What is RAM for a computer. Computer random access memory (RAM, RAM). Not enough RAM - what to do

To successfully master a computer, you need to know the basic principles of this technique. What is RAM? This is a temporary computer memory that works when the unit is turned on; it is necessary for the operation of all programs. When you turn on or restart your computer, it is erased, so it is important to save valuable files on time.

What is RAM?

Random access memory is one of the main parts of the computer system; the efficiency of all equipment depends on its size. This is a shortcut memory that is triggered by a memory device. The access speed is determined by the capabilities of the drive, and the data is stored only until the computer is turned off. Therefore, all materials with which work is carried out must be saved. Many people ask the question: how much RAM will be sufficient for work? It depends on the system.

It's not about the OS version, but about the bit depth. You can find out what system your computer has by looking at its properties. It is of two types:

32-bit system - no more than 3 GB of RAM;
64-bit system - up to 9 GB of RAM.

What is RAM for?

The speed of the computer is determined by the processor, and the RAM only provides information upon request. As long as the amount of RAM is less than the installed one, the system works powerfully. If the RAM is not enough, the system will use HDD, which will affect the speed. What is RAM responsible for? For storing temporary information, it is also called RAM - random access memory. It has its own amount of memory, once it was calculated in megabytes, in today's reality - in gigabytes.

What does RAM affect?

The computer's RAM sets the pace for all systems when applications run. The better the properties and capacity of the RAM, the faster the tasks set by the user are performed. RAM affects:

on the speed of the computer;
on the uniform efficiency of the system;
on the ability of the system to include many capacious resource projects at the same time.

What happens if there is not enough RAM? The amount of RAM is a critical factor; in this case, pages start loading for a long time and folders open. Programs freeze, sometimes a blank page appears after defining a command. A significant feature is the recording frequency, the larger the amount of RAM, the sooner the necessary information will be revealed.

Types of RAM

The types of RAM differ in terms of speed, so when choosing this component, you need to know exactly which one is optimal for the motherboard of your computer. RAM for a computer is determined by 2 parameters:

The size.
Frequency.

Experts distinguish 3 types of random access memory:

DDR, frequency up to 400 MHz;
DDR2, frequency up to 1200 MHz;
DDR3. frequency up to 2400 MHz.

The types of RAM are allocated according to their characteristics:

DRAM is dynamic random access memory. Plus - it is inexpensive, there is always a wide sale. Minus - works slowly, but faster than storage memory. Represents RAM modules, they are inserted into the motherboard.
SRAM is static random access memory. Plus - a device with a special configuration - the ability to run several applications at once. Ideal for very fast PCs.

What's the best RAM?

The amount of RAM is determined by the type of PC, which programs will run on it and how much at the same time. Experienced experts recommend products from Kingston, Crucial or Samsung. Considering what is RAM and the purpose of RAM and user requirements, it is best to focus on the following parameters:

for a universal computer - 8 GB, the optimal solution would be 2 modules of 4 GB each;
for a gaming computer - 16 GB, also for 2 modules of 8 GB each;
for a laptop - 4 GB.

How do you know how much RAM is on your computer?

You can determine the amount of RAM in the standard way - using Windows. The scheme of actions when checking the RAM is as follows:

Go to the "My Computer" folder.
Open "System Properties", in this folder find the mark "System", in it - "Installed memory".
Press the key combination CTRL + SHIFT + ESC, which will open the "Windows Task Manager". Can be opened via the Start menu.
Find the "Performance" tab at the top of the window, the "Physical memory" window will open in it. It shows how much of the total RAM, how much is free, and how much is used.

Program for checking RAM

The standard PC scanner often starts automatically, but you can also do it manually. You should strictly adhere to the scheme of actions:

Set "Start".
Insert the query "operative" into the search bar.
Open the appeared item "Diagnostics of computer memory problems".
Run the scan immediately or after the next time the PC is turned on.

There are also special utilities for checking the RAM and a program for cleaning RAM. Masters recommend:

Memtest86 +, looking for PC errors.
FurMark 1.18.2.0, used to test video adapters.
MemTest 5.0, tests the RAM.
RamSmash 2.6.17.2013, used to improve RAM.

Not enough RAM - what to do?

There are situations when there is not enough RAM, and there is no way to buy additional modules. If a message stating that there is not enough RAM appears in Windows, this informs: the system does not have enough RAM, and it starts to use virtual memory... How do I set up RAM? First, make sure that the system is not freezing due to many open windows. How to increase RAM without modules:

Open the settings of the RAM parameters, see if all of them have been assigned the value "auto". If so, some will need to be manually rebuilt.
Select the box Memory frequency - this is the frequency at which the PC operates, in it - Manual. Set the operating frequency of the RAM, making it slightly higher than automatic.
You can also add the speed of issuing a read signal by enabling this function in Speculative Leadoff via the Enabled parameter. Turn-Around Insertion ..

What is RAM occupying?

There are several programs that "eat up" the largest amount of RAM. To reduce the consumption of RAM, it is worth abandoning some of them or replacing them with less capacious ones. In this list:

Antiviruses of any version.
Graphic editor.
Video editing.

How do I clear RAM?

A proven way to free up RAM is to clean up unnecessary files and programs. The easiest way:

Restart the computer, this removes excess from the temporary memory if the PC suddenly starts to freeze.
Disable programs that no one uses at this stage of work through the "Task Manager". Scheme of actions:
- by pressing Alt + Ctrl + Del, open the "Task Manager"; open the "Applications" tab;
- in it - find software, opposite which there will be an inscription "Does not answer";
- highlighting the line, click "End application".
Disable programs that start automatically with Windows. Step-by-step instruction:

click "Start", click on "All Programs".
delete all shortcuts in this folder.

How to overclock RAM?

Another way to change the amount of RAM is to overclock it. What is RAM when overclocking and how to do it? We are talking about the hardware components of the PC, such optimization of RAM has become modern world a kind of hobby. There are several overclocking options:

By increasing the clock frequency of the RAM modules.
By changing the "timings".
Through changing values that affect the voltage in the microcircuit.

The most popular method is through the clock frequency settings, the scheme of actions:

Restart your computer. Press the key to call the settings menu, as a rule, these are F10, F12, F11, F8, Delete, Escape.
Find the "DRAM Configuration" option, it is located in the "Advanced Chipset Features" section.
Open the "DRAM Frequency" window, change the values by a few units less.
Open the "Memory Frequency" menu and set the frequency slightly higher than the one that is.
Save changes and restart your PC.

RAM size

Next, let's dwell in more detail on the next important characteristic of RAM - its volume. First, it should be noted that it most directly affects the number of simultaneously running programs, processes and applications and their uninterrupted operation. Today, the most popular modules are strips with a volume of 4 GB and 8 GB (we are talking about the DDR3 standard).

Based on what operating system installed, as well as for what purposes the computer is used, you should correctly select and select the amount of RAM. For the most part, if the computer is used to access the World Wide Web and to work with various applications, while Windows XP is installed, then 2 GB is quite enough.

For those who like to "test" a recently released game and people working with graphics, you should install at least 4 GB. And if you plan to install Windows 7, you will need even more.

The most in a simple way to find out how much memory is needed for your system, is to launch the Task Manager (by pressing the ctrl + alt + del keyboard combination) and launch the resource-consuming program or application itself. After that, it is necessary to analyze the information in the "Memory allocation" - "Peak" group.

Thus, you can determine the maximum allocated volume and find out to what volume it needs to be increased so that our highest indicator fits in RAM. This will give you maximum system performance. There will be no further increase in the need.

Choice of RAM

Now let's move on to the question of choosing the RAM that is most suitable for you. From the very beginning, you should determine exactly the type of RAM that your computer motherboard supports. There are different connectors for different types of modules, respectively. Therefore, to avoid damaging the motherboard or the modules themselves, the modules themselves have different sizes.

The optimal amount of RAM was discussed above. When choosing RAM, you should focus on its bandwidth. For system performance, the most optimal option will be when the module bandwidth coincides with the same characteristics of the processor.

That is, if the computer has a processor with a 1333 MHz bus, the bandwidth of which is 10600 Mb / s, then to ensure the most favorable conditions for performance, you can put 2 bars, the bandwidth of which is 5300 Mb / s, and which in total will give us 10600 Mbps.

However, it should be remembered that for such a mode of operation, the RAM modules must be identical in both volume and frequency. It also must be manufactured by the same manufacturer. Here is a short list of well-established manufacturers: Samsung, OCZ, Transcend, Kingston, Corsair, Patriot.

At the end, it is worth summing up the main points:

Based on the definition: random access memory or RAM is an integral part of a computer, necessary for temporary storage of data, which in turn is necessary for the processor to operate.
After the completion of any operations (closing programs, applications), all data associated with them is deleted from the microcircuit. And when you start new tasks into it with hard disk the data that the processor needs in the this moment time.
The speed of access to data in RAM is several hundred times higher than the speed of access to information on a hard disk. This allows the processor to use the information that is needed, gaining instant access to it.
Today the most common are 2 types: DDR3 (800 to 2400 MHz) and DDR4 (2133 to 4266 MHz). The higher the frequency, the faster the system works.

If you have any difficulties with the choice of RAM, if you cannot determine what type of RAM your motherboard supports and what volume will more meet your needs, then you can always contact the service site. We are computer help at home in Moscow and the Moscow region. Our experts will help with the selection, replacement and installation in a computer or laptop.

If your computer becomes slower, additional RAM may be the solution. In this case, you need to figure out what RAM is and what it is for, find out its parameters, and also familiarize yourself with the recommendations for installing and replacing this module.

What is RAM?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is also called:

RAM (Random Access Memory);
random access memory;
or just random access memory.

Photo: Random Access Memory

RAM is a volatile memory in a computer that has random access. During the operation of the computer, it is there that all intermediate, input and output data that the processor processes are stored. All data on RAM can be accessed and saved only when the device is powered. Even with a short-term power outage, information can be distorted or completely destroyed.

Data exchange between Random Access Memory and the processor takes place:

directly;
through registers in ALU;
through the cache.

OP is:

RAM usage

Operating systems for processing information, as well as storing data, which are often used, use random access memory. If modern devices did not have Random Access Memory, then all operations would be much slower, since it would take much longer to read information from a permanent memory source.

Also, multithreading would not be possible. Thanks to the presence of the OP, all applications and programs start and run faster. At the same time, nothing complicates the processing of all the data that is in the queue. Some operating systems, such as Windows 7, have the ability to store files, applications, and other information that the user frequently uses in memory.

Thus, there is no need to waste time while they start to boot from disk, since the process will start immediately.

As a rule, because of this, Random Access Memory will be constantly loaded by more than 50%. This information can be viewed in the task manager. Data has the ability to accumulate and those applications that are used less often will be replaced by more necessary ones.

By far the most common is dynamic random access memory (DRAM). It is used in many devices. At the same time, it is relatively inexpensive, but it works slower than static (SRAM).

SRAM has found its way into controllers and video chips, and is also used in processor memory caches. This memory has a higher speed, but it takes up a lot of space on the die. In turn, manufacturers decided that volume is much more important than accelerated work therefore DRAM is used in computer peripherals. In addition, dynamic memory costs an order of magnitude less than static memory. Moreover, it has a high density. This allows more memory cells to fit on the exact same silicon crystal. The only drawback is that it is not as fast as SRAM.

It should be borne in mind that all the information contained on the OP can only be accessed when the device is turned on. After the user exits the program, all data will be deleted. Therefore, before exiting the application, you must save any changes or additions that have been made.

The OP consists of several cells. This is where all the data is located. With each saved change, the latest information is deleted, and new information is written in its place. The number of cells depends on the size of the Random Access Memory. The larger this volume, the higher the performance of the entire system.

To find out the RAM of your computer, you need to do the following:

for Windows XP:

hover the cursor over the shortcut "My Computer";
then you need to press the right mouse button;
select "Properties";
go to the "General" tab;

for Windows 7:

Install

Additional OP will help to significantly improve the performance of the device. It can be installed both on a stationary computer and a laptop.

Installing RAM on a computer

First you need to figure out what type of OP is required. Its type depends on the motherboard. In order to find out which type is compatible with the motherboard, you should check the documents for the device or visit the manufacturer's website. When choosing RAM, it is recommended to purchase 2 or 4 modules. Thus, if you need 8 GB of RAM, then it is better to buy 2 x 4 GB or 4 x 2 GB. In this case, you should pay attention to their bandwidth and speed. All data must be the same. Otherwise, the system will tune in to the most minimum parameters... This may cause performance degradation.

Photo: RAM installed

To install RAM, follow these guidelines:

you need to disconnect the monitor, mouse, printer and keyboard from the device;
make sure there is no static charge;
remove old modules - for this you need to open the clamps located on both sides and remove the module;

Important! The new OP module should be held so as not to touch the microcircuits that are on the side and the bottom contacts.

The RAM must be inserted in such a way that the groove is exactly aligned with the protrusion located in the slot;
push the board and fix it, while the clamps should close;
build a computer;
turn on the device;
check for the presence of the OP.

Installing RAM on a laptop

For this you need:

correctly determine the type of OP;
eliminate static charge;
disconnect the laptop from the power supply and remove the battery;
remove the desired panel on the bottom of the laptop;

Important! Most laptops do not require paired modules.

Type and volume

At the moment, there are several types of OP. It:

DDR RAM;
DDR2 RAM;
DDR3 RAM.

They differ in the design of the bar, as well as in performance.

Important! It should be noted that the modules are completely incompatible with each other, since they have different connectors for mounting.

Most modern laptops have a DDR2 or DDR3 OP. Legacy models work with DDR. The speed and performance of the computer directly depends on the amount of RAM.

Now there are modules on the market with the following volume:

512 MB;
1 GB;
2 GB;
4 GB;
8 GB.

Before purchasing additional modules, it is worth considering that a 32-bit operating system will only be able to recognize 4 GB. Therefore, there is no need to spend money on boards with a large volume due to the fact that it will not be used anyway. But if the operating system has 64 bits for it, you can install 8, 16 or even 32 gigabytes of memory.

Video: increase RAM

Frequency and other parameters

Among the main parameters of Random Access Memory, the following should be highlighted:

DDR - 2.2 Volts;
DDR2 - 1.8 Volts;
DDR3 - 1.65 Volts.

module manufacturer. Preference should be given to well-known brands and models that have the greatest number of positive reviews. This will help eliminate the possibility of buying a defective part, and the warranty period will be longer.

What does RAM look like in a computer?

The OP of a computer is a plate consisting of several layers of PCB. It contains:

printed circuit board;
soldered memory chips;
there is also a special connector for connection.

Where is the RAM located? The OP is located directly on the motherboard.

There are slots for modules, usually 2 or 4. They are located next to the processor.

Photo: storage device on the motherboard

OP for PCs and laptops

The RAM intended for a laptop has several differences from the RAM used in a PC, namely:

modules differ in their size - the plate for a laptop is much shorter than the standard one for a computer;
the bracket also contains unique connectors.

Thus, the module used for the PC cannot be installed in the laptop.

Random access memory is one of the main parts in a computer. She is responsible for the speed of launching various programs and applications, as well as for the temporary storage of information. In addition, it is used to connect external devices and the hard disk with the processor.

In order to consciously choose a computer, you need to be aware of all the parameters that affect the choice. One of these parameters is the computer's RAM. This resource has several names: RAM, or RAM in the English version. And yet, what is computer RAM? This is a special high-speed memory for temporary storage of information. Its feature is high performance and limited storage time: all data is erased when you reboot or turn off the computer.

A computer is often called a random access device. This means that the processor receives information from RAM regardless of its location in this device (from an arbitrary point).

Each running program uses part of the RAM to store information. And if all (or almost all) of the memory is occupied, then the PC or laptop "slows down" and "freezes", that is, its work slows down. Therefore, the computer's RAM affects the speed and the number of programs that can be simultaneously launched. If you

If you are planning to use only text editors, a browser for and a few simple games, then you should not worry about the amount of RAM. If games and programs are resource-intensive, then you will have to delve into the bit depth of the system.

The amount on the computer depends on the bitness of the system. If the system is 32-bit, then you should not install more than 3 GB of RAM. You can put more, but only 3 GB will be used, the rest of the memory will not be used. With a 64-bit system, the amount of RAM can reach 9 GB, respectively, a computer with such a system is a more powerful device capable of "pulling" several

"heavy" programs.

The RAM also differs in frequency. Today there are three types of RAM: DDR has a frequency from 200 to 400 MHz, DDR2 from 533 to 1200 MHz and DDR3 from 800 to 2400 MHz. The higher the frequency, the higher the operating speed. But you can't just buy the fastest RAM. The choice of device depends on the motherboard (which memory is compatible with the motherboard is indicated on the package).

Random access memory for a computer is volatile. This means that when you turn off or short-term power outages, all data from the RAM will disappear. Sometimes this property is used to restore system performance. Because of a large number running or running programs, the computer's RAM is overloaded, which significantly slows down the work and increases the response time to commands. Therefore, having previously saved the necessary data, the system is overloaded. This resets the contents of the RAM to zero (clears), and the computer's performance is restored to a certain point, until the RAM is again full. If this situation is repeated often, it is time to either increase resources or change the computer. Every day, programs use more and more resources, and recently very "lively" systems cannot cope with the load.