How to know how much ram memory I can install on my pc

Knowing what is the ideal amount of RAM memory to install on your computer can make you get the best performance from your tasks and avoid slowdowns on your system. RAM is the short-term memory of your PC. This is measured in gigabytes (GB), and many people confuse it with the memory of hard drives (HDD). But it is very easy to understand the difference, and we will help you in this task.

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How to know how much RAM I can install on my PC

Think of a bookshelf and a physical file. Let's assume that you work with important documents. The shelf is for quick access to documents. However, they do need to be archived so that you can collect them in the future, if necessary. In this case, the file is used, which in this case would be HD. The PC memory would be the bookshelf, which offers temporary space to open and run your programs.

The more RAM memory, the faster and more simultaneous digital documents the computer can open and manage. Not only the documents, but the programs as well. This is one of the most important elements for the proper functioning of your applications.

At the time of purchase, it is important that you keep an eye on the memory of the equipment, according to the tasks you perform daily. And for the avoidance of doubt, and choosing the PC with the ideal configuration, discover the ideal amount of RAM in relation to your use of the PC.

RAM is the preferred memory for those who enjoy games, video editing and those who work with graphics computing. This is because she is responsible for storing the information that is most frequently used by the computer.

What is RAM?

There are two different types of RAM: static and dynamic. Dynamic memory (DRAM) can offer access times of around 60 nanoseconds, while static memory (SRAM) can work at only 10 nanoseconds. However, DRAM is used more often because it is substantially less expensive.

The abbreviation RAM comes from Random-Access Memory (Memory of Random Access), that is, a type of memory used by the processor at any time and place, to read or write data.

Due to this feature, RAM is used to maintain the performance of the computer while working, recording and reading information quickly. In other words, the amount of RAM is directly related to the performance of your PC, especially for heavier programs, such as state-of-the-art games and video editing, which need to record and read large amounts of information at any time.

We recommend reading our guide to the best RAM memory on the market

So, it is normal to think that the more RAM, the better, correct? The answer is yes. However, buying RAM comes at a cost. Additionally, each motherboard supports a specific amount and type of RAM.

In other words, to upgrade the RAM, it may also be necessary to invest in a motherboard. To help you choose better what you need, without having to spend money for nothing, we have prepared this post to find out how much RAM is needed for each activity.

How much RAM does my PC have

To check the amount of RAM memory installed on the computer, first open a new File Explorer window. Next, look for the system icon, which may be labeled 'My Computer or Computer', 'This Computer', 'This Computer' or something similar. Right click on the icon and then select 'Properties'.

This will present you with a screen that gives you a summary of all the specifications of your computer. In the 'System' section, check in 'Installed Memory (RAM)' the amount of memory that your computer has.

If you're seeing a different amount of RAM than you expected, it could well be thanks to a known issue with the Windows operating system. Due to a long quirk in Windows architecture, the 32-bit version only supports up to 4GB of RAM. But a 64 bit operating system should solve this problem.

Note that if the graphics card does not have dedicated memory, then it will reserve RAM for its own use. In this way, graphics will reduce the available memory of the system.

How much RAM do I need?

The baseline for RAM in a computer is 4 GB; That's the amount you can expect from a not-so-expensive model that will work properly, but don't expect to run open high-intensity programs or applications at the same time without compromising performance. Therefore 8GB is best suited for current standards, which is going to be enough to keep your computer cool for the foreseeable future.

Also keep in mind that upgrading to an SSD will significantly improve system performance.

For gamers who want to keep up to date with new releases, or if you need to use intensive hardware from programs like video editing software, then it's worth having 16GB of RAM at your disposal.

4 GB of RAM: a basic equipment

With 4 GB of RAM, a machine is able to easily perform basic tasks, such as surfing the internet, using email, editing texts and spreadsheets, and even watching videos and music on the hard drive or online.

In this case, performance problems often appear when many tasks are performed at the same time. In case there is a need to operate many programs at the same time, it is necessary to go to the next level of RAM.

6 GB of RAM: for the simplest tasks

If you only do more basic activities, such as editing text documents and searching the Internet, you have no reason to invest in expensive RAM of many gigabytes. Therefore, at the time of purchase, you can invest in a computer with up to 6 GB of memory.

However, it is worth remembering: this memory for PC will be limited. If you open several pages on the internet, for example, the computer may slow down and not work properly.

As well as it is not the indicated option for those who are used to using the PC with several programs running at the same time.

As you need little memory on your PC, you probably will not increase the final cost of the equipment. This amount will be ideal for reading e-mails, using social networks and talking to your friends through Skype, for example.

8 GB of RAM: several programs simultaneously

For those who are not going to carry out the heaviest tasks, but want a slightly more efficient RAM, a good option may be the one that is present on a computer with 8 GB.

With this amount of RAM, it will be possible to watch videos, listen to music and leave some programs open simultaneously. And when you want to surf the internet, everything is fine: it will be possible to leave some pages open, without running the risk of them blocking.

But it is clear that all these tasks will be carried out to the extent of a memory for PC that is not so powerful. Some programs can be opened at the same time, but not the heavier programs. For heavier programs, invest in more RAM. However, to use it daily or even at work, its capacity is sufficient.

16 GB of RAM: for videos and games

Now we begin to talk about computers with a more demanding configuration, such as a 16GB computer with RAM. This amount of RAM is ideal for games, HD video, 3D content, and image editing programs.

With this memory on the PC, you can open several internet tabs without blocking, in addition to running programs at the same time and efficiently.

The 6 GB memories are indicated for those who carry out more advanced activities with the equipment, carry out several tasks at the same time or carry out more complex editing of images and videos with professional software.

But remember that RAM does not work miracles: it may also be necessary to invest in a good video card and have good processing quality.

Ideal amount of memory for professional use

Using graphics, video editors and high definition games require a powerful RAM memory, like the one present in a PC with 32 GB. This will be a product indicated for professional use.

It is normal for these equipments to be more expensive, but they are worth it for those who need a powerful machine for those activities that require high performance.

16 GB of RAM: gives the performance for what you need

Most users will not need such an advanced amount of memory. But for those who do heavy video and image editing and play next-generation games, having a 16GB RAM is an imperative.

The indicated thing is to invest in 16 GB of RAM accompanied by a good video card and powerful processor. As you have seen in the previous topics, do not forget to check what are the capacities of the motherboard and the type of RAM that it supports.

So how much RAM does my PC support?

Here's the million dollar question and why we created this article. The one that limits the expansion of RAM memory in your computer is the motherboard. So how do you know how much RAM it supports? You can check the manual of your motherboard to know how much it allows: 8, 16, 32, 64 or 128 GB with ECC or NON ECC, maximum frequencies and voltages. Or even see on the manufacturer's website among its specifications what it allows us, an example of an Asus:

Before installing RAM memory on your computer, check which sockets should be installed. The manual is your friend.

On the manufacturers' website come the QVL list that indicates the modules that have been correctly tested with the motherboard you want or have. Very useful information to go directly to 100% compatible memories.

It can also happen that you do not have a piecemeal computer, but a pre-assembled one. In this case it is much more difficult how much memory you can install, since normally the manufacturer tends to "layer" or limit the system. It is recommended to visit the manufacturer's website and ask for your model… Another trick is to know the platform you have and check for the chipset of your motherboard how much it supports.

Recommended models and conclusion on PC memory

We leave you a list with the recommended models when acquiring memory for your PC:

HyperX Fury HX421C14FB / 4 - RAM, 4 GB 2133MHz DDR4 Non-ECC CL14 DIMM (Compatible with Skylake) Reliability, fully factory tested Corsair Dominator Platinum - 16 GB High Performance XMP 2.0 Memory Module (2 x 8 GB, DDR4, 3000 MHz, C15) Patented DHX cooling technology for optimal performance; Supports Intel XMP 2.0 for hassle-free and automatic Overclocking 107.95 EUR Corsair Vengeance LPX - 16 GB High Performance XMP 2.0 Memory Module (2 x 8 GB, DDR4, 3000 MHz, C15) Color Blue The height of the modules Vengeance LPX is designed even for small spaces; XMP 2.0 Support for Smooth, Automatic Overclocking EUR 118.26 Corsair Vengeance RGB - 16GB Enthusiast Memory Kit (2 x 8GB, DDR4, 3000MHz, C15, XMP 2.0) Black EUR 279.32

And now for notebook memories:

Corsair Value Select - 8 GB Memory Module (1 x 8 GB, SODIMM, DDR4, 2133 MHz, CL15), Black (CMSO8GX4M1A2133C15) 8 GB memory card; Internal memory type: DDR4; 2133 MHz memory speed EUR 39.84 Corsair Vengeance Performance - 16 GB Memory Module (2 x 8 GB, SODIMM, DDR4, 2400 MHz, C16), Black (CMSX16GX4M2A2400C16) Corsair Vengeance 16GB 2400 MHz (PC4-19200) CL16 EUR 101.82 Crucial CT8G4SFS8213 - 8GB RAM (DDR4, 2133 MT / s, Single Rank x 8, PC4-17000, SODIMM 260-Pin) Increase bandwidth by up to 32%; Reduce energy consumption by up to 40%; Faster burst access speeds to improve sequential data performance G.Skill Ripjaws, SO-DIMM 4GB DDR4-2133Mhz, Memory Module, 4GB, 1 x 4GB, DDR4, 2133MHz, 260-pin SO-DIMM Factor SO-DIMM; Capacity 4 GB (4 GB x 1); Tested speed 2133 MHz; CAS Latency 15-15-15-36 EUR 21.00 HyperX Impact - 4 GB DDR4 RAM (2133 MHz, CL13, SODIMM 260-pin) 4GB 2133MHz DDR4 CL13 SODIMM 260-pin HyperX Impact; High performance for Intel 100 series SO-DIMM systems

As time progresses, different programs, web pages and applications become more complex. Your PC starts to lose its breath, and then maybe it's time to upgrade your PC memory. The procedure is simple and speed and performance are gained.

Either way, the more you invest in PC memory, the higher performance is guaranteed for your tasks. And this will come in handy, especially if you need demanding setup for more advanced work.