What Is RAM? Random Access Memory Explained

My childhood best friend, Joshua, was a nerd and computer fanatic. He had a child-sized toolkit and enjoyed dismantling electronic gadgets like his dad’s trusty old IBM PC, grandfather’s antique radio, and the microwave in his household (it stopped working the third time around!).

While this PC wasn’t outdated, it was terribly slow and often froze. We consulted our computer science teacher, Mr. Antony, and he suggested a RAM upgrade.

In simple terms, RAM is your computer’s speedy short-term memory.

Once power is no longer supplied, the RAM loses all of its data.

He compared a computer’s RAM to the space in a toy box and explained the computer was huffing and puffing because the “toy box” had run out of room.

We bought a $20 DDR3 RAM stick at Radioshack that weekend and enjoyed months of lag-free Rogue gaming (the dungeon-crawling video game is a classic). I’ll admit it, I’m every bit as nerdy as Josh. Computers fascinate me, and I had great fun writing this piece for you!

If you didn’t take computer science or your course didn’t cover the nitty-gritty of RAM, I’m here to correct this and introduce you to all things RAM.

I don’t know if you live to eat or eat to live, but I’m a foodie and a half! During my research into RAM, I started to compare it to a kitchen counter space in my mind for better understanding — there’s nothing more comforting than a warm, home-cooked meal.

Speaking of meals, have you ever cooked a big one? It takes a lot of different tools and ingredients, which are normally scattered across your kitchen.

You could go and grab your tools and ingredients one at a time, but that’d take forever! You’d be constantly going back and forth to the pantry, running around in a panic as you try to get everything you need before your food burns.

It’s way easier to think like a professional chef and keep everything you’ll need on the kitchen counter space in advance. Need a spice? It’s ready and waiting for you. That’s how restaurants can make so much food so quickly. RAM works in a similar way, keeping all the data and instructions in your kitchen… er… computer needs to perform a task at ready, so it doesn’t need to scramble around looking for files.

What Is RAM?

The key “tools” and “ingredients” your computer regularly uses and keeps in RAM to make Gordon-Ramsey-esque “meals” include active application data, operating system (OS) data, and system cache (recently accessed data and instructions).

As the master chef in your “kitchen,” you need quick access to these tools and ingredients to prepare high-quality meals in double-quick time — no one likes slow service!

Similarly, RAM allows the computer system’s central processing unit (CPU) to rapidly access and modify this data.

Just as most food items are perishable, data stored in RAM is volatile. All data stored in RAM is lost as soon as the power supply is switched off.

There are two main types of RAM: dynamic RAM (DRAM) and static RAM (SRAM). Most systems use a combination of both to improve performance — I’ll talk about them in more detail soon.

How RAM Works

RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB) with the most popular size being 16 GB. It comes in sticks, which are slotted into a dedicated motherboard slot — you can think of the motherboard to the kitchen hub, which connects components like your gas stove, refrigerator, sink, and other appliances.

When you’re cooking, you need ample kitchen counter space to arrange tools and utensils, chop meat and vegetables, blend ingredients, cook dishes, and assemble them. RAM provides this space in a computer and allows you to handle more than one task simultaneously.

The more RAM space, the better (this depends on your individual needs, of course). If you work in a crowded kitchen, it’ll take more time to perform the same tasks compared to a spacious, well-organized one.

Data Access

Just for a few seconds, imagine the layout of your kitchen counter space. Mine has a stove at the center, a section on the left to prepare ingredients, and a section on the right where all tools and utensils are arranged. Each section is dedicated to a different task and is arranged neatly.

Similarly, RAM is well-organized into cells with specific addresses and provides immediate access to data your computer is currently using. To summarize, data access in RAM is like a well-organized kitchen counter. Everything is readily available, allowing for efficient cooking.

Speed vs. Storage

RAM speed (also known as RAM frequency) and storage capacity are two different things. The former is typically measured in megahertz (MHz) and indicates how many data transfers can be performed each second — the more MHz, the faster your computer can perform tasks.

RAM storage, on the other hand, refers to the amount of data that can be temporarily stored in the module.

Having more RAM storage is extremely important when you run multiple programs at once or run a program that requires a lot of memory (like a video game).

Both speed and storage play huge roles in performance: a lightning-fast RAM stick won’t be very helpful if it can’t store the data you need to run a program, and 32 GB of RAM isn’t very useful if it takes a long time to update. Look for RAM that strikes a balance between storage space and speed.

Volatility

Unlike secondary memory, which is non-volatile, RAM is volatile. This is necessary, as its design prioritizes high-speed data access and manipulation — it uses electric charges in capacitors for data read/write operations.

Your computer needs to be continuously connected to a power supply for the capacitors to maintain their charges. If the supply is turned off, all memory stored in RAM will be lost.

RAM storage capacity, also known as RAM capacity, refers to the amount of physical storage space available in a computer’s RAM stick or sticks. It’s typically measured in GB and determines how much data can be actively processed and stored at any given time — the more RAM, the better.

Importance of RAM Capacity

RAM makes available storage space that can be quickly accessed by the system’s CPU — it plays an instrumental role in system performance.

The benefits of large RAM capacity include:

• The system can handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

• It allows apps to load and switch between tasks quickly.

• The OS stores the system cache in RAM. More RAM speeds up overall OS responsiveness.

• Good for casual and hardcore gamers, as it can lead to fewer stutters, faster load times, and smoother overall gameplay.

• Software developers often use virtual machines (VMs) for application testing. Each VM instance is allocated a portion of system RAM, and developers benefit from higher RAM capacity.

Note: RAM capacity, speed, and latency (how promptly RAM responds to requests) contribute to overall system performance — the former is just one aspect of the same. The goal is to strike the perfect balance between the three.

System Requirements

Modern applications’ increased complexity and features mean they consume more RAM. Therefore, it’s important to buy enough RAM to future-proof your system.

You need to consider:

• The operating system version: a Windows 10 or Windows 11 OS requires a minimum of 4 GB RAM for smooth performance, for example.
• How you plan on using the system: basic use, video editing, or high-performance gaming.
• Any specific apps you plan to run on it: some apps may require more RAM, which could interfere with other apps, especially if you have less RAM capacity.

These considerations will help you determine your system requirements.

Multitasking

The more RAM capacity you have, the more applications the computer system can handle at once without slowing down. If the system runs out of RAM, it will begin to use a page file on secondary memory — such as a hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) – to store app data.

This is likely to lead to slow-moving performance and delays since it takes longer to access secondary memory.

Gaming and Multimedia

Video gaming and multimedia editing are demanding tasks that require a minimum of 8 GB RAM for relatively smooth performance. I recommend purchasing 16 GB RAM or more, especially if you plan on running graphically intense applications.

Even 16 GB RAM may not be enough for high-end gaming and high-resolution video editing — 32 GB RAM or more is advised, especially if you intend to push hardware to the limit.

Factors Affecting RAM Performance

I’ve already explored the ins and outs of how RAM storage capacity affects system performance (simply put, the more the merrier). Factors such as RAM clock speed, latency, and channel configuration affect performance as well.

• Latency: RAM latency (measured in Ns) indicates how soon it can start a data request process (passed by the processor). Lower RAM latency values are associated with faster data access times, which is preferable, especially for performance-critical tasks such as real-time data processing, video gaming, and multimedia editing.

• Dual Channel vs. Single Channel: Multi-channel memory is a characteristic of the processor and motherboard, not RAM; it refers to the channels or lanes available for the CPU to communicate with RAM. A single-channel configuration has a single memory bus that can only handle 64 bits at once, while a double-channel configuration has two sets of 64-bit buses — the latter can increase RAM bandwidth by up to 30%.

• Clock Speed: Clock speed governs the rate at which RAM can fetch or store data. To understand the impact of clock speed on data transfer rates, let’s take the example of two DDR4 RAM sticks: one operates at 3,200 MHz and the other at 2,400 MHz. The former can perform 3.2 billion clock cycles per second (the data transfer rate is 25.6 Gbps, as DDR4 transfers 8 bits of data per clock cycle) while the latter can only perform 2.4 billion clock cycles per second (the data transfer rate is 19.2 Gbps). This means higher clock speeds enable faster data transfer rates.

Earlier, I mentioned the page file as an extension of RAM in secondary memory (also known as a swap file and virtual RAM). While it isn’t the solution to low RAM capacity), it can improve performance by extending addressable memory.

Here’s how you can increase the virtual RAM of your system.

Kitchen counter spaces come in all shapes and sizes. A counter space in an average New York City (NYC) household, for example, is likely to be smaller than one in Omaha (Nebraska). You can think of SRAM as a counter space in NYC and DRAM as one in Omaha. Intrigued? Here are more insights into the main types of RAM.

Note: If you’re into quizzing, I might have just won you a bonus point! Other RAM types include video RAM (VRAM), non-volatile RAM (NVRAM), and magneto-resistive RAM (MRAM). They serve niche markets, while DRAM and SRAM find widespread use.

DRAM is like a multi-functional and cost-effective countertop in an Omaha household. It offers ample space but requires constant “refreshing” to keep it functional and efficient — it’s easier to maintain a smaller countertop.

This is where SRAM comes into the picture. SRAM is built for NYC residents — the countertop has less capacity and is more expensive but is built to access tools and ingredients with minimal fuss.

While living in NYC is appealing, Omaha is a more practical option.

In other words, while SRAM offers higher speeds than DRAM, it’s associated with a higher manufacturing cost and is an impractical option for large-capacity storage — that’s why DRAM is used in most computers and smartphones.

SRAM is typically used in CPU caches (which are much smaller in size than a RAM chip), embedded systems (for real-time applications), and high-speed buffers in networking equipment.

If you own a modern laptop or computer, chances are it uses a Double Data Rate (DDR) DDR RAM stick (or sticks), which is the most sought-after DRAM variant — I’ve mentioned DDR a few times already!

If your RAM capacity is running out or you require a system performance boost, consider upgrading your RAM.

If you can’t upgrade your RAM at the moment, you can try to modify your RAM configuration — be careful, as improper settings can lead to instability and data loss.

It’s much easier to install RAM on a desktop computer. While you can install RAM on certain laptops with specialized tools, you’re likely to void your warranty if you try.

Steps to Upgrade RAM

You can buy RAM at an eCommerce destination like Amazon or Best Buy, but make sure you do your research first.

Compatibility Check

The first step is to check whether RAM is permanently soldered onto the motherboard. This is common in systems like MacBooks and makes upgrading RAM on your own basically impossible. To check compatibility with the motherboard and existing RAM, visit the official website of your motherboard’s manufacturer and search for your motherboard model.

For example, if you have an ASUS motherboard, visit their official website, hover over the Motherboards/Components option, and select your chipset brand (Intel or AMD) and series.

I clicked on the PRIME series option and selected the new Intel PRIME B760M-A AX6 II motherboard for review. Some of the specs I kept an eye on (and you should too) include support for the latest DDR memory (DDR5), maximum RAM speed (the faster the better), compatible secondary memory interface types, and supported operating systems.

Installation Process

Once you’ve performed a compatibility check and purchased a new RAM module, installing it on your system is easy

Here’s a step-by-step guide to physically installing RAM modules:

1. Before installing new RAM on your system, shut it down, and disconnect it from the power supply.
2. Carefully open the case to access the RAM slots.
3. Place the new RAM modules into the appropriate slots with care. When they’re in place, you should hear a clicking sound.
4. Double-check to confirm whether they’re securely sealed.

You’re good to go! Bolt the case shut, reconnect the power supply, and switch on your computer.

BIOS Configuration

Last, but not least, verify the upgrade in the BIOS to ensure it’s recognized and running correctly. If a kitchen is like a computer, then BIOS settings are like an instruction manual to navigate it. Before you can start cooking a meal in the kitchen, you must review the instruction manual and ensure everything is in order.

Some common BIOS configuration parameters include RAM speed, RAM voltage, and DRAM voltage — remember, don’t tinker with what you don’t know of!

I recommend thoroughly understanding these concepts before playing around with their configurations. Once done, save the settings and exit the BIOS for the new configurations to reflect — your system will restart automatically.

Benefits of Upgrading RAM

Slow or low-capacity RAM can lead to performance bottlenecks, impact multitasking capabilities, reduce gaming performance, lower data transfer rates, and lead to compatibility issues with newer equipment.

There’s no point in installing that top-of-the-line graphics card if your rig is running prehistoric RAM! Upgrading to a new RAM module should fix these issues.

Performance Boost

Successfully upgrading RAM should immediately impact your system’s responsiveness and multitasking capability.

It’ll be able to process requests faster and handle more programs and open tabs. It’ll also reduce the need for the system to access secondary memory for temporary data storage.

It’s a worthwhile investment for users looking to improve their computing experience, especially for resource-intensive activities such as video editing, gaming, and application development.

Future-Proofing

One of the best ways to extend the life of your computer is by upgrading your RAM. Newer software is usually more demanding.

Remember how I said 8 GBs was the bare minimum for running video games? Most games actually recommend having 16 GB or more, and that number is only getting higher.

RAM is a major bottleneck for computer performance. Running outdated RAM is likely going to slow down your system, so installing more than you need is a cheap way to future-proof.

If you already have a solid RAM rack, you should optimize its usage to ensure the system maximizes available RAM for speed and efficiency.

I have a few good tips for RAM optimization. First you can use the Windows Task Manager (Activity Monitor on macOS) to monitor RAM usage and manage applications. And you had better keep unnecessary programs to a minimum if you want to free up RAM. Let’s go over how to maintain and clean up space to keep things running smoothly.

Common RAM problems include memory leaks, faulty modules, and compatibility issues. Troubleshooting them begins with knowing what symptoms to look for. Luckily, it’s relatively easy to identify and tackle issues — I’ll walk you through it.

Faulty RAM Modules

Frequent system crashes, blue screen errors (BSOD), and memory-related error messages are signs of faulty RAM. To troubleshoot a faulty RAM module, you should first run individual memory diagnostic tests using the built-in tools provided by your OS (like Windows Memory Diagnostic, for instance).

I also recommend reinstalling each RAM module individually and running memory diagnostics on each to isolate the problem. If the module is under warranty, you can contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

Memory Leaks

A memory leak in RAM refers to a software application refusing to release allocated RAM once it’s done using it. If left unchecked, the app will keep requesting RAM until the system crashes.

You can identify a memory leak by monitoring RAM usage through the task manager and identifying apps or processes that are consuming excessive primary memory.

Updating the OS or application, restarting the system or app, updating drivers, and reducing background processes should resolve potential memory leaks. You should also keep an eye on any official forums or websites to see if a program you use has a reported memory leak.

Compatibility Issues

If your motherboard or CPU doesn’t support your RAM, there’s quite simply no point trying to install it. You’ll just need to return the module and find one that’s compatible.

If they do support it and you’re still facing hardware compatibility issues, you should consider reinstalling the module. In my experience, improper installation can lead to unrecognized or unstable RAM.

On the software side, compatibility issues can be addressed by updating BIOS/UEFI firmware, running memory diagnostic tests, updating device drivers, and ensuring the OS supports the RAM capacity.

I’m super excited about the finalization of the DDR6 standard. I think it’s going to revolutionize the game. Non-volatile RAM, while comparatively less appealing, could significantly impact computing as well.

And, if we’re talking future trends, we can’t ignore the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in optimizing RAM usage is worth exploring.

DDR5 and Beyond

While DDR4 is currently the most popular option for primary memory in desktops and laptops (due to its availability and affordability), DDR5 is slowly but surely taking over. It’s about time, too, considering it was officially launched in 2020.

The next-gen memory standard, DDR6, is already around the corner, with commercial availability of DDR6 sticks expected in 2025 or later. The expected benefits of DDR6 include faster data transfer rates, lower power consumption, and increased capacity.

Non-Volatile RAM (NVRAM)

At the moment, computer manufacturers largely use NVRAM to store information about computer components and devices for quicker boot times — the info isn’t lost when the system is turned off.

I’d say NVRAM is unlikely to replace RAM anytime soon. I can point to persistent issues with:

• higher latency and power consumption
• limited write endurance
• cost-effectiveness
• compatibility with existing CPUs and systems

But NVRAM has its uses. It could serve as a bridge between primary and secondary memory to enhance overall system performance.

Compared to SSDs, it offers faster access times, higher storage densities, and lower power consumption (widespread adoption is far away).

AI and RAM Optimization

The predictive capability of AI algorithms could allow for proactive and dynamic allocation of RAM (based on app behavior, user activity, system performance, real-time demands, and workload requirements) to apps and processes, optimizing overall performance.

Artificial intelligence could also find applications in troubleshooting. It could prove useful at identifying abnormal patterns or spikes in RAM usage. Intelligent caching and adaptive learning are other potential use cases for AI technology. I know it’s not as exciting as Skynet, but it could really change the game down the line.

Let’s go with the buffet example once again. If you have a large appetite, you should select a plate that has enough space to accommodate it — it makes little sense to stuff food on a small plate and make multiple trips to the buffet table. The same principle applies to RAM.

RAM has a fundamental role to play in computing. If the operating system is considered the brain of the computer, RAM can be likened to the cognitive (short-term) memory needed by it for thinking, decision-making, and intermediate tasks. Both components work hand-in-hand and are crucial to the efficient operation of the system.

If you’re buying a new computer system or upgrading RAM on an existing one, ensure you purchase a future-proofed RAM module that ticks all the right boxes (even if it means slightly adjusting your budget).