Best RAM Memory 2023 • 7 RAM Memory Reviews

What is RAM and how does it work?

RAM is also known as main memory and is the acronym for random-access memory. Specifically, RAM is a hardware device that is installed inside a computer or device to temporarily store data. RAM technology has drastically evolved in the past few years and several new ways of storing big data have emerged.

This temporary storage makes many computer users refer to it as working memory. Generally speaking, RAM is intended to enable the device or the equipment to work with several types of information at the same time. In comparison to RAM, a hard drive can be turned off without losing the data it stores. The content of the RAM is deleted when the computer or device is turned off. If this were not so, the programs or files would always be present—something unmanageable.

Therefore, we can conclude that RAM improves the response speed of the equipment when using programs or applications. When these are running, the instructions necessary are transferred to the processor. At this point, data begins to be transmitted based on need.

What types of RAM are there?

Knowing the types of RAM that exist is crucial in choosing the right one. If you do not know what the available options are or what type of RAM your computer uses, you risk buying an incompatible one. And not only that, but ignorance can lead you to buy a variant that you don’t actually need.

DIMM
Compatible only with desktop computers.

SO-DIMM
Compatible only with laptops and other portable devices.

SRAM (Static RAM)
In an SRAM chip, each memory cell stores a binary digit (i.e., 0 or 1) for as long as power is supplied. It is also larger in size.

DRAM (Dynamic RAM)
In a DRAM chip, the charge on individual memory cells must be refreshed periodically to retain data.

RAM can also vary depending on their age. DDR4 is the most current. Generally, the processors and motherboards that are manufactured today are only compatible with the RAM of this generation. On the other hand, there are those of the generation DDR3 or DDR2. They are used by computers of a certain age. Although their presence is decreasing, they still circulate. This allows users of old computers or devices to expand their memory. With this, you can extend its lifespan without needing to make big payments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of RAM

The following arguments indicate the advantages and disadvantages of your purchase (when it is the right one for your needs). As you can see, there are far more pros than cons.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Shopping Criteria for RAM

Good RAM allows you to work in silence. But for this to happen, you have to buy the one that best suits your use of your computer. It is helpful to know what your preferences are, so you can acquire the best option.

• Frequency speed
• Latency
• Voltage
• Overclock
• User type

Frequency Speed

This parameter is one of the most important ones, if not the most important when buying RAM. As the name implies, its value establishes how fast it will be. The figure is expressed in megahertz (MHz). It reflects the number of cycles per second that RAM can complete. The faster, the better.

Obviously, if you want RAM with high frequency, which you choose to buy will depend on the processor and chipset that your PC’s motherboard has. Some processors do not support more than 2666 MHz and others go much further; the oldest do not even approach this figure.

Latency

Another factor that directly influences the speed or total frequency of RAM is latency. To give you an idea, latency refers to the time that lapses from the moment in which RAM receives an order from the processor until the moment it is executed.

Therefore, it consists of a very short amount of time. However, the greatest experts and gamers out there may notice it. To verify the characteristics, RAM is accompanied by a four-digit string that reflects the latency. The first and most important of them being CAS latency: the lower the number, the better. CAS latency is useful when you want to decide between two RAMs that have the same speed since speed is already one of the most deciding factors. In any case, high speed or frequency means high latency. There may be some differences, but what you will not find is RAM with high frequency and low latency.

Voltage

The voltage is nothing other than the amount of energy that RAM uses to carry out its functions. Like latency, the lower the better. The low figures indicate low consumption and, therefore, a lower temperature. The latter is especially important, as it helps to extend its lifespan.

In the latest RAMs, the voltage is usually between 1.2V and 1.35V. During overclocking, it can be uploaded.

Overclock

First of all, we must clarify that overclocking is a type of configuration that enables RAM to reach speeds greater than those reached by default. Obviously, this depends on the type of RAM, but also on the chipset of your computer. Overclocking allows you to adjust the frequency, latency, and voltage.

Adjusting these three parameters to get the most out of RAM is complex. Bad settings can fatally damage your computer’s memory. Fortunately, many current RAMs have preconfigured settings. Thanks to them, you can take advantage of overclocking without putting your equipment at risk.

User Type

Before expanding the RAM of your device, it may be a good idea to wipe it. By wiping or cleaning it, we mean removing unnecessary data. However, don’t worry; this is a simple process and does not require particular technical skills or knowledge.

If you need extra RAM, it is best to buy in packages of two modules. This allows you to get more performance out of RAM. For instance, if you want 16-GB RAM, it is best to buy a pack of 8 GB each. The amount of RAM you must buy depends on how you use your computer (or what you want to use if for). If you are an online gamer or play heavy and graphically complex titles, you will need plenty of RAM.

Related Links and Sources

• https://www.britannica.com/technology/RAM-computing
• https://www.avast.com/c-what-is-ram-memory
• https://www.platesandwires.com/ram-memory/#Why_is_RAM_so_important_in_regards_to_the_performance_of_a_computer

FAQs

Why is RAM so important with regard to a computer's performance?

A computer with a minimum RAM of 8 GB will not have great difficulty running several programs and applications at once. RAM that's too low to manage your computer's use will cause problems. Mainly, it will slow down, but that’s not all.

If you are a gamer, you will want to have a lot of RAM because—even if you are running a single program (i.e., a game)—the mouse movement, graphics, sound, and many other aspects work off of it. Therefore, at a higher capacity, there is greater fluidity and an even better sense of control.

What happens if the RAM is full?

Although the information that houses RAM is not managed the same way as on a hard drive, its capacity can also be exhausted. If it becomes so, your equipment will not be able to open or run that many programs, and if it does, you’ll notice an annoying slowness that affects each action.

Additionally, RAM without free space can destroy a computer. This would force you to reboot it often. That said, if you reach that point, it is best to consider expanding your RAM.