One of the most important components of a computer is RAM (Random Access Memory). This is what sustains the operating system's performance, but it also gives speed and fluidity to applications, ensuring the computer responds appropriately to any task you ask of it. The problem is that you often overlook this detail, and after a while, you notice that the computer is slow, unresponsive, takes a long time, etc. Do you want to know what signs tell you that you need to upgrade your PC's RAM?
If so, we are going to give you the Keys to help you understand what RAM is for and the signs that warn you that your computer needs a change. Go for it?
What is the function of RAM?
In case you don't know, RAM is something like temporary memory. What it does is save all the data that the computer needs at that time. It's not like a hard drive, but when you turn off your PC, it empties and starts again from scratch when you start it up.
The more RAM you have, the more space you'll have for temporary memory, and that means your computer can perform more tasks, open more applications, and keep everything running quickly and at full performance.
There is no minimum or maximum amount of RAM; it all depends on how you intend to use the computer.
Common signs that you need more RAM
Imagine you have a computer. You may have recently purchased it, or it may be several years old. To know whether your computer needs more RAM or not, there are several warning signs.
One of the first is the slowness when opening programsIf each of them takes several seconds or even minutes to open, that means your RAM is full and you're starting to experience memory issues.
You might think the solution is to turn it off and back on. And yes, that would help, but as soon as you open it again and ask it for tasks, it will fill up again. Also, if you use modern video games, Photoshop, or AutoCAD, you'll notice this slowness much more easily, because your computer may not have enough power to handle them.
But it's not just that things are slow if your RAM fails. Also:
The system freezes or slows down
One of the clearest symptoms that you are running out of RAM (or that it is failing) is that When switching between applications or windows, the system takes a long time to respond. Or worse, it freezes for a moment and you can't do anything for a few seconds.
This occurs when the operating system uses the hard drive itself as virtual memory because the RAM is no longer capable.
Disk usage at 100% continuously
If you're using Windows, this is easy to check. You just have to go to Task Manager and look at disk usage. If you see that it is at 100% almost always and that, in addition, you do not have any applications open, it is indicating that the RAM memory is not enough. for your computer, and it's using virtual memory which can cause everything to crash.
Browsers with many tabs
Did you think browsers don't slow down your computer? The truth is, they do. All of them, especially the most modern ones like Chrome, Firefox, or Edge, consume a lot of RAM, and if you're one of those who tends to have many tabs open, which will harm the performance of the PC.
Video games don't work on your PC
Another sign that you need more RAM on your PC is video games. As new games become available, their requirements become more specific and greater. Therefore, When games stutter, load slowly, drop FPS (frames per second), or crash suddenly, this may be due to insufficient memory.
Not being able to update the operating system or new programs
Maybe it hasn't happened to you, or maybe it has. You buy a new program, or your operating system is about to be updated, and suddenly, when it starts up, you get a Notice that it cannot be installed because you do not meet the requirements.
Well, within those requirements, one of them could be RAM memory.
Maybe you have 8 GB of RAM and the program or system needs 32 GB.
High RAM utilization
Imagine you turn on your computer and check, without opening any program, how much RAM is being used. If that value indicates levels above 70-80%, then it is a sign that you need more memory.
How much RAM do you really need?
The big question: How much RAM do I need? The truth is, it's not easy to answer. It all depends on how you use your computer and also the operating system (Windows, for example, is one of the systems that requires the most RAM).
If you use the PC for For browsing and some office work, 8GB of memory should be enough.But if you use it for watching videos, streaming platforms, or even a little gaming, it falls short. The best option in those cases is 16 GB of memory.
If you're using it for design, video editing, gaming, etc., don't go below 32 GB of RAM. It can even be more, as long as your PC supports it.
To know how much RAM you have, in Windows you have to go to settings / system / about / installed memory (RAM).
On Linux, it's easier, since you can use the command free -h in the terminal to tell you. On a Mac, go to the Apple menu / About This Mac / Memory.
Once you know how much RAM you have, you can consider upgrading it. This will depend on whether your computer has available slots for more RAM, or whether you can replace the RAM you have with compatible ones that your PC recognizes and can work with.
If you can't, you shouldn't put too much pressure on your computer. You'll need to control the programs you open, clean up temporary system files, disable applications, and avoid playing video games.
Now, are you clear on the signs that you need more RAM? And how to look for this detail when buying a PC?