How RAM Actually Impacts Speed

When we look at what determines computer speed, we often see a term that comes up frequently: RAM. You may have noticed specifications like “8 GB RAM” or “16 GB RAM” on laptops and smartphones which makes you wonder what it all means. Does having more RAM make a device perform better? Is RAM what makes your computer perform tasks almost magically?

RAM does play a role in speed but what happens depends on what you’re doing, how much you have and how fast it is.

Let me explain what RAM does, how it plays a role in everyday performance, and also why increasing it may not be the solution some think it is.

What RAM Really Is

RAM also means Random Access Memory. It is a type of fast memory which your device uses to put at hand the data and instructions it is using at present. As opposed to your hard drive or SSD which save files for the long term, RAM only has what it needs while your device is on and active.

Imagine a desktop that is your RAM. The bigger the desktop the more notes, equipment, and projects you may put out at once which in turn leaves less of a need to stand up and go to the file cabinet (your storage drive).

When you launch a program your computer loads it up in RAM for the processor to access the needed data right away. If the RAM is of small capacity for what you are doing at the moment, your computer will begin to use a part of the storage drive as virtual memory. That’s a slow process like going to another room in the house to get a thing you need.

RAM and Everyday Speed

RAM which you notice in terms of speed is how well your computer performs with multiple tasks at once. If you have sufficient RAM that is at an adequate level you will be able to have many programs, browser tabs, and background processes open without issue.

Here is a look at how it plays out with various RAM capacities in day to day use:

• Low RAM (e.g., 2–4 GB)

Your device will perform well enough for simple tasks like writing up documents or checking your email, but if you try to open many tabs or run in depth programs at the same time you will see a change. You will notice delays and longer load times.

• Moderate RAM (e.g., 8 GB)

This is what many would call the ideal choice for the average user. We see that it does great with multitasking, quick switch between applications, and performance in which you would expect in day to day use, streaming, and casual gaming.

• High memory capacity (e.g. 16 GB or more)

For heavy duty users which run intensive software, edit large files, or game at high settings this is the choice. At this capacity in RAM you can have multiple resource heavy applications open at the same time and between which you can switch without delay.

Speed is not just a matter of size — RAM speed counts.

While capacity is a key issue, RAM speed also plays a role in performance. RAM speed is reported in megahertz (MHz) which is a measure of how many cycles per second the RAM can perform. The faster the speed the better the transfer of data between RAM and the CPU.

For instance we see that 3200 MHz DDR4 RAM outperforms 2133 MHz DDR4 at the same capacity which is true but for everyday use you may not notice the difference at all until you get into very intensive tasks like high end gaming or professional video editing.

Another issue is that of latency which is the time in which RAM responds to the CPU’s request. We see lower latency as an indicator that there is less delay between when the request is made and when the info is delivered.

When More RAM Helps

RAM increase improves speed in some cases:

1. If you have multiple programs running at the same time more RAM is what allows them to stay in memory at the same time instead of being pushed to the virtual memory.
2. Handling Big Data We see that large spreadsheets, high-resolution images, and video projects which are a bear to handle perform much better in terms of performance with more RAM as they can be fully loaded into memory.
3. In today’s gaming environment it is not uncommon for several gigabytes of RAM to be used just to run a game. When RAM is insufficient games may stutter, freeze, or have issues with quick asset loading.
4. Creative and Professional work In the case of 3D rendering, music production, and advanced design software we see large amounts of RAM required for in depth asset development which in turn prevents slowdowns.

When More RAM doesn’t make you faster.

Adding more RAM beyond what you have is not going to speed up your computer’s performance. If at present your RAM is not at full use during your regular tasks, adding more will not see much of a difference.

For instance if out of the 8 GB total your system is only using 6 GB while you run your usual tasks, upgrading to 16 GB may not see a speed change. Instead the issue may be with your CPU, graphics card or storage.

In short: RAM only helps if you are RAM-starved.

How RAM Works with Other Components

RAM is a member of a team, instead of a solo act. Its performance in terms of speed is based on how well it plays with other components:

• CPU (Processor) When RAM is slow or full the CPU has to wait which in turn reduces performance.
• Storage Drive At the point when RAM runs out the system uses storage as virtual memory. If you have a fast SSD that does it does the job better than a hard drive but still what you are left with is a much slower performance than if you had sufficient RAM to begin with.
• In the field of graphics cards (GPUs) for gaming and design purposes your GPU has dedicated memory (VRAM) which it uses at its own discretion but it also has access to system RAM. Once both VRAM and RAM are used up, performance sees a great drop-off.

Signs You Need More RAM

If you are not sure that RAM is your issue, here are some signs to look out for:

• Programs take a while to open.
• Switching between applications feels sluggish.
• Your system freezes up on easy tasks.
• You see your storage drive run at full speed when you have multiple tasks open.
• You have low memory warnings.

Balancing RAM with Your Needs

Choosing which RAM to put in your device is based on how you use it:

• 4 – 8 GB is what is typical.
• Gaming: 8 GB minimum, 16 GB if you run demanding games.
• Creative work – Photo editing: 8 – 16 GB; For video editing or 3D work 16 – 32 GB or more.

Professional multitasking, as you have a dozen tabs and apps open, go beyond what is typical to avoid performance issues.

The Future of RAM and Speed

As we see an increase in software complexity and a shift to higher resolution content the demand for RAM is growing. But also out of that we won’t see pure improvement in speed from RAM alone — we will also see great results from adoption of faster storage tech, better CPU design, and optimized software.

That which is true — RAM is still the most cost effective upgrade for extending a device’s life. If your system is running slow and you determine it to be from low memory, adding more RAM may give you a new machine.

Final Thoughts

RAM is like your workspace: As you go bigger and faster the more efficient you’ll see results but only if you are in fact using that space. For large scale tasks which may include many programs at once, large files, or complex games this plays out the most.

Adding extra RAM may change your device’s performance but also know that it is not a one solution fits all issue. The real thing on which you should focus is knowing your specific task, that of which your current system is limited to, and get all your components working well together.

In fact RAM isn’t the only thing which determines speed but it is very important and when you get it to run at its best your device will feel quick, smooth and always ready.