How to choose RAM for a processor. Laptop RAM DDR3

I think it’s no secret to anyone that RAM is an important component of a gaming system, and the performance in games is affected by several RAM parameters. For example, not long ago the 3DNews laboratory found that AMD Ryzen central processors are very sensitive to DDR4 frequency. Testing has shown that using fast DDR4-3200 memory compared to standard DDR4-2133 with the same timings increases FPS in games by 12-16%, depending on the application. Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your system, buying a fast RAM kit is one of the most powerful options.

Performance is affected not only by frequency, but also by latency. And yet the most important parameter of RAM is capacity. If, in the case of using a slow kit, we lose units of FPS, then if a certain number of gigabytes is missing, the game will either slow down or not start at all. Therefore, we decided to find out how much RAM a gaming computer needs in 2017. Obviously, the main “battle” will take place between 8 and 16 GB kits.

A good example is that a user upgraded his computer, adding a GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB video card to the existing configuration. Now its system unit fully complies with the recommended requirements of Watch_Dogs 2, which I so wanted to play. However, even without using the maximum graphics quality settings, spending time in your favorite “sandbox” was marred by microfreezes that appeared every now and then. And the GeForce GTX 1060 seems to do its job perfectly, since the average figure stays around 50 FPS, but the whole impression is spoiled by these drawdowns! It turns out that the lack of RAM was involved in the visually noticeable drop in frame rate, because adding another 8 GB partly solved this problem - with the same settings and with the same video card, it became more comfortable to play.

The main topic has been outlined, but, in my opinion, it is no less important to answer one more question: will using a fast page file correct the situation with the lack of RAM in games?

⇡ Modern gaming platforms

A very large number of configurations fall under the definition of “gaming computer”. For example, the monthly column “” discusses ten different systems. The most inexpensive one includes a Pentium G4560, GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and 8 GB DDR4. Using this amount of RAM is the most common option, according to the official statistics of the Steam game client. But modern platforms allow you to install 64 and even 128 GB of RAM.

Current gaming platforms
Intel AMD
Socket LGA1155 LGA2011 LGA1150 LGA2011-v3 LGA1151 AM3+ FM2/2+ AM4
Year of sale 2011 2011 year 2013 year 2014 2015 2011 year 2012 2017
Supported processors Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge Sandy Bridge-E,
Ivy Bridge-E		 Haswell, Haswell Refresh and Devil's Canyon, Broadwell Haswell-E, Broadwell-E Skylake, Kaby Lake Zambezi, Vishera Trinity, Richland, Kaveri, Godavari (Kaveri Refresh) Ryzen, AMD 7th Generation A-series/Athlon
Memory controller DDR3-1066/1333 DDR3-1066/1333
/1600/1866 		DDR3-1333/1600 DDR4-2133/2400 DDR4-1866/2133/
2400, DDR3L-1333/1600		 DDR3-1066/1333/
1600/1866 		DDR3-1600/1866/
2400 		DDR4-2133/2400/
2666
Built-in, two-channel Built-in, four-channel Built-in, two-channel Built-in, four-channel Built-in, two-
channel		 Built-in, two-channel Built-in, two-channel Built-in, two-channel
Maximum amount of RAM 32 GB 64 GB 32 GB Haswell-E— 64 GB Broadwell-E — 128 GB 64 GB 32 GB 64 GB 64 GB

Even now, without testing, we can safely say: the specified maximum amount of RAM is excessive for gaming configurations, although the entertainment sector has recently been the most active driver of computer progress. As already mentioned, most users install 8 or 16 GB in their systems. The table lists both the most modern (LGA1151, LGA2011-v3, AM4) and time-tested platforms, which can easily be classified as gaming in 2017. In most cases, AMD and Intel CPUs use dual-channel RAM controllers. This means that motherboards for the corresponding platform use either two DIMM slots or four. And boards with LGA2011 and LGA2011-v3 sockets have four or eight slots for installing RAM, respectively. For Haswell-E and Broadwell-E processors there is an “exotic” exception to the rule - ASRock X99E-ITX/ac.

The dual-channel mode of the memory controller built into the central processor implies the use of an even number of modules. In order to easily increase the amount of RAM over time, it is better to use a motherboard with four DIMM slots. So, we can purchase a 16 GB memory kit, consisting of two 8 GB modules, and over time, purchase two more modules with similar characteristics. Some motherboards have only a couple of slots for installing RAM - these are either very budget boards (for example, based on H110, B250 and A320 chipsets for Kaby Lake and Ryzen processors), or devices of the mini-ITX form factor, or exclusive overclocking solutions, such as ASUS Maximus IX Apex. These devices support half the amount of RAM: 32 GB for Skylake, Kaby Lake and Ryzen processors; 16 GB for Haswell, Broadwell, Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge and Vishera processors. Take this point into account when upgrading or when assembling a system unit from scratch.

⇡ Test stand

During all tests, the LGA1151 platform was used along with a Core i7-7700K processor overclocked to 4.5 GHz. Video cards, RAM and storage drives were changed. A complete list of components is presented in the table.

Test bench configuration
CPU Intel Core i7-7700K @4.5 GHz
Motherboard ASUS MAXIMUS IX Hero
RAM Kingston HyperX Predator HX430C15PB3K4/64, DDR4-3000, 4 × 16 GB
Kingston HyperX Fury HX421C14FB2K2/16, DDR4-2133, 2 × 8 GB
Drives Western Digital WD1003FZEX, 1 TB
Samsung 850 Pro
Video cards ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 (DUAL-GTX1060-3G), 3 GB
ASUS Radeon RX 480 (DUAL-RX480-O4G), 4 GB
power unit Corsair AX1500i, 1500 W
CPU cooler Noctua NH-D9DX
Frame Lian Li PC-T60A
Monitor NEC EA244UHD
operating system Windows 10 Pro x64
Software for video cards
AMD Crimson ReLive Edition 17.4.2
NVIDIA GeForce Game Ready Driver 381.65
Additional software
Removing drivers Display Driver Uninstaller 17.0.6.1
FPS measurement Fraps 3.5.99
FRAFS Bench Viewer
Action! 2.3.0
Overclocking and monitoring GPU-Z 1.19.0
MSI Afterburner 4.3.0
Optional equipment
Thermal imager Fluke Ti400
Sound level meter Mastech MS6708
Wattmeter watts up? PRO

⇡ RAM consumption in modern games

Determining how much RAM modern games consume is not that difficult. There are a large number of diagnostic utilities. But it is important to understand that the amount of RAM used depends on several parameters, and therefore may differ significantly on different systems. So, along with the launch of games, various software does not stop working.

For example, opening just ten Chrome tabs increases RAM consumption by 1.5 GB. The appetites of the Google browser have long become a “meme,” but let’s not forget about the constantly active messengers, antiviruses, drivers and other utilities that are loaded along with the operating system.

I recently conducted comparative testing of the GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and the Radeon RX 470 4 GB. There is an opinion among users that an additional gigabyte of video memory is another argument in favor of an AMD graphics adapter. A small experiment showed that out of twelve games, exactly half consume more than four gigabytes of video memory in Full HD resolution. The stand used a GeForce GTX 1080 accelerator with 8 GB GDDR5. It turns out that if there is insufficient video memory, all data that does not fit into GDDR5 cells will be placed in RAM. Some games immediately inform the user that the video memory limit has been exceeded. Some - GTA V, HITMAN, Battlefield 1 - will simply not allow you to set a higher graphics quality until the user himself removes the special “fuse” in the settings menu. Therefore, to study the issue in more detail, it is necessary to use several video cards. My choice was made on three popular NVIDIA models: GeForce GTX 1060 with 3 and 6 GB GDDR5, as well as GeForce GTX 1080.

Graphics settings in games
API Quality Full screen anti-aliasing
1920 × 1080 / 2560 × 1440 / 3840 × 2160
1 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Novigrad and surroundings DirectX 11 Max. quality, NVIDIA HairWorks incl. A.A.
2 Mass Effect Andromeda, first mission Max. quality Temporal smoothing
3 Ghost Recon Wildlands, built-in benchmark Max. quality SMAA + FXAA
4 GTA V, city and surroundings Max. quality 4 × MSAA + FXAA
5 Rise of the Tomb Raider, Soviet base Max. quality SMAA
6 Watch_Dogs 2, city and surroundings Ultra, HBAO+ Temporal Anti-Aliasing 2×MSAA
7 Fallout 4, Diamond City and surrounding area Max. quality, high resolution textures, bullet fragments off. TAA
8 HITMAN, built-in benchmark DirectX 12 Max. quality SMAA
9 Total War: WARHAMMER, built-in benchmark Max. quality 4xMSAA
10 Battlefield 1, mission "Job for the Young" Ultra TAA
11 Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Utulek complex Max. quality 2 × MSAA
12 Sid Meier's Civilization VI, built-in benchmark Ultra 8×MSAA
13 Star Wars Battlefront, Battle of Endor map Max. quality TAA
14 Tom Clancy's The Division, built-in benchmark Max. quality SMAA
15 DOOM, OIC mission Vulkan Ultra TSSAA 8TX

RAM consumption was measured in fifteen applications. The graphs show the maximum load rate, which was recorded after 10 minutes of random gameplay. For clarity, results have been rounded. RAM load indicators were recorded using the MSI Afterburner program with a polling rate of 100 ms. Among other programs, only Steam, Origin and Uplay clients were active when launching games, as well as Windows Defender, FRAPS and MSI Afterburner.

The assumption made earlier has become a fact - already in Full HD resolution we see that using the 3 GB version of the GeForce GTX 1060, nine out of fifteen games exceeded the 8 GB RAM bar. That is more than half. The same games run on stands with GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB and GeForce GTX 1080 turned out to be less RAM-hungry.

With increasing resolution, the trend continued - already thirteen out of fifteen games consumed more than 8 GB of RAM in a stand with a GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB installed. Seven projects consistently consumed more than 10 GB of RAM. The RAM load also increased noticeably when using the GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB in the test bench. This means that six gigabytes of video memory are no longer enough for games at the graphics quality settings we have specified.

Testing in Ultra HD resolution was carried out only with the GeForce GTX 1080, because there is no point in using versions of the GeForce GTX 1060 in this resolution - the GPUs of these video cards simply cannot cope with the increased load.

The results turned out to be quite predictable. We can safely say: many modern AAA projects at close to maximum graphics quality settings consume more than 8 GB of RAM. In addition, measurements in Rise of the Tomb Raider, Watch_Dogs 2, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Mass Effect Andromeda demonstrate the lack of a serious safety margin when the system has 16 GB of RAM. In addition, testing was carried out with a minimum of active applications in Windows 10. In my opinion, there are all the prerequisites for the fact that projects will soon appear for which 16 GB of RAM will not be enough at maximum or close to maximum graphics quality settings.

I think many have already noticed the fact that I considered only one scenario - games at maximum (or close to them) graphics quality settings. However, most gamers use less powerful video cards, and therefore use different quality modes.

The good thing about computer games is that, as a rule, they have a large number of settings that worsen or improve the quality of the output picture. For example, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided has five pre-programmed modes: Low, Medium, High, Very High and Ultra. Many developers use similar categories. Please note that it is quite difficult (sometimes even impossible) to determine by eye where the quality is high and where the quality is very high. Thus, there is no point in turning the sliders to the maximum in some games. And significantly less video memory and RAM are used.

From the list of games that consumed the most RAM at maximum (or close to them) quality settings, I selected five applications: Watch_Dogs 2, Mass Effect Andromeda, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Ghost Recon Wildlands. Using the same NVIDIA video cards, I measured the RAM consumption when activating modes prepared in advance by the developers. In some games (Watch_Dogs 2 and Ghost Recon Wildlands), when the overall graphics quality changes, the anti-aliasing automatically changes. In other applications, the antialiasing setting must be set separately. As a matter of fact, in Mass Effect Andromeda, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, anti-aliasing was not used at all for this part of the experiment. The results are entered into a summary table.

Areas in which the encouraging fact is recorded are highlighted in green - when a certain graphics quality mode is activated, games consume less than 8 GB of RAM. The table clearly shows that setting the “High” and “Medium” parameters is suitable for video cards with 4 GB or less video memory, and even more so for graphics adapters with 6+ GB GDDR5.

A sharp drop in RAM consumption in Rise of the Tomb Raider is also noticeable when using the 3 GB version of the GeForce GTX 1060. We see logical confirmation of the fact that when using the “High” picture quality mode, the game requires less video memory than at “maximum settings”.

Of course, the consumption of video RAM and system memory is also affected by disabling anti-aliasing, which should eliminate irregularities (ladders) along the edges of objects. Anti-aliasing is one of the parameters that is critical to the amount of video memory. Therefore, on a gaming system with 8 GB of RAM and a graphics accelerator with 2, 3 or 4 GB of video memory, it makes sense to turn off anti-aliasing or use “light” modes, if these are supported by the application.

Textures are the second parameter that is critical to the amount of video memory, and therefore RAM. The use of low-resolution textures noticeably spoils the image, but at the same time, there is no particular difference between the “High” and “Very High” modes in Rise of the Tomb Raider (in other games too). Therefore, if there is a lack of video memory and RAM, this parameter can be sacrificed in order to achieve a comfortable frame rate.

Maximum RAM consumption (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB), MB
Texture quality
Rise of the Tomb Raider (general quality settings - maximum, but no anti-aliasing) Watch_Dogs 2 (general quality settings - "Ultra" mode, but without anti-aliasing) Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (general quality settings - maximum, but no anti-aliasing)
Very high 11600 Ultra 11000 Ultra 11000
High 6900 High 9700 Very high 9600
Average 6400 Average 8800 High 7800
Low 6200 Low 7800 Average 7100
Low 6900
Shadows
Very high 10700 HFTS 11600 Very high 11000
High 10500 PCSS 11000 High 10900
Average 10300 Ultra 11000 Average 10800
Off 10300 Very high 11000
High 10400
Average 10400
Low 10300

There are a lot of image settings in computer games. The developers work closely with hardware manufacturers - AMD, NVIDIA and Intel, and therefore the applications are replete with a different number of various options. For example, Rise of the Tomb Raider features a PureHair mode that significantly transforms the hairstyles of the characters in this game. They also use various ambient light blocking technologies (SSAO, HBAO, HBAO+, VXAO, etc.) that darken cavities and corners, adding visual depth to them.

All these settings to one degree or another affect the consumption of video memory and RAM. However, not as much as anti-aliasing, shadows and texture size.

It seems that the answer to the main question has been received: measurements of RAM consumption show that 16 GB is our everything if you plan to play with maximum graphics quality settings. On the other hand, there is evidence that 8 GB of RAM is still enough for any modern project - you just need to reduce the image quality. Most often, it is enough to set the mode to “High” or “Medium”. According to the author, the picture will still be of a completely acceptable level. However, it is interesting to know how typical gaming systems behave when there is a lack of RAM? The second part of the experiment is devoted to this issue.

A lot of readers on our site are interested in questions one way or another related to the choice of RAM, and our site has a very strong desire to answer everyone. To make it interesting for you in the process of gaining knowledge, this article is presented by the author in the form of a fascinating story from which you will learn EVERYTHING about computer RAM!

You will learn not only how to choose and buy RAM from a quality manufacturer, but also how to correctly install RAM modules in your computer and much more, for example:

  1. How much RAM does a modern computer need for comfortable operation of all resource-intensive applications, for example: modern games at maximum settings, video and sound processing programs, etc. What should a powerful modern computer be like?
  2. (follow the link and read a separate article).
  3. (follow the link and read a separate article)?
  4. What way out does the operating system find when there is not enough RAM?
  5. Is having too much RAM good for your computer?
  6. Do you need to completely disable the page file if you have a large amount of physical RAM, for example 16 -32 GB?
  7. How much better is dual-channel RAM operating mode than single-channel? What is better to buy, one 8GB memory stick or two 4GB sticks?
  8. How to choose the right RAM modules for dual-channel operation?
  9. What is the frequency of RAM and is it possible to install RAM sticks with different frequencies in a computer?
  10. What is RAM latency (timings)? Is it possible to install RAM sticks with different timings in a computer?
  11. What is the difference between the RAM sticks used on laptops and regular RAM?
  12. Nowadays DDR3 memory is actively used, but are there DDR4 memory sticks on sale?
  13. If you have an old computer and you want to buy additional DDR2 RAM, then think several times, because DDR2 memory is expensive, maybe it’s better for you to replace the motherboard, processor and change the RAM to DDR3.
  14. How to choose a RAM manufacturer and is all RAM made in China?
  15. Is overclocking of RAM necessary and how much will RAM performance increase during overclocking?
  16. Is a heatsink really necessary for RAM?
  17. What is a RAM controller, why is it needed and where is it located?
  18. What does ECC RAM marking mean?

How to choose RAM

Friends, in the last article we discussed the issue of choice and I was thinking about what article to write next. It seems logical to choose a motherboard for it after the processor, but I usually do it differently. After choosing the processor, I choose the memory and video card, I don’t know why, it’s probably just easier and you can immediately estimate how much to expect, since choosing a motherboard is the most difficult part of choosing a computer configuration. In view of this, I decided not to deviate from my chosen tradition and devote this article to the choice of random access memory (RAM). Since this site is dedicated to the repair of personal computers, of course the issue of choosing RAM will be considered not only for new, but also for older PCs.

Like choosing a processor, choosing RAM is not a difficult task at all. probably even easier. But, as with everything, there are some nuances. Often the choice of RAM comes down to its current price and the amount you are willing to spend. Recently, trends in price changes for RAM modules have been very ambiguous. Several years ago there was a real boom in increasing the amount of RAM in personal computers. And this was due not so much to the growing requirements of modern applications and operating systems, but to the incredible reduction in price.

A 4 gigabyte (GB) memory stick could be purchased for only $25 or even cheaper. As a result, solely for marketing purposes (to make computers more attractive and increase sales), this same memory began to be “stuffed” into new computers in huge volumes. So, the cheapest system unit, costing about $200-250, necessarily had 4 GB of memory, and the average one, costing $300-350, had all 8 GB. Salespeople in stores placed great emphasis on this, while keeping silent about the fact that this amount of memory would never be realized (fully used) by these PCs, since the rest of the “stuffing,” such as the processor and video card, left much to be desired. This, in essence, was a kind of deception of buyers or, to put it nicely, a marketing ploy...

Unfortunately, gone are the days when you could stock up on RAM for free without even playing around, and now the price for it has increased significantly. It seems that we have again been hooked on the needle of technological progress... But is a large amount of RAM really needed?

How much RAM does a modern computer need?

I must say that until recently, I was fond of modern computer games. Therefore, I always tried to keep my PC up to date. Probably, since I built my first full-fledged PC in 1997, not a single year has passed that I haven’t treated myself to purchasing a new video card, processor or memory.

In those old (by computer standards) days, there was a certain division in how computers used operating system components. Games only needed a powerful video card, some RAM, and the processor almost didn’t matter, since all the calculations were performed by the video card, which has both its own processor and its own memory.

To encode video, on the contrary, a powerful processor and a sufficient amount of RAM were needed, but the video card did not matter, etc. Modern gaming applications have “learned” to make full use of the previously “idle” powerful components of modern computers, such as the processor and RAM.

If we talk about using a PC as a gaming and entertainment platform, then, until recently, I had not come across games that could load at least 3 GB of memory 100% even at maximum graphics settings. But in some cases, the total memory load was close to this figure, despite the fact that the game itself consumed about 2 GB, and the rest was consumed by other applications, such as Skype, antivirus, etc.

Note: Please note that we were not talking about 4 GB, but about 3. The fact is that 32-bit Windows operating systems (OS) do not know how to use more than 3 GB of RAM and therefore the “excess” is simply “not seen”... In fairness, it is worth noting that for 32-bit OS built on the Linux kernel, such strict restrictions do not exist. So, friends, there is no point in installing more than 4 GB of memory on a 32-bit Windows; they simply will not be used.

For not very new, but also relatively old systems, on which you can put a lot of memory, using a 64-bit OS, in some cases, can be problematic. Since 64-bit versions of drivers for some equipment may simply not exist.

Not so long ago, just at the moment of total reduction in the price of memory, I purchased the same amount in addition to my 4 GB. But this was not caused by its shortcoming, but by the fact that on my fairly powerful motherboard, due to some misunderstanding) there were slots for almost outdated DDR2 memory and I was afraid that a little more and it might completely disappear or wildly increase in price, and here is such a “freebie”... After that, I switched to a 64-bit operating system, since otherwise this purchase would not have looked so reasonable). You also need to take into account that I have a fairly powerful 4-core processor and an expensive modern video card, thanks to which I can play games at very high graphics settings, at which RAM consumption is maximum.

If you have an entry-level or mid-level PC, then 4 GB of RAM will be enough for you, since you can comfortably play modern games only at low or medium settings, which do not require large amounts of memory. In such conditions, installing, say, 8 GB of RAM is wasted money. But if your PC is powerful enough and is a gaming PC, then I would still recommend installing 8 GB, since there is a tendency towards a gradual increase in RAM consumption by modern games.

For example, the recently released game Call of Duty: Ghosts simply refused to launch if it detected that you had less than 6 GB of RAM installed. Again, in fairness, it should be noted that folk craftsmen made a fix that allowed you to bypass this limitation at launch and the game worked.

Regarding 64-bit operating systems, then you should know that it, like all 64-bit applications, consumes exactly 2 times more memory than 32-bit ones. Here this is already fully justified by memory addressing technology and significantly improves performance.

What should a fast computer be like?

We will not go into details, but you must understand that in order to feel the increase in speed, the following conditions must be met:

The central processing unit (CPU) must have a 64-bit architecture, the operating system must be 64-bit.

The application that you want to use to improve the performance of certain operations must be 64-bit, the data that is processed must be streaming (video conversion, archiving), since the speed increase is achieved by processing more information in one pass. In this case, the increase will be very significant – up to 2 times. Under such conditions, using an Intel processor (with a longer pipeline) you will get the highest possible performance for such operations. But, as you know, in games data is transferred in small portions (since it is impossible to predict the user’s next step), therefore, even in those games where 64-bit versions of the game engine are available for launch, there will be almost no increase. And yet the decisive role of the video card in them has not gone away.

As for professional applications, in areas such as video editing, 3D modeling, design, specialists in these areas know exactly what hardware and how much memory they need. Usually this is from 16 GB or more. And if, say, in 3D modeling there is no streaming data processing, then simply the volume and quality of models can be so high that a lot of RAM is “stupidly” needed to accommodate this model.

If you are not a professional, but really like to convert videos, then 4-8 GB will be enough for you.

Truly huge amounts of RAM can be in demand in scientific systems and highly loaded servers. In the latter, for example, a memory capacity of 64 GB or more is considered quite common. But the memory there is not cheap either - server memory (with parity checking and automatic error correction), since failures are not allowed on them.

Well, as an example, I’ll give you a situation from my real life. When I was training in networking and systems administration, I often had to emulate a large number of concurrent operating systems and network equipment. Such combinations as 5-10 operating systems running in VirtualBox (or VMware) + the same number of emulated network devices in GNS can eat up a fair amount of RAM. And it’s good if, in addition to a powerful processor that supports modern virtualization technologies, there are 8-16 GB of RAM, otherwise the brakes are guaranteed...

Why can't you disable the page file?

What happens when there is not enough RAM? Yes, it’s very simple - the OS, in order to compensate for the lack of memory, begins to actively use the hard drive (the so-called paging file). By the way, God forbid you turn it off. The operation of the system is very deeply tied to the page file and disabling it will be more problems than it is worth. As a result, not only the processor slows down, but also the hard drive.

There is only one conclusion - there should be enough memory; if there is not enough memory, the computer starts to slow down terribly, but too much memory does not give any performance gain.

What types of RAM are there?

There is no such thing as memory...

A board with memory chips is usually called a memory module (or “stick”). There are single-sided and double-sided memory modules. On the first, the chips are placed on one side of the printed circuit board, on the second - on both sides. What's better? I don’t know) There is an opinion that double-sided modules “chase” better; read about what this means further in this article. On the other hand, the fewer chips, the higher the reliability of the module. I have seen cases more than once when one side of the chips on a strip failed and the computer saw only half of its volume. But now I would not focus on this.

The main thing you need to know is that if there are several memory modules in the computer, then it is desirable that they all be either single-sided or double-sided. Otherwise, the memory does not always get along well with each other and does not work at full speed.

Today the most modern memory is DDR3 type., which replaced the older DDR2, which in turn replaced the even older one - DDR. A new, more modern DDR4 memory has already been developed, but it has not yet reached the masses. We won't go deeper.

When building a new PC, you should only choose the latest memory standard. At the moment it is DDR3.

Sometimes replacing a motherboard and purchasing a new type of memory is equivalent in price to adding an old type of RAM to an old board.

The new memory will also be significantly cheaper than the older DDR2, for which greedy manufacturers and sellers “keep” (keep) a high price, since there is little of it left and for those who want to upgrade their PC there is simply no other choice but to agree to such draconian conditions. In this case, it’s worth thinking about, maybe adding a little and buying more promising components? And if you sell the old one, you can actually get a profit, if you’re lucky, of course)

Laptop memory

Laptops use the same memory as PCs, but have a smaller module size and are called SO-DIMM DDR (DDR2, DDR3).

Memory characteristics. Frequency and timings

Memory is characterized primarily by type. The memory types used for desktop computers today are: DDR, DDR2, DDR3.

The main characteristic of memory is its frequency. The higher the frequency, the faster the memory is considered. But this frequency must be supported by the processor and motherboard, otherwise the memory will operate at a lower frequency, and the money you overpaid will go down the drain.

Memory modules, as well as its types, have their own markings, which begin with PC, PC2 and PC3, respectively.

Today, the most common memory is DDR3 PC3-10600 (1333 MHz). It will work at its native frequency on any computer. In principle, the speed of the computer does not greatly depend on the memory frequency. For example, in games this increase will be absolutely indistinguishable, but in some other applications it will be more noticeable. But the difference in price, for example in comparison with DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600 MHz) memory, will be very small. Here I usually follow the rule - if the price is slightly higher ($1-3) and the processor supports a higher frequency, then why not - we take faster memory.

Is it possible to install RAM sticks with different frequencies into a computer?

The frequency of the RAM does not have to be the same; the motherboard will set the frequency for all sticks to the slowest module, but very often a computer with sticks of different frequencies is unstable. For example, it may not turn on at all.

Timings

The next memory performance parameter is the so-called delays (timings). Roughly speaking, this is the time that has passed from the moment the memory is accessed until the moment it produces the necessary data. Accordingly, the shorter the timings, the better. There are dozens of different delays when reading, writing, copying, and various combinations of these and other operations. But there are only a few main ones that you can use to navigate.

Timings are indicated (though not always) on the label of memory modules in the form of 4 numbers with hyphens between them. The first and most important is latency, the rest are derivatives of it.

Delays depend on the manufacturing quality of the memory chips. Accordingly, higher quality, lower timings, higher price. However, it is worth noting that timings have a much smaller impact on performance than memory frequency. Therefore, I rarely attach importance to this, only if the price is approximately the same, you can buy memory with lower timings. Typically, modules with ultra-low timings are positioned as top-end, come complete with radiators (which we’ll talk about later), in beautiful packaging and are much more expensive.

Marking of main types, memory modules, their frequency and typical latency (CL)

DDR – outdated (completely)

DDR-266 - PC2100 - 266 MHz - CL 2.5

DDR-333 - PC2700 - 333 MHz - CL 2.5

DDR-400 - PC-3200 - 400 MHz - CL 2.5

DDR2 - obsolete (sometimes still found and can be used to add to an old PC)

DDR2-533 - PC2-4200 - 533 MHz - CL 5

DDR2-667 - PC2-5300 - 667 MHz - CL 5

DDR2-800 - PC2-6400 - 800 MHz - CL 5

DDR2-1066 - PC2-8500 - 1066 MHz - CL 5

DDR3 – modern

DDR3-1333 - PC3-10600 - 1333 MHz - CL 9

DDR3-1600 - PC3-12800 - 1600 MHz - CL 11

DDR3-1800 - PC3-14400 - 1800 MHz - CL 11

DDR3-2000 - PC3-16000 - 2000 MHz - CL 11

Is it possible to install RAM sticks with different timings in a computer?

The timings also do not have to match. The motherboard will automatically set timings for all modules according to the slowest module. There shouldn't be any problems.

Memory operating modes

Yes, yes... Perhaps not everyone knew, but RAM can operate in different modes, the so-called: Single Mode (single-channel) and Dual Mode (dual-channel).

In single-channel mode, data is first written to one memory module, and when its capacity is exhausted, it begins to be written to the next free module.

In dual-channel mode, data recording is parallelized and recorded simultaneously on several modules.

This, friends, is where using dual-channel mode significantly improves memory speed. In reality, the memory speed in dual-channel mode is up to 30% higher than in single-channel mode. But in order for it to work, the following conditions must be met:

The motherboard must support dual-channel RAM operation

There should be 2 or 4 memory modules

Memory modules must be either all single-sided or all double-sided

If any of these conditions are not met, the memory will only operate in single-channel mode.

It is desirable that all the strips be as identical as possible: they have the same frequency, latency, and are even from the same manufacturer. Otherwise, no one can give any guarantees about the operation of the dual-channel mode. Therefore, if you want your memory to work in the fastest possible mode, it is very advisable to immediately purchase 2 identical memory sticks, because after a year or two you will definitely not find the same one.

Another question is if you need to increase the amount of memory on an old computer. In this case, you can try to find a memory module that is as similar as possible to the one you already have. If you have 2 of them, and there are 2 more free slots on the motherboard, then you will have to look for 2 more of the same modules. An ideal, but not always economical, option is to sell the old memory as used and buy 2 new identical modules of larger capacity.

Of course, if your old computer is very weak, then there may not be a big gain from the dual-channel mode. In this case, you can install any module, but it is still better to choose the most suitable one in order to eliminate a possible conflict with old modules and complete inoperability of the computer. Try to agree in advance with the seller about a return or bring the system unit to him and let him try to select a suitable module.

RAM controller

It should be noted that previously memory controllers were located in the chipset (logic set) of motherboards. In modern systems, memory controllers are located in processors. In this regard, the dual-channel memory mode now has 2 more submodes: Ganged (paired) and Unganged (unpaired).

In ganged mode, memory modules work the same as in old motherboards, but in unpaired mode, each processor memory controller (in modern processors there are 2 of them) can work separately with each stick. This mode can be set in the computer's BIOS, but is usually selected automatically by the processor. If the planks are identical, then Ganged (but not necessarily), if they are different, then only Unganged. In any case, the memory will operate in dual-channel mode. But I still recommend buying and installing 2 identical modules at once, this will eliminate distortions in their parameters and improve compatibility.

The dual-channel RAM mode has only one drawback - 2 memory sticks are slightly more expensive than one of the same size. Therefore, many stores and private collectors save money and set the same bar. As a result, we have a modern computer that does not work at full capacity.

Some modern expensive motherboards, which usually have 6 slots for memory modules, can even operate in three-channel mode.

By the way, if you have 2 or 3 memory sticks, then in order for the dual-channel or three-channel mode to work, all these sticks must be inserted into slots of the same color.

Some memory modules for desktops have the abbreviation ECC in their markings.

This is memory with parity, a technology used in server systems. You should not pay any attention to this, since on desktop PCs this technology is not critical and, in most cases, does not work at all. It's still the same marketing ploy.

Memory connectors

There's nothing to talk about here at all. Each type of memory DDR, DDR2, DDR3 has its own connector on the motherboard of the same type (DDR, DDR2, DDR3). You will not insert memory of one type into a slot of another type, since there is a special protrusion (key) in the motherboard slot,

Which should coincide with the slot on the memory module board. This was done precisely so as not to accidentally confuse and install the bracket in the wrong connector and, as a result, not damage both the memory and, possibly, the motherboard. When purchasing memory, you need to know exactly what type of memory the motherboard supports.

About RAM heatsinks

Some memory modules are equipped with so-called heatsinks, which are linings made of aluminum plates, sometimes painted copper or other colors, on both sides of the board. These pads are connected to the memory chips through special thermal pads, which are designed to better transfer heat from the chips to the heatsinks. Radiators can have additional fins to increase the cooling area and even better heat dissipation.

In practice, memory chips heat up slightly during normal operation and do not require additional cooling. Gaskets between chips and heatsinks do not transfer heat as well as thermal paste between the processor and cooler. In addition, in the free space between the board and the radiators there is an air gap that interferes with natural cooling and over time becomes clogged with dust, which is difficult to clean out. This design provides for active cooling using an additional fan or good air flow inside the case. In addition, such modules can often cost more.

So who needs such joy, you ask? Well, ask me)

Answer: enthusiasts who never have enough of everything, who want to overclock everything, overtake everyone, etc. Besides, it’s just beautiful) Yes, friends, if you consider yourself to be in this group of users, then this memory is for you! Because such a cooling system will be effective only with sufficiently high heating as a result of overclocking with increased voltage and mandatory additional airflow. Remember - regular memory operating in normal mode does not need radiators.

An example of the correct use of memory with heatsinks in a powerful system

Overclocking RAM

Overclocking is a slang word in the computer lexicon, which implies manually setting more aggressive parameters for the operation of electronic components, such as processors, memory and video cards, than those provided by the manufacturer. Such parameters are usually the frequency (in processors there is also a multiplier). At particularly high overclocking, the voltage is also increased to ensure relatively stable operation of these components. As a result, higher heating of the elements occurs, requiring improved cooling. The so-called overclocking itself is possible thanks to a certain margin laid down by the manufacturer so that the product works stably, and not at the edge of its capabilities, or especially for advanced users) In any case, this event makes the operation of the entire system less stable and shortens the service life of overclocked components . If you still decide to experiment, then first thoroughly study all aspects and act strictly according to the instructions. By the way, if components fail as a result of overclocking, you may lose your warranty.

RAM Manufacturers

Like other components, memory modules are manufactured by many manufacturers. And, as always, they have different quality. I recommend paying attention to the following brands that have an optimal price/quality ratio: AMD, Crucial, Goodram, Hynix, Kingston, Micron, Patriot, Samsung, TakeMS, Transcend.

Enthusiast brands include: Corsair, G.Skill, Mushkin, Team. These companies produce a wide range of modules with radiators and improved technical characteristics. I recommend avoiding cheap Chinese brands: A-Data, Apacer, Elixir, Elpida, NCP, PQI and other little-known manufacturers.

Memory modules that are not manufactured in China deserve special mention. Currently, there are not many of these, for example, modules that are labeled as Hynix Original and Samsung Original are produced in Korea. The quality of such modules is considered higher; they cost a little more, but usually have a longer warranty (up to 36 months).

To be fair, it should be noted that even if you purchased memory from a well-known and reputable brand, this, unfortunately, does not mean that you will not encounter defective modules or modules damaged during transportation. Of course, products from top brands in individual packaging will have fewer defects (damages) than the cheapest modules that are transported and sold in bulk.

Memory module in individual packaging

How to choose memory for a new computer

First of all, choose the most modern type of memory used. Today it is DDR3. Decide on the volume you need. Briefly summarizing this article, I will give general recommendations on the minimum amount of RAM for PCs with different purposes:

For an office or weak home PC – 2 GB

4. It is better to select the most identical strips (single-sided or double-sided), with the same frequency and latency. The ideal option is to sell the old memory as used and install new memory in the required volume.

5. If you install memory with a higher frequency than your processor or motherboard supports, it will operate at a lower frequency.

Make the right choice with us, friends, and there will be no trouble for you)

Random Access Memory, commonly referred to as RAM or RAM, is one of the most important parts of any computer. But how much is needed for the device to work well? Current new PCs and similar devices offer values ​​from 2 GB to 16 GB or more.

The amount of memory required depends on two factors - what you intend to do and how much you are willing to spend.

Introduction to RAM

Memory capacity is often confused with the long-term storage offered by a solid state or mechanical hard drive. Sometimes even manufacturers or retailers confuse these concepts. To understand how much RAM is needed for normal operation of the device, you need to understand what its significance is.

A table is a useful analogy to consider the difference between RAM and memory. Think of RAM as the top of the table. The larger its surface, the more papers you can spread out and read at once. Hard drives are more like drawers under your desk, capable of storing documents you don't use.

The larger your system, the more programs it can handle simultaneously. RAM is not the only determining factor, and you could technically have dozens of programs open at once with even very little RAM and it would slow down your system. Now imagine the table again. If it's too small, it becomes cluttered and your work will slow down as you try to find whatever paper you need at any given moment. You will often be forced to dig through drawers to place things that won't fit on the desk surface, as well as to get out the necessary papers.

A computer with more RAM runs noticeably faster, but only up to a certain point. Having a large desk won't help you if you only have a few articles to read.

Optimal ratio

How much RAM does your device need? Your goal is to have enough RAM for all the apps you use on that particular device. If there is too little of it, work slows down. Too much RAM can only mean that you've paid a lot of money for something you'll never be able to use.

Difference from other characteristics

Standard RAM should not be confused with video memory, but the two concepts are closely related to computer graphics cards. High-performance 3D games rely on video memory (VRAM), often expressed as GDDR5, while standard memory is called RAM or DDR3. In fact, most manufacturers are very good at identifying VRAM and not confusing it with other parameters. Therefore, to determine how much RAM is needed for GTA 5, for example, you need to consider both of the above indicators together.

Heavy Applications

The biggest services on most home computers are the operating system itself and the web browser. You can't make Windows or MacOS use less memory, but more RAM on your computer means you can open more tabs in Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc. Plus, some websites use more RAM memory than others. Simple text news takes up almost no resources, while something like Gmail or Netflix requires a little more power.

Programs are generally used because they increase the complexity of the job. A chat program or game (like Minesweeper) will use almost no RAM, while a giant Excel spreadsheet or a huge Photoshop project might use more than one gigabyte. Professional and engineering software are built to handle very complex projects and tend to consume the majority of RAM of all programs. Modern 3D games can also use quite a lot of RAM and VRAM. In other words, your need for how much RAM to install depends on the programs you use.

  • 2GB RAM: Good for tablets and netbooks only.
  • 4 GB RAM: Minimum for budget Windows and MacOS systems.
  • 8GB: Great for Windows and MacOS systems.
  • 16 GB: Probably too much; Ideal for mid-range workstations.
  • 32 GB or more: For enthusiasts and dedicated workstations only.

For tablet

Tablets are not expected to deal with complex software tasks, so their RAM requirements tend to be quite low. However, as multi-tab browsers and more complex software continue to evolve, the needs of tablets are becoming more similar to those of laptops. Current specification options typically range from 2GB to 16GB of RAM, with processor speed playing a major role in determining the range.

For example, the iPad Air 2, which has about 2GB of RAM, places a lot of emphasis on its all-in-one processor. And a device like the Microsoft Surface Pro can accommodate up to 16GB of RAM because users of this device may want to run a lot of professional software as well as a desktop OS.

And it gives you guidelines for choosing RAM - what do you use your tablet for? If you only browse one site at a time and don't use the device for any large projects or work software, then 4GB RAM will probably be sufficient. However, if you also use your tablet as your main PC, you must equip it with the necessary RAM. Typically, this means you will need between 4 and 8 GB.

Choosing RAM for laptops

How much do you need? New laptops have between 2GB and 16GB of RAM, while high-end gaming models offer up to 32GB. As mentioned earlier, the needs of tablets and laptops converge, but most users feel comfortable running more complex programs on laptops, which means RAM plays a more important role here.

For something like a Chromebook, which runs primarily in the cloud and has very little storage space, you won't need much RAM. Opting for 4GB of RAM is enough, especially since you can use the Google Play Store to download Android apps directly on your computer.

How much RAM is needed for Windows 10 and new MacBook modifications? You should consider increasing this number to the standard 8GB. Most of the best laptops come with this value for good reason. Of course, if you do a lot of graphical work or want to have multiple tabs open at once, you might want to consider upping the RAM to 16GB. This is especially true for gamers - the question of how much RAM is needed for games always remains relevant.

Desktop computers

RAM in desktop computers is cheap, so it's fairly easy to find PCs with more memory at lower prices. Additionally, more RAM on PCs can be beneficial as people tend to use them for longer periods of time than tablets or laptops.

How much RAM does a PC need? 8 GB is a good value to start with. Upgrading to 16GB is recommended for enthusiasts, hardcore gamers, and the average workstation user. Serious workstation users can upgrade to 32GB. Even when talking about how much RAM is needed for games, you can make sure that too significant parameters are not required.

Anything more is the edge of extreme specialties, equipped to handle huge amounts of data, huge video files or niche programs intended for researchers, corporations or government.

Please note that the amount of RAM and the type and speed supported by your system will depend on your motherboard.

- this is one of the most important components of a computer, on which its performance directly depends. It is a kind of work area of ​​the system processor, which stores temporary information that allows the computer to quickly and correctly respond to changing conditions of various programs and applications. All information contained in RAM (random access memory) remains there until the next information arrives or until the computer turns off. It is the volume and speed of receiving and transmitting information that are the key factors in choosing this component of the system.


In order to know how to choose the right RAM, It is necessary to take into account the type and model of the PC processor and motherboard. The physical RAM module is installed directly on the motherboard, which can only support certain types of RAM. It follows from this that there is a constant relationship between the RAM, processor and motherboard, and the mismatch of one of the components with the other disrupts the proper functioning of the entire system. And if everything is clear with the motherboard and processor - the computer simply cannot start with a processor that does not match the board, then the RAM memory will work in most cases, but if there are compatibility problems, an unpleasant picture will be observed, manifested in unnaturally slow operation of the computer.


In order to avoid mistakes, you must first visit the official website of the motherboard manufacturer and find out what type of memory is supported. Next, you need to understand the technical characteristics of the RAM, knowing which you can choose the ideal memory for the system.

RAM type

At the moment, the most popular type of memory is DDR modules. They differ in the following technical parameters:

DDR SDRAM is already a morally obsolete type of memory. It has a low clock frequency of 400 MHz.
- DDR2 is a fairly successful solution that has been used for quite a long time. It has 120 contacts on both sides, a lower power consumption of 1.8 V compared to DDR SDRAM, and an increased clock frequency to 1066 MHz. At the moment, it is practically not used in modern motherboards.
- DDR3 is a modern type of RAM. At a reduced price compared to previous generations, it has much better performance: power consumption of 1.5 V, clock frequency of up to 2400 MHz.
- DDR4 is the next step in development. It has improved performance in all respects, but production of this memory module has not yet begun.

RAM capacity

This is the amount of information that RAM can simultaneously contain. It follows from this that the more there is, the better. However, you need to decide on the type of work being performed on the computer; if it is an office computer, then 2 GB will be enough, but a gaming computer with a powerful processor and video card requires 4 GB of RAM. You should also remember that RAM amounts greater than 3 GB will only be recognized and used by a 64-bit operating system.


Clock frequency
One of the main parameters of RAM, the speed of data exchange with the processor directly depends on its value, and the higher the frequency, the faster the performance will be. The clock frequency of the RAM should not exceed the clock frequency of the motherboard; if it is otherwise, the system may malfunction. For example: a DDR3-1600 MHz RAM module inserted into a DDR3-1333 MHz motherboard slot will operate exactly at the clock frequency of the motherboard, but stability is not guaranteed. There is also the concept of RAM bandwidth, which directly depends on the frequency of the RAM and its relationship with the processor bandwidth affects the overall performance of the entire system. Ideally, the amount of RAM bandwidth should match that of the processor. Using an example, it looks like this: for a processor with a bandwidth of 10600 Mb/s, it is recommended to install two memory modules with a bandwidth of 5300 Mb/s, which together form the processor bandwidth.


Timings
RAM time delays, which are indicated in the form of consecutive numbers, for example 5-5-5, each of which is responsible for its own parameter:

CAS Latency - duty cycle time
- RAS to CAS Delay - full access time
- RAS Precharge Time - Precharge time

The speed of the RAM depends on these indicators, and the lower they are, the better. However, as the clock frequency of the RAM increases, its timings increase, and as the timings decrease, the cost of RAM increases, so you should proceed from the acceptable budget when choosing RAM.


RAM voltage
An indicator that determines the energy consumed for normal operation of the RAM, and, accordingly, the heat dissipation. The standard indicator for DDR3 is 1.5 V, but overclocker RAM models may have increased consumption and, accordingly, increased heat dissipation, which is why such modules have heatsink plates. The supply voltage can be directly controlled from the BIOS, but this should not be done, since the RAM module may fail if it is not adapted for such manipulations.


RAM Manufacturers
When buying an item, first of all, attention is paid to the manufacturer, and if the brand is of high quality, then in most cases the item will not disappoint expectations. The same goes for RAM. Well-established RAM manufacturers include the following:

Corsair
Transcend
OCZ
Kingston

These manufacturers always provide only high-quality products, and also indicate the real characteristics of their creations. You should also be able to read the product identification code, which can be used to determine all the characteristics of the memory module. For example, Kingston KHX 2000C9AD3T1K2/4GX, from the main parameters you can read the following:

KHX – manufacturer and model
2000 – operating frequency
9 – CAS duty cycle time
D3 – module type DD3
4G – memory capacity 4 Gb

In addition to all of the above, you need to know that if more than one RAM module is used, then the RAM must be from the same manufacturer from the same batch and with identical parameters of clock frequency, timings and volume. Only in this case can you achieve coordinated operation of the RAM modules.


PC and laptop RAM The technical characteristics are identical and all of the above is suitable for both a computer and a laptop. Only the form factor is different, and if for a PC it is DIMM, then for a laptop it is SO-DIMM. In appearance, they differ in size - SO-DIMM is half as long.


Based on the above information, you can choose the right RAM module wisely; the main thing is not to rush into the choice and clearly understand the parameters of the processor, motherboard and RAM. By choosing the right RAM, you can significantly increase your computer's performance for a reasonable amount of money.

The choice of RAM depends on many different factors. First of all, you should understand for what purposes the computer will be used and what programs, applications or games it will have to work with.

When you decide to upgrade your computer's RAM, you are faced with one of two tasks: either you need to increase the amount of RAM you already have, or you need to make the RAM itself work faster.

We can increase the amount of RAM by installing an additional RAM module or replacing previously installed ones with modules with larger capacity. However, with such a replacement, some important circumstances must be taken into account.

When you are faced with the question - which RAM to choose? It is important to remember that RAM works together with the central processor, therefore, the higher the speed of data exchange between them, the higher the performance of your entire system will be. Moreover, the default speed of the processor is much higher than the speed of the RAM, which means we must make the memory work at maximum performance.

We will give some tips on how to choose the right RAM, and before that we will introduce you to the main parameters and characteristics that you should pay attention to before buying a new RAM.

Selecting the amount of RAM

Volume/capacity (measured in gigabytes) is a parameter that indicates the physical volume of the memory module, that is, the space for storing information. The basic rule that you should follow when choosing a certain amount of RAM is the system requirements and recommendations provided by the manufacturers of the software that you are going to install on your computer.

It will be very useful to make a rough list of programs, and be sure to take into account the type of operating system you are going to install when compiling. Next on the list, you should highlight the peak ones (the upper values ​​of the recommended and minimum memory amounts). RAM should always be installed with a reserve, and the recommended system requirements should be lower than the amount of your RAM.

Next, we will offer you the optimal amount of RAM for your home computer, depending on your usage needs. A capacity of 2 GB will be quite sufficient for an office computer. 4 GB is the average optimal volume for a multimedia computer. From 4 GB and above – sufficient for avid gamers or for people involved in graphics or video processing.

An important point is that RAM operating in dual-channel mode, using two sticks at the same time, will always work faster than using one or three. Likewise, on a three-channel system it would be more appropriate to install three or six sticks of RAM.

Clock speed is an important characteristic when choosing RAM

Clock speed/frequency (measured in megahertz) is an indicator of the operating frequency of the RAM module, that is, the frequency with which the central processor and RAM exchange data. This indicator depends on the type of memory (which will be mentioned below), however, RAM of the same type has different clock speeds, which you should definitely pay attention to before choosing RAM. Then everything is simple - from two modules with the same volume, you should choose the one with a higher clock frequency.

At the same time, be sure to take into account the fact that if you choose a memory stick to complement an existing one, then the new module should be selected with the same frequency as that of the already installed RAM. The point here is that the system selects the lowest frequency of the two proposed for operation. Therefore, by installing a module with a lower frequency, we will, on the contrary, slow down the operation of the computer. And vice versa, by installing a module with a higher frequency, we will not get any improvements in the operation of the system.

RAM type

Type– at the moment the market is represented by the following types of memory: DDR, DDR2 and DDR3.

DDR is considered obsolete today and is not used almost anywhere except in old computers. This module has 184 pins and its standard supply voltage is 2.5 V.

The most common type today is DDR2. Unlike the previous type, which fetches 2 bits of data per clock cycle, DDR2 fetches 4 bits of information per clock cycle. DDR2 has 240 pins and a supply voltage of 1.8 V.

DDR3 - A new type of RAM. It allows you to sample 8 bits of information in one working cycle. It, like the previous generation of modules, has 240 contacts, but the supply voltage is lower and is only 1.5 V. This allows you to reduce energy consumption by up to 40% compared to the energy consumption of DDR2. This indicator is very useful for mobile systems and laptops.

Before choosing RAM, you should first determine the type of memory supported by your motherboard. Moreover, modules of different types have different form factors, so a module of one type cannot be installed in a slot intended for another. This precisely protects the motherboard from accidental damage due to insufficient education in matters of completing computer components.

Latency/timings

Latency/timing’s – time delay of signals that is necessary to execute a particular command (zeroing, writing, rewriting, etc.) Before deciding which RAM to choose, you need to find out the timings on each of the proposed RAM. Then, using the “less is better” principle, choose the one that has the lowest delays.

However, you should definitely take into account that a memory module with a high clock speed often has higher latencies than RAM with low clock speeds. Therefore, here everyone decides for himself what is more important to him.

Depending on the application, we will have different performance gains. In some it will increase due to lower delays, in others, on the contrary, due to a higher clock frequency. That is, it is better to find a compromise solution and purchase a medium module with standard latency, even if it is not fast, but you will save money and also get stable operation of the system.

Choosing a RAM manufacturer

Manufacturer/brand – today, choosing RAM is a rather difficult task, since this market segment is represented by a huge number of manufacturers. Therefore, as in matters of purchasing other personal computer components, the choice should be made on those manufacturers who have been on the computer components market for more than one year and who have proven themselves to be excellent in the past. Among them, we highlight the following manufacturers: Transcend, Samsung, Kingston, Corsar, OCZ Technology, Hynix, Hyndai, Patriot and others.

Of course, choosing a specific memory module is based on your personal needs and goals. Thus, almost every manufacturer has “overclocked” RAMs, which have an increased operating frequency and increased supply voltage, which results in greater heat generation. To dissipate this excess heat, these types of modules are additionally equipped with heat sinks.

Never waste money on purchasing RAM from unknown manufacturers. There is a risk of saving money, but ultimately resulting in system instability, and, in addition, significantly reducing computer performance.

So, let’s summarize and once again note for ourselves those parameters that you should pay attention to before choosing RAM: its volume (selected in accordance with the expected tasks that your system will have to cope with), type of RAM, clock frequency ( depends on the type), latency (delay time), and, of course, the manufacturer.

Not sure which RAM to choose? Can't determine the type of RAM your motherboard supports? Not sure what amount of RAM will best suit your needs? Our specialists will always help you with your choice. In addition, you can order installation of new RAM in your system unit or laptop (netbook) from us.

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