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Adding more RAM can improve a computer’s speed, but it depends on other factors. Checking RAM usage can be done through the operating system or third-party software. Before adding RAM, check the motherboard and the type of RAM needed. RAM acts as short-term memory and is used to process information while a program is running. Other factors that can slow down a computer include a slow graphics card, maintenance issues, and malware. Meeting minimum system requirements may not guarantee outstanding performance.
Adding more random access memory (RAM) can increase the speed of your computer, although it’s not guaranteed and often depends on other factors. If lack of RAM is the only reason for slowness in an otherwise fast system, adding more memory will usually improve operating speed. When there are other issues besides a shortage of RAM, adding more memory might help, but these secondary factors must be addressed for the best possible performance. In some cases, a computer may simply be too old to run newer applications efficiently, if at all.
RAM check
RAM usage on a computer can be checked in several ways, depending on the operating system (OS). On a machine running a version of Windows, the easiest way to see how much memory your computer has is to view the System screen in Control Panel. The Task Manager shows how this memory is being used; pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys brings up this program or the option to open it. In this tool, the Performance tab shows a graph of memory resources, and how RAM is being used can be listed as “physical memory”. The Activity Monitor on systems running the Mac operating system displays similar information on the System Memory tab.
You can also use third-party software to monitor your memory and even free up RAM when needed, although this isn’t always the best way to speed up your computer. Freeing up RAM means closing programs that you aren’t using, but that are using up memory. If a system is low on memory or often requires you to free up RAM, installing more can usually improve the computer’s speed.
Adding RAM
Before purchasing additional RAM, it is important to check the motherboard. The motherboard is where most of your computer’s crucial components are located, and it has a limited amount of room for new memory. The card could be maxed out for the amount of RAM it will support, in terms of physical sticks of RAM or their combined values. For example, a motherboard might have only three RAM slots and a maximum capacity of 12GB. If all three slots are filled with 4GB sticks, no more can be added; if the motherboard has three 2GB sticks, then one or more may be replaced by 4GB sticks to increase RAM within the available space.
There are different types of RAM, so it’s important for the person looking to add more to check their computer’s user manual or online to find out which type is needed. The wrong type of memory usually won’t fit in the slots on the motherboard, and if it does, the computer usually won’t boot.
Adding RAM to a desktop computer is usually easier than a laptop. Desktops with similar towers or cases can usually be opened up and the RAM can be installed directly on the motherboard. Laptops have much less space and use smaller memory sticks which can be more difficult to install properly. Pre-built computers may also have warranties that are voided by the addition of new components, so this should be considered before any hardware changes.
The purpose of RAM
Within a computer system, RAM actually acts as part of the “brain.” There are two types of memory used in a computer: long-term memory and short-term memory, just like a human brain. A hard drive acts as long-term memory, storing data for later use. RAM acts like short-term memory and is used to actually process information while a program is running.
The numerical value of RAM is usually represented in terms of the amount of memory, such as one gigabyte. RAM size indicates how much memory is available to run programs and processes at any given time. With more memory to run programs, you can use more software at the same time without slowing down your computer too much.
Other causes of slow computers
For gamers and people working with video applications, a slow graphics card could contribute to poor performance. A good graphics card should have its own RAM and graphics processing unit (GPU) built in, otherwise it will use up the system RAM and central processing unit (CPU) resources. Your motherboard manual usually tells you what types of hardware can be used to improve performance by upgrading to a better card. If a computer’s graphics card is top-notch and its RAM looks fine, it may need to upgrade its CPU, which can drastically improve your computer’s speed.
Maintenance issues also affect the speed of your computer. Not having enough disk space will degrade performance, as will a fragmented drive. Upgrading to a larger hard drive can alleviate this part of the problem, and hard drives should be defragmented on a regular basis. Spyware, keyloggers, and other malicious software, also known as malware, can also slow down a computer by taking up system resources. Malware can also be used to steal or damage personal data and information, so you should use an antivirus program and/or firewall to protect your system.
In some cases, a computer works fine except for one specific application. Most software has minimum system requirements that must be met to function properly, but more memory and processing speed are often needed for outstanding performance. If a system can only meet the minimum requirements, it is likely to have problems running the program. Typically twice the recommended RAM and processing power are required to ensure fast and reliable performance with a program.
