Have you ever experienced a sudden lag in your laptop? Programs take forever to respond, the task switcher becomes a pain, and even the most basic internet browsing tasks seem difficult. More often than not, the cause of this is insufficient RAM.
RAM, which stands for Random Access memory, can definitely be considered as one of the keys to a speedy laptop. However, what is RAM doing for a laptop, and how much is required for one to perform day-to-day tasks? This guide provides insights on RAM, allowing the reader to assess their laptop’s memory requirements accurately.
A laptop with a higher RAM capacity will, without a doubt, be able to perform tasks at a quicker pace and be able to run more applications simultaneously. In other words, RAM, which is often referred to as Random Access Memory, is classified as volatile memory which is used as a temporary storage device on your laptop.
In this way, having more RAM means your laptop will be able to operate more applications at once, improving the performance of the application in question, and enhancing the performance of gaming laptops in particular. When the RAM on your laptop is insufficient, it tends to lag and it also struggles to carry out tasks efficiently. Increasing the RAM on your laptop will upgrade its overall performance and allow tasks to become less time-consuming.
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What Does RAM Do For a Laptop?
In brief, Random Access Memory, or RAM is an integral part of a laptop. This is because it allows the laptop to run smoothly as it’s able to store data for a preset amount of time while in use. Due to its volatile nature, however, RAM is limited in size which is why having sufficient RAM is a necessity as it will increase the laptop’s effectiveness significantly.
RAM plays a crucial role in gaming, as it eliminates lags and guarantees that gameplay is smooth. Although having 4GB of RAM is enough for the majority of everyday tasks, it is advised to utilize 8GB for better performance while gaming and juggling multiple programs. It is critical to consider the many forms of RAM available, as each has its own set of speeds and capabilities that may affect the performance of a laptop.
Think of RAM as a work table for your laptop. It serves as fast access memory that your laptop’s brain, the Central Processing Unit (CPU), can easily retrieve information from. Consequently, the greater the RAM, the better the RAM usage, and ultimately CPU retrieval such that everything runs smoothly.
Let’s break RAM down into its functions:
1. Loading Programs
To install a browser, application, or any software on your laptop, you need to directly transfer all of the required files, commands, and settings into the RAM. This transfer allows the CPU’s access to the software and its tools to become more efficient as it can reach them within seconds without having to search in the storage.
2. Active Data Storage
Specific working data when creating documents or using the Internet will be saved in RAM when the user is using it for work. This is similar to having your work table dedicated to the project you are currently handling.
3. Multitasking
Thanks to RAM, you can leave and return to different programs load immediately. Everything you need to use each program is saved on RAM, thus when you return to one of them, the CPU can be engaged in it immediately.
4. Temporary Workspace
RAM works as folder memory but when you power down your laptop its memory is wiped out. That’s actually beneficial as it indicates that RAM is pretty quick at locking things you tend to utilize repeatedly.
How does RAM affect how well your laptop works?
Now that you understand the role and purpose of RAM, let’s discuss how it enhances the performance of your laptop:
- Speed and Responsiveness: With enough RAM at your disposal, launching applications, opening files, and even switching between tasks happens in the blink of an eye.
- Smooth Browsing: For browsing the internet with ease and without hassles, RAM proves to be of great assistance. A sufficient amount of RAM allows for opening multiple tabs concurrently and visiting even the most complex websites to prevent the laptop from hanging.
- Gaming: For gaming enthusiasts, a good amount of RAM is essential to facilitate a seamless gaming experience. Large and complex games need to be supported by sufficient amounts of RAM to enable the game continuation without any jerks.
- Creative Work: If your laptop is used for work related to photo or video editing and the like, then having more RAM is key. It allows such applications to edit and manage large files and complex video edits are made easy.
How Much RAM Does your Laptop need?
Now the question that arises is, how much RAM do you actually need?
Well, the answer to this is entirely up to how you use your laptop, but normally, here’s a rough idea:
- Basic Tasks (4GB RAM): For basic usage of browsing, checking emails, and typing documents, using 4 GB of RAM should be all right. However, even for simple tasks, I guess 4GB should not be sufficient as more demanding software comes along.
- Moderate Tasks (8GB RAM): A great number of users, who tend to do a bit of everything such as browsing, using social networking, carrying out work-related tasks, and maybe some gaming will be satisfied with 8GB. It will not be too much and will provide ample power.
- Demanding Tasks (16GB+ RAM): For video editing, functioning with numerous applications, and playing heavy-duty games, 16GB and above should be suitable. The extra power would be worth it.
More about RAM:
There are also other aspects of RAM apart from its capacity, such as its deadline and its requirements:
- DDR4 SDRAM: When it comes to laptops, this is the most frequent type of RAM currently in use, as it’s quite fast and has low power consumption.
- LPDDR4: This RAM type has been designed for laptops that are aimed at reducing battery consumption, it’s slightly slower than DDR4 but uses less power.
Upgrading Your RAM
If your laptop is slow, and you reckon it’s due to the insufficient amount of RAM, you can opt to upgrade it:
Compatibility
A laptop’s manual or a manufacturer’s website is a good source of information concerning the maximum upgradable RAM capacity and its type (DDR4, LPDDR4) in a specific laptop model. This is relevant because it has to do with the process of upgrading the RAM which involves determining whether the type in question is compatible with a particular laptop.
The Installation Process
Unlike in desktop computers, where modems are more common, the laptop’s RAM upgrade is an easy task. It is underneath the base of a laptop and you can locate it in the compartment that has been designated for it. The old RAM modules will then need to be removed and replaced with new ones while also checking for secure fitting. A range of guides are available on the internet that are suitable for various laptop models.
RAM and Storage: Understanding the Difference
RAM acts as a temporary memory while you are busy for which it creates a workspace. On the other hand, storage units including HDDs or SSDs would be RAM. While RAM can give you temporary leverage storage can store critical files programs, etc. Owners of devices that have an AMD or Intel CPU, know the pain as a slow storage device always affects the device’s responsiveness despite having a huge amount of RAM installed on the device. In case you are facing loading issues switching to SSD might be the key that would work for you as it increases the efficiency at a very good rate.
Tips to make your laptop run better:
- Close Unused Programs: If you’re not going to use a program it’s better to close it instead of leaving it on as that speeds up your RAM and laptop. Let’s be honest no one likes working while multitasking a ton of things.
- Update Software: Ensure that the operating systems and all the applications on your laptop are installed with the latest update as it can eliminate the bugs and enhance the performance.
- Clean Up: Consider deleting programs and files that are useless because they can be removed from your storage drive, which can accelerate the performance of the device and make everything more efficient.
- Disable Startup Programs: Unfortunately a few programs when turned on automatically start as soon as the laptop turns on which consumes RAM from day one, instead of having essential programs right from the start disable the useless ones one by one.
FAQs
My computer seems to be quite slow. Is the problem due to insufficient RAM?
An insufficient amount of RAM can indeed slow down a laptop’s operation. A few symptoms of RAM being insufficient include slow program loading times, lagging while performing multiple tasks at once, and choppy video playback. If you find yourself experiencing such problems, you can try to look at your current RAM size and measure it against your standard usage (use the guide above for help in estimating as well).
Can the RAM of my laptop be increased?
For most laptops, it’s an option to upgrade RAM. But most importantly, compatibility with the device is important. Check your laptop’s manual and the manufacturer’s page to see the RAM upgrade type e.g. the new RAM may need to be DDR4, LPDDR4, etc. Before deciding to upgrade the RAM, it is important to note that it is often quite easy, though if you do not feel comfortable doing it on your own, it may be worthwhile to reach out to a computer specialist for assistance in the matter.
Does adding RAM mean more performance?
Most importantly, yes, having more RAM does indeed make it possible for the system to perform better, but while it sounds ideal it is not necessary to have the extreme optimum level of RAM. Each individual’s requirements determine the ideal amount of RAM they require. For example, considering the above if your laptop activities are related to browsing and/or email activity, 8GB of RAM may do the job, however, if you are a gamer or need software that is higher in demand you will be better off with 16 GB or more of RAM.
Conclusion
To conclude, it is helpful to understand what RAM is in a laptop since this can help you make a better selection to enhance the performance of your laptop. RAM which is short for Random Access Memory can be considered the short-term memory of the computer and indeed has a significant impact on the speed of the laptop. If it is possible, increasing the amount of RAM available on an older laptop should improve its functionality. Issues such as the amount of storage or the number of managed programs have to be taken into consideration as well. With these tips in hand and knowing what RAM is capable of, you will be able to look after your laptop and accompany all of your digital needs.
