Why ram is important

Random access memory RAM is a computer's short-term memory, which it uses to handle all active tasks and apps. None of your programs, files, games, or streams would work without RAM. Get it for Android , Mac.

Get it for PC , Mac. Get it for PC , Android. RAM is the super-fast and temporary data storage space that a computer needs to access right now or in the next few moments.

See all Performance articles. Computers are always loading things in to work on — such as applications and data — and then setting them aside for later. Nearly all computers also have some way to store information for longer-term access, too. But the working processes are done in RAM. RAM is temporary storage that goes away when the power turns off. So what is RAM used for, then? It can help to think about RAM with the analogy of a physical desktop.

In contrast, if you want to keep anything to work on later, you put it into a desk drawer — or store it on a hard disk, either locally or in the cloud.

Ultimately, RAM allows you to access multiple programs at once with speed and efficiency. RAM is significantly faster than a hard disk — twenty to a hundred times faster, depending on the specific hardware type and task. Because of its speed, RAM is used to process information immediately. When you want to accomplish a specific task, computer operating systems load data from the hard disk into RAM to process it, such as to sort a spreadsheet or to display it on screen.

When you start Excel, your computer loads the application into RAM. If you load an existing spreadsheet which is stored on your hard disk , the operating system copies that information into RAM, too. Then you can work with Excel, crunching numbers in your usual fashion. In most circumstances, the computer responds super-fast, because RAM is fast.

If you forget to save and the power fails, all that work is gone, because RAM is temporary storage. And when you close the application, the computer operating system takes it out of RAM and clears the deck so that the space is free for you to work on the next thing. One extended use of RAM is to help previously-accessed information be available much more quickly. When you first turn on your computer and launch any application, such as PowerPoint or Spotify, it takes a while to load.

In short, RAM is used for any task that requires fast access to computing resources. For example, if you use Windows, its key functions — such as the ability to display images on your screen — are copied into RAM, because the OS needs super-fast access to the devices you use all the time. Not every device driver is loaded into RAM immediately, but many of them are.

Another example is a Windows feature called SuperFetch, which records your usage patterns. Based on your existing behavior, it automatically pre-loads applications and files into RAM when you turn on your PC. We could say that there are two basic characteristics that define RAM memory. On the one hand, it is a very fast access memory, which is obvious considering that it is a component that is in continuous operation and depends on the performance of the equipment.

On the other hand, it is a component that stores data on a temporary basis. In order for you to understand it better, we can compare it with the ROM memory, that is, the one that makes up the hard disk. The slower, more durable ROM memory remains in the computer even if it is turned off. However, the RAM memory, which can be accessed faster, loses its data if the computer is turned off. For practical purposes, it could be said that the proper functioning of RAM memory is essential in a computer because it is one of the components that most directly affects its good performance, especially in terms of speed.

So suppose you want to run several programs on your computer, tablet or smartphone at the same time. For example, a text editor, a browser with 3 open tabs and a business program. Now imagine that you want to keep using more programs at the same time, or that you want to use more modern programs with higher hardware requirements. For example, in addition to what we saw in our previous example, there are 10 more browser tabs and 3 new and highly demanding enterprise software.

In this type of situation, and unless you have a large RAM memory capacity, it is likely that it will start to suffer and your computer will suffer from it. The CPU is the most important component in terms of overall speed. It handles all the calculations required by the system, so a faster CPU runs through these calculations more quickly.

The graphics card or onboard graphics chip also plays a significant role, particularly with graphically intensive tasks such as video editing or gaming. Graphics cards have their own processor and memory, taking some of the strain off the system's CPU and RAM and improving overall performance. Upgrading RAM in a desktop computer is a relatively straightforward process.

Existing RAM modules can be replaced, or you can add additional ones. The module slots are typically located close to the CPU socket. Consult the motherboard manual or manufacturer's website for details of compatible RAM modules that will work with your system. Once new modules are purchased, they can be slotted into place by applying firm, even pressure until the plastic holders snap into place.