What is RAM?

One of the most misunderstood components in your computer is the RAM, and its also one of the most important!

What is RAM? Well, it stands for Random Access Memory. This is a super fast group of data storage chips the computer temporarily uses to store info for running programs to make as fast as possible. 

Every program on your computer uses at least some amount of RAM, including the operating system itself. The more RAM your PC has, the more programs can be opened at once and not notice a significant slowdown on your computer. More intense programs such as photo editing software, video editing software and games require much more RAM to use.

Most commonly mistaken, RAM does not have anything to do with the amount of storage space on your computer. That would be the hard drive.

Just about the bare minimum RAM these days on new computers is 4Gb. 8gb would be recommended, but if your a serious PC user (Photo/Video editor, Gaming, etc), 16gb would be ideal. 

Also, Did you know you can purchase additional RAM to add to a computer after the initial purchase? This is a great way to increase the speed of your current PC, without having to fork out the cash to replace the entire computer. However, it is generally more cost effective to purchase the computer with the right amount of RAM (or even erroring on the higher side) to begin with. But you can increase the performance of an older PC by increasing the RAM. Want to check prices on upgrading your RAM? Click here to visit Amazon's RAM section!


Not sure what type of RAM is in your PC? You can use the Scanner built by Crucial, one of the leading RAM Manufacturers! Check out the Crucial System Scanner on their website: http://www.crucial.com/