Ram, short for Random Access Memory, is a pivotal part of a gaming computer. It is a critical component that enables you to play games, even the most modern ones, with ease. To understand what ram does in a gaming PC, you need to understand the basics of computer memory.
Ram is volatile. That means it needs a power source to store information while in use. This can come from the computer’s power supply, battery, or from the game’s own power generator. Ram stores data and instructions for the processor. It defines how many applications and games you can run at once. So with more ram, you can open up more possibilities for multitasking and keep applications running without lags.
Because it has so many varied uses, the amount of ram your gaming PC needs depends on the type of games you intend to play. For example, games that require a large amount of RAM to run, such as modern-day titles with high resolutions, require at least 8GB of RAM. On the other hand, basic games and 2D games may require only 4GB of RAM.
Another important function of ram in a gaming PC is to provide data transfer speed. Games often require access to a vast amount of data stored on the storage drive. To ensure the data is quickly and efficiently read and transferred to the processor, the ram on gaming platforms are designed to be exceptionally fast.
Finally, a key role of ram in gaming PCs is to facilitate heat management. By providing an increased level of airflow, the fans can spin faster and dissipate the extra heat generated by gaming. This also helps maintain a cooler performance and protects the hardware from damage.
What Is The Best RAM For Gaming?
When it comes to selecting the best RAM for gaming, there are several considerations. First, you need to consider the type of ram as there are two main varieties: DDR4 and DDR3. DDR4 is often more powerful and scalable than DDR3, and is the standard for most modern gaming PCs. However, DDR3 is also a viable option if you want to save some money or if your motherboard cannot handle DDR4.
Next, the speed of your ram is also important. You should aim for at least 2400MHz of DDR4 RAM or 1600MHz of DDR3 RAM. The higher the memory speed, the faster the transfer of data will be. If you are playing particularly graphically intensive games, a higher speed such as DDR4 3200MHz can give you an edge over the competition.
When it comes to capacity, 8GB is usually enough for gaming, but if you are looking to make use of higher resolutions or demanding applications, 16GB is the recommended standard. It is important to remember however, that more RAM does not always mean better performance. Instead, you should focus on the types of games you play and how much RAM each game requires.
Finally, timing is an important consideration. The lower the timing, the better the performance of your RAM. In general, RAM with lower timings will be faster than RAM with higher timings. However, you should always make sure to check that your motherboard is compatible with your RAM’s timing.
How To Install RAM
Installing RAM into your gaming PC is a relatively easy task. First, you need to determine how much RAM you will need. Make sure you check the specifications of your system’s motherboard to determine the type, size and speed of the RAM you will need. Once you have selected the correct type, size and speed of RAM, you can begin the installation process.
Before you start, make sure to power off your PC and unplug it and all connected devices. Next, open the casing to expose the motherboard. Then, locate the RAM slots and insert your RAM sticks, ensuring that the notch on the RAM sticks line up with the notch in the RAM slots. Finally, press firmly on both ends of the RAM stick to secure it into the slot.
Once the RAM is installed, you can close the casing and plug your PC back in. Finally, you can power on your PC and verify that the RAM was correctly installed. To do this, you can check the motherboard’s Basic Input Output System (BIOS) by accessing the setup menu.
How To Troubleshoot RAM Issues
If you encounter problems with your RAM, such as system crashes or irregular performance, then it is important to troubleshoot the issue to identify the problem. To do this, first try resetting your RAM by removing the module from the slot and reinserting it. Then, test the RAM by running a memory test from a program such as MemTest86.
If the memory test fails, then the problem could be due to incompatibility with the motherboard. Check that you have the correct type, size and speed of RAM for your motherboard. Additionally, you can try overclocking the RAM to see if this improves performance. If you are still having trouble, then you can try replacing the RAM with another module.
If replacing the RAM does not solve the problem, then the issue could be due to an underlying hardware issue. In this case, it is advisable to consult a professional technician to identify the source of the problem and determine the best course of action.
Are More RAM Slots Better?
Having more RAM slots allows you to install additional RAM on your gaming PC. This can allow you to increase your system’s performance by installing more RAM. However, this also depends on the compatibility of your motherboard. If your motherboard can only accommodate a certain amount of RAM, then adding more slots will be of no benefit.
In addition, higher performance systems often use more RAM, so having more slots allows you to upgrade your system more easily. It is important to remember, however, that more RAM does not always mean better performance. So it is important to consider the games you are playing and how much RAM they require.
Finally, having more RAM installed can also help with multitasking as it will enable you to open multiple applications and games without experiencing any lags or stuttering. This can be especially helpful when you are playing resource-intensive games as it will help keep your gaming PC running smoothly.
How Can I Test My RAM?
If you are having performance issues with your gaming PC, then you can use various tools to test the RAM. One of the most popular and reliable memory testing tools is MemTest86+. This is a free program designed to test the RAM and check for any issues. It can run several tests at once, such as read/write tests, latency tests, and throughput tests.
Another tool you can use to check your RAM is the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. This is a built-in Windows tool that can diagnose problems with your RAM and provide useful information about the overall performance of your computer. Additionally, it can detect errors that can cause instability and recommend the best solution for the issue.
Finally, if you are overclocking your RAM, you can use tools such as OCCT or Prime95 to check for any errors or issues. OCCT is a free tool that can check your system’s stability and will help you identify any hardware problems associated with the RAM. Prime95 is also a free tool that can help you stress-test your system and identify any issues with the RAM.
