PC RAM capacity. How to find out the maximum amount of RAM on your computer

I think it’s no secret to anyone that RAM is important component gaming system, and performance in games is affected by several RAM parameters. For example, not long ago the 3DNews laboratory found that central processors AMD Ryzen very sensitive to DDR4 frequency. Testing showed: use fast memory DDR4-3200 compared to standard DDR4-2133 with the same timings increases FPS in games by 12-16% depending on the application. Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your system, buying a fast RAM kit is one of the most powerful options.

Performance is affected not only by frequency, but also by latency. And yet the most important parameter RAM is the volume. If, in the case of using a slow kit, we lose FPS units, then if there is a shortage a certain amount gigabytes, the game will either slow down or not start at all. Therefore, we decided to find out how much RAM a gaming computer needs in 2017. Obviously, the main “battle” will take place between 8 and 16 GB kits.

A good example: a user upgraded his computer, adding a video card to the existing configuration GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB. Now it's system unit fully complies with the recommended requirements of Watch_Dogs 2, which I really wanted to play. However, even without using the maximum graphics quality settings, spending time in your favorite “sandbox” was marred by microfreezes that appeared every now and then. And the GeForce GTX 1060 seems to do its job perfectly, since the average figure stays around 50 FPS, but the whole impression is spoiled by these drawdowns! It turns out that the lack of RAM was involved in the visually noticeable drop in frame rate, because adding another 8 GB partly solved this problem - with the same settings and with the same video card, it became more comfortable to play.

The main topic has been outlined, but, in my opinion, it is no less important to answer one more question: will the use of fast file swaps?

⇡ Modern gaming platforms

The definition of “gaming computer” includes very big number configurations. For example, in the monthly section "" ten various systems. The most inexpensive one includes a Pentium G4560, GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and 8 GB DDR4. Using this amount of RAM is the most common option, according to official statistics game client Steam. But modern platforms allow you to install 64 and even 128 GB of RAM.

Current gaming platforms
	Intel					AMD
Socket	LGA1155	LGA2011	LGA1150	LGA2011-v3	LGA1151	AM3+	FM2/2+	AM4
Year of sale	2011	2011	year 2013	year 2014	2015	2011	year 2012	2017
Supported processors	Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge	Sandy Bridge-E, Ivy Bridge-E	Haswell, Haswell Refresh and Devil's Canyon, Broadwell	Haswell-E, Broadwell-E	skylake, Kaby Lake	Zambezi, Vishera	Trinity, Richland, Kaveri, Godavari (Kaveri Refresh)	Ryzen, AMD 7th Generation A-series/Athlon
Memory controller	DDR3-1066/1333	DDR3-1066/1333 /1600/1866	DDR3-1333/1600	DDR4-2133/2400	DDR4-1866/2133/ 2400, DDR3L-1333/1600	DDR3-1066/1333/ 1600/1866	DDR3-1600/1866/ 2400	DDR4-2133/2400/ 2666
	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, four-channel	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, four-channel	Built-in, two- duct	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, two-channel
Maximum amount of RAM	32 GB	64 GB	32 GB	Haswell-E— 64 GB Broadwell-E — 128 GB	64 GB	32 GB	64 GB	64 GB

Even now, without testing, we can safely say: the specified maximum amount of RAM is excessive for gaming configurations, although the entertainment sector is in Lately the most active engine of computer progress. As already mentioned, most users install 8 or 16 GB in their systems. The table lists both the most modern (LGA1151, LGA2011-v3, AM4) and time-tested platforms, which can easily be classified as gaming in 2017. In most cases, AMD and Intel CPUs use dual-channel RAM controllers. This means that motherboards for the corresponding platform use either two DIMM slots or four. And boards with LGA2011 and LGA2011-v3 sockets have four or eight slots for installing RAM, respectively. For Haswell-E and Broadwell-E processors there is an “exotic” exception to the rule - ASRock X99E-ITX/ac.

Dual channel built-in mode CPU memory controller implies the use of an even number of modules. In order to easily increase the amount of RAM over time, it is better to use a motherboard with four DIMM slots. So, we can purchase a 16 GB memory kit, consisting of two 8 GB modules, and over time, purchase two more modules with similar characteristics. Some motherboards have only a couple of slots for installing RAM - these are either very budget boards (for example, based on H110, B250 and A320 chipsets for Kaby Lake and Ryzen processors), or devices of the mini-ITX form factor, or exclusive overclocking solutions, such as ASUS Maximus IX Apex. These devices support half the amount of RAM: 32 GB for Skylake processors, Kaby Lake and Ryzen; 16 GB for Haswell, Broadwell, Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge and Vishera processors. Take this point into account when upgrading or when assembling a system unit from scratch.

⇡ Test stand

All tests used the LGA1151 platform along with Core processor i7-7700K, overclocked to 4.5 GHz. Video cards, RAM and storage drives were changed. A complete list of components is presented in the table.

Test bench configuration
CPU	Intel Core i7-7700K @4.5 GHz
Motherboard	ASUS MAXIMUS IX Hero
RAM	Kingston HyperX Predator HX430C15PB3K4/64, DDR4-3000, 4 × 16 GB
	Kingston HyperX Fury HX421C14FB2K2/16, DDR4-2133, 2 × 8 GB
Drives	Western Digital WD1003FZEX, 1 TB
	Samsung 850 Pro
Video cards	ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 (DUAL-GTX1060-3G), 3 GB
	ASUS Radeon RX 480 (DUAL-RX480-O4G), 4 GB
power unit	Corsair AX1500i, 1500 W
CPU cooler	Noctua NH-D9DX
Frame	Lian Li PC-T60A
Monitor	NEC EA244UHD
operating system	Windows 10 Pro x64
Software for video cards
AMD	Crimson ReLive Edition 17.4.2
NVIDIA	GeForce Game Ready Driver 381.65
Additional software
Removing drivers	Display Driver Uninstaller 17.0.6.1
FPS measurement	Fraps 3.5.99
	FRAFS Bench Viewer
	Action! 2.3.0
Overclocking and monitoring	GPU-Z 1.19.0
	MSI Afterburner 4.3.0
Optional equipment
Thermal imager	Fluke Ti400
Sound level meter	Mastech MS6708
Wattmeter	watts up? PRO

⇡ RAM consumption in modern games

Determine how much RAM is consumed modern games, not so difficult. There is a large number diagnostic utilities. But it is important to understand that the amount of RAM used depends on several parameters, and therefore may differ significantly depending on the different systems. So, along with the launch of games, various software does not stop working.

For example, the opening of only ten Chrome tabs leads to an increase in RAM consumption by 1.5 GB. Appetites Google browser have long become a “meme”, but let’s not forget about constantly active messengers, antiviruses, drivers and other utilities that are loaded along with the operating system.

I recently spent comparative testing GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and Radeon RX 470 4 GB. There is an opinion among users that an additional gigabyte of video memory is another argument in favor of an AMD graphics adapter. A small experiment showed that out of twelve games, exactly half consume more than four gigabytes of video memory per Full resolution HD. The stand used a GeForce GTX 1080 accelerator with 8 GB GDDR5. It turns out that if there is not enough video memory, all data that does not fit into the GDDR5 cells will be placed in RAM. Some games immediately inform the user that the video memory limit has been exceeded. Some - GTA V, HITMAN, Battlefield 1 - will simply not allow you to set more high quality graphics until the user himself removes the special “fuse” in the settings menu. Therefore, to study the issue in more detail, it is necessary to use several video cards. My choice settled on three ways NVIDIA models: GeForce GTX 1060 with 3 and 6 GB GDDR5, as well as GeForce GTX 1080.

Graphics settings in games
		API	Quality	Full screen anti-aliasing
				1920 × 1080 / 2560 × 1440 / 3840 × 2160
1	"The Witcher 3: wild Hunt", Novigrad and surroundings	DirectX 11	Max. quality, NVIDIA HairWorks incl.	A.A.
2	Mass Effect Andromeda, first mission		Max. quality	Temporal smoothing
3	Ghost Recon Wildlands, built-in benchmark		Max. quality	SMAA + FXAA
4	GTA V, city and surroundings		Max. quality	4 × MSAA + FXAA
5	Rise of the Tomb Raider, Soviet base		Max. quality	SMAA
6	Watch_Dogs 2, city and surroundings		Ultra, HBAO+	Temporal Anti-Aliasing 2×MSAA
7	Fallout 4, Diamond City and surrounding area		Max. quality, high resolution textures, bullet fragments off.	TAA
8	HITMAN, built-in benchmark	DirectX 12	Max. quality	SMAA
9	Total War: WARHAMMER, built-in benchmark		Max. quality	4xMSAA
10	Battlefield 1, mission "Job for the Young"		Ultra	TAA
11	Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Utulek complex		Max. quality	2 × MSAA
12	Sid Meier's Civilization VI, built-in benchmark		Ultra	8×MSAA
13	Star Wars Battlefront, Battle of Endor map		Max. quality	TAA
14	Tom Clancy's The Division, built-in benchmark		Max. quality	SMAA
15	DOOM, OIC mission	Vulkan	Ultra	TSSAA 8TX

RAM consumption was measured in fifteen applications. The graphs display the maximum load rate, which was recorded after 10 minutes of random gameplay. For clarity, results have been rounded. RAM load indicators were recorded using the MSI Afterburner program with a polling rate of 100 ms. Among other programs, when launching games, only Steam clients, Origin and Uplay, as well as Windows Defender, FRAPS and MSI Afterburner.

The assumption made earlier has become a fact - already in Full HD resolution we see that with the use of a 3 GB GeForce versions The GTX 1060 exceeded the 8 GB RAM threshold in nine out of fifteen games. That is more than half. The same games run on stands with GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB and GeForce GTX 1080 turned out to be less RAM-hungry.

With increasing resolution, the trend continued - already thirteen out of fifteen games consumed more than 8 GB of RAM in a stand with a GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB installed. Seven projects consistently consumed more than 10 GB of RAM. The RAM load also increased noticeably when using the GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB in the test bench. This means that six gigabytes of video memory are no longer enough for games at the graphics quality settings we have specified.

Testing in Ultra HD resolution was carried out only with the GeForce GTX 1080, because there is no point in using versions of the GeForce GTX 1060 in this resolution - GPUs These video cards simply cannot cope with the increased load.

The results turned out to be quite predictable. We can safely say: many modern AAA projects at close to maximum graphics quality settings consume more than 8 GB of RAM. In addition, measurements in Rise of the Tomb Raider, Watch_Dogs 2, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Mass Effect Andromeda demonstrate the lack of a serious safety margin when the system has 16 GB of RAM. In addition, testing was carried out with a minimum active applications in Windows 10. In my opinion, there are all the prerequisites for the fact that projects will soon appear for which 16 GB of RAM at maximum or close to maximum graphics quality settings will not be enough.

I think many have already noticed the fact that I considered only one scenario - games at maximum (or close to them) graphics quality settings. However, most gamers use less powerful video cards, and therefore use various modes quality.

The good thing about computer games is that, as a rule, they have a large number of settings that worsen or improve the quality of the output picture. For example, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided has five pre-programmed modes: Low, Medium, High, Very High and Ultra. Many developers use similar categories. Please note that it is quite difficult (sometimes even impossible) to determine by eye where the quality is high and where the quality is very high. Thus, there is no point in turning the sliders to the maximum in some games. And significantly less video memory and RAM are used.

From the list of games that consumed the most RAM at maximum (or close to them) quality settings, I selected five applications: Watch_Dogs 2, Mass Effect Andromeda, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Ghost Recon Wildlands. Using the same NVIDIA video cards, I measured the RAM consumption when activating modes prepared in advance by the developers. In some games (Watch_Dogs 2 and Ghost Recon Wildlands), when the overall graphics quality changes, the anti-aliasing automatically changes. In other applications, the anti-aliasing setting must be set separately. As a matter of fact, in Mass Effect Andromeda, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, anti-aliasing was not used at all for this part of the experiment. The results are entered into a summary table.

Areas in which a gratifying fact is recorded are highlighted in green - games upon activation a certain regime high-quality graphics consume less than 8 GB of RAM. The table clearly shows that setting the “High” and “Medium” parameters is suitable for video cards with 4 GB of video memory or less, for graphics adapters with 6+ GB GDDR5 - even more so.

A sharp drop in RAM consumption in Rise of the Tomb Raider is also noticeable when using the 3 GB version of the GeForce GTX 1060. We see logical confirmation of the fact that when using the “High” picture quality mode, the game requires less video memory than at “maximum settings”.

Of course, it affects the consumption of video RAM and system memory and disabling anti-aliasing, which should eliminate irregularities (ladders) along the edges of objects. Anti-aliasing is one of the parameters that is critical to the amount of video memory. Therefore, on a gaming system with 8 GB of RAM and a graphics accelerator with 2, 3 or 4 GB of video memory, it makes sense to turn off anti-aliasing or use “light” modes, if these are supported by the application.

Textures are the second parameter that is critical to the amount of video memory, and therefore RAM. The use of low-resolution textures noticeably spoils the image, but at the same time, there is no particular difference between the “High” and “Very High” modes in Rise of the Tomb Raider (in other games too). Therefore, if there is a lack of video memory and RAM, this parameter can be sacrificed in order to achieve a comfortable frame rate.

Maximum RAM consumption ( NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB), MB
Texture quality
Rise of the Tomb Raider ( General settings quality - maximum, but without smoothing)		Watch_Dogs 2 (general quality settings - "Ultra" mode, but without anti-aliasing)		Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (general quality settings - maximum, but no anti-aliasing)
Very high	11600	Ultra	11000	Ultra	11000
High	6900	High	9700	Very high	9600
Average	6400	Average	8800	High	7800
Low	6200	Low	7800	Average	7100
				Low	6900
Shadows
Very high	10700	HFTS	11600	Very high	11000
High	10500	PCSS	11000	High	10900
Average	10300	Ultra	11000	Average	10800
Off	10300	Very high	11000
		High	10400
		Average	10400
		Low	10300

There are a lot of image settings in computer games. The developers work closely with hardware manufacturers - AMD, NVIDIA and Intel, and therefore the applications are replete with a different number of various options. For example, Rise of the Tomb Raider features a PureHair mode that significantly transforms the hairstyles of the characters in this game. And also used various technologies ambient light blockers (SSAO, HBAO, HBAO+, VXAO, etc.) that darken cavities and corners, adding visual depth.

All these settings to one degree or another affect the consumption of video memory and RAM. However, not as much as anti-aliasing, shadows and texture size.

It seems that the answer to the main question has been received: measurements of RAM consumption show that 16 GB is our everything if you plan to play with maximum graphics quality settings. On the other hand, there is evidence that 8 GB of RAM is still enough for any modern project - you just need to reduce the image quality. Most often, it is enough to set the mode to “High” or “Medium”. According to the author, the picture will still be of a completely acceptable level. However, it is interesting to know how typical gaming systems behave when there is a lack of RAM? The second part of the experiment is devoted to this issue.

Those users who have at least once experienced the delight of increasing the size of their computer's RAM by two or more times are sure that the more memory, the faster the computer works. However, the rule "more memory - faster computer"doesn't always work. After a certain value, the effect decreases and then disappears altogether. Now let's try to figure out how much memory can theoretically be installed in a computer, and how much is actually needed for optimal performance applications and operating system.

How much memory can I install?

The theoretical limit for 32-bit systems is a little over 3 gigabytes. A 64-bit system could theoretically handle 16.8 million terabytes!

Today, when programs are optimized for working with large amounts of memory, the RAM disk is losing some of its attractiveness. And if you consider that all the data on it will be lost during a power failure, then the idea of ​​​​creating such a virtual drive at home loses its relevance.

So, the optimal amount of memory for home computer- 8 GB. In this case, the memory sticks will justify the money you invested in them.

And the best answer to the question “What should I do with free memory?” sounds like this for modern operating systems: “Don’t interfere with your work!” Those. just leave the memory alone - the system itself knows how best to use it, just work with programs and games.

Be sure to pay attention to the article, which reveals many points on how memory works.

If the amount of RAM allows you to simultaneously use a large number of programs, this is great, because you can quickly switch between them without having to close programs.

RAM is a component of a computer. The most important characteristic is measured in gigabytes: the more, the better. Other characteristics are much less important - timings and the number of strips, dual-channel... This device has many other names:

• "brain"
• memory
• RAM
• RAM (random access memory)
• SDRAM

What does RAM look like?

This article explains in detail the purpose of RAM, how to self-installation(no more difficult than replacing a light bulb!), subtleties of choice. The main thing: after reading a couple of pages of this text, an inexperienced user will easily understand the marketing mantras about megahertz frequencies and will know whether another gigabyte of memory will be useful, or whether the seller is selling an unnecessary product.

What RAM does: a clear explanation

Temporarily stores operational information. Not the one needed to save movies with music, but the one used by Windows itself, programs, games, etc. Such information is stored only when the PC is turned on. The computer turns on, the system starts - and during startup, programs and modules are launched that write the necessary data from the HDD to RAM. So that the computer can “communicate” with this data very quickly - i.e. operate promptly(hence the term “operative”).

In short, this is ultra-fast memory, which is 300 times faster than a hard drive. The quick response of a running program (instantaneous appearance of a menu with the right mouse button, say) is a merit high speeds"RAMs".

Analogue RAM in the real world - something that is stored in the human brain for a short time. This data is ready for brain processing at any second. With RAM in the brain we can compare, for example, information that we remember for a short time while performing some kind of work. For example, we consider 9 + 3 = 1 and 2 in our minds... Or another example, a waiter remembers what a table was ordered for him - he will most likely forget this information in a couple of hours, replacing it with another. Of course, comparing human memory and computer memory is not very correct, because the brain works differently and everything that gets into the RAM can be remembered and ended up in long memory(in HDD), which cannot happen with a computer... With HDD, you can compare long-term memory, for example, we read a book and remembered something. But access to such data is sometimes not fast, because in order to remember, you need to take a book from the shelf and refresh your memory - such memory can be compared to hard memory disk in a computer is not fast but fundamental.

Finally, there are also very lightning-fast types of memory. In a computer, this is the processor cache, which is tightly built into the CPU, and in the human head - something that has been firmly and firmly memorized since the school desk: the multiplication table, “live and write with the letter i”, “twice two”, etc. P.

How many GB of RAM do you need?

The bigger, the better? Yes, but only up to a certain limit. Modern computers (from 2012-14) are extremely rarely equipped with one gigabyte of RAM - this is already the day before yesterday and a museum exhibit, and not a real product in 2017.

2 gigabytes RAM is the typical capacity of frankly budget machines. Perhaps this is enough - but it is extremely uncomfortable in terms of speed and responsiveness already at open browser, Word, Skype and antivirus. No, in 2017 two gigabytes are incredibly small - but somehow you can live with them.

4 gigabytes RAM is a certain “threshold” value of RAM capacity. Four gigabytes are equipped and that’s enough budget models laptops, and more or less expensive analogues. Enough? Frankly, yes; but there is no reserve. The “gluttony” of programs and the operating system itself is capable of loading all 4 gigabytes to capacity, although not always.

8 gigabytes DDR is a zone of comfort and tranquility. Rarely, very rarely, a computer will take up at least 5-6 gigabytes of RAM (this is in 2016, but in 2018 code appetites will be able to fill up a not so huge amount!).

16, 32 (or 128!) gigabytes RAM is unlikely to be needed by the average user - this is already out of space. What's the use of a multi-ton truck body when the car doesn't carry anything larger? washing machine? Hardly worth buying in 2017 extra gigabytes RAM so that they simply “exist”.

The table lists the main “eaters” of RAM. The numbers are only approximate - for some Windows takes more megabytes, for others less. Tabs with sites may contain a short page without pictures, or they may contain monstrous panels social networks with all contacts, blinkers and reminders. Games require a lot, but before starting them it is customary to disable unnecessary browsers and text documents.

So, the table: who “eats” how much RAM. Typical RAM Consumption modern programs. 2016-2017; further - only more.

Programs and their components	Occupied amount of RAM, megabytes (not GB!)
OS Windows 7	500-1500
Windows 8 (or 10) OS	500-1800
Browser with 5-7 open tabs	400-800
Word	200
Skype	100
Numerous service processes, updates, drivers	10-20 MB in each of 20-50 such microprograms = 200-1000 megabytes
Download manager	20-30
Modern game	2000-3000
Game sample 2010-2012	1000-2000
Antivirus in normal condition	300-500
Antivirus in full scan mode	2000-2500

So how much RAM does Windows 7 need, for example? Try not to buy computers with 2 gigabytes on board - this is frankly not enough. 4 gigabytes is just good, 8 is super. More is not worth it, as a rule. 16 gigabytes and above are needed for:

• advanced “computer geeks”, for whom it is quite standard task– launch 2-3 virtual systems in Windows;
• avid gamers with ultra-high resolution monitors and expensive video cards;
• programmers with the need to debug and test desktop programs;
• video designers and their photo colleagues - and even then not always;
• simply because you want more than others. No focus on practicality.

Types of RAM, frequency and other characteristics

18-20 years have passed since the introduction of the first DDR standard. Several generations of computers have changed, their performance has increased significantly. At any given time, no more than two generations of memory are relevant. In 2017, this is the rapidly aging DDR3, which reigned on the market for 7 years, and the already familiar DDR4. If you purchase new computer, then most likely it will be equipped with the fourth generation of RAM. If we are talking about upgrading an old one (5-8 years ago), then DDR3 works inside. The generations are not compatible with each other: it is physically impossible to insert a DDR4 die into the connector from the “three”, and vice versa.

RAM for laptops is different from regular desktop memory. physical dimensions. Laptop RAM is half the length of standard RAM. Frequencies, volume and generation of DDR correspond to each other for laptops and PCs. True, memory for laptops is divided into 2 more subcategories that are physically incompatible with each other:

• standardSO-DIMM(the SO prefix indicates the laptop RAM size) – the most common option;
• low power memory SO-DDR3L(or simply DDR3L, or the newest DDR4L): most often found in inexpensive laptop models.

Second after volume important characteristic RAM: frequency. The more, the better, in principle - but DDR4 at 2100 MHz is just a penny slower than DDR4 at 2800 MHz. The difference is almost 1-2 percent, and even then only in some applications. You should not overpay for megahertz - maybe 2-3 dollars. There are also other characteristics of memory: delays, also known as timings. The lower the timings, the faster the memory works (that’s right - timing 10 is preferable to 12). You certainly shouldn’t rely on this characteristic, although in the DDR/DDR2 era 15 years ago timings mattered more than they do today. However, this is already history.

RAM prices: let's look at the offers

Since about 2010, RAM has been obscenely cheap compared to older times. How much exactly? We apologize for the prices in dollars, but... they are not called “evergreen” for nothing. The prices given are not the cheapest, according to the Bayon.ru online store - but with a margin.

Table: cost of RAM (for laptop and PC), 2017. DDR3 and DDR4 models are presented, as well as “laptop” SO-DIMM form factors.

Memory type	Frequency, MHz	Price,$	Note
DDR3, 2 GB	1600	19,85	Cheapest decent option
DDR3, 4 GB	1600	26,00
DDR3, 4 GB	2400	32,15	Dear, “overclocker” RAM
DDR3, 8 GB	1600	38,60
SO-DIMM DDR3, 2 GB	1600	19,85	The cheapest RAM stick for a laptop
SO-DIMM DDR3, 4 GB	1600	27,50	The most popular type of laptop RAM
SO-DIMM DDR3, 4 GB	1833	29,30	Popular volume, increased frequency
SO-DIMM DDR3, 8 GB	1600	34,50	Large volume, standard frequency
DDR4, 4 GB	2133	26,00	Average DDR3 4 GB
DDR4, 8 GB	2133	42,90	Popular high volume bar
DDR4, 8 GB	2400	55,60	Large volume, increased frequency
SO-DIMM DDR4, 4 GB	2133	27,50	Standard bracket for a modern laptop
SO-DIMM DDR4, 8 GB	2133	43,50	Volume bar of a modern laptop

Is it worth upgrading (adding) RAM?

Definitely yes, if the amount of RAM is less than 2-3 gigabytes: the performance increase will be visible to the naked eye. The performance "breaking point" is somewhere between 2 and 4 GB of RAM. Less RAM means significantly less speed. More - everything works as it should, in a word - “flies”.

More likely yes than no, if the available volume is 4 gigabytes. The speed of the computer is unlikely to increase, but there will be significantly fewer freezes and lags. Not a bad investment.

There is no need if there are already 6-8 gigabytes “on board”.

There is no need if the point of updates is to buy DDR with a higher clock frequency. The benefit from such an upgrade, if not zero, tends to be so.

How to add RAM to a computer? What about a laptop? DIY RAM upgrade

PC desktops are larger “creations”. Inside the case you can place at least 10 laptops (in size!). There are a lot of slots and connectors on desktop motherboards, unlike ultra-compact laptops, where every millimeter is saved. The typical number of slots in a computer for RAM is 2 or 4. As a rule, only 1-2 of them are occupied. Adding a RAM stick to an already working one is a matter of a couple of minutes. It is enough to turn off the computer, open the system unit and insert the DDR stick into the appropriate connector. No tools or even a screwdriver are needed.

The main requirement is that the RAM must be of the appropriate generation. There is no way to fit modern DDR4 into a DDR3 slot: even their sizes are different. But the volume of the additional bar can be any. Frequency – also any, but at different frequencies With several sticks of RAM, the computer runs on the smallest of them.

On laptops everything is a little more complicated. They have three types of RAM slots:

1. Dual slot configurations: as a rule, RAM is already inserted into 2 connectors. In this case, you should buy one more capacious module and replace the existing one with a new one. Classics of the genre: 4 GB of RAM, 2 sticks of 2 GB each. There are no other connectors. You will have to buy a 4 GB memory module (or 8 GB, if necessary), and insert it in place of the old one. As a result, we get 6 GB of RAM. By the way, the old module can be sold.

Less commonly, there are two slots, one of which is occupied and the other is free. Everything is perfectly simple: we buy additional RAM of any volume, insert it into an empty slot. For example, there were 4 GB (one stick), we buy another 4 GB in one stick, insert... the result is 8 GB.

1. Single-slot configurations(usually not expensive models laptops). There is only one slot, and it, of course, is already filled with a RAM stick. The only option is to remove the old module and install a new one with a larger volume.
2. Laptops with soldered RAM. An upgrade is almost impossible: unsoldering the old module and re-soldering the new one is a non-trivial and very risky task. However, the RAM is permanently soldered only in inexpensive machines, and this does not happen too often.

How to find out the number of slots and type of memory in a laptop or computer

Any diagnostic program like CPU-Z will do. Download, install, look in the memory section.

Basic information about RAM: how many GB, etc., is located in the Memory tab. The following characteristics are immediately visible:

• Memory type: DDR3
• RAM capacity: 6 GB
• Number of channels: 2 (Dual)
• Less interesting indicators are timings and frequency: 665.1 MHz (the DDR standard implies two-way exchange of information with memory, so the true frequency is 1333 MHz).

The following conclusions can be drawn: at the computer (in in this case– laptop) there are clearly 2 slots, both are occupied. This is indicated by the two-channel operating mode, which is possible only if there is an even number of strips. Another conclusion is a clearly non-standard configuration: 4+2 GB of RAM. Typically, manufacturers set the amount of RAM that is a multiple of 2: 2, 4, 8, or 16 gigabytes. This means that the owner has already upgraded the RAM.

Much more detailed information described on the next tab CPU-Z utilities: SPD (brain speed). In the upper left part of the window you can actually see that there are 2 slots, both of them are occupied. The first connector houses a 2 gig (2048 MB) chip with a frequency of 667 (1333 MHz). The second has 4 gigabytes (4096 MB) with the same frequency of 1333.

A couple of information bonuses: the production date of one of the RAMs is visible (week 9 of 2011), and the manufacturers of both sticks: Nanya and PNY.

How can you upgrade the RAM in the example above? 6 gigabytes – quite sufficient volume for 2016, but if you have a strong desire, you can buy one 4 GB DDR3 stick (price is about 26 dollars), and insert it instead of the old 2 GB one (by the way, you can sell it for 5-8 dollars). The result will be 8 gigabytes of RAM.

Manufacturers of RAM: which one is better. And – final tips

Whoever produces RAM: the processor giant AMD, Samsung and LG, and numerous Kingston, Corsair, etc. In the most numerous segment of RAM there is really no difference between manufacturers. They all produce reliable and fast DDR, which is capable of some overclocking.

You should think about the manufacturer only in cases where more serious overclocking, special requirements for reliability, and, perhaps, for the artistic beauty of RAM are required. That's right, more expensive models are available with optional, but amazingly cute radiators for cooling the modules.

And further. RAM is a remarkably reliable thing. It is quite safe to pick it up, “used” - most likely, it will work for many more years, with the same characteristics and energy consumption.

Random Access Memory, commonly referred to as RAM or RAM, is one of the most important parts of any computer. But how much is needed for the device to work well? Current new PCs and similar devices offer values ​​from 2 GB to 16 GB or more.

The amount of memory required depends on two factors - what you intend to do and how much you are willing to spend.

Introduction to RAM

Memory capacity is often confused with long-term storage, offered by a solid state or mechanical hard drive. Sometimes even manufacturers or retailers confuse these concepts. To understand how much RAM is needed for normal operation device, you need to figure out what its meaning is.

A table is a useful analogy to consider the difference between RAM and memory. Think of RAM as the top of the table. The larger its surface, the more papers you can spread out and read at once. Hard disks More like drawers under your desk, capable of storing documents you don't use.

The more your system has, the more programs it can process simultaneously. RAM is not the only determining factor, and you could technically have dozens of programs open at once with even very little RAM and it would slow down your system. Now imagine the table again. If it's too small, it becomes cluttered and your work will slow down as you try to find whatever paper you need at any given moment. You will often be forced to dig through drawers to place things that won't fit on the desk surface, as well as to get out the necessary papers.

A computer with more RAM runs noticeably faster, but only up to a certain point. Availability large table won't help you if you only have a few articles to read.

Optimal ratio

How much RAM does your device need? Your goal is to have enough RAM for all the applications you use on it specific device. If there is too little of it, work slows down. Too much RAM can only mean that you've paid a lot of money for something you'll never be able to use.

Difference from other characteristics

Standard RAM should not be confused with video memory, but these concepts are closely related to computer graphic cards. High-performance 3D games rely on video memory (VRAM), often expressed as GDDR5, while standard memory is called RAM or DDR3. In fact, most manufacturers are very good at identifying VRAM and not confusing it with other parameters. Therefore, to determine how much RAM is needed for GTA 5, for example, you need to consider both of the above indicators together.

Heavy Applications

The most great services on most home computers, this is the operating system itself and the web browser. You can't make Windows or MacOS use less memory, but more RAM on your computer means you can open more tabs in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer etc. Also, some websites use more RAM than others. Simple text news takes up almost no resources, while something like Gmail or Netflix requires a little more power.

Programs are generally used because they increase the complexity of the job. A chat program or game (like Minesweeper) will use almost no RAM, while a giant Excel spreadsheet or a huge Photoshop project might use more than one gigabyte. Professional and engineering software are built to handle very complex projects and tend to consume the majority of RAM of all programs. Modern 3D games can also use quite a lot of RAM and VRAM. In other words, your need for how much RAM to install depends on the programs you use.

• 2GB RAM: Good for tablets and netbooks only.
• RAM 4 GB: Minimum for budget Windows systems and MacOS.
• 8GB: Great for Windows and MacOS systems.
• 16 GB: Probably too much; Ideal for mid-range workstations.
• 32 GB or more: For enthusiasts and dedicated workstations only.

For tablet

Tablets are not expected to deal with complex tasks software, so their RAM requirements tend to be quite low. However, as multi-tab browsers and more complex software continue to evolve, the needs of tablets are becoming more similar to those of laptops. Current specification options typically range from 2GB to 16GB of RAM, with processor speed playing a role important role in determining the range.

For example, iPad Air 2, which has about 2GB of RAM, puts a lot of emphasis on the all-in-one processor. And a device like Microsoft Surface Pro can accommodate up to 16GB of RAM because users of this device may want to run a lot of professional software as well as a desktop OS.

And it gives you guidelines for choosing RAM - what do you use your tablet for? If you only browse one site at a time and don't use the device for any large projects or work software, then 4GB RAM will probably be sufficient. However, if you also use your tablet as your main PC, you must equip it with the necessary RAM. Typically, this means you will need between 4 and 8 GB.

Choosing RAM for laptops

How much do you need? New laptops have between 2GB and 16GB of RAM, while high-end gaming models offer up to 32GB. As mentioned earlier, the needs of tablets and laptops converge, but most users feel comfortable running more complex programs on laptops, which means RAM plays a more important role here.

For something like a Chromebook, which runs primarily in the cloud and has very little storage space, you won't need much RAM. It is enough to choose 4 GB of RAM, especially since you can use Google Play Store to download Android apps directly on your computer.

How much RAM is needed for Windows 10 and new MacBook modifications? You should consider increasing this number to the standard 8GB. Most of the best laptops come with this value for good reason. Of course, if you do a lot graphic works or want to open multiple tabs at once, you might want to consider upgrading your RAM to 16GB. This is especially true for gamers - the question of how much RAM is needed for games always remains relevant.

Desktop computers

RAM in desktop computers is cheap, so it's fairly easy to find PCs with more memory for more than low prices. Besides, large quantity RAM on PCs can come in handy as people tend to use them longer than tablets or laptops.

How much RAM does a PC need? 8 GB is a good value to start with. Upgrading to 16GB is recommended for enthusiasts, hardcore gamers and the average user workstation. Serious workstation users can upgrade to 32GB. Even when talking about how much RAM is needed for games, you can make sure that too significant parameters are not required.

Anything more is the edge of extreme specialties, equipped to handle huge amounts of data, huge video files or niche programs intended for researchers, corporations or government.

Please note that the amount of RAM and the type and speed supported by your system will depend on your motherboard.

Each application on a computer takes up not only space on the hard drive, but also RAM when running. The more applications installed on your computer that are used simultaneously, the more RAM is required for comfortable work. Every tab in the browser open documents, pictures, instant messengers and other programs take up a certain amount of RAM. In the “Task Manager” you can see how much free memory is available on the computer while working and performing certain tasks.

If there is not enough RAM, the computer will start to slow down and try to unload applications that are least actively used from memory. When it comes to easy to use computer, in most cases, when there is a lack of memory, browser tabs are unloaded, which leads to them being reloaded at the time of switching. This causes certain inconvenience to the user, which can be eliminated in two ways:

• , which will not improve the situation much;
• Add RAM.

The cost of additional RAM is not that high, and installing it can solve problems that arise. However, before purchasing, it is important not only to choose the right memory, but also to make sure that it will work on the computer in which you plan to install it. The fact is that almost all motherboards, as well as processors (especially on laptops), are capable of supporting a certain amount of memory, the maximum of which cannot be exceeded. Therefore, before purchasing additional dies, it is important to find out how much RAM the laptop supports. This can be done in several ways, which will be discussed below.

Determine how much RAM a laptop supports programmatically

There are dozens of diagnostic apps that let you know various information about the computer being used: data about the components installed in it and their characteristics, information about operating system, information about DirectX and much more. Among such diagnostic programs, AIDA64 rightfully occupies one of the leading places. This application It is free to try and can be downloaded to test how much RAM your laptop can support.

Downloading and installing AIDA64 (we recommend the Extreme version) from the developers’ website is easy. When this is done, the program must be launched and the maximum amount of RAM for the computer being used is determined as follows:

Please note: On some computers, AIDA64 may provide information about two northern bridges. In fact, these tabs contain miscellaneous information, and you need to select the option that contains items about RAM.

Important: If "Maximum Memory" is not listed next to information about supported memory types, this does not mean that motherboard Can handle any amount of RAM. In this case, you must follow the second method of determining the maximum amount of RAM, described below.

Find information about the maximum RAM on the network

The second way to determine the maximum amount of RAM supported by a laptop is more complex, but you will have to resort to it if diagnostic programs won't indicate necessary information.This method involves searching for information on the Internet, and you should look for it:

Please note: If you select components for a laptop poorly (which is quite rare), the maximum amount of memory that the motherboard and processor can handle may differ. Therefore, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with this information for both components.

You can often find out about the maximum supported amount of RAM on websites based on the laptop model various internet shops. This option should be used as a last resort, since the information on product pages is not always true. If you decide to determine the maximum amount of memory supported by a laptop in this way, we recommend comparing the found indicator on the websites of several online stores.