How do I know what RAM to buy?

From the Windows Start menu, search for System Information on your computer and open the app. Under System Summary, you will find your Processor. Using this information, search for your specific processor on the manufacturer website to see what RAM is compatible with your processor.

Is RAM compatible with any motherboard?

Since each type of memory has different notch locations (which are important for installation), different memory technologies aren't compatible with each other. Motherboards are generally only able to support one type of memory technology.

How do I know how much RAM my computer can handle?

Near the beginning of your motherboard's documentation, you should be able to find a specifications chart or page. Look for the maximum amount of RAM or System Memory that can be installed. You will also see the number of available slots on your motherboard. RAM needs to be installed in pairs.

What happens if you put more RAM than supported?

The speed and capacity of your PC's system memory or RAM can significantly affect your computer's startup speed. Nevertheless, adding more RAM will only be helpful up to a certain point. Adding too much RAM will eventually jeopardize the computer's performance, even when you have enough of it.

How do I know if I can upgrade my RAM?

The easiest way to find out if your laptop's RAM can be upgraded is in Windows. Go to Task Manager > Performance > Memory and see if it uses RAM sticks under "Form factor." Look for "SODIMM." You'll also be able to see your RAM's speed and how many slots are being used.

How To Choose RAM [Ultimate Guide]

What happens if RAM is faster than motherboard?

If you try to install and use a RAM module that operates beyond the speeds that the CPU and the motherboard can support, it will lead to unstable system performance and/or boot issues. Mismatched memory will do this as well. In taking the DDR4-3200 as an example, mismatched memory could halve that speed to 1800MHz!

What happens if RAM isn't compatible?

Incompatible or misconfigured ram will cause the computer to “lock up” with no warning. Because on consumer PCs there is no ECC for Ram modules it is imperative to try to use compatible memory according to the system or motherboard manufacturer.

Why is DDR4 better than DDR3?

What are the advantages of DDR4 over DDR3? DDR4 modules are more energy-efficient, operating only at 1.2V compared with DDR3's 1.5V or 1.35V. The reduced power consumption gives substantial power savings and allows operation at higher speeds without higher power and cooling requirements.

Should I get 16GB DDR3 or 8GB DDR4?

Given the option to choose between 8GB DDR4 and 16GB DDR3, the rule of thumb applies. It doesn't matter how shiny and new DDR4 RAM is, memory is memory and in a pitchfork fight between 8GB of DDR4 vs 16GB of DDR3, I would choose the 16GB to shovel more data any day.

Is 16GB DDR4 better than 8GB DDR4?

16GB is best, but it might not always be necessary. 8GB is a reliable amount of RAM for standard use. I wouldn't rely on it for gaming, but it's fine for laptop use. The similarities and differences don't really matter because it's just different amounts of memory for laptop or desktop computers.

What happens if you mix RAM sticks of different speeds?

You can use memory modules of different speeds as long as they are faster than those specified for your computer. It is recommended to use modules of the same speed as those already installed in your system. If you do mix speeds, the modules will all run at the speed of your slowest modules.

Why can't you mix RAM brands?

Sometimes mixing different RAM brands can lead to a drop in performance, but if you consider your options carefully, you may be able to avoid issues. One crucial factor that will undoubtedly cause a problem is using different memory types. For example, different generation RAM sticks will be incompatible.

Can you install RAM wrong?

The wrong type of modules simply won't work, while RAM with the wrong specs for your PC can underperform. RAM comes in sticks, or memory modules, that snap into the memory slots on the motherboard. RAM that's incompatible with your system either won't fit, or won't function properly.

Can I put any RAM in my PC?

A common misconception about RAM is that you can put any RAM into any slot. You can do that, but it won't work, or it will work ineffectively. If you have four RAM slots, always buy matched pairs of RAM (two sticks from the same company, same speed, and same capacity) for the best results.

What's more important RAM speed or size?

The speed of RAM is the rate at which the memory can move data and, for specific tasks, can be more important than the size of memory. When determining how much RAM you will need, remember to consider the tasks you will perform.

What is a good MHz for RAM?

In terms of memory speed, you should look for DDR4 memory that operates close to or above 2,400MHz—or 2400MT/s as it'll appear on the packaging and online. Users purchasing DDR3 RAM should look for memory operating at 1,866MHz at least, and the closer to 2,000MHz the better.

Does the CPU limit RAM speed?

With modern CPUs the memory controller is built directly into the CPU itself, which means different types of CPUs may support different speeds of memory. So while a motherboard may support up to 2133 MT/s (Megatransfers per second) DDR3, most CPUs will not support that memory speed by default.

Which RAM slots to fill first?

If you are installing memory in a dual-channel memory motherboard, install memory modules in pairs, filling the lowest numbered slots first. For example, if the motherboard has two slots each for channel A and channel B, numbered 0 and 1, fill the slots for channel A slot 0 and channel B slot 0 first.

What to do before installing new RAM?

Do I have to change anything when installing new RAM?

These are the motherboard slots you insert your RAM into. Before you can install the new memory you've purchased, you have to remove the old kit. Start by toggling the plastic retention clips at either end of the memory slots so you can pull out the old RAM.

Is 32 GB RAM overkill?

32GB of RAM is considered high and is generally overkill for most users. For most everyday use and basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and basic office work, 8GB of RAM is more than enough. Even for gaming or video editing, 16GB is typically sufficient.

Is 16GB RAM enough?

16GB is the recommended amount of RAM for playing most games and will provide a noticeable increase in performance from 8GB. You will also be able to run applications in the background without affecting gameplay.

Which RAM slots to use?

Does doubling RAM increase speed?

RAM (Random Access Memory), holds your data for active applications, and doesn't increase your system speed. In fact, the more RAM you have, the more applications you can have open simultaneously.

Should I buy the same brand of RAM?

The RAM type should always be the same. It's not possible to install a DDR3 module in a DDR4 slot or the other way around, for example. Besides, DDR3 and DDR4 RAM modules don't work together due to a number of factors.