This question, delivered in the title of today's post, asked himself, probably, each computer user. At least once - but asked ...

Let's finally answer it!

RAM in the computer plays one of the most important roles. The processor + memory + video card is the three most high-performance components of the computer, which determine its performance as a whole.

Memory capacity, in turn, determine its characteristics: standard, frequency, delay ...

Today there are two memory standards: DDR2 and DRR3. A tangible difference between them, if we talk about speed, practically no.

If we consider each standard separately, for example, DDR2 memory can work at different frequencies - 533, 667 and 800 MHz (1066 MHz and not consider above - not all system fees Support such memory, and from 800 MHz it is practically no different). DDR3 also works at different frequencies - 1066, 1333, 1600. These are the most popular today. And also - there is no special difference between them.

As for such parameters as delays - I would say that it does not affect performance at all.

Therefore, a much more important memory parameter is not its standard or speed mode, but volume.

The volume is almost the most important memory parameter today. It is from the amount of memory largely depends on the performance of the computer as a whole. So consider most Popular Desktop Configurations for today:

2 GB

This volume will be enough for simple office work under Windows XP and 7: text, spreadsheets, Internet, view photo and video. If you want to go to Windows 7, then you will have to add memory. Two gigabytes for serious work under windows control 7 is not enough.

The system itself will work and very well, it will be easily working Microsoft Office., Your favorite programs for communication, players, etc. You can even edit photo and DVD video.

But I mean big loads: try to open 3-4 photos high resolution In Photoshop and work with them at the same time. But this is what you have to do, for example, designers working via the Internet.

The same applies to those who work professionally with the video, or lovers: who regularly edits and processes video from their camcorder.

You will immediately notice that the memory is not enough: the system will be sluggishly reacting to the teams, from time to time "think" ... it can annoy and interfere with work, especially if you are used to doing everything quickly.

Another thing that is worth saying that when a physical memory lack, the system will access the rigid disk file. In this file, it will send everything that was not fitted in physical memory. Here and the reason for possible "braking" lies.

If we talk about a laptop, then the lack of memory will also be expressed in reducing the time of work from the battery. The reason is the same - the system will often access the paging file, therefore, hDD It will work more often and spend energy.

4 GB

It can be said that the amount of memory is optimal. Office work and some resource-intensive tasks: games, viewing and editing photo / video, simultaneous work with multiple programs incl. And under Windows 7 ... for all this, 4 GB is quite enough.

But even in this case, the system will still access the paging file, although it is significantly less than if 2 GB of memory was installed on the computer. You can say - they are minimized.

For a laptop 4GB of memory - it is almost the perfect option: minimum reference to the paging file (only if some very resource-intensive program works), and, therefore, the minimum energy consumption hard disk.

Even if you have enough 2 GB in a laptop, I would still recommend installing 4. In this case, the laptop will work a little more from the battery. And if you do not run any resource-intensive programs on a laptop, the paging file can be turned off at all, and thereby add the laptop of the suquity.

As for the price, the 4 GB of memory will cost an average of 3,500-4,000 rubles.

8 GB

The perfect option is simple, if you have to work with resource-intensive programs, edit HD video from your camcorder and work in parallel with multiple applications.

In this case, the system does not appear to the paging file on the disk (just in case, you can even turn it off - memory in any case).

However, such a large amount makes sense if high-performance is installed in your computer core processor I7 or Phenom II x4. With 8 GB of memory you can use its potential completely. It will not restrain the slow hard disk with the paging file. It is at 8 GB of RAM that the performance of such a computer will be maximal.

And if the PC is installed in the middle or budget processor, it makes no sense to install 8 GB, because Another factor comes into force here: if the high-performance processor is needed for such a volume in order to fully use all its resources, then the budget processor is just nothing to do anything, since The stock of its power is small, and exhausted already, say, on 4 GB of memory (of course, it all depends on specific model) And the additional four GB will not add much speed. Even if you want to speed up, say, processing HD video on a computer, then in this case Everything will rest in a slow processor, and not a lack of memory.

Not everything is so smooth and with laptops. Not all models support an increase in memory to such a volume. As a rule, in laptops, the case is limited to 4 GB. However, the laptops are by their nature and are not intended for superior-consuming tasks, such as editing and encoding HD video and modern games. Therefore, in a laptop 4 GB is quite enough.

Currently, almost all modern system boards support 8 GB of DDR2 or DDR3 memory. If you load your PC to the maximum, if you have a little productivity all the time and if you have the opportunity to update the memory subsystem to 8 GB, then I highly recommend that you do it.

8 GB of memory will cost approximately 7000-8000 rubles.

The other day I made sure that 8 GB of memory was significantly adding responsiveness to the computer. In my PC, 4 GB of DDR3-1333 memory was installed, and I decided to set as much as much.

The choice fell per memory kit Patriot DDR3-1333. Photos of memory planks you can see the gallery:

I immediately noticed that the computer became even more responsive than before. Now, even if I process the HD video from the camcorder, the system does not refer to the paging file, as it was in the case of 4 GB of memory in the system.

No matter how I loaded the computer, it still responds quickly to teams and no braking is observed. This is the main advantage that you get after adding memory is responsiveness.

Will you open a folder if another program is running for parallel work, do any operations in the program itself - the computer does it all instantly and quickly - without "ponday".

And with a large number of programs, in parallel you have to work, the more noticeable is the advantage.

Here, for example, the programs that I often work simultaneously and which are constantly launched in me in the background:

• Windows Mail
• Opera (pair of dozens of open tabs)
• Skype.
• ICQ (one number)
• QIP INFIUM (second number)
• Dropbox.
• Kaspersky. Internet Security 2010
• Puntoswitcher
• Downloadmaster.
• BitTorrent
• Internet Explorer.
• Adobe Dreamweaver CS4.
• Microsoft SharePoint Designer 2007
• Microsoft OneNote 2010.
• ABBYY Lingvo X3.
• Windows Media Player.
• Total Commander.

Plus system processes also require memory. Therefore, if you also load the computer to the maximum, be sure - 8 GB of memory will be very useful.

Good day.

Today's article is devoted to RAM, or rather its number on our computers (RAM is often reduced by RAM). RAM plays a big role in the computer, if the memory is not enough - the PC begins to slow down, games and applications open reluctantly, the picture on the monitor begins to "twitch", the load on the hard disk increases. In the article just focus on questions related to memory: its kinds, how much memory is needed to affect.

How to find out the number of RAM?

1) The easiest way to do is go to "My Computer" and click on the right mouse button anywhere. Next, select the "Properties" conductor in the context menu. You can also open the control panel, enter the system to enter the search string. See Screenshot below.

The number of RAM is indicated next to the performance index, information about the processor.

4GB. - The amount of RAM. The bigger, the better. But do not forget that if the processor in the system is not so powerful - then there is no sense to put a large volume of RAM. In general, the planks can be completely different: from 1GB to 32 or more. For the volume, see below.

1600MHz PC3-12800. - Operating frequency (bandwidth). To deal with this indicator, this sign will help:

Modules DDR3.
Name	Tire frequency		Bandwidth

As can be seen from the table, the bandwidth of this RAM is 12,800 MB / s. Not the fastest today, but as practice shows, to speed the computer much more important than the amount of this memory itself.

Number of RAM on Computer

1 GB - 2 GB

To date, this number of RAM can only be used on office computers: To edit documents, browsing the Internet, mail. Run games with such a volume of RAM, of course you can, but only the simplest.

By the way, you can install Windows 7 with this volume, it will work normally. True, if you open the heels of documents - the system can begin to "think": it will not be so sharp and react to your teams, the picture on the screen can begin to "twitch" (especially, it concerns games).

Also with lack of RAM, the computer will use: part of information from RAM, which this moment Not used, will be recorded on the hard disk, and then, as it should be read from it. Obviously, with such a situation, an increased load on the hard disk will arise, as well as it can strongly affect the speed of the user.

4 GB

The most popular amount of RAM has recently. Many modern PCs and laptops running Windows 7/8 are 4 GB of memory. This volume is sufficient for normal operation and with office applicationswill allow you to run almost all modern games (albeit not on maximum settings), view HD video.

8 GB

This amount of memory every day is increasingly popular. It allows you to open dozens of applications, while the computer behaves very "smart". In addition, with such a memory, many modern games can be launched at high settings.

However, it is worth noting right away. That this amount of memory will be justified if you have a powerful processor in your system: Core i7 or Phenom II x4. Then he can use the memory for all one hundred - and the paging file does not have to use at all, thereby the speed of operation rises at times. In addition, the load on the hard disk is reduced, energy consumption is reduced (relevant for a laptop).

By the way, there is a reverse rule here: if you have a processor budget option - then put 8 GB of memory there is no point. Just the processor will process some amount of RAM, let's say 3-4 GB, and the rest of the memory will not add any absolutely no speed to your computer.

RAM is applied in a computer or laptop to store temporary information used by the operating system, programs or computer games during operation. This repository laid data that will be reproduced in the near future. Games, video and programs are stored on the hard disk, but when used is loaded into the RAM. To expand iron capabilities and increase the speed of a modern computer, you will need a plank at least 8 GB of RAM. The larger the volume faster computer Performs tasks and works better in multitasking mode. There are a number of features that are important to know for the selection of RAM.

RAM: features and variety

The 8 GB RAM Planks appeared relatively recently, but progress does not stand still and today are decisions of 12, 16 and 32 GB. Such solutions are designed for server, gaming and productive working computers that need large amounts of RAM to handle huge information arrays. And for the domestic use of one or two planes of RAM of 8 GB more than enough.

Depending on the form factor, the plank is divided into two groups: for computers and for laptops. The first is called DIMM, the second - SO-DIMM, differ in technical characteristics and sizes. The first connect to the motherboard personal computer, the second is a laptop, they are not interchangeable among themselves. There is a subspecies of FB-DIMM, but similar solutions - the lot of high-performance northern computers.

Depending on the generation of fees are divided into DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4. Each new generation exceeds the previous one in terms of speed, bandwidth and economics of energy consumption. But, again, among themselves they are incompatible. When you choose, it is important to determine how the generation is the motherboard of the computer, otherwise you can buy 8 GB RAM strips, which will eventually be able to connect. The kit may include one, two or four memory strips, the total volume of which is 8 GB. It is important to consider when choosing, because the number of available slots for connecting memory on the motherboard is limited.

How to choose 8 GB RAM?

It is worth defining the form factor and generation that is supported. motherboard Computer. Specifications The third and fourth generation models satisfy the requirements modern usersAnd the DDR2 generation is considered obsolete.

Pay attention to the clock frequency of memory. What it is higher, the more operations perform the module in one second and above the speed of the computer. But the high-speed RAM 8 GB per 2400 MHz at a price may several times higher than a model for 1600 MHz. Important moment: If you are installed on the computer two memory strips, both must work at one frequency.

RAM is one of the main components of the stable operation of the computer. Without her, the PC is impossible without it, and not having a sufficient amount of RAM, the user will not be able to run part of the programs. Consider how RAM works, how to increase the volume of RAM and other points.

To begin with, we understand what the reduction of RAM or RAM means. In Russian, it sounds like a "operational storage device", and in English - "Random Access Memory". Features of the detail lies in the fact that it works only when the computer is turned on. RAM is saved by the processor processed data and codes performed.

The principle of operation of RAM is as follows:

1. Each cell memory has its own string and column.
2. When working, the computer sends a signal to one of the rows.
3. Due to the electrical signal, the transistor opens.
4. Posted charge from the capacitor switches to one of the available columns to which a sensitive amplifier is connected.
5. A stream filed by the discharged condenser is registered through the amplifier, after which the required command is submitted.

Due to the fact that RAM works on semiconductors, it cannot save information in the absence of current.

How to increase RAM in the computer and laptop?

If you describe briefly, there are several ways to increase the volume of RAM. Basic - adding new planks in the motherboard. Alternatively - you can change the data of the paging file. Consider each method more.

Increase volume using memory modules

For stable work modern computers It is necessary to have at least 2 GB of RAM depending on the installed operating system. For example, the same volume is required for Windows 10 64 Bit. The main way to increase this indicator is to add or replacing RAM slats.

It is important to understand that the module must be suitable for a computer or laptop. For example, PCs with old processors do not support RAM with a frequency of 1666 MHz. The same applies to motherboards - Most old models cannot work with details that have more than 4 GB of memory.

To not guess, the PC owner needs to know the name of the motherboard and processor model.

To verify the processor, you need to perform a bit other actions:

Thus, it is possible to check the compatibility of RAM with other PC details.

How to determine the type of RAM

Before buying new devices, it is also important to know their type. If you buy an inappropriate bar, it will have to return.

There are 4 types of RAM:

• DDR1 is the most "ancient";

• DDR2 - also outdated;

• DDR3 - used now;

• DDR4 - the newest development:

There are several ways to determine which type is installed in the computer. First of all, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the sticker on the front side of the plank, if so is there. Most often on it and indicates the type of memory, volume and other information. If the type is not specified directly, then you can use other marks. For example, if "PC3" is written, then it is DDR3, and if "PC2" is DDR2.

The most reliable method is to look at cutouts between yellow contact venues. The scheme below will help to figure it out:

Last method: Using special software To scan installed components. For example, for this perfectly suitable "AIDA64".

The laptops use the same marking, but a slightly different scheme. The dimensions of the planks are significantly less.

Installing RAM modules

First of all, you need to open a computer case from the other side where you can access the motherboard. Before Fully turn off the computer, pull the wire from the socket and de-energize it by holding the "Start" button. Depending on the type of housing used, you will have to unscrew the screws on the back of the PC and dismantle the cover, remove the latches or simply open as the door.

Find on the motherboard slots for RAM. They should look something like this:

If there are already modules, instead of which new must be installed, you need to dismantle them. To do this, click on the sides of the sides and extract the bar. It is necessary to be very neat, as this is very sensitive, fragile detail.

Now take a new RAM and install in a free slot. To do this, you need to insert the bar so that the groove coincides with the protrusion in the connector. You need to press the module slightly so that it fully entered the connector. During installation, a click may be heard - this means that the latches are automatically snapped and the memory is installed correctly. If this did not happen, but the bar is installed, manually "rolling" it.

Paired RAM is recommended to insert the same color in slots, if there are such. On most motherboards, the connectors are painted in two colors - 2 to one, 2 to another. Installing two identical parts into slots with the same coloring will allow devices to work in two-channel mode.

After that, we close the housing cover, tighten the bolts and connect the PC to electricity. We try to start the computer - if the start of the system occurs as usual, then everything is done correctly. If there are doubts about performance, it is recommended to check new items with.

In laptops, the principle is almost the same, but there are small differences. First you need to turn off the laptop and turn it off from the network. Next, remove the battery - depending on the device model, you have to unscrew the screws on back cover Or use another method for opening the case. After the battery was lifted, you need to press the power button - this will make rid of static charges.

To find a slot for RAM, you need to remove the panel on the bottom of the device. There may be several panels, therefore, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the documents received when purchasing or searching the network to disassemble a particular model.

Most often there are two slots for RAM. Budget models You can boast only one connector. More expensive devices can have more space to increase the volume of RAM. To extract old planks, you need to open a latches on the sides. As soon as they are released, the item is subtreated at 45 ° an angle.

Gently insert a new module under the same angle, checking that it correctly entered the connector. Next, it is necessary to push down on top to the bar so that the sides are automatically closed. Further return all the panels in place, set the battery and close the housing cover. We try to turn on the device. If there are doubts about the working capacity of the laptop, check it with

Alternative ways to increase RAM

In addition to installing new components, you can use other methods that give an increase in computer's RAM.

Expansion of RAM with flash drive

The easiest and most affordable way to add RAM to a computer or laptop is to use a USB flash drive.

Starting with Windows 7, it is possible to use the utility "READY BOOST".

1. To begin with, you must insert a USB flash drive in a USB connector on the computer.
2. Open "Conductor" And right-click on the name of the flash drive in the left menu.
3. Select item "Properties" and go to the section "READY BOOST".
4. We put a tick in the "Use this device" item.
5. We indicate the volume of the flash drive, which will be used as RAM, you can specify the entire volume at once.
6. Click "Apply", later "OK" And close the window.

This method is good because it does not require additional costs in the presence of a free flash drive. Before buying new modules, you can safely use it.

Changing the BIOS settings

Change bIOS settings Need to overclock RAM. In general, the main task of the BIOS - providing the ability to customize the work of components, computer, and so on.

1. Reboot your computer and press the key to enter the BIOS - "DEL", "ESC", "F2" etc. You can press several keys at once so that you do not reboot the PC again.
2. Press "Ctrl + F1", the advanced settings window will open if it does not go - go to item "Advanced Bios Features".
3. Select item "SYSTEM MEMORY MULTIPLIER" or ADVANCED DRAM CONFIGURATION.
4. In chapter "DRAM TIMING SELECTABLE" Install the mode "MANUAL", that is, manual setting.
5. We maintain changes, if you wish, experiment with a change in timings.
6. Restart the computer, in special programs (For example, AIDA64) Change the settings.

So you can adjust the PC for yourself. It is important to understand that the changes in the settings should make a person who, at least a little bit disassembled in this.

We hope that after that you understand the principle of increasing the computer's RAM. If you have any questions, be sure to ask them in the comments!

RAM, which is usually denoted as RAM or RAM, is one of the most important parts Any computer. But how much is it necessary for good work of the device? Current new PCs and similar devices offer values \u200b\u200bfrom 2 GB to 16 GB and more.

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

Introduction to the RAM

The memory capacity is often confused with long-term storage offered by a solid-state or mechanical hard disk. Sometimes even manufacturers or retailers mix these concepts. To understand how many RAM is needed for normal operation of the device, you need to figure out what its value is.

The table is a useful analogy to consider the difference between RAM and memory. Think about RAM as the top of the table. The more its surface, the more papers you can decompose and read immediately. Hard drives More like drawers under the table, capable of storing the documents that you do not use.

The more your system, the more programs it can process simultaneously. RAM is not the only defining factor, and you can technically open dozens of programs at the same time even with a very small RAM volume, and it will slow down the work of your system. Now imagine the table again. If it is too small, it becomes cluttered, and your job will slow down when you try to find any paper that you need at any particular point. You will be forced to dig often in the boxes to place what does not fit on the table surface, as well as get the right paper.

A computer with a large amount of RAM works noticeably faster, but only to a certain point. The presence of a large table will not help you if you have only a few articles for reading.

Optimal ratio

How many RAM do you need to your device? Your goal is to have enough RAM for all applications that you use on it. specific device. If it is too small - the work slows down. Too many RAM can only mean what you paid big money for the fact that you can never use.

Difference from other characteristics

Standard RAM should not be confused with video memory, but these concepts are closely related to computer graphics cards. High-performance 3D games are based on video memory (VRAM), often expressed as GDDR5, while standard memory Called RAM or DDR3. In fact, most manufacturers are very well identified by VRAM and do not confuse it with other parameters. Therefore, to determine how many RAM is needed for GTA 5, for example, it is necessary to consider both the above indicators in the aggregate.

Heavy applications

The largest services on most home computers is the most operating system and web browser. You can not do so that Windows or MacOS consumed less memory, but more RAM on your computer means you can open more tabs In Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc. Also, some websites use more RAM than others. Simple text news almost do not occupy resources, while something like Gmail or NetFlix requires a slightly more power.

Programs tend to use as they increase the complexity of work. In the chat program or in the game (for example, MinesWeeper), the RAM will almost not be used, while the giant electronic excel Table Or a huge Photoshop project can use more than one gigabyte. Professional and engineering software was created to solve very complex projects and, as a rule, consumes most of the RAM of all programs. Modern 3D games can also use quite a few RAM and VRAM. In other words, your need for how many RAM must be installed, depends on the programs you use.

• RAM 2 GB: Good only for tablets and netbooks.
• RAM 4 GB: minimum for budget windows systems and MacOS.
• 8 GB: Great for Windows and MacOS systems.
• 16 GB: most likely too much; Ideal for mid-level workstations.
• 32 GB and more: only for enthusiasts and specialized workstations.

For tablet

It is assumed that the tablets will not deal with complex tasks Software, so their needs for RAM is usually quite low. However, since browsers with several tabs and more complex software continue to develop, tablet needs are becoming more similar to the needs of laptops. Current specification parameters are usually ranged from 2 to 16 GB of RAM, and the speed of the processor plays an important role in determining the range.

For example, iPad Air. 2, which has about 2 GB of RAM, pays a lot of attention a universal processor. And such a device like Microsoft Surface. Pro, can accommodate RAM to 16 GB, because users of this device may want to run a large number of Professional software, as well as desktop OS.

And it gives you a guidelines for selecting RAM - why do you use your tablet? If you are viewing only one site at a time and do not use the device for any large projects or working software, then 4 GB RAM is likely to be sufficient. However, if you also use the tablet as the main PC, you must equip it with the necessary RAM. As a rule, this means that you will need from 4 to 8 GB.

Select RAM for laptops

How many new laptops need from 2 GB to 16 GB of RAM, while elite game models Offer up to 32 GB. As mentioned earlier, the needs for tablets and laptops agree on, but most users feel comfortable with the launch of more complex programs on laptops, and this means that the RAM plays a more important role here.

For something like chromebook, which works mostly in the cloud and has very little storage space, you will not need a lot of RAM. It is enough to choose 4 GB of RAM, especially since you can use Google Play. Store for download android applications Right on your computer.

How many RAM is needed for Windows10 and new MacBook modifications? You should think about increasing this number to standard 8 GB. Most of the best laptops are supplied with this value for a valid reason. Of course, if you perform a lot graphic work Or want to open several tabs at once, it may be worth considering the possibility of increasing RAM to 16 GB. This is especially true for gamers - the question of how many RAM is needed for games, always remains relevant.

Stationary computers

RAM B. stationary computers It is cheap, so it's pretty easy to find a PC with a large amount of memory for more low prices. Moreover, large quantity RAM to the PC may be useful because people prefer to use them longer than tablets or laptops.

How many RAM is needed for PC? 8 GB - good value for a start. Up to 16 GB update is recommended for enthusiasts, hardcore gamers and a medium user workstation. Serious users of the workstation can go to 32 GB. Even speaking, how many RAM is needed for games, you can make sure that too significant parameters are not required.

All that is more is the edge of extreme specialties equipped for processing huge data arrays, huge video files or niche programs intended for researchers, corporations or government.

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