increasing the clock frequency, because as the frequency increases, the operating timings increase. Of course, this may improve performance in some applications, but it can also decrease performance in others, or may have no effect at all on applications that are not dependent on memory latency or bandwidth.

Timing determines the memory delay time. For example, the CAS Latency (CL, or access time) parameter determines how many clock cycles of the memory module will delay the return of data requested by the processor. RAM with CL 9 will delay nine clock cycles to transfer the requested data, and memory with CL 7 will delay seven clock cycles to transfer it. Both RAMs can have same parameters frequencies and data transfer rates, but the second RAM will transfer data faster than the first. This problem is known as "latency".

The smaller the timing parameter, the faster memory.

For example. A Corsair memory module installed on an M4A79 Deluxe motherboard will have the following timings: 5-5-5-18. If you increase the memory clock frequency to DDR2-1066, the timings will increase and will have the following values ​​5-7-7-24.

The Qimonda memory module, when operating at a clock frequency of DDR3-1066, has operating timings of 7-7-7-20; when the operating frequency is increased to DDR3-1333, the board sets timings of 9-9-9-25. As a rule, timings are specified in the SPD and may differ for different modules.

This information is for those who want to increase the amount of RAM in their laptop or desktop computer, but at the same time doubt which model to buy and with what characteristics.

There are quite a lot of nuances in this issue; here we will consider the most basic points that will allow you to choose the optimal levels for the upgrade.

Let's start with the question: is it necessary in your case to increase the amount of RAM?

What does increasing RAM in a computer do?

The speed of your computer depends on the bottlenecks of your hardware. For example, if you have a very powerful processor, but at the same time slow HDD, the system will take quite a long time to boot, and programs, for example, even a regular web browser, will launch with a noticeable delay of several seconds. IN in this case the bottleneck is the hard drive - and it is useless to install an even more powerful processor/video card/additional RAM - all this will have virtually no effect on the speed of system loading and application launching until you change your slow hard drive to a fast one (for example, an SSD).

In what cases may you need to increase RAM - when do you need to buy additional sticks to increase the amount of RAM?

A sign of low RAM is when your computer slows down when you open multiple programs that consume a lot of RAM. For example, if after opening large quantity web browser tabs or after launching Photoshop your computer starts to work noticeably slower, it is very likely that this is due to a lack of RAM.

Operating systems use a swap file (partition). The essence of this is that when the system runs out of RAM, it frees it up by writing some of the data to the hard drive. As a result, the system does not stop working and data is not lost - but performance drops, since any hard drive is slower than RAM and writing and reading data also requires additional time.

Another example when a lot of RAM is required is the use virtual machines(in, for example) - especially when several virtual computers are running simultaneously:

How to find out which RAM is suitable for my computer

My own experience suggests that a computer can work normally with RAM sticks from different manufacturers and with different characteristics. But some users experience problems (the system stops booting) if there is incompatibility between modules from two manufacturers. Therefore, the ideal option is to look at what modules you already have installed and buy exactly the same ones. If this is not possible due to the fact that exactly these models have been discontinued, then it is recommended to select those that are as close as possible in terms of characteristics.

A program to determine the manufacturer and model of RAM installed in a laptop/computer

In a desktop computer, finding out the manufacturer and model of RAM is usually not difficult - just open the lid system unit and remove one of the modules.

In laptops, as a rule, it is more difficult - it’s good if the engineer designed the empty slots to be easily accessible, but, as a rule, you cannot get to the pre-installed RAM without disassembling the laptop.

In any case, for desktop computers or for laptops you can find out the model installed memory using the program. To do this, go to the tab Motherboard , then SPD and at the very top you will see the manufacturer and model of the RAM:

Next, check the number of free slots - there are motherboards with a total of two slots for RAM, but more often desktop computers And laptops have four slots, usually two of them are already occupied.

You can view the total number of slots and the number of free ones standard means Windows. To do this, open Task Manager, go to the tab Performance, then select Memory:

As you can see, there are four slots and all of them are already occupied.

RAM characteristics

RAM can be different types, the most common now:

It is clear that DDR4 is newer and more quick option, but not all motherboards, especially those released a few years ago, support DDR4.

Sometimes, a hint about the modules that suit you can be seen on the motherboard:

The inscription DDR3 ONLY indicates that in this case only DDR3 is suitable.

RAM form factor:

• SO-DIMM

SO-DIMMs are smaller strips for laptop computers(laptops). DIMMs - strips for desktop computers.

Memory modules have their own frequency. The higher the frequency, the faster the memory. But if the system has trims with different frequencies, then the system will use them all at the frequency of the slowest module.

Supply voltage: the voltage of modules varies from 1.2 V to 1.65 V. It is better to take RAM with the same voltage as the ones already in the system, since otherwise one of the modules will start to heat up more.

Timings are numbers that characterize delays.

In principle, in addition to the obvious characteristic - memory size, all technical specifications, which you need to pay attention to when upgrading the system.

You should not chase a higher frequency than the module in your system; as already mentioned, they will all operate at the frequency of the slowest one.

To select modules with the same characteristics as those already installed in your computer, you need to know the characteristics of the installed ones. This information can be found online for your model. Or use specialized programs, which show a variety of information about the installed RAM.

How to find out the characteristics of RAM modules in a computer

The AIDA64 program contains all the necessary information.

In the same window where we looked at the manufacturer, you can find information such as:

• Module type
• Memory type
• Memory speed (frequency)
• Voltage
• Timings

The characteristics considered should be enough to ensure that you don’t have to replace the RAM immediately after purchase because it didn’t fit.

Purchasing with “Thank you from Sberbank” bonuses

The following information does not relate to the technical part. But I got my new RAM modules for half their store price, and since Sberbank cards are very common, I’m sure someone else will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.

In principle, the life hack is very simple. Many owners of Sberbank cards accumulate bonuses, the so-called “Thank you”. There aren’t many stores where you can spend them, so I, like probably many others, simply watched how these “candy wrappers” accumulated (and also burned monthly). There's quite a lot in the store big choice computer components and they accept these “Thank you from Sberbank.” This is not an advertisement for the store or even a referral link - I just saved money there and liked it.

Well, since this store is a partner, where they accept and credit “Thank you from Sberbank”, a certain amount was returned to me:

Random Access Memory (RAM) is one of the main parts of a computer. This is a volatile component that stores machine code, incoming/outgoing and intermediate data while the computer is running. The process of choosing RAM seems clear at first glance, but it contains many nuances that need to be taken into account in order to purchase quality components.

The easiest way to choose a RAM stick is to use the list of recommended modules on the website of the manufacturer of the motherboard installed on the computer. Since these parts of the PC are inextricably linked with each other (including the processor), it makes sense to pay attention to the manufacturer’s advice. The recommended RAM modules listed on his website will definitely work on your PC.

Another tip to follow when purchasing RAM sticks is matching with other hardware. Buying an inexpensive motherboard and budget processor, do not choose expensive RAM because it will not reach its potential during operation. But it is very important to pay attention to specifications RAM.

Main settings

When purchasing new RAM, pay attention to the main parameters that will help you make the right choice.

First, determine what type of RAM is suitable for your motherboard. This parameter is indicated in its description. Today there are four types: SDRAM, DDR (DDR1), DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4.

The most common type of RAM today is DDR3. Unlike modules of the previous generation, it operates at a clock frequency of up to 2400 MHz and consumes 30-40% less power compared to its predecessor. In addition, it has a lower supply voltage, so it generates less heat.

All types of RAM are incompatible with each other in terms of electrical (supply voltage differs) and physical parameters (control holes are located in different places). The photo shows why a DDR3 RAM module cannot be installed in the DDR2 socket.

Healthy! Now the DDR4 standard is gaining popularity. It features lower power consumption and higher operating frequencies (prospect for growth up to 3200 MHz).

The form factor characterizes the size of the RAM sticks. There are two types:

• DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) – installed on desktop PCs;
• SO-DIMM – for installation in laptops or monoblocks.

Bus frequency and bandwidth

The performance of RAM depends on these two parameters. The bus frequency characterizes the amount of information transmitted per unit of time. The higher it is, the more information will pass through the bus in the same time period. There is a directly proportional relationship between bus frequency and bandwidth: if the RAM frequency is 1800 MHz, theoretically it has throughput 14400 Mb/sec.

Do not chase high RAM frequencies on the basis of “the more, the better.” For the average user, the difference between 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz is invisible. It is important only for professional users who are engaged in video rendering, or for overclockers trying to “overclock” the RAM.

When choosing a frequency, take into account the tasks you set for the computer and its configuration. It is desirable that the operating frequency of the RAM modules coincide with the frequency at which the motherboard operates. If you connect a DDR3-1800 stick to a motherboard that supports the DDR3-1333 standard, the RAM will run at 1333 MHz.

In this case, the more, the better - this is the optimal description of the parameter. Today, the minimum allowable amount of RAM that should be installed on a computer or laptop is 4 GB. Depending on the tasks performed on the device, the amount of RAM can be 8, 32 or even 128 GB. For an ordinary user, 8 GB will be enough; for a specialist working with video processing programs, or for a gamer, 16-64 GB of RAM will be needed.

RAM timings are characterized by delays in operation. They are calculated in nanoseconds, and in the description they are indicated by a sequential set of numbers: 9-9-9-27, where the first three parameters are: CAS Latency, RAS to CAS Delay, RAS Precharge Time and DRAM Cycle Time Tras/Trc. They characterize the performance in the “memory-processor” segment, which directly affects the efficiency of the computer. The lower these values, the lower the delay and the faster the PC will perform.

Some companies indicate only one number in the description of RAM modules - CL9. It characterizes CAS Latency. Basically it is equal to or lower than other parameters.

Good to know! The higher the RAM frequency, the higher the timings, so you need to choose the optimal ratio for yourself.

RAM sticks are sold with the designation “Low Latency”. This means that when high frequencies they have low timings. But their cost is higher than that of conventional models.

Modes

To increase computer performance, special operating modes of RAM strips are used: one-, two-, three-channel and Flex-Mode. In this case, the speed of the system theoretically increases two, three or more times.

Important! The motherboard must support these operating modes. The description for it indicates which slots you need to install the brackets in to enable the desired mode.

• Single channel mode starts when one RAM module is used or all the sticks have different parameters. In this case, the system operates at bar speed with the lowest frequency.
• Dual channel mode turns on when two RAM modules with the same characteristics (frequency, timings, volume) are installed in the connectors. The performance increase is 10-20% in games and 20-70% when working with graphics.
• Three channel mode activated when three identical RAM sticks are connected. In reality, it does not always outperform dual-channel mode.
• Flex-Mode (flexible)– increases PC performance when using two RAM sticks of the same frequency, but different in volume.

Important! It is advisable that the memory sticks be from the same delivery batch. There are kits on sale consisting of two to four modules that are completely compatible with each other in operation.

Buying digital technology, please pay attention to the manufacturer. Among the companies producing RAM modules, the most popular are: Corsair, Kingston, GoodRam, Hynix, Samsung and others.

It is interesting that the market for the production of memory chips for RAM modules is almost completely divided between three large companies: Samsung, Hynix, Micron. A large manufacturers use their chips to produce their own models.

Modern RAM sticks operate at low power consumption, so they generate little heat. In view of this, there is no need to buy models with installed radiators. But if you are a fan of overclocking hardware, then take care of purchasing RAM modules with heatsinks. They will prevent them from burning out during overclocking.

If necessary, the user can purchase a cooling system for RAM, consisting of radiators and fans. It is also intended for use by overclockers.

Selecting an existing plank

By purchasing new module RAM to the one already installed in your PC, remember that often such combinations do not work together. But if you decide to buy, make sure that the timings and bus frequencies are the same. In addition, choose RAM sticks from the same manufacturer.

Video

If you don't fully understand how to choose RAM, watch this video.

If you want to collect powerful computer, then you should consider purchasing many components. In this article we will talk about RAM for gaming computer. It is very important for storing the executing code and data that the processor processes. Without going into details, without good RAM you will not be able to play modern games. The following are the main characteristics that you should pay attention to when purchasing.

Volume

Different purposes will require different volumes. Treatment standard applications requires about 4 GB, RAM for a gaming computer - at least 8 GB. If you are involved in modeling, video editing, or work with graphics, 16 GB will come in handy.
To find out the volume your motherboard supports, check the manual. Standard units have four slots with the ability to install up to 32-64 GB. But do not forget that for RAM more than 3 GB, a 64-bit operating system is required.

There are currently two types: DIMM and So-DIMM. The first option has large dimensions, the second is more compact, but with a lower frequency. When choosing a motherboard, think about the importance of module size.

Standards

DDR4 RAM for a gaming computer is the best option. There are still DDR3 modifications being made today, but for gaming it's better to fork out the cash and buy DDR4 because the new generation features improved operating frequency and one third more economical than DDR3 in terms of electricity. And this has a significant impact on maximum speed when transmitting data. Gaming components are usually resource-intensive in terms of electricity, so opt for DDR4, because this RAM for a gaming computer will be the most optimal choice.
Each type of memory has a different connector, so pay attention to this.

Frequencies

New DDR4 products operate at frequencies from 2133 to 3200 MHz. Mobile systems So-DIMM types are overclocked only to 2133 MHz. The higher the frequency, the better the throughput.
Integrated graphics are a special case. Replacing low-frequency RAM with a higher-frequency one increases frames per second in games.

Number of modules

Modern processors are created with a two-channel memory controller, but four and eight-channel modules are also available. To activate the multi-channel mode and unlock the full potential of the system, you must adhere to a certain sequence when filling the slots. This can be determined by color coding, but you can’t see it everywhere. Please read the manual that came with your motherboard before doing this.
It is recommended to use memory modules from the same manufacturer and with the same characteristics of each of them, but nothing bad will happen if you install RAM sticks from different companies on your computer.

Timing

The timing is indicated as a set of numbers on the label, for example “15-17-17-35”. This means how many cycles the system needs to prepare to transmit data. This parameter is not as important as the clock frequency, so you should pay attention to it secondarily. But in short, the lower the latency, the better.

Manufacturers' choice

IN this moment The largest memory companies on the market are: Samsung, Micron, Toshiba, Hyunix. If the balance between quality and cost is important to you, trust companies with extensive production experience.

For me it's Kingston. For as long as I can remember, all the memory sticks for a gaming computer have been from this particular company.

Cooling system

It is advisable to equip the memory of a gaming computer passive system cooling. The design of radiators can be different: aluminum plates and even massive structures with a liquid-type cooling system with tubes of various diameters.
DDR4 has additional heatsinks even when running on minimum frequencies. But in this case, cooling is practically not needed, but for those who like to experiment with overclocking memory, reducing the temperature is worth thinking about.
Remember about free space, because if you install radiators, then a large cooler for central processor it simply won't fit.

About overclocking

All modern modules have a technological reserve, since they can accelerate several times above the specified frequency. DDR3 and DDR4 will have slight delays when overclocked.
There is another way of “pampering” - reducing the timings until the system loses stability.
Speeding up your RAM is less of a big deal and more of an extra gift. Experimenting with possibilities is pranks for those who like to try something new.

Register type of memory

This type is intended to correct some errors that occur in the system and are used to resolve server issues, but not for gaming computers.
Buffering data during operation contributes to latency, plus installation is required additional equipment, which affects the price. And standard motherboards are produced without suitable connectors for the register type.

That’s the whole article, we hope that it will help you choose the right memory for your gaming computer.

Video: How to choose memory for a gaming computer

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