What Is RAM and Why Is It Important?
RAM (random access memory) is one of the most fundamental elements of computing. Every computing device has RAM, whether it is a desktop computer, tablet, smartphone or a smart TV.
It is a temporary or short-term memory, where your computer stores data it needs to recover quickly, without having to go into long-term storage to complete tasks.
What does RAM do?
RAM is a type of temporary storage that resets each time you reboot the system / turn your device off (the information in RAM is gone, but data saved to your hard disk will is saved). It offers lightning-fast data access for all processes, applications and programs you’re working on.
RAM is like the top of your desk at home, where you keep everything you need to access frequently or are currently working on (without having to search through drawers wasting time).
Anything you don’t use that often, will be stored in one of the drawers (the date you don’t use as often or save for later is stored on a hard disk locally or in the cloud).
What is RAM used for?
RAM is used for immediate data storage and retrieval. RAM processes information significantly faster than data on a hard disk (20- to a 100- times faster, depending on the hardware and required task).
When you open a program i.e. Microsoft Word, your computer loads the application into its RAM. If you open a document from your saved files, the system locates the file in long-term storage and copies it to the RAM. Once the file/date is in the RAM, you will experience rapid system performance because RAM is lightning fast.
Once you are done with the data/file and close the application, the computer will remove the data out of RAM, so it frees up your device’s short term memory bank so you can work on the next project.
RAM is temporary storage, so always remember to save a document to your hard drive – if the power fails and you haven’t saved the document, all the work will be gone.
How much memory do I need?
The more RAM the computer has, the faster the processing speed. If your device is old, you may need to upgrade the RAM and/or other hardware. Every open application makes use of RAM, including browser tabs.
When your device runs out of RAM, it has to move things around to free up space which would slow down your computer (it’s like trying to find something on top of your desk with too much unnecessary stuff in your way).
Usually, you need far less RAM than you do hard disk space. Again, think of that physical desk at home. The more space you have on the desktop, the more pieces of paper you can spread around. But you may still need a big filing cabinet to store all the files you’ve collected over time.
Recommendations
Below are some basic recommendations/guidelines to apply to any operating system / computer hardware :-
- 4 GB of RAM: If you use your computer to browse the web, work with standard Office applications, and do light photo editing, you’ll be fine with 4GB of RAM.
- 8 GB of RAM: Heavy multi-taskers or light gamers should choose a computer with 8GB of RAM.
- 16+ GB of RAM: Some tasks are computing intensive, such as serious gaming, video editing, programming, or having to run multiple intensive tasks simultaneously. Those who demand professional-level performance with no slowdowns will need 16+GB of RAM.
If you have any questions regarding your device’s RAM and or performance, or need to upgrade an outdated device, don’t hesitate to call your passionate IT service provider, iTrinity Consulting.