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RAM
What is memory?
Your computer's short-term memory is also known as RAM. It stores all the info that your apps need to work properly when you launch them. If you just want to send emails or do some shopping online, you won’t need as much – 4GB of RAM is enough to handle the basics, while 8GB is ideal for multitasking. But for more demanding apps and games you’ll want 16GB or 32GB of RAM, while 64GB and up is usually only needed for professional video editing and 3D modelling work. Apple also has their own type of RAM called Unified Memory that lets the processor and graphics card access the same resources for a more streamlined experience.
Shop common RAM types
FAQs
- What is RAM in a computer?
RAM, or random-access memory, is your computer’s short-term memory. It’s where all the data that apps need to work properly is temporarily stored when you launch them.
- What does memory do in a computer?
A computer’s memory is where it temporarily stores data when it’s turned on. This is so your computer can quickly and easily access the info it needs whenever you launch an app or browse a website. That way, you don’t have to wait ages for things to load up and it makes multitasking a lot faster.
- How do I check how much RAM my computer has?
If you’re using Windows, you can check how much RAM your computer has by pressing CRTL, Shift and Delete at the same time or right-click on your taskbar to launch Task Manager. Then select the Performance tab to see your total RAM, as well as how much RAM your computer is currently using.
For Mac users, just open the Apple menu and click “About This Mac”. You’ll see how much RAM your computer has next to Memory.- How do I upgrade my desktop’s RAM?
It’s possible to buy new RAM sticks for your desktop and install them yourself at home. Just make sure to check your computer’s specs and follow the RAM manufacturer’s guidelines to make sure you do it correctly.
- Is computer memory the same as RAM?
RAM is a type of memory your computer uses to keep everything running smoothly while you’re using it. To quote Morris Moss from The I.T. Crowd – “Memory IS RAM!”
- How do I upgrade my laptop’s RAM?
It isn’t possible to upgrade the RAM on most laptops since it’s often soldered into place. Usually, it’s better to buy a new laptop if yours is struggling to run newer apps properly.
- Is 8GB of RAM enough for a laptop?
It all depends on what you want to do with your laptop. But as a general rule, between 8GB and 16GB is enough for most people. That’s plenty of memory to run all sorts of different apps smoothly, and even play some games too depending on the rest of your laptop’s hardware.
