The amount of RAM in MB. How much RAM do you need for games

RAM

Next, we will dwell in more detail on the next important characteristic of RAM - its volume. First, it should be noted that it most directly affects the number of programs, processes and applications running at a time and their smooth operation. To date, the most popular modules are strips with a capacity of: 4 GB and 8 GB (we are talking about the DDR3 standard).

Based on which operating system is installed, as well as for what purposes the computer is used, you should correctly select and select the amount of RAM. For the most part, if the computer is used to access the World Wide Web and to work with various applications, while Windows XP is installed, then 2 GB is enough.

For those who like to “run in” a recently released game and people working with graphics, you should set at least 4 GB. And in the event that you plan to install windows 7, then you will need even more.

The easiest way to find out how much memory your system needs is to launch Task Manager (by pressing ctrl+alt+del on your keyboard) and launch the resource-consuming program or application itself. After that, it is necessary to analyze the information in the "Memory Allocation" - "Peak" group.

Thus, we can determine the maximum allocated volume and find out to what volume it needs to be increased so that our highest indicator fits in RAM. This will give you maximum system performance. There will be no need to increase further.

Choice of RAM

Now let's move on to the question of choosing the RAM that is most suitable specifically for you. From the very beginning, you should determine exactly the type of RAM that your computer motherboard supports. For modules of different types, there are different connectors, respectively. Therefore, in order to avoid damage to the motherboard or the modules themselves, the modules themselves have different sizes.

The optimal amount of RAM was discussed above. When choosing RAM, you should focus on its bandwidth. For system speed, the most optimal option is when the module bandwidth matches the same processor characteristic.

That is, if the computer has a processor with a 1333 MHz bus, the bandwidth of which is 10600 Mb / s, then to ensure the most favorable conditions for performance, you can put 2 bars, the bandwidth of which is 5300 Mb / s, and which in total will give us 10600 Mb/s

However, it should be remembered that for this mode of operation, the RAM modules must be identical both in volume and in frequency. In addition, they must be made by the same manufacturer. Here is a short list of well-established manufacturers: Samsung, OCZ, Transcend, Kingston, Corsair, Patriot.

In the end, it is worth summarizing the main points:

• Based on the definition: RAM or RAM is an integral part of a computer that is necessary for temporary storage of data, which in turn is necessary for the processor to work.
• After completion of any operations (closing programs, applications), all data associated with them are deleted from the chip. And when you start new tasks, the data that the processor needs at a given time is loaded into it from the hard disk.
• The speed of access to data located in RAM is several hundred times greater than the speed of access to information located on the hard disk. This allows the processor to use the desired information, gaining instant access to it.
• To date, the most common 2 types: DDR3 (with a frequency of 800 to 2400 MHz) and DDR4 (from 2133 to 4266 MHz). The higher the frequency, the faster the system runs.

If you have any difficulties with the choice of RAM, if you cannot determine what type of RAM your motherboard supports and what amount will be more suitable for your needs, then you can always contact the service site. We are computer help at home in Moscow and Moscow region. Our experts will help with the selection, replacement and installation in a computer or laptop.

Your computer uses random access memory (RAM) to manage running programs. If it works slowly, it is possible that the reason for this is the small amount of RAM. So how do you know how much RAM is on your computer?

Run diagnostics

You can check how much memory is installed, as well as how much is actually used.

First you need to open the "System" form in one of the following ways:

1. Press the Win + Pause key combination at the same time - this will open the "System" form.
2. Open the "Start" menu, call the context menu from the "Computer" item by right-clicking the computer mouse. Select "Properties" from the list - the "System" form will open.
3. Open the Start menu, select Settings, navigate to System, and click on About (Windows 10).

Look for "Installed Memory (RAM)". You can read the information how much is installed and available in fact for use.

Note that the "usable" amount of RAM is less, since manufacturers report the size differently than Windows recognizes. For example, out of 8 GB available for use, there might be 7.88 GB.

Use the command line to download a detailed report: find it in the start menu or by pressing Win + R. In the text field, enter CMD to run. Type WMIC MEMORYCHIP and press Enter. You will see the size and speed of each installed module.

Check your current RAM usage. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. Select the "Resource Monitor" option, find the "Memory" tab. It's meant to be used, so there's no reason to be alarmed when you see that most of it is currently occupied by processes.

Reasons why the OS does not show the entire volume

There can be several different reasons why the entire amount of RAM is not shown.

How to determine why there may be a lack of memory:

1. If you are running a 32-bit version of Windows, no more than 4 GB of RAM will be available for use. Any amount of RAM larger than this value will not be recognized. You can find out which version you have at the top of the System window. Update to 64-bit.
2. If your modules have different speeds, they cannot communicate properly together. Use the command line to view the characteristics of each module.
3. If one of your memory modules fails, the operating system cannot work with it. Use the free MEMTEST program to scan modules and look for errors.
4. If the modules are not supported by your motherboard, they will not be recognized by Windows. Read the documentation for your motherboard in order to purchase the RAM that will be supported by it.

Not all users understand the functioning of the system components. Such knowledge helps to understand the operation of the computer and, if necessary, fix any problems. Therefore, you often need to know how to find out the amount of RAM or other characteristics of a PC.

The concept of RAM

RAM has long been an integral part of the system. And if the system can function without a discrete video card, then things are more complicated with the operational one.

The component is volatile in the system. It is part of computer memory and is stored while the PC is running. That is, the RAM is not engaged in saving user data, but is designed to maintain the system's performance.

For example, you opened a browser, and there are several tabs in it. After you had to interrupt your work to start one of the programs. You worked with it for a while and returned to the web browser again. So that neither one nor the other information is lost, it is written by code to RAM. The same situation occurs with computer games.

RAM operation

Before you figure out how to find out the amount of RAM, it is important to understand how RAM functions. All data is stored in the module's semiconductors. All of them are available and can work if voltage is applied to them. That is, in a turned off computer If, during the operation of the RAM, the supply of electric current is interrupted, then any stored information may be distorted or destroyed.

RAM capabilities

Thanks to the RAM, an energy-saving mode can work. It helps the PC put the system into sleep mode. During this time, energy consumption is reduced. But since electricity is still supplied to the motherboard, the RAM module functions fully.

But if you use hibernation, then in this case the RAM will not help, because it turns off the voltage completely. But before that, the system manages to write all the information that was stored on RAM into a special file that will start the next time the system is turned on.

RAM Creation

It is not so easy to determine the RAM. It all depends on how long ago the device was purchased. To do this, you will have to refer to the operational documentation. For example, models from 2006 to 2009. received only 4 GB, after - until 2012, they worked with 16 GB, and until the end of 2013 32 GB of RAM was available.

Motherboard

A lot also depends on the capabilities of the mother's memory. Even if the operating system is running with 128 GB of RAM, the motherboard may not support this amount. To do this, you will have to open your PC and find out the model of the motherboard. After that, you can search for information about her. In the case of a laptop, it is enough to find the documentation for it or find information on the official website of the manufacturer.

Situation now

The minimum amount of RAM at the present time is 1 GB. This is the minimum that can still withstand work with office programs and a browser. But for another six months or a year, and due to the resource intensity of programs and media content, resources will not be enough.

8-16 GB of RAM is considered optimal. This is enough for heavy programs such as Photoshop, and for computer games, and for office work.

How much is installed?

When you figure out how to find out the maximum supported amount of RAM, you can try upgrading the RAM. But for this you have to find out how much is available in the system.

To do this, you can go to "My Computer" again, right-click on the free space and select "Properties". A new dialog box will show the total amount of RAM. This option is more suitable for understanding how to find out the amount of laptop RAM, since it is not easy to get to the module in laptops.

You can also install the CPU-Z program to get all the RAM data. For this you need:

• Download program;
• install and open it;
• go to the SPD tab.

Here the type of memory, its volume, frequency of operation, manufacturer and even serial number will be indicated.

On a PC, it's better to check everything with your own eyes:

• disconnect the system from power;
• remove the side cover;
• find the module on the board;
• turn it off and check the information on the label.

If one module is installed in the computer, then it is possible to connect one or two more. But for this you will have to choose the same RAM modules. That is why it is better to take the device out of the case in order to find identical or very similar parts and purchase.

Mem Reduct Program

How to find out the amount of RAM used by the computer? To do this, you can install the Mem Reduct program. This little utility gives you information about how much physical, virtual memory and real-time usage. But, in addition, it allows you to clear unnecessary data already.

If the system began to slow down, this is especially true for computers with 1-4 GB of RAM, then you can install this program. Entering it, some indicators will be highlighted in orange. This means that the memory is loaded. Just click on "Clear memory" to temporarily unload it.

The program is very useful because it allows you to maintain the working state of the system without braking. If you don't have much RAM installed, it's best to clean it once an hour. Of course, everything will depend on the processes.

Due to the fact that Microsoft has stopped all support for its operating systems that were released earlier than Windows 7, many users are wondering about switching to the seventh generation OS, even if they have only a weak computer.

One of the main criteria that affects the speed of a PC is the amount of RAM installed in it. Also, its volume is very important for the normal maintenance of the latest versions of operating systems.

Below is detailed information on how much RAM is needed for Windows 7 so that the computer can work stably and correctly.

How much memory does the "Seven" require?

In order for Windows 7 to be able to function normally in a PC, it must be borne in mind that it will need to provide a sufficient amount of not only RAM, but also virtual memory, as well as a certain amount of it on the system disk.

Minimum RAM Requirements

The possibility of normal work with multitasking operations will depend on the amount of RAM. Today it is already difficult to find a user who works on a computer and uses only one program at a time.

Usually, even when solving the simplest office duties, the user launches several documents at once and opens many pages in the browser.

If the amount of RAM in the computer is sufficient, then the system, even under heavy loads, will function stably and without freezes.

The developer of "Seven" himself imposes minimum requirements for the required amount of RAM of at least 1 gigabyte.

However, Microsoft sets this option only for 32-bit Windows 7. This value should be doubled if you plan to install a 64-bit OS on your PC.

There are also some nuances regarding the amount of RAM for computers running Windows 7. It should be noted that when installing a 32-bit OS, it is not advisable to install more than four gigabytes of RAM in a PC, because the system simply will not see it over a certain amount.

Maximum system capacity to work with large amounts of RAM

As mentioned above, a 32-bit system is not capable of handling a significant amount of RAM, and even 4 Gb will not be fully utilized.

Therefore, if the user needs to work with resource-intensive programs, it is more expedient to install 64-bit Windows 7 on a PC. The figure below shows the parameters indicated on the official Microsoft source.

In order to clarify the modification of "Windows 7", functioning in a PC, it is necessary to perform the following few steps:

1. Click "Start";
2. Then click RMB on "Computer";
3. Click "Properties";

Usually enough RAM to perform office tasks is 4 gigabytes. If the user works with resource-intensive graphic applications, as well as with audio and video processing programs, then the use of a 64-bit OS will be a mandatory requirement, since it allows you to use a large amount of RAM installed in the computer.

Windows 7 requirements for disk space

Just installing a large bar of RAM in a PC is not enough. On the hard drive of the computer, sufficient space should also be allocated for the functioning of the Seven.

According to the system developer, at least 16 gigabytes of memory is required on the system volume in the case of a 32-bit system, and for a 64-bit system this figure should already be at least 20.

However, practice proves that the above figures are clearly underestimated. In fact, to ensure more or less normal functioning of the PC, a minimum of 40–50 Gb should be allocated.

And for comfortable work, it is advisable to multiply the indicated number by two.

Windows 7 requirements for the amount of virtual memory

This is a very important parameter if there is a shortage of installed RAM, since this memory takes over the functions of RAM when the latter is insufficient.

It is also called the "paging file". "Seven" sets its volume automatically, but for a more stable operation of the system, self-adjustment of this parameter is often required.

And in cases of especially large volumes of RAM installed in a PC, it is advisable to simply disable it, which can increase performance.

To do this, you need to do:

If you need to manually adjust the parameter, the optimal size of the paging file is 2–4 Gb.

It only takes a few steps to install it:

RAM is a component of a computer. The most important characteristic is measured in gigabytes: the more, the better. Other characteristics are much less important - timings and the number of bars, dual-channel ... This device has many other names:

• "brain"
• memory
• RAM
• RAM (Random Access Memory)
• SDRAM

What does RAM look like

This article explains in detail the purpose of RAM, how to install it yourself (no more difficult than replacing a light bulb!), The subtleties of choice. The main thing: after reading a couple of pages of this text, an inexperienced user will easily figure out marketing spells about frequencies with megahertz and will know whether another gigabyte of memory is useful, or the seller is selling unnecessary goods.

What does RAM do: a clear explanation

Temporarily stores operational information. Not the one that is needed to save movies with music, but the one that is used by Windows itself, programs, games, etc. Such information is stored only when the PC is turned on. The computer turns on, the system starts - and during the start, programs and modules are launched that write the necessary data from the HDD to RAM. So that the computer can "communicate" with this data very quickly - i.e., operate promptly(hence the term “operational”).

In short, this is ultra-fast memory, which is 300 times faster than a hard drive. The quick response of a running program (instantaneous appearance of a menu with the right mouse button, say) is the merit of the high speeds of the “RAM”.

RAM analogue in the real world - what is stored in the human brain for a short time. This data is ready for brain processing at any second. With the RAM in the brain can be compared, for example, the information that we remember for a short time, while doing some work. For example, we consider 9 + 3 = 1 and 2 in the mind ... Or another example, the waiter remembers that he ordered a table - he will most likely forget this information in a couple of hours, replacing it with another one. Of course, comparing human memory and computer memory is not very correct, because the brain works differently and everything that gets into the RAM can be remembered and get into long memory (in the HDD), which cannot be the case with a computer ... With HDD, you can compare long-term memory, for example, we read a book and remember something. But access to such data is sometimes not fast, because in order to remember, you need to take a book from the shelf and refresh your memory - such memory can be compared to the memory of a hard disk in a computer - not fast, but fundamental.

Finally, there are also absolutely lightning-fast types of memory. In a computer, this is a processor cache, which is tightly sewn into the CPU, and in the human head, it is something that is tightly and firmly memorized from a school desk: the multiplication table, “live - write with the letter and”, “twice two”, etc. P.

How many GB of RAM do you need

The bigger, the better? Yes, but only up to a certain limit. Modern computers (starting from 2012-14) are extremely rarely equipped with one gigabyte of RAM - this is the day before yesterday and a museum exhibit, and not a real product in 2017.

2 gigabytes RAM is a typical capacity of frankly budget machines. Perhaps this is enough - but it is extremely uncomfortable in terms of speed and responsiveness already with the browser open, Word, Skype and antivirus. No, for 2017, two gigabytes is incredibly small - but somehow you can live with them.

4 gigabytes RAM - a certain "threshold" value of the capacity of RAM. Four gigabytes are equipped with fairly budget laptop models, and more or less expensive counterparts. Enough? Frankly, yes; but there is no stock. The "gluttony" of programs and the OS itself is able to load all 4 gigs to the eyeballs, albeit not always.

8 gigabytes DDR is a zone of comfort and tranquility. Rarely, very rarely, a computer will take at least 5-6 gigabytes of RAM (this is in 2016, but in 2018 the appetites of the code will be able to score even not such a huge amount!).

16, 32 (or 128!) gigabytes RAM is hardly needed by an ordinary user - this is already from the territory of space. What is the use of a multi-ton truck body when the car does not carry anything larger than a washing machine? In 2017, it's hardly worth buying extra gigabytes of RAM just to "be".

The table lists the main "eaters" of RAM. The numbers are only approximate - for some, Windows takes more megabytes, for some it takes less. Tabs with sites can contain a short page without pictures, or they can be monstrous panels of social networks with all contacts, blinkers and reminders. Games require a lot, but before launching them, it is customary to turn off unnecessary browsers and text documents.

So, the table: who “eats” how much RAM. Typical RAM consumption by modern programs. 2016-2017; further - only more.

Programs and their components	The occupied amount of RAM, megabytes (not GB!)
OS Windows 7	500-1500
OS Windows 8 (or 10)	500-1800
Browser with 5-7 open tabs	400-800
Word	200
Skype	100
Numerous service processes, updates, drivers	10-20 MB in each of 20-50 such firmware = 200-1000 megabytes
Download manager	20-30
Modern game	2000-3000
Sample game 2010-2012	1000-2000
Antivirus in normal state	300-500
Antivirus in full scan mode	2000-2500

So how much RAM do you need for Windows 7, for example? Try not to buy computers with 2 gigabytes on board - this is frankly not enough. 4 gigabytes is just good, 8 is super. More is usually not worth it. 16 gigabytes and above are needed for:

• advanced “computers”, for whom it is quite a standard task to run 2-3 virtual systems in Windows;
• avid gamers with ultra-high resolution monitors and expensive graphics cards;
• programmers with the need to debug-test desktop programs;
• video designers and their photo colleagues - and even then not always;
• simply because you want more than others. No focus on practicality.

Types of RAM, frequency and other characteristics

18-20 years have passed since the introduction of the first DDR standard. Several generations of computers have changed, their performance has increased significantly. At any given time, no more than two generations of memory are relevant. In 2017, this is the rapidly aging DDR3, which reigned on the market for 7 years, and the already familiar DDR4. If you are buying a new computer, then most likely it will be equipped with the fourth generation of RAM. If we are talking about upgrading an old one (5-8 years ago), then DDR3 works inside. Generations are not compatible with each other: it is physically impossible to put a DDR4 die into the connector from the “troika”, and vice versa.

RAM for laptops differs from the usual "desktop" in physical dimensions. Notebook RAM is two times less in length than standard. Frequencies, volume and generation of DDR match each other for laptops and PCs. True, memory for laptops is divided into 2 more subcategories that are physically incompatible with each other:

• standardSO-DIMM(the SO prefix indicates exactly the laptop size of the RAM) - the most common option;
• low power memory SO-DDR3L(or simply DDR3L, or the newest DDR4L): most often found in inexpensive laptop models.

The second important characteristic of RAM after volume is frequency. The more, the better, in principle - but DDR4 at 2100 MHz is completely a penny slower than DDR4 at 2800 MHz. The difference is almost 1-2 percent, and even then only in some applications. You should not overpay for megahertz - except maybe 2-3 dollars. There are also other characteristics of memory: delays, they are also timings. The lower the timings, the faster the memory (that's right - timing 10 is preferable to 12). You certainly should not focus on this characteristic, although in the era of DDR / DDR2 15 years ago, timings meant more than they do today. However, this is history.

RAM prices: focusing on offers

Since around 2010, RAM has been obscenely cheap compared to the older days. How much exactly? We apologize for the prices in dollars, but ... they are not called "evergreen" for nothing. The prices given are not the cheapest, according to the Bayon.ru online store - but with a margin.

Table: cost of RAM (for laptop and for PC), 2017. DDR3 and DDR4 models are introduced, as well as "notebook" SO-DIMM form factors.

Memory type	Frequency, MHz	Price,$	Note
DDR3, 2 GB	1600	19,85	The cheapest decent option
DDR3, 4 GB	1600	26,00
DDR3, 4 GB	2400	32,15	Expensive, "overclocking" RAM
DDR3, 8 GB	1600	38,60
SO-DIMM DDR3, 2 GB	1600	19,85	The cheapest stick of RAM for a laptop
SO-DIMM DDR3, 4 GB	1600	27,50	The most popular type of laptop RAM
SO-DIMM DDR3, 4 GB	1833	29,30	Popular volume, increased frequency
SO-DIMM DDR3, 8 GB	1600	34,50	Large volume, standard frequency
DDR4, 4 GB	2133	26,00	Average 4 GB DDR3
DDR4, 8 GB	2133	42,90	Popular high volume plank
DDR4, 8 GB	2400	55,60	Large volume, increased frequency
SO-DIMM DDR4, 4 GB	2133	27,50	Standard bar of a modern laptop
SO-DIMM DDR4, 8 GB	2133	43,50	Volume bar of a modern laptop

Should I upgrade (add) RAM?

Definitely yes, if the amount of RAM is less than 2-3 gigabytes: the performance gain will be visible to the naked eye. The "critical point" of performance is somewhere in the middle between 2 and 4 GB of RAM. Less RAM means less speed. More - everything works as it should, in a word - "flies".

Rather, yes than no, if the available volume is 4 gigabytes. The speed of the computer is unlikely to increase, but there will be much less freezes and lags. Not a bad investment.

There is no need if there are already 6-8 gigabytes “on board”.

There is no need if the point of the upgrade is to buy DDR with a higher clock speed. The benefit of such an upgrade, if non-zero, tends to be.

How to add RAM to a computer? And on a laptop? DIY RAM upgrade

PC desktops are larger “creations”. Inside the case you can place at least 10 laptops (in size!). There are a lot of slots and connectors on desktop motherboards, unlike ultra-compact laptops, where every millimeter is saved. The typical number of slots in a computer for RAM is 2 or 4. As a rule, only 1-2 of them are occupied. Adding a bar of RAM to an already working one is a matter of a couple of minutes. It is enough to turn off the computer, open the system unit and insert the DDR bracket into the appropriate slot. You don't need any tools or even a screwdriver.

The main requirement is that the RAM must be of the appropriate generation. There is no way to insert a modern DDR4 into a DDR3 slot: they even have different sizes. But the volume of the additional bar can be any. The frequency is also any, but at different frequencies of several "RAM" strips, the computer runs on the smallest of them.

In laptops, things are a little more complicated. They have three types of RAM slots:

1. Dual Slot Configurations: as a rule, it is already inserted into 2 connectors by "RAM". In this case, you should buy one more capacious module, and replace the existing one with a new one. Classics of the genre: 4 GB of RAM, 2 sticks of 2 GB each. There are no other sockets. You will have to buy a 4 GB memory module (or 8 GB, if necessary), and insert it in place of the old one. As a result, we get 6 GB of RAM. The old module, by the way, can be sold.

Less common are two slots, one of which is occupied, the other is free. Everything is perfectly simple: we buy additional RAM of any volume, insert it into an empty slot. For example, it was 4 GB (one bar), we buy another 4 GB in one bar, insert ... the result is 8 GB.

1. Single slot configurations(usually inexpensive laptop models). There is only one connector, and, of course, it is already filled with a bar of RAM. The only option is to remove the old module, put in a new one - a larger one.
2. Laptops with soldered RAM. Upgrading is almost impossible: desoldering an old module and resoldering a new one is a non-trivial and very risky task. However, the RAM is tightly soldered only in inexpensive machines, and this does not happen too often.

How to find out the number of slots and type of memory in a laptop or computer

Any diagnostic program like CPU-Z will do. Download, install, look in the section about memory (memory).

Basic information about RAM: how many GB and so on, is in the Memory tab. The following characteristics are immediately visible:

• Memory type: DDR3
• RAM: 6 GB
• Number of channels: 2 (Dual)
• Less interesting indicators are timings and frequency: 665.1 MHz (the DDR standard implies a two-way exchange of information with memory, therefore the true frequency is 1333 MHz).

The conclusions can be drawn as follows: the computer (in this case, a laptop) clearly has 2 slots, both are occupied. This is indicated by the dual-channel mode of operation, which is possible only if there is an even number of bars. Another conclusion is a clearly non-standard configuration: 4 + 2 GB of RAM. Typically, manufacturers set the amount of RAM to a multiple of 2: 2, 4, 8, or 16 gigabytes. This means that the owner has already upgraded the RAM.

Much more detailed information is described in the next tab of the CPU-Z utility: SPD (brain speed). In the upper left part of the window, you can really see that there are 2 slots, both are occupied. In the first connector, a 2 giga (2048 MB) die with a frequency of 667 (1333 MHz) perched. In the second - 4 gigabytes (4096 MB) with the same frequency of 1333.

A couple of informational bonuses: you can see the production date of one of the RAMs (week 9, 2011), and the manufacturers of both sticks: Nanya and PNY.

How can I upgrade the RAM in the example above? 6 gigabytes is quite enough volume for 2016, but if there is a strong desire, you can buy one 4 GB DDR3 stick (the price is about $ 26), and insert it instead of the old 2 GB one (by the way, you can sell it for 5 dollars). 8). The result will be 8 gigabytes of RAM.

RAM manufacturers: which one is better. And final tips

Whoever does not produce RAM: the processor giant AMD, and Samsung with LG, and numerous Kingston, Corsair, etc. In the most numerous segment of RAM, there is really no difference between manufacturers. All of them produce reliable and fast DDR, which is capable of some overclocking.

You should think about the manufacturer only in cases where more serious overclocking is required, special requirements for reliability, and, perhaps, for the artistic beauty of RAM. That's right, the more expensive models come with optional, but stunningly cute heatsinks for cooling the modules.

And further. RAM is remarkably reliable. It is quite safe to take it from hand, "used" - most likely, it will work for many more years, with the same characteristics and power consumption.