Knowing which RAM to buy is essential for you to be able to upgrade your PC or laptop later. Before buying more memory, it is important to pay attention to some important aspects such as motherboard compatibility, RAM type, and the ideal amount you should add.
Motherboard compatibility:
The first step on the road to buying RAM is checking what your motherboard and processor are compatible with. Thus, find out and keep in mind what type of RAM the set supports. Nowadays, there are programs such as CPU-Z that allow you to easily see whether your memory should be DDR, DDR3, or DDR5, for example, in addition to the number of slots available on the motherboard.
To find out if your motherboard is compatible with the memory you intend to buy, you can visit the official website of the board manufacturer and search for the model that is installed. There, the companies provide a list with all the supported types, sizes, and frequencies.
- Furthermore, in the case of laptops, it is important to note that the memory differs from those used in desktops. The main difference being the design, which is more compact.
- Another factor that needs to be checked is what speed of RAM your laptop can support. Just in case, look for a model identical to the one already present.
Single-channel vs dual-channel:
You need to understand the difference the dual-channel configuration brings. It is always the most recommended option. Understanding it is even more important than knowing which RAM to buy. This way you will enjoy better device performance when running heavy programs or intensive gaming.
Using two memory sticks in your system instead of just one – even if it is the same amount of RAM – helps the processor to run faster. This way, the chip can exchange information with the computer’s memory sticks simultaneously, doubling the speed at which data is processed.
Many notebooks have only one memory stick, but with some upgrade slots – so that the user can add dual-channel memory whenever the need comes. Therefore, consider this before finalizing your purchase.
Checking RAM:
If you have difficulties trying to check on your computer’s RAM, just know that it is very easy to get this info: press Ctrl+Shift+Esc. When you do this, a window will appear – click on the ‘Performance’ tab – it displays various data from your device, including the RAM type, usage, and its composition. In addition, you can see how much of the memory is available, how much is cached, etc.
RAM for gaming purposes:
For those looking to build a gaming PC or want to invest in buying a powerful laptop, it is important to pay attention to the amount of RAM. This feature is one of the main ones if you want to fully enjoy the qualities of the newest games, since it works together with the processor on data processing.
Since the quality of the games that are being released today is mostly very high (we’re not talking gameplay or storytelling here – only graphics), ideally your computer should have at least 16GB RAM. This way you can run the games with ease without missing visual quality.
However, if your budget is restricted, 8GB RAM may still be a good option. In this case, only lighter games will run properly.
It is also worth remembering that in games it is better to use the dual-channel memory architecture. Therefore, 16GB memory in the form of two 8GB memory sticks would be perfect.
RAM for your work:
A good number of budget laptops sold today have 4GB RAM, but this amount won’t let you multitask on your device. Because of this, investing in 8GB is the best way to go, especially if you routinely open several tabs and run demanding applications simultaneously. Moreover, the value for the 8GB option is even more attractive if you prioritize the lifespan of your device.
Now, if you work with heavier programs (such as video editing and 3D rendering software, for example) it is worth considering buying a device that comes with 16GB RAM or upgrading it to this level. It’ll help you with your activities through better performance.
Remember: you can never have too much RAM. So, the more you can fit into your system, the better your computer will perform. But be careful about the compatibility of it with your motherboard!
Conclusion:
With all this information, you can be more confident in picking the right RAM for your device and activities. And in case you need to have your device repaired by a specialist, turn to trusted professionals. The Good Zone Repairs team has exactly that expertise and quality. With their help, you can make sure your device performs reliably and for a long time.
