In this community, we emphasize the importance of upgrading your existing computer rather than purchasing a new one. This not only helps you save money but also contributes to reducing electronic waste. However, achieving cost savings while upgrading requires some knowledge and understanding.
The Significance of RAM
Having sufficient RAM is crucial to meet the general requirements of your computer. If you’re unsure about what RAM is and how it functions, our quick RAM guide is here to provide you with the necessary information.
RAM serves as your computer’s short-term memory, enabling the processor to store files it needs to access quickly and frequently. By utilizing this space, your machine can respond instantaneously, avoiding noticeable delays. Even a few seconds of delay can make a PC feel outdated and underpowered.
When your computer struggles to open desired programs, it is often an indication of insufficient RAM. This slowdown occurs when your PC has to transfer tasks from fast RAM to the slower-speed storage area, such as the hard drive, which offers ample space but relatively slower access speeds.
If you’re using an older PC that had sufficient memory several years ago but no longer meets the demands of modern usage, it’s likely that you have low RAM. Similarly, if you’ve purchased a budget-friendly laptop that doesn’t come with ample RAM, you’re likely to face RAM limitations. While these devices may initially perform well, as software evolves and programs require more memory, there is no room for future growth.
Differentiating between Capacity and Speed
RAM capacity is measured in megabytes (MB) and gigabytes (GB). While terabytes (TB) are technically feasible, RAM sticks of that size are not yet available. Increasing your RAM capacity reduces the need to rely on your hard drive for temporary files. However, once you have enough RAM to meet your requirements, adding more may not necessarily provide the desired speed improvements. Instead, opting for faster RAM, even if it has the same capacity as your current RAM, might yield better results.
RAM speed is determined by various metrics. Frequency affects the maximum bandwidth, determining the amount of data that can be transferred to and from your memory stick at a given time. Higher frequencies, such as DDR4 RAM with frequencies ranging from 1600MHz to 3600MHz, or the latest DDR5 RAM with frequencies between 3200MHz and 8400MHz, are preferred. On the other hand, RAM latency, represented by a series of numbers (e.g., 16-18-18), is desired to have lower values.
Once your capacity requirements are fulfilled, increasing frequency and reducing latency may offer more noticeable improvements than simply adding more RAM. However, the extent of the difference you’ll experience depends on various factors.
Making the Decision: Increasing RAM or Opting for Faster Speeds?
The ideal amount of RAM and its required speed are influenced by our evolving computing needs. While a few years ago, guides suggested that 16GB RAM was sufficient for most tasks, the demand for 32GB RAM has significantly increased, particularly among gamers, video editors, programmers, and others.
However, we’re not implying that everyone should rush to upgrade to 32GB RAM immediately. For the majority of people, 16GB RAM is still more than enough, even for gaming. If you primarily use your computer for word processing, email, and watching YouTube, you can even get by with less.
Difficulties arise when you aim to run the latest games alongside multiple other programs, such as recording gameplay, streaming on Twitch, and chatting on Discord, which puts a higher demand on your system. In such cases, upgrading to 32GB RAM could be a good option, especially if you frequently experience memory shortages or near capacity.
Another factor to consider is the speed compatibility of your RAM with your motherboard. Your motherboard imposes limitations on the RAM speed. If you purchase 3600MHz RAM, but your motherboard only supports 3200MHz, the RAM will be limited to that speed.
Additionally, the RAM generation is tied to your motherboard. Upgrading from 3200MHz DDR4 RAM to 3600MHz DDR4 RAM may not result in noticeable improvements for most users. However, transitioning from DDR4 to DDR5 RAM requires upgrading the entire motherboard, but it will deliver noticeably faster performance on your machine.
Upgrading your RAM or building a new computer? Let’s explore the considerations and limitations.
Firstly, is your RAM soldered? If so, like in many thin and light laptops, you won’t be able to upgrade the RAM.
If not, the number of RAM slots in your machine determines the capacity you can use. DDR2 sticks typically go up to 8GB (though 2GB and 4GB are more common), while DDR3 sticks can reach up to 16GB. For 32GB RAM, you’ll need two DDR3 RAM sticks.
If your machine supports DDR4 RAM, a single stick can go up to 64GB, and DDR5 RAM takes it to an impressive 512GB. If you’re unsure about the type of RAM you have, our DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 guide can provide more information.
When your machine has one RAM stick but can accommodate two, consider adding a second stick instead of replacing the existing one. Dual-channel configurations can offer benefits depending on the workload your computer handles.
However, if you’re starting from scratch and debating between one 8GB stick or two 4GB sticks, go with the former. This gives you the option to add a second stick later and reach 16GB without having to replace the existing ones. Moreover, the difference between one and two sticks isn’t significant enough for you to regret or even notice the choice of going with one stick.
When it comes to RAM, which is more important: capacity or speed? Let’s explore this question.
The amount of RAM you have is crucial, but only up to a certain point. Beyond a certain threshold, the returns diminish. Currently, going beyond 16GB is not essential for most users, unless you have more demanding needs (although it is quickly becoming the accepted minimum standard!).
If you fall into the category of more demanding users, there isn’t a definitive answer. Sometimes, having more RAM is the better choice, while in other scenarios, opting for higher frequency and lower latency will yield better results. Additionally, the operating system you use may also impact performance. Switching to a different operating system might be the only upgrade your computer needs to see noticeable improvements.
