Overview
Upgrading your computer’s RAM (Random Access Memory) can be one of the most cost-effective ways to boost its performance. Whether you’re into gaming, graphic design, or just want a smoother multitasking experience, more RAM can help. However, selecting the right RAM can be tricky, especially with all the technical jargon out there. This guide will help you understand the basics and walk you through the steps on how to choose the best RAM for your system. But before anything else, let’s define first what RAM is.
What is RAM?
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of computer memory that temporarily stores data and instructions that the CPU (Central Processing Unit) needs to access quickly. It functions as the computer’s short-term memory, enabling faster access to files and programs compared to storage devices like hard drives or SSDs.
When you open an application, file, or program, the computer loads the relevant data into RAM for quick access. The more RAM you have, the more applications and processes your computer can handle simultaneously without slowing down. However, RAM is volatile memory, meaning it only retains data while the computer is powered on—once the system shuts down or restarts, any data in RAM is cleared.
Why Upgrade Your RAM?
Before diving into the details of choosing the right RAM, let’s explore why upgrading RAM is beneficial:
- Improved Multitasking: More RAM allows your system to run more programs simultaneously without slowing down.
- Better Performance in Games: For gamers, sufficient RAM ensures that games load quicker and run more smoothly.
- Faster System: When your RAM is insufficient, your computer resorts to using a slower hard drive for temporary storage. More RAM can reduce this, making your system faster.
- Handling Large Files: If you work with large media files or datasets, more RAM ensures that these can be processed more efficiently.
As a software developer using a graphical-based programming platform I really need enough RAM installed in my machine to run it smoothly specially during debugging and building it to executable. But the most RAM-consuming activity in my computer is my web browser. Whenever I read and search about a specific topic online, I usually open tons of tabs in my web browser so I can collect all the important details from different sources and perspective. I don’t close any tabs that I haven’t read yet, especially if I consider them significant so this kind of approach really render my computer slow due tons of browser tab left open. Here’s the memory consumption in my PC when my web browser has around 26 window tabs open (of course it includes other applications running in the background). Here it says 81% of the 8GB memory installed is being used which is around 6.48GB as of the moment.
Because of this, I decided to upgrade my computer specifically on the RAM component. And here’s what I did to determine the right RAM I need to install to my PC to improve the speed of its processing:
Steps In Determining the Right RAM to Upgrade Your Computer
1. Determine The Type of Computer
Laptops and desktops both utilize RAM, but due to differences in form factor, power requirements, and performance, each type of computer needs RAM that is specifically designed for it. Consequently, desktop RAM cannot be used in a laptop, and laptop RAM cannot be used in a desktop. Here’s the difference between the two:
- Desktop: Desktops use larger DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) sticks, which are physically longer than SO-DIMM. This measures around 5.25 inches (about 133 mm) in length, almost double the size of laptop RAM. When it comes to power consumption, desktop RAM often operates at slightly higher voltages (like 1.5V or more), as power consumption is less of a concern with desktops.
- Laptop: Laptops use smaller memory modules called SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module) to fit their compact size. This typically measures around 2.66 inches (about 68 mm) in length. The RAM for laptops are designed for energy efficiency with lower voltage (commonly 1.35V or less) to extend battery life.
In my case, since I’m using a Laptop from Lenovo, therefore the RAM type I need to buy is SO-DIMM.
2. Determine the RAM Installed In Your Computer
Understanding the current physical memory (RAM) installed in your computer is crucial for determining if an upgrade is possible to enhance performance. Once you know the installed RAM, you can compare it to the maximum capacity your system can actually support. If the installed RAM is below the maximum limit, you can upgrade to increase it. Otherwise, if you’ve already reached the maximum capacity and still want better performance, you may need to consider purchasing a new computer with higher RAM capacity.
To check the current RAM installed in your PC, just type “System Information” in the window search box at the task bar and hit Enter button. Then under the System Summary page, just scrolled down to find the installed physical memory in your computer (in my case, it is 8GB).
Another way to determine this is by using the command prompt window and typing the command “wmic memorychip get capacity”. This command will display the capacity of each memory module in Bytes (B).
In my case, two identical numbers appear, both showing a value of 4,294,967,296. This indicates that my computer has two RAM modules installed, each with a memory capacity of 4GB, resulting in a total of 8GB. (4,294,967,296 divided by 1,073,741,824)
Another way is to use a third-party software that is CPU-Z. It is a free software utility that provides detailed information about your computer’s hardware components. Here’s what it tells about the installed RAM in my PC:
This software also provided me the type of RAM (DDR3, DDR4 or DDR5) installed in my PC, the speed on how quickly it can transfer data (in MHz) and the operating voltage. This values would be of great help in defining the RAM you will be needing to upgrade your system.
3. Determine The Maximum RAM Capacity Of Your Computer
After knowing the current physical memory installed in your computer, next is to determine the maximum RAM capacity that your computer can support. To do this, just type the command “wmic memphysical get maxcapacity” in the command prompt and hit enter.
In my case, the maximum capacity displayed is 16,777,216 KB, meaning my computer can support up to 16GB of RAM (16,777,216 divided by 1,048,576). Since I currently have 8GB installed, I can add another 8GB to reach the full capacity of 16GB.
5. Determine the RAM Slot Information of Your Computer
Knowing the RAM slot available in you computer is also one of the factors to tell if your computer is upgradable in terms of physical memory or not. This will allow you to design the right memory to install on each slot if you want to fully maximize the RAM capacity of your computer. To do this, just type the command: “wmic Memphysical get MemoryDevices” then hit Enter button.
In my case, the result indicated a value of 2, meaning my computer has 2 slots available for installing RAM. To find the maximum capacity per slot, simply divide the total maximum RAM by the number of slots. In my situation, that’s 16GB divided by 2, equaling 8GB per slot. Therefore, to fully utilize my computer’s maximum RAM capacity of 16GB, I can install two 8GB RAM modules on the 2 available slots. This means that I have to replace current two 4GB RAM installed in my computer with two 8GB RAM modules.
6. Determine The Maximum RAM speed Of Your Computer
The maximum memory speed supported by a computer is typically determined by the processor and motherboard. If the motherboard or processor cannot support a higher RAM speed, the memory modules will operate at the fastest speed they can handle both. Therefore, you should check the maximum RAM speed supported by both your CPU and motherboard and compare the two. Whichever is the lower from the two speeds will be the maximum RAM speed supported by your computer. To determine this:
Step 1: Firsts, check the model of your motherboard by typing the command “wmic baseboard get product, manufacturer” at the command prompt then hit Enter button. Once manufacturer and Product code are determined, use this to check online the RAM speed it supports.
In my case, Lenovo 80Q7 Paris 5A8, the data transfer rate is 1596 MT/s or equivalent to 1600.
Step 2: Then check the processor of you computer by typing the command “wmic cpu get name” at the command prompt then hit Enter button. Once the processor is determined, use this to check online the RAM speed (memory types) supported by your processor.
In my case as shown above, there are 3 types of memory it supports (DDR4-2133, LPDDR3-1866 & DDR3L-1600)
Step 3: Lastly, compare the RAM speed at which both motherboard and CPU can transfer data at the same rate. In my case it is DDR3L-1600 therefore the maximum RAM speed that my laptop computer supports is 1600 MT/s.
7. Determine The System Architecture Of Your PC
Different system architecture supports different maximum allowable RAM that can be installed in your computer.
- For 32-bit architectures, the maximum supported RAM is generally around 4 GB, though this can vary depending on the specific version of Windows and any hardware or software limitations. This means that 32-bit computers/Windows OS are stuck at 4GB RAM only and can no longer upgrade to higher RAM.
- 64-bit architectures supports much higher RAM capacities, theoretically up to 16 million TB of memory. But in terms of Windows Operating system used, this can vary. For instance, Windows 10 Home supports up to 128 GB of RAM, while Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise can handle up to 2 TB of RAM.
To determine your system’s architecture, just type “wmic os get OSArchitecture” in the command prompt then hit the Enter button:
In my case, since my system is 64-bit, upgrading to 16GB of RAM would be fine.
8. Check Online Memory Upgrade Sites
Lastly, a great way to upgrade your computer is by visiting online sites that offer upgrade options. Websites such as memorystock.com and mrmemory.co.uk offer recommendations for upgrading your computer’s memory or SSD. By simply providing your computer’s brand manufacturer and model, these sites can suggest memory and SSD options to help you achieve optimal performance and speed of your computer. Below is the recommendation for my Laptop from memorystock.com:
My laptop is a Lenovo Ideapad 300-15ISK. After entering this information, the website displayed my computer’s memory details on the left side of the page. It also provided options for memory upgrades, and most importantly, it specified the exact type of RAM I need for the upgrade: DDR3L PC3L-12800 1600 MHz SODIMM. Now here’s the comparison between the current RAM installed in my PC and the RAM that I need to buy to upgrade its performance.
Current RAM: 2 pcs of 4GB RAM (DDR3L PC3L-12800 1600 SODIMM)
RAM for Upgrade: 2 pcs of 8GB RAM (DDR3L PC3L-12800 1600 SODIMM)
(The “L” in DDR3L is a designation for “Low Voltage” which means the RAM runs at 1.35V while the 12800 means that the peak data rate of module is 12.8GB/sec)
With this upgrade, I can’t wait to see the difference in performance it would do to my computer once I installed this new RAM modules. So I immediately ordered these items from Shopee store (here’s the link)
Installation Tips
Once you’ve selected the right RAM, installing it is relatively simple:
1. Power off the computer and unplug it from the wall.
2. Open the case and locate the RAM slots on the motherboard.
3. Remove the old RAM by pressing the locking clips outward of both sides for each slot.
4. Install the new RAM, making sure to align the notch on the RAM stick with the notch in the slot.
5. Press the RAM stick down firmly until the clips snap back into place.
6. Close the case and power the system back on.
Your computer should automatically recognize the new RAM. You can check if the installation was successful by looking at the system properties or using third-party software like CPU-Z. Here’s what the Task Manager tells me about my computer’s RAM consumption when 26 tabs of search engine are opened:
As you can see, the computer has recognized my new 16GB memory. Regarding performance improvement, it only uses 43% of the installed 16GB, which is approximately 6.88GB, even with 26 search engine tabs open and various applications running in the background. This reduction from 81% to 43% memory usage enables me to run more applications simultaneously without slowing down my computer.
Final Thought
Upgrading your RAM is a great way to breathe new life into your computer. Just make sure to check compatibility, choose the right amount, speed and operating voltage, and follow proper installation practices. Whether you’re a casual user, gamer, or power user, selecting the right RAM can make a noticeable difference in your system’s performance. And with this incredible boost in performance of my old Laptop, it really felt as if my laptop is as good as a brand new one.
Here are some other technical life hacks that might interest you:
How To Setup A Karaoke In Your TV Using YouTube
How To Connect Your Printer To Network For Wireless Printing
How To Install Drivers That Are Not Digitally Signed
How To Reset Your Windows 10 Operating Software
How To Disable Spam Filter In Your Gmail
Salamat mga Ka-Butingting! If you find this post helpful, please share it with those who also might benefit from it. And don’t hesitate to share it too to your social media networks. God Bless!
