Sometimes considered the unsung hero of the computing world, computer memory (often referred to as RAM or Random Access Memory) plays a vital role in your computer’s operation. It’s what allows your computer to perform multiple tasks at once, load applications quickly, and smoothly run demanding software. Understanding the basics of computer memory can improve your experience by helping you make informed decisions when buying or upgrading your computer.
Computer memory is often confused with storage, but they are different components with different functions. While storage refers to hard drives and SSDs that hold data long-term, memory is a component that temporarily holds the data your computer is currently using. Each time you open a program, it’s loaded into RAM so that your system can process it quickly. Once you shut down your computer or close the application, the data in memory is cleared out.
There are different types of RAM, including DRAM (Dynamic RAM) and SRAM (Static RAM). Most computers use DRAM as their main memory. It’s slower than SRAM but is less complex and cheaper to manufacture. For high-speed cache, where cost is not a significant factor, computers use SRAM. It’s faster since it doesn’t need to be refreshed like DRAM, but it’s more expensive.
When it comes to buying RAM, more is generally better. Most current desktop systems should have at least 8GB of RAM for smooth operation, and for gamers, graphic designers, and those who multit 🤔
