All you need to know about RAM

Random-access memory (RAM) is where the PC stores a relatively small amount of ephemeral data that is more rapidly accessed by the Central Processor Unit (CPU) rather than data stored on a long-lasting memory device, such as hard drive or CD. Unlike data that are stored on long-lasting memory devices, information within RAM is lost when there is no power.

While either buying or upgrading RAM it can become tricky, as purchasing the incorrect type of RAM and attempting to install it within your PC could cause your PC not to boot at all. Throughout this article is a complete guide on all you need to know when changing RAM.

Identify what RAM your motherboard accepts

Knowing what type of RAM you need depends on the make or model of your motherboard. The quickest and easiest way to find out the correct RAM is to check your motherboard’s manual or manufacturer’s website. It is crucial that you check the compatibility list as installing the wrong type of RAM will cause the PC not to boot.

If you’re running an older machine looking to increase its RAM understand that older PCs like Dell used to use their own proprietary architecture making third party RAM incompatible. Newer Dells and PCs however use generic RAM now.

When looking to purchase RAM, you may come across the option to select buffered, also called registered, or unbuffered. The major difference between the two is that buffered memory is designed for server motherboards whereas unbuffered memory is designed to run with standard desktop motherboards. One final note about unbuffered memory is it can also be symbolized with a U – for example PC3200U.

If you are interested in knowing the exact type of memory currently installed in your system, Speccy is an excellent tool to use. It will provide you with the exact type, model number, speeds as well as brand name not only for your RAM but for every other PC component.

Mixing RAM

Be careful with mixing memory sticks as in some cases it may cause the PC to not boot. Mixing faster memory with slower memory will always result in the motherboard using the slower speeds. Same issue goes for the sizes. Having one 4GB with one 2GB is not ideal as one stick may receive double the work. However as long as both memory sticks are on the compatible list provided from your motherboard the PC should accept the new RAM.

Memory works best when running in the correct channels along with a matching RAM stick. Channels are the dual in-line memory module (DIMM) slots located to the right of the CPU socket. Here is where RAM is inserted into the motherboard and is where the RAM will receive its power as well as do its calculations. There are four different types of channels that different motherboards use: Single, Dual, Triple, and Quad. The most common found on motherboards would be a dual channel meaning that the PC will perform its best when running two RAM sticks at a time.

Overclocking RAM

The standard RAM speed for an Intel CPU is 1600MHz, anything higher will run off the motherboard’s chipset adding more load to the motherboard. The AMD FX series on the other hand works best with memory running at 1866MHz.

It may sound good to overclock your RAM, as you’re forcing the RAM to work overtime just like an overclocked CPU. However RAM overclocking is much different as it deals with adjusting voltages, latencies and other settings within your BIOS.

Unless you are a PC enthusiast I would recommend keeping the RAM settings within the BIOS to default and to not purchase anything higher then 1600MHz RAM for an Intel or AMD system, with the exception of the AMD FX series of course.

Finding the correct RAM

There are three very easy and simple ways to find the correct RAM for your motherboard.

1. Check your motherboard’s manual or website.

2. Contact our TSF Hardware Team for advice.

3. Use an Online Memory Finder Tool:

• Crucial’s Online Memory Finder tool

• G.Skill’s Memory Configurator

• Corsair’s Product Configurator

Brands such as Crucial, G.Skill and Corsair have proven to be some of the best RAM on the market and are the recommended brands here at TSF.

Understanding DDR Memory

Double data rate synchronous dynamic random-access memory (DDR SDRAM) is the newest and most common type of RAM for most of the PCs out there. In fact you would be hard pressed to find memory that wasn’t DDR.

There are three types of DDR SDRAM: DDR, DDR2 and DDR3 none of which are backwards compatible. Depending on the DDR type your motherboard accepts there will be a selection to choose the type of PIN style (184-Pin, 240-Pin). Remember to check your motherboard’s manual to see which DDR style and how many PINs is compatible with your system.

The DDR style of memory allows for much faster transfer rates as well as a high storage capacity. Higher storage capacity and better performance will typically come with heat. You may notice that most RAM now comes with a design shroud. Although this does add a nice appearance its main purpose is to act as a heat spreader. Be sure that your CPU cooler does not interfere with the RAM modules as some heat spreaders can add height, however this is typically a rare case.

Sometimes installing 1600MHz RAM will result in the BIOS using default speeds of 1333MHz. It would be recommended to enter the BIOS and change the default setting to 1600MHz at maximum.

Finally, you may be thinking that the more RAM the better! With DDR3 capacities reaching an outstanding 64GB, this high capacity is unnecessary for both home users and gamers. Most PC applications or games only require around 6GB of data. The highest recommendation here at TSF would be 16GB and should only be required for demanding software like Photoshop CS6+ and AutoCAD rendering.

Conclusion

Hopefully this will help you choose your new memory with ease. If you have any questions on why your PC may not be booting or you still are not sure which RAM to buy you are always welcome to post on our TSF forums!

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