What is RAM (random access memory) and how does it affect PC performance?

RAM is an acronym for Random Access Memory. Physically, it is usually a rectangular circuit board with several chips affixed to either one or both of its surfaces. This circuit board usually plugs into the motherboard along one of its longest edges and stands perpendicular to the motherboard when installed. One’s RAM is one of the most important variables in improving computer speed. Colloquially, RAM is usually simply referred to as “memory”, though there are other types of memory to be found on a modern computer.

RAM can be thought of in several different ways that make its function easy to understand. One of the simplest comparisons is to scratch paper. As an example, assume the parts that make a human being tick were replaced by computer components. The brain, in this case, would be the CPU. Now, task that human with a very difficult math problem. As the CPU, the brain, becomes overloaded with information, the individual in this example uses a scratch pad to write down temporary notes that help them sort out the problem. The larger their notepad, the more information they can handle.

RAM is a finite space in which temporary information used for running applications can be stored, much like the scratch pad in the example above. More RAM, generally, does mean that computers will run faster, but only in certain regards.

Increasing the amount of RAM will make programs open and close faster, will allow more programs to be opened at once and will allow some basic functions that aren’t directly processing tasks to be executed with more efficiency. Most computers have a minimum of 1GB—1 Gigabyte—of RAM. Increasing this amount, to a certain extent, will improve the performance of the computer but there are certain tasks which RAM will not improve.

Slow video performance will not generally be improved by adding RAM. If a computer constantly locks up when rendering complex textures and other graphics-intensive elements, it’s unlikely that RAM is to blame, though a bit more might help to a certain degree. These sort of problems generally have to do with video cards.

Slow processing will not be remedied by adding more RAM. If a spreadsheet is taking a long time to complete its operations or graphing applications are performing slowly, it’s likely a CPU issue that won’t be solved by adding more RAM. If, however, the computer takes forever to open and close the applications themselves, RAM may be the answer.

RAM comes in several different varieties and they are not all compatible with one another. Specifications such as DDR-RAM or SD-RAM mean that the RAM is designed to be installed in a particular type of computer and won’t function in other motherboards. Some motherboards have a limit on the amount of RAM that can be installed. Because upgrading RAM is a basic part of extending the life of a computer, this ceiling should be taken into consideration when a new computer is purchased.