RAM memory is one of the most important components of any computer . These small plates full of black chips are responsible for storing all the information and instructions that the computer needs, but with a curious limitation, and when the computer shuts down, everything that has been stored in them disappears completely .
They do not work as a storage system , but rather as a component designed to allow a greater number of open programs at the same time, or to accelerate certain calculations and functions . Its lack is something that usually affects considerably the performance of a computer, both desktop and laptop. Therefore, knowing how to update RAM to improve your computer is crucial.
In this guide we will explain what you should do to detect if, indeed, the performance problems of your PC are due to a lack of these memory modules and, if so, the Steps to follow to renew and install it on your computer.
Index:
Steps to follow to improve the RAM of my computer
Also, so that you do not get lost with so many parameters, we will show you all the types of RAM that currently exist and the features that you should observe when making your purchase in any store both online as specialized.
If your computer does not work as it should and you see that many “crashes” happen when you have several applications open, you may need to update a certain part of its components to improve its operation. In fact, everything indicates that you have a problem with RAM.
To check if, indeed, this is and you need to update it, we are going to tell you the steps to follow to improve the RAM of your computer , focusing on the case of desktop computers, since not all laptops are compatible with this possibility.
Check if you need more RAM
Before launching to buy or try to improve anything, the first thing to see is if the lack of performance on your computer is due to other problems . To see if you need more RAM, if you are using Windows 10 , press the “ Ctrl “, “ Alt ”And“ Delete ”at the same time. On the screen that appears, click “Task Manager.”
Once in this window, go directly to the section “ Performance ” and, from there, go to “ Memory “. There, you should observe the percentage that is being used if you have no applications open. If it exceeds 60%, you need to update your PC’s RAM.
Look at the characteristics of your memory
To improve your RAM, before you must know which one your computer uses . Check the characteristics of your motherboard looking for your model on the internet or, if you want to take advantage of the one you already have, look at the features of this one. Although we are not going to go deep into the features section right now, we will explain how See them.
Re-enter the “ Task Manager ” as explained above and go to the “Memory” section. There, you should first observe the upper right , which indicates the amount and type of memory (for example: 8 GB DDR4), in addition to the “Speed” fields, “Used slots” and “Form factor” found under the graphs. The first and third are used to see the type of memory you need, the second, to see if you have space on your PC to insert more RAM modules or if you need to replace any of the existing ones.
Buy new modules
Once you have observed all the previous section, you must go to any store specialized in computer science and buy the new RAM memories for your PC. Remember the features we have cited before and pay special attention to this: you must install the memories in pairs .
Computers take better advantage of the possibilities of these components if they are installed two by two , so having 1 or 3 modules installed does nothing but limit the operation of your equipment. Try, also, that the minimum memory resulting is 16 GB , so you will have plenty to enjoy new programs or games.
Mount them on your PC
The final step can be the most complicated, you must open your computer to install your new RAM . For this, it is usual to remove the left side of the tower in the first instance, for a laptop the thing is complicated and it is always better to go to an expert for this action.
If we have a desktop PC and we have encouraged ourselves to change it ourselves, we will have to look for the memory section, normally there are four elongated slots with some tabs on the sides in which they are located the small RAM boards.
Once you locate them, place the modules you have purchased in the available slots or replace those you want to undo with the renewed ones. It’s as simple as opening the tabs and placing each plate until a “click” is heard without forcing.
Types of RAM What are the most important features?
In computing there are countless parameters and values to be evaluated in order to determine the performance of a computer. Therefore, when talking about one of the hardware components, there are also many things to consider.
There are several types of RAM in the market, as well as some very important specifications to consider before making any purchase. We will explain everything you need to know to know well what you read when you face so many numbers and strange words when looking for new memory to update and improve your PC .
Form factor (DIMM)
This is the one that determines whether the memory module belongs to a desktop or a portable computer. In the latter it is also possible to update the RAM, although not all models allow or facilitate disassembly without compromising the manufacturer’s warranty.
Thus, we find two major aspects related to the form factor:
- SO-DIMM: RAM used in laptops, is approximately half the size of large computers and usually has a lower voltage, in addition to generating less heat and being more expensive.
- DIMM: Memory used in desktop computers, its size is considerably larger than the previous one and its price is much more affordable. It is the one that predominates in the market.
Main types (DDRx)
One of the most important features to determine the compatibility of your computer with a type of RAM. The DDR system indicates both the maximum amount of memory supported and the type of slot supported with the module in question. There are several types, although the most widespread in the update is DDR4:
- DDR
- DDR2
- DDR3
- DDR4
The latter moves between 2133 and 4266 MHz frequency , something that we will detail below, in addition to operating easily with large amounts of memory.
Frequency / speed (MHz)
The frequency is the speed with which the RAM module works . It is used to indicate how many operations you can perform per second for all those processes that are stored in this memory. Obviously, the higher the value, the better ; However, there is an important aspect to value here.
If modules with different frequencies are installed, they will all be reduced to the smallest , which causes a phenomenon called “ bottleneck ” (when performance It is limited by a component that does not keep up with others.) Therefore, it is important that everyone on the computer has the same frequency .
Latency (CL)
Latency is the last value to consider when talking about RAM. This is the memory delay in carrying out its work , so that the lower the number, the better its performance. Thus, if we encounter two memories with the same frequency, but, for example, with values such as CL4 and CL7 , we must keep the one with the lowest number . Although its price is probably higher.