How much RAM should my computer have?
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The answer is "more"
This is an excellent question when buying a new computer, and it is also very important to consider how much mass storage will be required as well. Most mid-range computers are equipped with 1-2 gigabytes of RAM, or Random Access Memory. RAM is extraordinarily important to the proper function of a computer, since the amount of available RAM affects the entire operation of every single program in a computer, from the operating system to the word processor to the web browser. It even affects how well computers can function with external devices such as digital cameras and printers.
In order for any program to "run" or function on a computer, it must be loaded into RAM first. In much older systems, "loading" a program was often a very slow process, requiring a machine to read the entire application off a mass storage device such as a floppy disk while copying it into much faster RAM so the processor could access the different instructions quickly enough for the program to operate.
(There are those who might argue that the current process of "loading" programs into computer memory is still a very slow process, but that is another article.)
This same process takes place each time a user launches their browser or word processor. The computer "loads" or copies the application instructions into RAM, where the processor can read and understand the program quickly enough for it to be useful.
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2GB 2 X 1GB PC3200 DDR 400 PC 3200 2700 2100 MEMORY RAM
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So what if my computer doesn't have enough RAM?
If the computer runs out of space, or doesn't have enough RAM to load all of the programs and their data, a process called "paging" takes place, where rarely used data or programs are removed from RAM and written back out to the mass storage device to make room for other more important or recently activated applications. When a computer's RAM is overloaded, programs slow to a crawl, even affecting the speed of the visual display while the disk operates continuously, writing and copying RAM data out to disk.
It is not uncommon for programs such as browsers and word processors to consume hundreds of megabytes of RAM, considerable percentages of even a newer computer's memory, by themselves, leaving very little room for other programs, such as the operating system, games or e-mail programs, to function.
Essentially, the more RAM a computer has, the more can be done simultaneously with it. If every program launched has ample memory, the entire operation of the machine should proceed at full speed with no performance problems. Of course, there are limits to the amount of RAM that can be installed on current machines, but there are custom-built computers with as much as eight gigabytes of RAM, around four times the average amount installed on a commercially available pre-built computer. For maximum performance, a PC should be equipped with as much RAM as possible.
Generally speaking, the cost-to-performance ratio of RAM compared to say, a processor or CPU, is much lower, making an increase in RAM capacity one of the least expensive ways to improve the performance of nearly any computer.
More information on RAM Upgrades
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hey guys... i recently had windows xp 32 bit with 3 gigs or ram. ive now upgraded to windows 7 64 bit with now 6 gigs of ram and my overclock is. ... Old 50 Minutes Ago. jayfunk. PC Gamer. jayfunk's Avatar. intel nvidia. Join Date: May 2009 . Location: calgary, alberta, canada. Posts: 20. Rep: 1 jayfunk Unknown. Unique Rep: 1. Trader Rating: 0. Default Upgrade to windows 7 64 bit 6 gigs ram unstable ...
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Update: 4 RAM upgrade options for the Asus Eee PC 1101HA http://bit.ly/PDD2z.
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A couple of months ago I got a RAM upgrade and a new graphics card - everything has been fine. My PC is a refurbished one, and about 2-3 years old. I haven't downloaded anything dodgy and this problem is totally out of the blue. ...
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Today, the primary advantage of a 64-bit operating system is the ability to access more than 4 GB of RAM. If your current PC cannot accept more than 4 GB of memory, then purchasing a new PC that can may be worthwhile if you know you need or ... Given that most of today's processors – with the possible exception of the Intel Atom found in many netbooks – will run Windows 7 more than acceptably for common tasks, a processor upgrade should probably be at the bottom of your ...
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Overclock.net - Overclocking.net > Intel > Intel Memory · Reload this Page Need help chosing ram that right for my pc. ... well right now I have the ocz gold type of ram. Except they are the Vista Upgrade... from walmart ...
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i want to upgrade to 4gb of ram and i need some suggestions. am i correct that it would be better to get 2x2gb rather than trying to find 2x1gb that's.
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If you are thinking to upgrade your mac memory then logging on to this website is the wisest option you can take. Trust your 8GB, 4GB, 2GB and other RAM module expansion options to PRO Memory Upgrade, and upgrade your computer memory ...
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Nice info :) I would only add that XP can handle maximum 4G of RAM, including paging file...
I've had 4GB n my latest PC now for about six months and the difference it made when I upgraded from 2GB, (which I'd had for about two years prior to that), was huge! - I was gobsmacked at how much quicker my PC ran. - Peace, Dave
There is great tool for finding the right RAM for your computer here: http://www.gara.com/store/crucial











Ekeke Emmanuel Okechukwu says:
2 years ago
i want to more about ram function in a computer