Random access memory (RAM, RAM) is one of the most important components of a computer. It is she who decides whether your PC will pull a new game or is it better to immediately abandon this crazy undertaking. Like every component of the computer, "RAM" has its own classification and parameters. In its types and types, we are now trying to figure it out.
What is RAM
In fact, RAM is the "intermediary" between the hard drive and the processor. To ensure speed, the processes and tasks that the CPU needs to process at the moment are postponed to the "RAM". This is exactly what RAM does. The maximum RAM that can be installed on a computer will cope with these tasks many times faster.
The OP has its own characteristics. Bus frequency, volume, power consumption and more. We will analyze all these parameters a little lower. In the meantime, let's move on to the types of RAM.
Types of RAM
In immemorial times, there were such types of RAM as SIMM and DIMM. It is not worth stopping at them now, since they have not been released for a long time, and it has become impossible to find them. Let's start right away with DDR. The very first DDR memory was released back in 2001. She could not boast of high performance and volume. The maximum frequency of the first DDR was 133 MHz. The result was not very "nimble" RAM. The maximum RAM at that time was about 2 GB per one “bar”.
With the development of technology, a new type of "RAM" has appeared. They called it DDR2. The main difference from the usual DDR was the operating frequency. Now it was 1066 MHz. Very good performance gain. And after a couple of years, DDR3 was released - the most popular type of RAM at the moment. 2400 MHz is just such a maximum frequency of RAM. There was no processor capable of supporting such frequencies at that time. Therefore, Intel and AMD had to urgently release something that could work with such a "RAM."
Maximum volume
The volume of "RAM" plays an important role in its speed. The higher the volume of the “bar”, the more information it can contain. Now the size of the "RAM" is measured in gigabytes. It plays a decisive role in whether the computer “pulls” powerful software kits and games. But there are volume limitations on the part of the system. As an example, take the operating system from Microsoft Windows 7. The maximum RAM that this system can work with should be 16 GB or more. Windows 10, for example, is able to work correctly with 128 GB RAM. It is also worth noting that 32-bit operating systems are not able to interact with more than 3 GB of RAM. If your “RAM” is 4 GB or more, then you definitely recommend a 64-bit OS.
Nowadays, the optimal amount of OP for an average computer can be called 8-16 GB. However, if you need a powerful gaming machine, then you can not do without 32 GB of RAM. If you decide to do video editing, then you need a very voluminous RAM. Maximum RAM should be between 32 and 128 GB. It should be noted that this is quite an expensive pleasure.
As for laptops, it’s impossible to increase the amount of “RAM” to infinity here. Typically, laptops and netbooks are equipped with only two slots for RAM. Therefore, to increase the "RAM" for them is quite difficult. In many ways, the maximum amount of RAM a laptop depends on the motherboard and processor used to build the laptop. Usually motherboards are designed for 8-16 GB of RAM and there is no way to increase this limit.
RAM frequency
DDR3 RAM modules are capable of operating at frequencies of 1333-2100 MHz. To choose the best option for your computer, you need to know what frequencies are supported by the motherboard and processor. Most motherboards easily work with frequencies 1333-1600 MHz. If you select a frequency of 2100 MHz, then the performance gain will not be particularly noticeable against the background of the extremely high price of "RAM" and a motherboard that supports these frequencies. This is an option for very crazy gamers.
Among inexperienced users, the question often arises “how to find out the maximum RAM”. There is an excellent program AIDA 64. It will provide complete information about the computer's OP. Here will be the maximum frequency, and volume, and type. The program provides equally comprehensive information about other components of the computer. Definitely, everyone should have such a product. Then many questions will disappear by themselves.
Conclusion
Now we know what RAM is, maximum RAM and its frequency. You can safely choose the OP for your computer yourself. Basic knowledge is enough to equip a PC with the most advanced "RAM".