Usually, when buying a PC or assembling a PC, the question of how to choose RAM is the last thing to do. Of course, this does not mean that RAM modules are an unimportant component of the system. Rather, this is due to the fact that with a lack of memory, you can buy or replace a device.
What it is?
To understand how to choose the right memory, you need to figure out what it is. It must be said right away that RAM has nothing to do with a hard drive. Winchester stores the user's personal data, but “RAM” is a temporary archive.
This is a temporary place where the data necessary for the operation of the system and programs gets. If the computer does not have enough RAM, it starts to slow down, delete information about previously launched utilities and fill it with new data.
A memory module is called a bar, which is represented by a rectangular textolite with chips.
The choice
How to choose random access memory for the computer? If you understand other components of the system, then you can quickly cope with RAM. It will be more difficult for those who have little understanding of the computer and the capabilities of its components.
To understand how to choose the right RAM for your computer, you need to consider its main characteristics, and then decide on what purpose the PC is used for.
What you will need to pay attention to when choosing:
- How much memory is needed.
- What are the types.
- The main characteristics of RAM.
- Marking.
- Design.
- Manufacturers
These are the main points, knowing which, you can easily decide on the choice of RAM.
Appointment
How to choose RAM for PC? First, think about what tasks the system will perform. Now the market for computers and components has been divided into gaming systems and workers. Of course, some also highlight multimedia, office, educational and other options. But it so happened that buyers were divided into two categories: gamers and ordinary users.
Based on this, it is worthwhile to understand how to choose RAM. This also affects the amount of RAM. For example, if you are building a gaming system, you must definitely choose DDR4 with a capacity of 8 GB or more. The frequency is better to choose from 2.4 GHz.
If we are talking about an office PC, then 4 GB will be enough to work on the Internet and with programs. At the same time, many in the reviews also recommend choosing DDR4. If you have the opportunity and finances, then it is better to stock up with two 8 GB strips at once. This is enough for resource-intensive programs, and for game projects.
Memory type
How to choose RAM? DDR4 or DDR3? Almost all modern modules are of the DDR SDRAM type. Previously, there were options with DDR and DDR2. They are almost impossible to find on sale, but they are still connected to outdated systems.
The next type was DDR3. He has not yet completely outlived himself. Some computers work with it, and modules of such RAM can be found on sale. But when assembling a new PC, it is highly discouraged to use DDR3, since such memory works with low frequencies, and reviews about it are not so positive.
That is why most users buy DDR4 slats. This is a relatively new type of memory that is the best on the market. It has a wide range of frequencies and volume variations. But its cost is much higher than DDR3.
While the advent of DDR5 is only expected in 2020, the cost of the slats will not be reduced. The option of one 8 GB module will cost the user 5-6 thousand rubles.
How to choose RAM? It is very important to immediately look at the capabilities of the motherboard, especially if you are not building a PC, but are buying RAM for an existing system. In this case, you may encounter incompatibility and defective work of RAM.
RAM Parameters
Not everyone can know how to choose RAM for a computer. Opening the specification of the RAM module, many beginners clutch their heads. The tables indicate obscure numbers and letters. Some parameters can be understood, others remain a mystery to many.
So that when choosing "RAM" there are no problems, you need to understand the purpose of the characteristics of the memory. One of the important parameters is frequency. Some also pay attention to timings. To choose the right power supply, you need to know the voltage of the RAM.
Frequency
What frequency of RAM to choose? Here again, it all depends on what tasks the computer will perform. In general, this option often affects the buyer. Some who have a large sum choose the fastest bar. But this cannot be done. First you need to understand what features the processor and motherboard support. Otherwise, you simply overpay for extra numbers that cannot be implemented in the system.
If the motherboard is a budget class, then most likely it does not support a frequency above 2.4 GHz. But most modern models work fine with the DDR4 memory type. If you paid more than 10 thousand rubles for the motherboard, you can count on the fact that it will work with RAM at a frequency of 3.4-3.6 GHz.
A similar situation is with the processor. If this is an older generation chip, then it only works with DDR3 and a maximum speed of 1.8 GHz. Recent processor models cope with DDR4 and frequencies above 2.4 GHz.
In order not to be mistaken in how to choose RAM, you can go to the official website of the CPU manufacturer and check all the necessary information. Also on the Internet there are many sites that make it possible to check the compatibility of all system components.
Timing
Another indicator that may be important to the user. It indicates what delays occur between the operations of reading, writing or copying information. It is easy to guess that if timings are small, then delays in work are minimized.
How to understand what value of this parameter? You need to look either at the bar itself, or at the specifications for it. The most important is the first numerical value, which indicates latency (CL).
If you have a DDR3 module in your hands, which works at a speed of 1.3 GHz, it is more likely that the timing indicator is 9. If the RAM speed is higher, then the latency can show the number 11.
In the case of DDR4, the CL index can be 15-16, depending on the frequency. It is best not to purchase a RAM whose timing is higher than the specified values. But it is worthwhile to understand that the smaller the delay in work, the more such a bar will cost.
Voltage
Another parameter of RAM. On average, this indicator is regulated. If there are any deviations in the voltage value, then the bar is intended for enthusiasts who prefer overclocking of all components.
The same parameter strongly affects the question of how to choose RAM for a laptop. It is important to look at what the voltage was before, and purchase modules with a similar indicator. This is due to the fact that laptop motherboards are less "flexible". They rarely allow you to set different values and configure the system. Therefore, it is important to monitor the exact match.
With the development of RAM, the voltage indicator decreased. For example, the DDR module worked at 2.5 V, and the DDR4 easily copes at 1.2 V.
Marking
It is needed in order to understand by one name what parameters the memory module has. The marking contains information about the type and frequency of RAM. The latest memory models are described with the letters "PC". Next is a figure indicating the generation of the model. After the speed is described in Mb / s. Next, the brackets open, in which there is information about the type and frequency of RAM. At the end, the value of the timing is written.
Design
RAM modules may vary structurally. They can be single or double-sided. They may have radiators. Textolite can be covered with a protective case. The shape of the bar may also vary, especially when it comes to versions for the PC and laptop.
Laptop Models
How to choose a RAM for a laptop? The choice itself does not stand out in anything special. The difference is only in some markings and parameters. Laptop strips differ in their size and type of SO-DIMM DDR.
Otherwise, the choice also depends on a number of factors: the required volume, frequency, timings, etc. The only thing to keep in mind is that laptops have 1 or 2 slots for the module. While for PC, you can install up to 6 brackets. Users in their reviews recommend taking this into account, and not choosing too little memory.
Manufacturers
According to reviews, the manufacturer rarely plays an important role. Most often you can hear the question, what kind of RAM to choose for Ryzen? And he really is much more important than the choice of the manufacturer. After all, with Ryzen processors, it became possible to support DDR4, but it’s a sin not to use it. Therefore, for this CPU, you definitely need to choose the latest type of RAM. But its volume and frequency depend on the purpose of the system and the capabilities of the processor.
Returning to the manufacturers, it is worth noting a couple who really have established themselves as the creators of high-quality and stable products. Corsair is a very popular brand that produces not only RAM modules. It has been on the market for a very long time. The only thing is that the cost of its slats does not always please buyers, although the reviews about the quality are positive.
A good example of value for money is Crucial. Under this brand, both budget modules and gaming options are available. Poles from Goodram have a good lineup. Also worth paying attention to experienced in this area: Transcend, Samsung and Kingston.
Output
As mentioned above, the choice of RAM depends largely on the tasks that you set for the system. But besides this, it is very important not to forget about the increase in the potential of the computer. Many users are advised to think in advance about whether you will increase RAM.
There are situations when at the moment there is not enough money, for example, to buy 16 GB. In this case, you can purchase one bracket for 8 GB, and eventually buy the same for it, another 8 GB. Of course, it’s more profitable to immediately buy a set of a pair, but, unfortunately, this option is not always affordable.