RAM PC Memory (242 products)

Return to top

Desktop PC memory stores the programmes and applications that are running on a computer, including the operating system. Referred to as RAM (Random Access Memory), it's installed in the PC as modules typically in banks of 4 or 8GB. Generally speaking, the more memory a computer has, the more easily it can cope with multitasking.

Shopping for PC Memory?

When shopping for new RAM it's important to remember that size isn't everything. More RAM will allow you to multi-task or use larger applications more easily, however RAM is also graded on speed. Higher DDR certifications typically run more quickly, with the exact speed measured in MHz. It's important to check you're buying RAM that is compatible with your build. The DDR version used of your new RAM must match the version supported by your motherboard, otherwise you won't be able to install it. Your motherboard will also have a maximum amount of RAM supported - double check you have enough free slots before buying an extra stick of RAM.

What is DDR4 memory?

DDR4 RAM is the latest generation of Double Data Rate memory. That means that DDR4 RAM runs at higher speeds than older generations - but the capacity is still the most important factor when it comes to your memory needs. DDR4 RAM improves the 'clock speed' from the previous generation, which is the speed at which it can read and write data.

What is RAM in a computer?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, a form of volatile memory that stores information temporarily. It doesn't store files the way that your hard drive does - this memory can be retrieved from your system's RAM, which is much quicker than reading data from the hard drive. Once an application no longer requires this information, or once the system is shut down, this information is discarded and the RAM can be reused.

What does RAM do?

RAM is essentially a form of high-speed, short-term memory for your system - it temporarily stores all of the data it thinks your computer might need in that moment or the near future. This means when an application or user requires this data, the system can retrieve it more quickly. Modern operating systems often pre-cache applications and data in unused RAM to improve system responsiveness.

How much RAM do I need?

The more programs or processes you're running, the more RAM you need. So if you're just typing an essay in Microsoft Word, for example, a computer with low RAM might be able to handle that - but if you're simultaneously streaming music, browsing the internet with a few tabs open, watching a quick video clip on a news site, editing a document and running a sweep with antivirus software, your system needs more memory to handle all of those processes at once, and to let you multitask and switch between them.

Modern desktop PCs, laptops, tablets and even phones might have somewhere from 4GB up to 32GB of RAM. For reference, Windows 10 takes 2GB of RAM just to run, so you'll almost certainly need more. But it's still worth remembering that as much as having more RAM is better, at a certain point, adding more RAM to your PC won't make it go any faster.

8GB is fine for basic multitasking and casual users, and can handle a little bit of gaming, but if you want to use your PC or laptop for something a bit more intensive, you'll want to move up. 16GB of RAM is great for Windows and Mac users, and good for gaming, but serious gamers will want to be looking at 32GB upwards in order to get great performance without freezing or lagging. If you're a professional who needs to edit huge image files or video, then you might want to go even higher, past 64GB up to a whopping 128GB.

What is ROM and RAM in computer?

The essential difference between ROM and RAM is their core purpose - RAM is intended for temporary storage in order to speed up computing processes, and therefore needs power to retain information.

ROM, including hard drives and SSDs, is non-volatile, meaning these formats store data over the long-term. Read Only Memory is necessary for storing important files, programs, and the operating system when they are not in use, so that these can be restored at a later date.