What RAM do
I have? What size of RAM do I need? Do I need more RAM? Clear your doubts about the most commonly
asked questions concerning your computer memory.
Most people are concerned as to what size and type of memory their computers require for optimum performance. It is rather a good sign that you care for your PC, and particularly about the memory, which plays a magnificent role in deciding the performance of any computer. The more alert you are to your RAM needs the better service it is going to render you. Here is a short FAQs section to resolve some of the most common doubts about the memory needs of your computer. Hope, it will help you answer your prime question, “What RAM do I need?” For understanding the basics of the primary memory, please refer this post, What is RAM?
The Following questions are dealt here with:
Where is RAM located on my computer?
How do I recognize RAM?
What size of RAM do I have?
What size of RAM do I need?
What RAM do I need for video/photo editing?
What RAM do I need for my server?
What type of RAM do I need?
Do I need more RAM?Where is RAM located on my computer?
Generally,
RAM is located next to processor on the motherboard of the computer. Most of
the times it is placed on the upper right corner of the main board in sockets. In laptops, however, you can find it around
the bottom in the form of sticks implanted with the help of screws.
How do I recognize RAM?
You need
not worry much to find RAM as it is easily identifiable. It looks like a board
itself with number of pins ranging from 100 to 240 depending on the type of
RAM. It is placed in slots with two or
more sockets to leave room for memory expansion. You will usually find empty
slots next to the RAM that came with your computer, so that you can easily
install more RAM if the need arises.
What size of RAM do I have?
To find out
what size of RAM you have on your computer, just right click on the computer
icon on the desktop and select properties. Under the heading system, you will
have your RAM size and processor type listed. Even if you just click open the
computer, on the bottom you may find the size of RAM installed in your
computer. Another way is to find out what RAM you have is through the control
panel. Just open the system icon on the control panel and you will find the
required information listed there.
What size of RAM do I need?
Generally,
the modern computers require 1GB or more RAM for an optimum speed. However, 32
bit operating systems have a limit of 4GB, so you cannot have more than that.
If you really need more than that you need to install 64 bit operating system.
A RAM of 2GB is recommended for general purposes on windows 7 or higher
edition. If you are using games or video-editing, you may require more.
What RAM do I need for video/photo editing?
Photo-editing
software requires 3GB or more of RAM to properly operate. As such, you can have
4GB RAM as an average. If you are planning to use video or audio editing softwares,
you may need 6-8 GB or more of RAM on your PC. You can use VRAM for video
adapters or 3D accelerators; Alternatively, SGRAM which is cheaper can also do
for you.
What RAM do I need for my server?
The memory needs
of server depend directly upon the number of users and the amount of database
used. You can fluently run windows server 2003 with as little as 1GB RAM. The
recommended size of RAM on windows server 2008 is 2GB with limitation of 4GB
that you can have at most. This is the least you can have. The enterprise and
datacenter editions can have upto 2TB of RAM. Your needs may multiply several times if you
are running a large database.
What type of RAM do I need?
The type of
RAM that your computer uses is the one you should actually opt for. This
information can easily be found on the user manual that your company provided
when you bought your PC. If you have lost your booklet, you can find the specifications
printed on the sicker which can be found on the RAM of your computer. You can
even enter your product specifications and find the related information on the
manufacturer’s site or just by googling it. Before installing any RAM, make
sure it is compatible with your system needs.
Do I need more RAM?
You need to
add more RAM to your computer, if it is older and underperforming. To check out
how your computer is performing, you can open the resource monitor and get the
real time statistics on how much RAM your computer is using at an instant. To
get a perfect idea, you can run multiple programs that you usually use and see the
results. You can even open the windows experience index and see what is causing
your PC to perform badly.
