Misinformation about computer RAM that you should not believe
Gone are the days when we only cared about increasing the capacity of the computer’s RAM to speed up games and enhance the computer’s performance . Professional business applications and productivity programs now focus entirely on the processing capabilities of the computer, whether the central processor or the graphics. However, we have to admit that computer RAM is still a vital element, and it also plays a very influential role in enhancing the efficiency of the computer and improving its ability to accomplish tasks better and in faster periods of time. But, have you ever wondered what is the benefit of computer RAM?
Random Access Memory (RAM) is a temporary storage capacity for the results of operations that have been extracted and processed by the central processor. When the computer needs these results, the processor can request this information from the RAM and work on its results immediately.
Therefore, it is necessary to have enough RAM capacity to allow the processor to perform all its tasks and store the results of its work so that it does not have to repeat the same tasks over and over again. But now, with the increasing number of video game enthusiasts, we have started to hear incorrect information and advice (or you can say it is not practical) about computer RAM. Therefore, we decided to shed light on some of the information commonly circulated in the world of computers, and explain it in a different way so that it can be better understood.
1- You must buy equal pairs of RAM = Incorrect
Absolutely not, you don’t have to go through the hassle of buying two, four, or six equal pieces of RAM if you need to increase your computer’s RAM capacity. If that were true, we wouldn’t see all the hardware companies producing individual RAM modules. The whole idea is that a single module will disable Dual Channel and your computer will lose a “very slight” to almost no overall performance speed. Most third-party reviews confirm that the difference between enabling and disabling Dual Channel is no more than 3% at best.
So if you currently have two 8GB sticks, each one is 4GB, and you want to buy an additional stick and you only find one 8GB stick or for whatever reason you can't take advantage of the fourth socket on your motherboard, no problem, you can buy one 8GB stick to make the total memory 16GB and take advantage of the extra capacity to boost the overall performance of your computer.
2- You cannot mix RAM types, storage capacities or frequency speeds = Incorrect
As we mentioned in the first paragraph, this information is completely incorrect. You can always install a 4GB RAM and an 8GB or 16GB RAM next to it, as long as both are compatible with your motherboard, you will not face any problems. The whole idea revolves around the integrated memory controller in the central processor, which we call the IMC, short for Integrated Memory Controller, which works best in an environment where there are RAMs with similar characteristics and specifications.
RAM contains solid memory chips, these chips operate at a specific frequency speed, and operate at a specific voltage, so when all the memory chips are united on the motherboard, the integrated central processor controller (IMC) will work with them in the best possible way, and this is what always prompts us to buy a pair of RAM chips that come in one box because they are from one manufacturer and have the same manufacturing specifications.
But what do you do if you now have an 8 GB piece and want to increase the computer's RAM to 16 or 32 GB, and despite that, you do not find similar pieces in the market with the same specifications as the 8 GB piece you have now? Simply, you can buy any piece of RAM in front of you with any specifications and it will work without the slightest problem.
Even if the specifications are completely different and the first piece has a frequency of 2400 MHz, the second piece has a frequency of 2666 MHz, and the third piece has a frequency of 3200 MHz, the computer will work very normally, but in this way you sacrifice the Dual Channel Memory technology, which would "theoretically" enhance and accelerate the performance of the random access memory.
But in reality, make sure you don't miss out on a significant advantage. The other downside is that all the RAMs will run at the lowest frequency of the RAM on the motherboard, continuing the previous example, meaning that all three RAMs will run at 2400MHz, and in this way you lose approximately 1000MHz, which is a significant percentage for some tasks and games that benefit from the frequency speed.
But this point should not be a real obstacle or challenge for you. The most important thing when buying computer RAM, even if the types, storage capacities and frequencies differ, is that you only need to make sure that these pieces are compatible with the motherboard through the motherboard's page on the company's official website in the Supported Memory section. Just like central processors, you should make sure that the motherboard is compatible with the type and frequency of the RAM you intend to buy.
3- You do not need a larger RAM capacity = Incorrect
Do you have a 4GB or 8GB RAM and the usage rate does not exceed 50% in the task manager reading? That is good, but be sure to increase the RAM capacity is required more than ever. These days, games, business programs, browsers, and even the Windows operating system itself are thirsty for larger RAM capacity. Here are some tricks that will help free up RAM capacity and speed up your computer’s performance.
The larger RAM capacity means that you will be able to run more applications at the same time without feeling any lag or deterioration in the overall performance of the computer. In addition, you will be assured that your device will be able to operate normally in the future with all types of heavy tasks and modern applications and games.
Now, you should know for yourself whether your computer needs a RAM upgrade. Therefore, in the end, you should consider buying a larger RAM capacity and be sure that it will bring you a great benefit even if you do not feel it at the present time, but it is a smart upgrade in the long run of your computer use.
4- Larger RAM capacity is more important than anything else = Not always
Of course, a larger RAM is more important, but not always. For example, if you currently have 16GB of 2400MHz RAM and tomorrow you buy an additional 16GB of 2400MHz RAM for a total of 32GB, will you notice a difference in overall performance or would it be better to replace the first RAM with a 3600MHz RAM and stick with 16GB?
The answer to this question depends on the required capacity and the size of your work. If your current work does not require more than 16 GB, it is better to buy RAM with a faster frequency because it will make a good difference in reality in "some work" and will increase the speed of the computer's performance in some tasks and certainly in games. But before upgrading to a higher frequency, you should first make sure that the motherboard and central processor are capable of supporting this frequency. Therefore, in the end, it may not be as important to increase the capacity of the RAM as it is to increase its frequency speed to feel a positive difference in terms of performance.
5- Relying on RAM cleaning programs enhances the speed of computer performance = absolutely
This particular piece of information is completely and categorically wrong. Clearing the RAM of previously processed processes will require the CPU to perform the same tasks over and over again, which "in reality" causes lag and slow performance. RAM should always be full of the processing results needed to manage the operating system and other running programs, and clearing it means that the CPU is forced to perform the same tasks and then store them again in RAM as well.
Therefore, if you want to boost your computer's performance speed positively, you have no choice but to increase the RAM capacity and buy an additional RAM for your computer. Even if the new RAM is different in frequency or size from your current RAM, it's not a problem, but it's necessary to buy it because it will help stabilize your operating system better and will boost your productivity while working on business programs or even browsing the Internet and playing some games.