How much RAM is needed? How much RAM is needed for normal computer operation? Smartphone RAM: what is important to us

How much RAM is there? - the question is not entirely correct, because the required quantity depends on many indicators - the available processor, motherboard and other components that make up a single integrated system.

In the light latest reviews on Chinese smartphones with RAM up to 6GB, which even now is not so common on modern computers, the question of expanding the capabilities of your car naturally arises.

In this review, we will highlight all the nuances that will help you choose the right RAM for your computer.

Determining appetites

How much RAM is required?

1-2Gb. The required minimum for running office applications and viewing pages in a browser.

4Gb. A budget home version that allows you not only to work in text editor and the Internet, but also watch movies in high quality and work in a graphics editor.

8Gb. Advanced configuration - supports many modern games V basic settings, allows you to easily work with video files, test applications during programming, and much more.

Above 8Gb. Option for powerful PCs and laptops - allows you to run all modern games in high quality. The average user does not need this amount.

As you can see, there is no clear answer to the question “how much RAM do you need?” - it all depends on the operating mode you choose.

If you really don’t have enough RAM, we will tell you how to choose the right RAM.

More memory!

If you do decide to increase the amount of RAM, carefully consider the parameters of your computer: Windows system configuration, type of RAM slots, processor clock speed and motherboard voltage. These parameters are displayed in the specific CPU Z program - all parameters and system components are displayed in one window.

  1. Windows configuration. The system you are using also consumes some amount of RAM. If you have the WinXP version, adding modules is almost useless. 32-bit systems simply do not see more than 3 gigabytes. With later versions it is more difficult - starting from Win8.1 you will already need 8GB.
  2. The type of RAM slots installed on your motherboard is an important aspect when choosing a module. It would be a shame to purchase the latest DDR4 and realize that motherboard does not support this type of plank, and categorically refuses to work with it. Any board supports only one type of RAM. If you have DDR2, then only DDR2 can be used and nothing else.
    Only the latest generation motherboards can support DDR4 memory, and if you really want to, you can take the opportunity and build new computer.
  3. CPU. Processor manufacturers take care of their users - on official websites there are usually compatibility tables with models and types of RAM sticks. For example, you will easily find the answer which types are compatible and suitable Intel processor i5 - a list of models and configurations that it must support and which will keep the computer running like a clockwork, well-synchronized mechanism.

Market and assortment - the name matters

The main manufacturers of RAM modules for this moment There are several leading companies:

  • Corsair
  • Crucial
  • Samsung

When purchasing, you will overpay for the name, but at the same time you will receive a high-quality, proven product without unnecessary risks.

Types of RAM, fundamental differences

Today there are four generations of RAM. The most common modules are DDR2, DDR3, DDR3L and DDR4. So, how are RAM modules different?

DDR

The very first models of RAM. They were characterized by low performance (volume up to 512Mb and frequency up to 400MHz), high voltage (2.2 - 2.4V). Still used in very old computer models.

DDR2

The second generation, also gradually becoming a thing of the past. Motherboards supporting this type RAM strips are discontinued, as are the modules themselves. Compared to its predecessor, this type consumes an order of magnitude less energy (1.8-2.1V), and the frequency and volume have increased significantly: 800-1000 MHz and 1-8 GB, respectively. The number of contacts also increased from 184 to 240.

This is what a DDR2 bar looks like

DDR3

The most popular memory module today is DDR3, which is used by many modern cars. The frequency of the RAM module reaches 2800 MHz, but the number of timings in these types has also increased. But still DDR3 is more different high performance compared to its predecessors. There is also another type of this platform - DDR3L gives a more interesting energy saving indicator (1.35V compared to 1.5V in the basic configuration).

DDR4

If you decide to build a new computer, it is advisable to put it on a more modern platform with DDR4 RAM slots. With each generation of modules, the voltage decreases (for DDR4 this parameter has a value of 1.2V, which affects the overall power consumption of the computer), the frequency increases (this configuration has a maximum frequency of 4200 MHz) and data transfer speed. The latest generation of RAM operates at speeds of up to 3200Mbps, while for DDR3 the limit is 2133. At the moment, DDR4 has the fastest data transfer speed and maximum performance indicators, at the same time, due to its low voltage requirement, it is practically warming up.

For comparison, one DDR4 2133 MHz CL 15 stick is enough to replace two new identical DDR3 2400 MHz sticks with the same amount of processor-related data transferred.

Types of RAM

RAM is a recording device designed to store and read data when a PC is running. RAM modules, differing in external and internal characteristics, are also classified according to other parameters.

RDIMM is register memory. This marking indicates that buffer registers are installed between the data bus and memory, which perform an additional function of monitoring data integrity.

LRDIMM is non-buffered memory. These are DIMM modules with reduced bus load due to an additional chip.

UDIMM is the type most commonly used in desktop and laptop computers. Unlike the previous two, it is less stable, since it is neither register nor buffered. However, on the scale of one PC this circumstance does not play a special role.

SODIMM is a compact version used in laptops and some types of office equipment. The fundamental difference is the form factor. The length of the SODIM bar is only 67.6 mm, while the other configurations measure 133.35 mm.

Main characteristics of RAM - what to look for

RAM voltage is a parameter that characterizes the RAM's need for electricity for normal, stable operation.

Many advanced users manually change the voltage supplied from the motherboard in the BIOS in order to increase performance. Without knowing some aspects, it is not recommended to perform this technique - you risk burning the module without achieving anything. Without knowledge of the BIOS, it is better not to touch it - the voltage will be set when installing the appropriate drivers. If you are in doubt, visit the manufacturer’s website and get parameters and recommendations for your device type.

The frequency of RAM is an indicator on the value of which the data transfer speed directly depends. It is important to note that the operating frequency of the RAM stick must match or be less than the clock frequency of the motherboard. Otherwise, you will observe a sad result - the system will fail. Also, the optimized operation of the computer is facilitated by the ideal match of the data transfer speed between the processor and the RAM strip.

The main factor when choosing RAM is frequency, but you shouldn’t chase numbers. The clock speed of the board should not exceed the processor frequency. The main mistake of users is that very often, in pursuit of hertz, they completely ignore this parameter. As a result, this nonsense threatens not only a bad mood, but also damage to the entire system as a whole.

RAM capacity is a characteristic that shows the amount of data that the module can hold. When choosing this indicator, you should focus on the type of activity you perform at the computer.

I hope this article was useful and you figured out whether it’s worth upgrading your RAM and how to do it correctly.

RAM(RAM, Random Access Memory, RAM) is one of the main parts in a computer. This is a volatile component that stores machine code, incoming/outgoing and intermediate data while the computer is running. The process of choosing RAM seems clear at first glance, but it contains many nuances that need to be taken into account in order to purchase quality components.

The easiest way to choose a RAM stick is to use the list of recommended modules on the website of the manufacturer of the motherboard installed on the computer. Since these parts of the PC are inextricably linked with each other (including the processor), it makes sense to pay attention to the manufacturer’s advice. The recommended RAM modules listed on his website will definitely work on your PC.

Another tip to follow when purchasing RAM sticks is matching with other hardware. When buying an inexpensive motherboard and a budget processor, do not choose expensive RAM, because it will not reveal its potential during operation. But it is very important to pay attention to specifications RAM.

Main settings

When purchasing new RAM, pay attention to the main parameters that will help you make the right choice.

First, determine what type of RAM is suitable for your motherboard. This parameter is indicated in its description. Today there are four types: SDRAM, DDR (DDR1), DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4.

The most common type of RAM today is DDR3. Unlike previous generation modules, it works with clock frequency up to 2400 MHz and consumes 30-40% less electricity compared to its predecessor. In addition, it has a lower supply voltage, so it generates less heat.

All types of RAM are incompatible with each other in terms of electrical (supply voltage differs) and physical parameters (control holes are located in different places). The photo shows why a DDR3 RAM module cannot be installed in the DDR2 socket.

Healthy! Now the DDR4 standard is gaining popularity. It features lower power consumption and higher operating frequencies (prospect for growth up to 3200 MHz).

The form factor characterizes the size of the RAM sticks. There are two types:

  • DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) – installed on desktop PCs;
  • SO-DIMM – for installation in laptops or monoblocks.

Bus frequency and bandwidth

The performance of RAM depends on these two parameters. The bus frequency characterizes the amount of information transmitted per unit of time. The higher it is, the more information will pass through the bus in the same time period. There is a directly proportional relationship between bus frequency and bandwidth: if the RAM frequency is 1800 MHz, theoretically it has throughput 14400 Mb/sec.

Do not chase high RAM frequencies on the basis of “the more, the better.” For the average user, the difference between 1333 MHz or 1600 MHz is invisible. It is important only for professional users who are engaged in video rendering, or for overclockers trying to “overclock” the RAM.

When choosing a frequency, take into account the tasks you set for the computer and its configuration. It is desirable that the operating frequency of the RAM modules coincide with the frequency at which the motherboard operates. If you connect a DDR3-1800 stick to a motherboard that supports the DDR3-1333 standard, the RAM will run at 1333 MHz.

In this case, the more, the better - this is the optimal description of the parameter. Today, the minimum allowable amount of RAM that should be installed on a computer or laptop is 4 GB. Depending on the tasks performed on the device, the amount of RAM can be 8, 32 or even 128 GB. For an ordinary user, 8 GB will be enough; for a specialist working with video processing programs, or for a gamer, 16-64 GB of RAM will be needed.

RAM timings are characterized by delays in operation. They are calculated in nanoseconds, and in the description they are indicated by a sequential set of numbers: 9-9-9-27, where the first three parameters are: CAS Latency, RAS to CAS Delay, RAS Precharge Time and DRAM Cycle Time Tras/Trc. They characterize the performance in the “memory-processor” segment, which directly affects the efficiency of the computer. The lower these values, the lower the delay and the faster the PC will perform.

Some companies indicate only one number in the description of RAM modules - CL9. It characterizes CAS Latency. Basically it is equal to or lower than other parameters.

Good to know! The higher the RAM frequency, the higher the timings, so you need to choose the optimal ratio for yourself.

RAM sticks are sold with the designation “Low Latency”. This means that when high frequencies they have low timings. But their cost is higher than that of conventional models.

Modes

To increase computer performance, special operating modes of RAM strips are used: one-, two-, three-channel and Flex-Mode. In this case, the speed of the system theoretically increases two, three or more times.

Important! The motherboard must support these operating modes. The description for it indicates which slots you need to install the brackets in to enable the desired mode.

  • Single channel mode starts when one RAM module is used or all the sticks have different parameters. In this case, the system operates at bar speed with the lowest frequency.
  • Dual channel mode turns on when two RAM modules with the same characteristics (frequency, timings, volume) are installed in the connectors. The performance increase is 10-20% in games and 20-70% when working with graphics.
  • Three channel mode activated when three identical RAM sticks are connected. In reality, it does not always outperform dual-channel mode.
  • Flex-Mode (flexible)– increases PC performance when using two RAM sticks of the same frequency, but different in volume.

Important! It is advisable that the memory sticks be from the same delivery batch. There are kits on sale consisting of two to four modules that are completely compatible with each other in operation.

When buying digital equipment, pay attention to the manufacturer. Among the companies producing RAM modules, the most popular are: Corsair, Kingston, GoodRam, Hynix, Samsung and others.

It is interesting that the market for the production of memory chips for RAM modules is almost completely divided between three large companies: Samsung, Hynix, Micron. And large manufacturers use their chips to produce their own models.

Modern RAM sticks operate at low power consumption, so they generate little heat. In view of this, there is no need to buy models with installed radiators. But if you are a fan of overclocking hardware, then take care of purchasing RAM modules with heatsinks. They will prevent them from burning out during overclocking.

If necessary, the user can purchase a cooling system for RAM, consisting of radiators and fans. It is also intended for use by overclockers.

Selecting an existing plank

When purchasing a new RAM module to add to one already installed in your PC, remember that often such combinations do not work together. But if you decide to buy, make sure that the timings and bus frequencies are the same. In addition, choose RAM sticks from the same manufacturer.

Video

If you don't fully understand how to choose RAM, watch this video.

Almost any composition computer equipment There are two types of memory. Permanent (non-volatile) memory is used to store MP3 songs, photos, videos, documents and other important files. What is the difference between RAM? What does RAM affect, how many gigabytes do you need? modern smartphone? This article will answer all these questions.

Any smartphone consists of many components. Strongest on performance operating system influences CPU(CPU). The second place in this ranking is definitely taken by random access memory (RAM). If this component is very slow, and the free space is very low, then the system and most applications will experience stuttering. As an example, let's remember the very first Symbian-based smartphones, the amount of RAM in which was measured in a few megabytes. On those devices it was almost impossible to pause music playback to respond to incoming call- when returning to the music player, the track started over again, since there was not enough space in the RAM to store the current position.

The main difference between RAM and permanent memory is volatility. When the power is turned off, the RAM is reset to zero. But this type of memory is much faster than ROM.

Both then and now, RAM is divided into several conventional sections:

  • System- here is the operating system (Android, iOS), as well as all sorts of service modules pre-installed by the smartphone manufacturer. A branded shell may also be present in this segment. It is the system section that is filled with information first. The faster the memory used in the device, the faster the operating system loads.
  • Custom- this memory is available after the loading of the OS finishes. It is in this section that the executive files of various applications are contained - Internet browser, instant messengers and others. Also here, firmware additions may gradually appear here, released by the gadget manufacturer in the form of updates.
  • Available- a small section reserved by the operating system. This “reservation” is needed to prevent problem situations And quick launch new applications.

What does RAM affect?

What benefits does a user get if a smartphone has an increased amount of RAM? On such a device, more applications can run in the background. That is, the Internet browser will not load the page from scratch if you return to it after visiting many other programs. Also, with a large amount of RAM, a huge number of instant messengers, a torrent client and other types of applications can work in the background. But the performance of the operating system itself depends not so much on the volume as on the speed characteristics of the RAM. Affects the operation of Android or iOS OS and optimization of the operating system.

Bill Gates once said that 640 KB of RAM is enough for any computer. Now even a mobile operating system requires approximately 1 GB, and to this you also need to add a proprietary shell and applications that are then installed. And if the code is poorly optimized, then slowdowns and freezes will occur in any case. A good example is Samsung smartphones and tablets released before 2015. There was a sufficient amount of RAM in such devices, but the cumbersome and unoptimized interface literally forced the gadget to slow down from time to time.

The duration depends on the amount of RAM battery life. Everything here is banal. A large number of background processes loads the CPU quite heavily. And this, in turn, entails increased energy consumption. Smartphone manufacturers are fighting this with a thinner chipset process technology, a larger battery, and better optimization of pre-installed software.

How much RAM does a smartphone need?

As mentioned above, the operating room Android system can take up from 512 MB to 1 GB of RAM. Also, RAM is needed for those applications that will be installed as the device is used. This means that now you should not buy a smartphone that contains less than 2 GB of RAM. And this is already the minimum parameter! If you need to purchase a device that will definitely not be unloaded from memory recently running applications, then you need to think about a device whose characteristics include 4 GB or even more RAM.

Please note that you shouldn’t overdo it either. 8 GB of RAM is just a marketing ploy. Android simply cannot yet consume such a huge amount. Only future versions of the operating system will learn how to do this, which, quite possibly, will never arrive on the selected device.

How to free up RAM?

Many smartphone owners think that to free up RAM they just need to open the list of previously running applications and then click “Close all”. In part, this actually helps free up some RAM, which will help, for example, run the game better. But sometimes more effective methods are required.

Many branded shells have built-in tools for freeing up RAM. Applications can be unloaded from it automatically, once every certain period of time. But much more often you have to free up memory manually. Let's consider the user's actions using the example of a smartphone from Samsung:

Step 1. Go to " Settings».

Step 2. Click on the item " Optimization».

Step 3. Wait until the device check is completed, then click on “ RAM" Or click on the button " Optimize"if you want to free up permanent memory at the same time.

Step 4. An additional check will be launched in the “RAM” subsection. Then you need to press the button " Clear" The system will first tell you exactly how much RAM will be freed.

On smartphones and tablets from other companies, the built-in optimizer utility may be located somewhere in the menu; in this case, visiting “Settings” is not required. There are proprietary shells without a built-in ability to free up RAM. Fortunately, no one prevents the user from downloading from Google Play special application doing the same thing. The site has a separate article about the best optimizers for Android - all you have to do is choose the appropriate option. Let's try to download and install CCleaner.

Step 1. Launch the installed application. When starting for the first time, you will need to press the " Begin».

Step 2. The program may also offer to upgrade to a paid version. It is devoid of advertising and supplemented with some useful features. If you don’t want to spend money yet, then click the “ Continue for free».

Step 3. The main window of the application indicates the filled amount of ROM and RAM. In order for the program to understand exactly how much volume can be freed, you should click the “ Analysis».

Step 4. When you first start on latest versions Android will display a warning that the utility needs permission to work with certain sections of the operating system. Click the button Clear" and provide the requested permissions.

Step 5. The analysis can take quite a long time - it all depends on how long ago CCleaner was last launched. When the process is completed, you need to check the boxes next to those elements that can be deleted from permanent and RAM. After this, all you have to do is press the “ Clear».

Step 6. In the future, you can order the program to automatically clear RAM and ROM. This is done in a separate section. However, to activate this feature you will need to purchase a paid version of the application.

Cleaning RAM in modern Android versions required quite rarely. Basically, this action may be needed before starting some very heavy game. In general, you don't have to think about RAM if the amount of this type of memory is equal to or greater than 4 GB.

Summarizing

This article made it clear what RAM is in a smartphone. RAM is much faster than flash memory, but it requires a constant supply of energy, without which all information will simply be deleted. We advise you to familiarize yourself with how to increase permanent memory - this article is also very relevant for owners of budget smartphones.

As a real user of Apple technology, I know nothing about processor overclocking (I’ve only run benchmarks a few times) and I consider the performance indicator not the amount of RAM, but how I feel about working on the computer. It would be strange if I started talking about how much RAM is needed for comfortable work or games. For example, my MacBook has 4 GB of RAM, and I was wondering if 16 GB is worth it on fancy computers?

My interest would have remained theoretical if I had not found a study from the TechSpot portal. TechSpot editor Steven Walton conducted a series of tests comparing the performance of the computer in three variations: with four, eight and 16 gigabytes of RAM.

Here are the computer settings:

  1. Processor - Intel Core i7-6700K (4 GHz).
  2. Motherboard - Asrock Z170 Gaming K6+.
  3. Video card - GeForce GTX 980.
  4. SSD - Crucial MX200 1 TB.
  5. OS - Windows 10 Pro 64-bit.
  6. RAM - DDR4-2666 4, 8 and 16 GB.

The variation with 16 GB of RAM was justified in only two situations. The first is video rendering in Adobe Premier. The computer processed a 17-minute video in 290 seconds (16 GB), 300 seconds (8 GB) and 415 seconds (4 GB). The second test is a comparison of performance when compressing files. The test is synthetic, and here the RAM came in handy. With 16 GB the execution speed was 9,290 MIPS (millions of operations per second), with 8 GB - 2,902 MIPS and with 4 GB - 446 MIPS.

In the remaining tests, and there were about 10 of them in total, variations with 8 and 16 GB of RAM performed approximately the same, and the four-gigabyte version was only slightly inferior.

As for games, GTA V, Batman: Arkham Knight and F1 2015 were played with the same FPS (frames per second) in three tests.




Anyone who has ever thought about upgrading their “iron horse”, i.e. PCs, we have repeatedly asked ourselves the question of how much random access memory (RAM) is needed for stable, comfortable operation of the hardware. The only trouble is that few people care about the rest of the hardware configuration. But since the question exists, let's look at it.

What is RAM?

RAM is inconspicuous PCB strips with chips that are responsible for the speed of the OS and other components. It works in conjunction with a video card and processor, and is attached, accordingly, to the motherboard. The performance of this element is determined according to the following principles:

  1. standard;
  2. frequency;
  3. delays (timings);
  4. volume.

Regarding the first point. The second and third generation trims are now widely represented on the market, i.e. DDR2 and DDR3. DDR4 is also gaining momentum, but they are too expensive now, so we won’t consider them. DDR1, in turn, has long been obsolete, and the second generation faces the same fate.

Frequencies. DDR2 is capable of operating at frequencies from 533 to 800 MHz. There are variations at 1066 MHz, but they are extremely rare. DDR3 extends the range from 1066 to 2400 MHz. The higher the indicator, the faster the memory. Timings are a purely overclocking concept, and will be of interest only to those who overclock components. But let’s look at the volume in more detail, since this is the key element that determines the speed of data processing.

Required volume for different systems

Remember that every operating system has such an element as bit depth, namely 32 and 64 bits. In the first case, the system will not “see” more than 4 GB of RAM, and no more than 3.25 GB will be available to the user. The 64-bit OS is devoid of these shortcomings and is able to recognize about 192 GB of memory. Another thing is that only a few will need such an impressive amount.

As for the minimum resource consumption, for Windows xp, for example, it is only 256 MB. But this figure does not mean that the system will “fly”. Enough to start, but no more. To comfortably launch office applications and not wait for several minutes, you will need at least 1 GB. It is noteworthy that the OS interface is not demanding, so there should not be any problems with display.

The "seven" requires much more memory, even if we are talking about a 32-bit system. Let's start with the fact that this OS has a “gluttonous” Aero interface, which by default consumes half of the system memory installed on the PC. In other words, in order to work in more or less comfortable conditions, you need to install at least 2 GB of RAM, or better yet 4. For Windows 7 64 bit, the entry threshold is already 4 GB. It is highly not recommended to equip with less memory, because the system will require much more “for itself”.

If we talk about the “eight”, then it will feel comfortable even with 1 GB, because the tiled interface is not demanding in terms of resources. But for Windows 8 64 bit , the old fashioned way, you need at least 4 GB.

Memory gradation for comfortable work

As a basis, we will take a basic office assembly, in which 2 GB of RAM is installed. With this amount of memory you can work with text, surf the Internet, or watch movies online. Another thing is that you won’t be able to open Full HD pictures, because everything will depend on a cheap video card. And such a “budget” amount of memory will not allow you to reproduce an impressive data stream.

Working in Photoshop is also difficult. More than 1 image High Quality you simply won’t open it, and even if it does, the work will be carried out with huge delays. The system will be forced to constantly access the swap file located on the hard drive, which is extremely slow in relation to RAM. When it comes to laptops, a small volume is characterized by rapid battery drain. But it's all about the same access to the swap file.

By increasing the volume to 4 GB, you can get an impressive performance boost. Firstly, it will be useful for games with big amount textures It is desirable that the video card be appropriate. Access to the paging file will be kept to a minimum, and this may increase the battery life of the laptop. You can even activate various “beauties” on Windows in the form of widgets and smooth opening/closing of windows.

8 GB will be simply necessary for those who professionally engage in video editing, editing, or creating graphic and 3D objects. Moreover, you can activate several resource-intensive applications at once, which will be used in parallel, with complete impunity, and play relaxing music in good quality in the background.

But such a large volume is only advisable if the overall configuration of the PC allows it to accommodate such an amount of memory. The main stumbling block is the motherboard. Firstly, it must have full support for RAM of 8 GB and above. It is desirable that there are two strips, and they can operate freely in dual-channel mode. This will further improve performance and improve power consumption. In case of downtime, the computer is unlikely to use its entire capacity.

The processor must be high-performance. Preferably, quad-core, or 2 cores, with a frequency of 3 GHz or more for each. Such a “stone” will reveal the full potential of all your hardware, while there will be practically no calls to the swap file.