What does RAM affect the computer

One of the frequent questions that beginners ask when choosing their first personal computer or mobile computer system is "what does RAM affect?". Really, what for? If everything is relatively simple with the central processor - the higher the frequency, the faster arithmetic is performed (this is a bold generalization, but for an example), then with regard to the amount of memory, everything is not so obvious.

As a result, a buyer who does not know what RAM affects, most often acquires a system either with insufficient capacity, wanting to save a few 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: every novice user needs to understand well the question "what does RAM affect?"

The answer is simple - it determines the performance of the computer as a whole. And that's why. The data read from the storage medium does not immediately fall on processing to the computational unit, but is first downloaded into the main memory. From there they are "picked up" by the processor, performs the necessary mathematical operations and sends them back to the modules. Thus, from the foregoing, two conclusions can be drawn. First: even the most modern system can not work without RAM. Second: the parameters of the modules directly affect the speed of the computer, because they are an integral part of the logical chain.

The most obvious characteristic is the volume. In modern modules it is measured in gigabytes (previously there were kilobytes and megabytes). A unit of information is a bit. One byte consists of eight such units (binary digits). Accordingly, "kilo" - a thousand, "mega" - a million, etc. The general rule: the more, the better. But, not fully understanding what RAM affects, you can not 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. For the sake of clarity, let's use the analogy: nothing hinders the installation of an engine from the sports car F-1 on a budget car, but it is understandable that the speed it helps to develop the car will be unattainable, because all the other nodes will prove to be the real "fetters" potential. Typically, for computing systems, the main tasks of which are working with office applications, surfing the Internet, watching video, it is quite sufficient to consider the volume of 2 GB, and ideal (with a margin that is not too "beating on the wallet") - 4 GB. A completely different situation with powerful gaming computers - for them the norm was 8 GB of RAM. Now no one is surprised even 16 GB, because there is no limit to perfection.

To acquire good modules (slats), you will need a memory testing program. There are a lot of them, but one of the best is TestMem, working in DOS (you need a bootable flash drive or disk). It is necessary not to be too lazy, and immediately after purchase to test the modules for errors. Having identified a bad bar, it can easily be changed.

The last advice, which, alas, is often ignored: it makes sense to buy two modules of smaller volume than one roomy. With this connection, a two-channel mode is used that increases the throughput of the subsystem.