How Does Random Access Memory (RAM) Affect the Performance of a Computer (2024)

Your computer's system memory is made up of physical memory, called system memory or Random Access Memory (RAM), and virtual memory. System memory is not permanent storage, like a hard disk drive that saves its contents when you turn off your computer.

When you start a program, your processor gives a command to retrieve the program from the hard drive. Once the files are retrieved, the computer needs a workspace to manipulate the data and allow you to interact with it. This digital countertop is your RAM. Your computer places your programs in RAM or the digital countertop, temporarily while you are working with them so that the processor can access that information faster and more easily.

Understanding RAM

Generally, the more RAM your computer has, the larger the digital countertop you have to work on and the faster your programs will run. If your computer is running slowly due to a lack of RAM, you might be tempted to increase virtual memory because it is less expensive. However, adding RAM is a better solution because your processor can read data from RAM faster than from a hard drive.

RAM has two main attributes that affects your computer's performance: memory capacity and memory speed.

Operating System Limitations

Today, most computers are equipped with a 64-bit operating system. Some computers have older designs and use a 32-bit (X86) operating system. Before you upgrade your RAM, ensure that your operating system will support the new amount of memory. Microsoft has an excellent listing in the hyperlink below listing Windows versions and the amount of RAM supported: Memory Limits for Windows and Windows Server Releases .

Memory capacity: The more GB your memory module has, the more programs you can have open at once.

2-4 GB: This was the standard RAM capacity and shipped with computers running Windows Vista or XP. This amount of memory could handle single applications. If your computer has less than 4 GB of RAM, adding more RAM would greatly improve its performance.
4-6 GB: This standard RAM capacity will handle an average user's tasks, such as web browsing, working in Word documents, and emailing, with ease.
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6-8 GB: This larger RAM capacity works great for casual gamers and basic multimedia users. It can handle multiple programs open at one time and new technology so that users do not have to upgrade when their needs change.

8+ GB: This robust RAM capacity is perfect for hardcore gamers and high-end multimedia users and creators. These users want to try the newest technology on the market without upgrading their RAM.

Memory Speed: The amount of time that it takes RAM to receive a request from the processor and then read or write data. Generally, the faster the RAM, the faster the processing speed.

With faster RAM, you increase the speed at which memory transfers information to other components. Meaning, your fast processor now has an equally fast way of talking to the other components, making your computer much more efficient.

RAM speed is measured in Megahertz (MHz), millions of cycles per second so that it can be compared to your processor's clock speed. For Dell desktops and laptops, memory speed can range from the standard 1333 MHz all the way up to speeds of 2133 MHz. The speed of your processor and the bus speed of the computer motherboard is the limiting factors on the speed of RAM installed in your computer. RAM upgrades are limited by the capability of the computer and the availability of expansion slots for adding RAM. Often, upgrading RAM may involve replacing existing RAM modules with larger modules that are again limited by the capability of the computer.

Many tablets and some entry-level laptops do not have upgradable RAM. Look up your computer at the Dell Support Website and check the specifications of the computer before purchasing expansion RAM memory.

Upgrading RAM

If you are considering upgrading your RAM to improve your computer's performance, first determine the amount of RAM your computer has and whether the processor uses a 32-bit (X86) or 64-bit register.

How to check the amount of system memory (RAM) installed in Windows 11 and Windows 10

Right-click the Start Menu and select System.
In the System section, next to Installed memory (RAM), you can view the amount of RAM your computer has.
In the System section, under System type, you can view the register that your computer uses.

How to check the amount of system memory (RAM) installed in Windows 8

On the Start screen, click the Desktop app to go to the desktop.
Pause your mouse pointer in the bottom-left corner of the desktop and right-click to open the options list.
On the options list, click System.
In the System section, next to Installed memory (RAM), you can view the amount of RAM your computer has.
In the System section, under System type, you can view the register that your computer uses.

How to check the amount of system memory (RAM) installed in Windows 7

Open the System menu by clicking the Start button, right-clicking Computer, and then clicking Properties on the options list.
In the System section, next to Installed memory (RAM), you can view the amount of RAM your computer has.
In the System section, under System type, you can view the register that your computer uses.

Remember, it is important to plan how you would like to use your Dell computer, both now and in the future. When you are ready to upgrade, go to Dell Support website for easy installation and to ensure that the memory module is compatible with your computer.

FAQs

How Does Random Access Memory (RAM) Affect the Performance of a Computer? ›

Generally, the faster the RAM, the faster the processing speed. With faster RAM, you increase the speed at which memory transfers information to other components. Meaning, your fast processor now has an equally fast way of talking to the other components, making your computer much more efficient.

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How does RAM memory affect computer performance? ›

With more RAM, more of the program instructions can be loaded and there is less need to keep swapping data in and out to the swap file on the hard disk drive. The constant swapping of data slows down the speed at which applications can run, so increasing RAM will increase the speed of operation of the computer.

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What does the random access memory RAM do for the computer? ›

RAM allows your computer to perform most of its everyday tasks, such as loading applications, browsing the internet, editing a spreadsheet, or experiencing the latest game. Memory also allows you to switch quickly among these tasks while also remembering where you are in each task.

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Why does increased random access memory RAM often increase computer performance? ›

A computer processes data using RAM as a digital workspace for placing programs temporarily. In turn, your computer's processor gains access to the relevant data quickly and easily. Larger RAM space translates to more computing power, thanks to the larger space available to active programs.

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How the random access memory RAM helps the CPU in performing faster? ›

Having more RAM in a computer cuts down on the number of times the processor must read data from the hard disk or solid-state drive, an operation that takes longer than reading data from RAM.

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Does increasing RAM affect performance? ›

Although it won't have as profound an effect as upgrading the processor or graphics card, faster RAM can improve game performance and frame rates. Performance improvements vary from game to game: some see a noticeable boost, while others are barely impacted.

Does more RAM increase computer performance? ›

Whether you decide to upgrade your memory or your storage, you will see a significant increase in your PC's performance. By adding more memory, your slow computer that struggles to perform multiple tasks at once will experience faster recall speeds.

What is the advantage of random access memory? ›

Advantages of RAM: Provides high-speed data access. More storage capacity for processing purposes. Enables multitasking and quick application switching.

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What is the random access memory RAM known as? ›

Alternatively called main memory, primary memory, or system memory, RAM (random-access memory) is a hardware device that allows information to be stored and retrieved on a computer.

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Does more RAM reduce CPU usage? ›

If your computer is low on memory it may use the CPU to compensate for the lack of memory, adding more RAM can help lower the CPU usage. It's important to have enough RAM for the tasks you are performing to reduce CPU usage. However, it's also important to not have too much RAM, as it can cause high CPU usage as well.