RAM

Random Access Memory, or RAM (pronounced as ramm), is the physical hardware inside acomputer

that temporarily stores data, serving as the computer's "working" memory. Additional RAM allows a computer to work with more information at the same time, which usually has a dramatic effect on total system performance. Some popular manufacturers of RAM include Kingston, PNY, Crucial Technology, and Corsair. Note: RAM is also known as main memory, internal memory, primary storage, primary memory, memory "stick", and RAM "stick". Your Computer Needs RAM to Use Data Quickly Put simply, the purpose of RAM is to provide quick read and write access to a storage device. Your computer uses RAM to load data because it's much quicker than running that same data directly off of a hard drive. Think of RAM like an office desk. A desk is used for quick access to important documents, writing tools, and other items that you need right now. Without a desk, you'd keep everything stored in drawers and filing cabinets, meaning it would take much longer to do your everyday tasks since you would have to constantly reach into these storage compartments to get what you need, and then spend additional time putting them away. Similarly, all the data you're actively using on your computer (or smartphone, tablet, etc.) is temporarily stored in RAM. This type of memory, like a desk in the analogy, provides much faster read/write times than using a hard drive. Most hard drives are considerably slower than RAM due to physical limitations like rotation speed. RAM Works With Your Hard Drive (But They're Different Things) RAM is typically referred to simply as "memory" even though other types of memory may exist inside a computer. RAM, which is the focus of this article, has nothing at all to do with the amount of file storage a hard drive has, even though the two are often incorrectly interchanged with each other in conversation. For example, 1 GB of memory (RAM) isn't the same thing as 1 GB of hard drive space. Unlike a hard drive, which can be powered down and then back on without losing its data, the contents of RAM are always erased when the computer shuts down. This is why none of your programs or files are still open when you turn your computer back on. One way computers get around this limitation is to put your computer into hibernation mode. Hibernating a computer just copies the contents of RAM to the hard drive when the computer shuts down and then copies it back to tRAM when powered back on. Each motherboard supports only a certain range of memory types in certain combinations, so always check with your motherboard manufacturer before making a purchase. The RAM in Your Computer Resembles a Ruler or "Stick" A standard "module" or "stick" of desktop memory is a long, thin piece of hardware that resembles a short ruler. The bottom of the memory module has one or more notches to guide for proper installation and is lined with numerous, usually gold-plated, connectors. Memory is installed in memory module slots located on the motherboard. These slots are easy to find - just look for the small hinges that lock the RAM in place, located on either side of the similarly-sized slot on the motherboard. Important: Certain sizes of modules may need to be installed in certain slots, so always check with your motherboard manufacturer before purchase or installation! Memory modules come in various capacities and variations. Modern memory modules can be purchased in 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, and 8 GB sizes. Some examples of the different types of memory modules include DIMM, RIMM, SIMM, SO-DIMM, and SO-RIMM. How Much RAM Do You Need? Just like with a CPU and hard drive, the amount of memory you need for your computer depends entirely on what you use, or plan to use, your computer for. For example, if you're buying a computer for heavy gaming, then you'll want enough RAM to support smooth gameplay. Having just 2 GB of RAM available for a game that recommends at least 4 GB is going to result in very slow performance if not total inability to play your games. On the other end of the spectrum, if you use your computer for light Internet browsing and no video streaming, games, memory-intensive applications, etc., you could easily get away with less memory. The same goes for video editing applications, programs that are heavy on 3D graphics, etc. You can normally find out before you buy a computer just how much RAM a specific program or game will require. It would be hard to find a new desktop, laptop, or even tablet that comes with less than 2 to 4 GB of RAM pre-installed. Unless you have a specific purpose for your computer apart from regular video streaming, Internet browsing, and normal application use, you probably don't need to buy a computer that has any more RAM than that. Troubleshooting RAM Issues The first thing you should do if you suspect an issue with one or more RAM sticks is to reseat the memory modules. If one of the RAM sticks hasn't been securely inserted into its slot on the motherboard, it's possible that even a small bump could knock it out of place and cause memory problems that you didn't have before. If reseating the memory doesn't improve the symptoms, I recommend using one of these free memory test programs. Since they work from outside the operating system, they work with any kind of PC - Windows, Mac, Linux, etc. Your best option is to replace the memory in your computer if one of these tools identifies a problem, no matter how small.