Computer Basics: Memory

By Martin Jansen, Owner of Jansen-PCINFO

Computer memory or, more accurately, Random Access Memory (RAM) is the second most important part of computer components.  RAM is used by the computer when the computer is on.  When the computer is off, not in standby mode, all memory of past computer operations is wiped.

RAM is usually counted by twos: 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 32 and even 64 gigabytes of RAM is possible in today’s personal computers.  Of course, the more RAM in a computer the more expensive the computer.  The most expensive computers have a high end processor, high end graphics, larger amounts of storage (addressed in my next article) and 32 or 64 gigabytes (GB) of RAM.

Operating Systems and RAM

Operating systems like Windows, Linux, MacOS use RAM as they work.  Generally speaking, today’s operating systems need at least 8 GB, but all operating systems benefit by having more RAM.   If the operating system is more efficient, like Linux Mint, it can get by on as little as 4 GB of RAM.  Moreover, modern operating systems are no longer 32 bit, but have fully adopted the 64 bit standard.

Internet Browsers and RAM

I would say that the biggest draw on RAM and system resources in general are Internet Browsers like Chrome, Firefox, Edge and the like.  Internet hackers are constantly trying to find flaws in browsers to exploit and gain user information.  As a result, browser manufacturers are constantly under development to patch the flaws, releasing new versions as needed.  Along the way, new features are introduced further making browsers take up even more computer resources. I don’t see an end to this trend anytime soon, making RAM a key system resource in the years to come.

RAM Types

For many years now RAM types have been divided between Laptops and Desktops.  Laptops use SODIMMs, or Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Modules while Desktops generally use full size DIMM or Dual In-line Memory Modules.  There has been some blurring of the lines between RAM types with the introduction of mini-computers, these are tiny desktops that use SODIMMs.

DDR

Over the years both types of memory modules have increased in speed and frequency while decreasing power consumption.  Double Data Rate (DDR) memory has succeeded SDRAM as the standard.  With each increase of DDR number from DDR1 to 5, data rates have basically doubled with each iteration. For full information on these phenomenal increases see this article from Crucial: https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/difference-among-ddr2-ddr3-ddr4-and-ddr5-memory

By the way, Crucial is also my website for finding the correct memory type for each computer I am trying to upgrade.  The website has a huge database of computers and the memory or storage it needs.

Upgradable or Not?

A growing number of laptops and especially Chromebooks are not upgradable at all.  The memory and storage are soldered to the motherboard.  In effect, these are disposable computers, stuck in time.  Again, I turn to Crucial to see if a computer can be upgraded.

Conclusion

Computer memory is a key component of computer operations and the more the better for operating systems and software like browsers.  The demand for memory will increase as time goes on and technology is more than keeping up with demand with efficient designs for increased frequency and speed.  As usual, the newer the components in a computer the higher the cost to the consumer.