How much RAM the system offers is likely one of the first answers you seek when purchasing a new desktop, laptop, or smartphone. RAM or Random-Access Memory is a high-speed but short-term memory that lets systems swiftly access necessary information.
It facilitates snappy performance for gaming, multimedia streaming, and business-based applications. Thanks to random-access memory, you don’t have to wait precious minutes to defeat enemies in the arena.
Notably, RAM is volatile memory, storing essential information for the CPU, the graphics card, etc., only until the system reboots.
It facilitates much quicker retrieval than a hard disk (HDD) or a solid-state drive (SSD). Although permanent storage solutions have evolved, they deliver slower speeds than RAM (milliseconds vs nanoseconds).
Types of RAM
The term RAM usually refers to dynamic or synchronous dynamic random access memory (DRAM or SDRAM) originating in the 1990s. Before that, asynchronous RAM had a different clock speed from the CPU, resulting in slower performance.
The “random” comes from how it can access any storage location directly. Typically, you can view RAM as a series of boxes — an array — where each box has a unique address. The RAM controller sends the address (column and row) down an electrical line. Each cell (or box) has an electrical capacitor with or without charge. Dynamic RAM frequently refreshes this data, with a transistor acting as the gatekeeper.
The primary metric for RAM is its bandwidth, or mega transfers per second, usually labeled as megahertz (MHz). Subsequent generations deliver greater bandwidth and, often, more power efficiency.
Static vs Dynamic RAM
Static or SRAM is faster and more power-efficient as it doesn’t need repeated refreshes. But as it is more expensive than dynamic RAM, it is used only sparingly in cache memory.
DDR2 to DDR5: RAM for Desktops
You can choose from DDR2 to DDR5 RAM for desktops, where later generations are better but incompatible with previous ones. Generally, the RAM is in stick form: DIMM or Dual In-line Memory Module.
LPDDR: RAM for Portable Devices
LPDDR, or Low-Power Double Data Rate memory, attempts to offer comparable performance for laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The highlight is improved power efficiency, leading to better battery backup.
Newer generations include LPDDR4 and LPDDR5X to adapt to 5G and artificial intelligence applications. This RAM can either be in stick-form (SODIMM or Small Outline DIMM) or soldered onto the motherboard.
VRAM: RAM for the GPU
VRAM, or video RAM, indicates dedicated memory on your graphics card or the system memory on gaming consoles.
You can choose GDDR6, the most common among popular graphics cards, or go for GDDR6X, unique to NVIDIA’s graphics cards from the RTX 3000 and 40-Series. Micron and Samsung might launch GDDR7 VRAM in 2024.
Picking the Best RAM for your Computing Needs
How much RAM is enough?
Today, most computers offer between 4GB and 64GB of RAM. We recommend opting for at least 8GB for decent performance for ongoing and background applications.
Gamers and multimedia professionals will demand 16GB of RAM, although some AAA games or esports titles will warrant 32GB.
Going beyond 32GB is strictly for heavy-duty multimedia tasks, scientific simulation, etc. Computers that let you upgrade RAM are effectively future-ready.
How fast must RAM be?
Eventually, the speed (MHz) assumes precedence over the amount of RAM, dictating day-to-day performance for everything. DDR4, the most common RAM today, has a bandwidth between 2,133 and 3,000 MHz. However, DDR5 memory can go up to 8,000 MHz.
Some RAMs have a “PC” label after the MHz value, indicating the bandwidth or the MHz speed multiplied by eight and rounded. The multiplier comes from eight bits in one byte, akin to how DDR-200 will be equivalent to PC-1600.
Channels
It refers to the lanes between one memory slot and the memory controller on the computer’s motherboard. RAM should at least be dual-channel (or buses) for optimum performance, but you can also adopt a quad-channel design.
Timings: Do they matter?
Timings, represented as dash-separated numbers, indicate the time between clock cycles. As the speed rises, the timings increase. With rising latency, performance comes down.
However, improved bandwidth eventually compensates for this. Timings matter only for pro gaming or high-performance memory requirements.
RAM vs ROM, Flash, and Virtual Memory
It is vital to differentiate between RAM and ROM, or read-only memory. ROM contains nonvolatile, unchangeable boot-up programming.
Flash memory, often used in SSDs, is also nonvolatile and cheaper. But it is slower since data gets erased in entire blocks, not individual bits like RAM. Technologies like Intel Optane (3D XPoint) can be a golden mean between DRAM and flash memory.
Virtual memory is a temporary space from the RAM to the disk storage, like an HDD. It works when multiple programs run in parallel, even though RAM is limited. It can manage many more addresses but slow things down due to the need for virtual-to-physical mapping.
Technology is perpetually evolving, and we might soon see an upswing in RRAM or ReRAM (Resistive Random Access Memory) chips for automotive or IoT applications.
Whether you want to buy a new computer or upgrade the RAM, we recommend using a System Scanner tool to determine the right choice. Optimal RAM is the perfect ammunition for better multitasking and productivity at work and play.