One of the most frequent questions that beginners ask when choosing their first personal computer or mobile computing system is “what does RAM affect?” Really, for what?
If everything is relatively simple with the
central processor - the higher the frequency, the faster arithmetic operations are performed (this is a too daring generalization, but it will do for an example), then with regard to the memory size, not everything is so obvious.
As a result, a buyer who does not know what RAM is influencing most often acquires a system with either insufficient volume, wanting to save several tens of dollars, or, at the other extreme, with a huge margin for the future. Alas, before this time comes, the computer is changed several times to a newer model. Conclusion: each novice user needs to be well versed in the question "what RAM affects."
The answer is simple - it determines the performance of the computer as a whole. And that's why. Data read from the storage medium does not immediately go to the processing unit for processing, but is first downloaded to RAM.
From there, the processor “takes” them, performs the necessary mathematical operations and sends them back to the modules. Thus, two conclusions can be drawn from the foregoing. First: even the most modern system cannot work without RAM. Second: the parameters of the modules directly affect the speed of the computer, as they are an integral part of the logical chain.
The most obvious characteristic is volume. In modern modules, it is measured in gigabytes (previously there were kilobytes and megabytes). The unit of information is a bit. One byte consists of eight such units (binary bits). Accordingly, “kilo” is a thousand, “mega” is a million, etc. The general rule is: the more, the better. But, not fully understanding what the RAM affects, you cannot blindly follow it. The fact is that there are a number of important reservations. For example, for a central low-performance processor, it makes no sense to connect 8 GB of RAM, since their potential will still not be fully realized.
This is an important point. To clarify, we use the analogy: nothing prevents installing the engine from an F-1 sports car on a budget passenger car, but it is clear that the speed that it helps the car to develop will be unattainable, because all other nodes will be the most real "constraints" that limit potential. As a rule, for computing systems, the main tasks of which are working with office applications, surfing the Internet, watching videos, the volume of 2 GB is considered to be quite sufficient, and 4 GB is considered ideal (with a margin that does not hit the wallet too much). A completely different situation with powerful gaming computers - for them, 8 GB of RAM has become the norm. Now, even 16 GB does not surprise anyone, because there is no limit to perfection.
To get good modules (slats), you need a memory testing program. There are a lot of them, but one of the best is TestMem, which works in DOS (you need a bootable USB flash drive or disk). You need not be too lazy, but immediately after the purchase, test the modules for errors. Having identified a bad bar, it can be easily changed.
The last piece of advice, which, alas, is often ignored: it makes sense to purchase two modules of smaller volume than one roomy one. With this connection, a two-channel mode is activated , increasing the throughput of the subsystem.