The Importance of RAM in Your Computer Configuration

The physical memory on one’s computer device (desktop or laptop) is called random access memory, and this component of your machine is separate from the permanent storage on a hard disk drive (HDD). This memory is designed to retrieve information from a temporary storage space while one is working on a file so one doesn’t have to wait as long for the computer to retrieve that from the permanent storage. One could think of it like a home office—when one needs to actively work on something one pulls it out of one’s filing cabinet and spreads it out on one’s desk. During the time one is actively using it, it remains on one’s desk where it’s easily available, so one doesn’t have to keep reaching into the filing drawer. But once one is done, one can put it back in the filing drawer where it will be safely stored until the next time one wants to use it.

Many people consider memory, or RAM (random access memory) to be the most important aspect of a computer. Rightfully so, RAM has a lot to do with the speed, and overall performance of your computer and when it comes to memory more is never a bad thing.

Why should one care very much about RAM?

RAM is essentially the core of one’s computer. It can be considered equally important as your processor, or hard drive. The performance of your PC and the ability to support different types of software is optimized, with the right amount of RAM on your computer

The overall performance of your computer is determined by how well your CPU and RAM work together. The more RAM your CPU has access to, the easier its job becomes, which enables a faster computer. If one does not have an adequate amount of RAM than one’s CPU has to work much, much harder to transfer data, which severely damages the computer’s performance.

Random access memory also helps your system support software. Every piece of software requires a minimum amount of space and memory to be able to run smoothly. If one’s computer does not have enough RAM to support all the software systems you are running, or trying to run, they move so slow that it might not be worth running that software system. Also, the software might not run at all, if there is not enough storage room.

RAM is such an essential element to how your computer functions that if one storage location out of a million is damaged your entire system can potentially crash.

These few reasons should have helped convince you why during your next laptop, or desktop purchase you should seriously consider how much RAM is available. Doing so would be more advantageous to one and one’s wallet. Comparing RAM capacity instead of key board light options and deciding which OS you want based on its animal icon, seems like the more educated decision.

Why is RAM important in your Computer? RAM is measured in gigabytes (GB), and in general, the more RAM you have, the bigger your “virtual desk” space will be to allow you to work. Having more RAM means you can spread out more documents from various programs and files, and your computer can still quickly and easily retrieve the information. A more powerful RAM (in terms of more gigabytes) means your computer can more quickly retrieve information.