Why Get More Ram?

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jet399

jet399

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May 31, 2013
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Hi,

What does more allow you to do? Is it export movies faster or just simply access places quicker or allow you to multi task more? I am a newb at this so any help is great!

Thanks
 
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PyjamasCat

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Mar 20, 2013
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RAM is like a temporary storage for your CPU (and possibly graphics card too). There are a couple of levels of temp storage, CPU cache eg L1 cache, L2 and L3, which are on your CPU and are very quick to access, but have small space available, then your RAM comes in. RAM is slower, but there is alot more space to store large files that need processing but cant fit on CPU cache. After RAM is page file, which I don't really know how it works, but more RAM means more temporary files and/or larger files can be stored for quick access, but not permanently saving.

Edit: I would recommend a maximum of 8Gb of RAM for general computer use. Even 4Gb is enough really. You would want more than 8 for things like video editing and rendering (CAD). More RAM can help with multi tasking, but that is commonly limited by the RAM timings and frequency also.
 
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Legohouse

Legohouse

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May 13, 2013
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Hi,:hello:

You would be able to maintain more simultaneously open applications (multi task), work with larger databases, spreadsheets, etc. Video processing would be faster with the additional memory. Audio processing could also see a benefit. The system itself could use more RAM for caching which would affect many system-level processes. There are many other potential benefits, but they all depend on how you use your system.

If you are not doing heavy work with large databases and spreadsheets, video and audio editing, running multiple virtual machines, etc., the benefits of additional memory tend to be minimal since you are already at 4GB. If you are a gamer, you may see better response with some memory intensive games, but with your current video card, I don’t think there is much on the market as far as games go that would see much, if any, improvement on game performance either.

If you want to export movies faster then you might want to upgrade your Hard drive into an SSD.

If you need any memory recommendation then i'm here to help but make sure that you mention the make and model of your desktop/motherboard or laptop.

Adios:Cheese:

 
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Tradesman1

Tradesman1

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Jun 5, 2013
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How much you need depends on what you do (and to a degree how you want to do it), for most people about 8GB is enough, if you do a lot with photos, video, CAD or use othr memory centric programs then might want to think 16GB....As PyjamasCat said it is used as a temp storage area and is where the CPU sends instructions to do calculations, redrawing etc....if you are ever sort of jumping around the net, working with a program, have a number of windows open, etc and notice your HD LED blinking a lot, it normally means more DRAM/memory may be in order....when that led is blinking it's generally that pretty much your DRAM is full and rather than just let the data disappear, it writes it to the page file on your hard disk, then when it wants that data back, it simply reads it off the hard drive which slows you down a bit, but is faster than it having to pull all the data from the internet again, or have to load an entire data file off the HD again
 
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jet399

jet399

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If i bought a pc and i decided i want 16gb could i just swap the 2 x 4gb for any type of 2 x 8gb?

 
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