What is RAM and what does RAM do?

RAM is an acronym and stands for Random Access Memory. It is  one of the most vital components in your digital device whether it is a computer, desktop, laptop, Mac, console, or phone.

For anyone wondering what RAM does, how it works in your computer, and why you might need to upgrade it for better performance, read on!

RAM is the temporary memory in your computer that gives applications a place to store and access data on a short-term basis. Having more RAM means that more data can be accessed and read almost instantly, as opposed to being written on your hard drive or SSD. 

RAM allows your computer to perform its everyday tasks, such as loading applications, browsing the internet, editing a spreadsheet, or playing the latest game. Memory also allows you to switch quickly among these tasks while also remembering where you are in each task. Generally speaking, the more memory you have, the more easily your computer will be able to do multiple things at once. As an example of how this works, when you turn on your computer, check your email, open a browser, and then edit a spreadsheet, you'll have used memory in several different ways: 

• to load and run apps like your spreadsheet program and email
• to respond to commands, like deleting an email and editing the spreadsheet
• to toggle between your open programs, like going back and forth from the spreadsheet to check your email
• to load one or more web pages into your browser 

You can think of memory like the top of your desk. It allows you to work on various projects at once. The larger your desk, the more papers, folders, and tasks you can have out at one time. You can quickly and easily access the information without having to thumb through slower storage like a filing cabinet (or your computer hard drive).

The speed and performance of your system directly correlate to the amount and type of RAM you have installed. If your system doesn’t have enough RAM, it can be slow and sluggish, especially when you’re trying to multitask or having several programs or apps open at the same time. 

If you regularly get frustrated by unresponsive programs, lagging load times, and a generally slow computer, lack of RAM is probably to blame. There are ways to see if your computer needs more memory, and it's easy to upgrade your desktop or laptop RAM yourself. 

Larger RAM modules will give your computer more space. RAM size is measured in Gigabytes (GB). Faster RAM modules will also help your computer work more quickly. RAM speed is not important for most users, but if you work with very demanding applications like games, video production, or other intensive software, faster RAM could help. RAM speed is measured in Megahertz (MHz).

To prevent users from installing incompatible memory, modules are physically different for each memory technology generation. These physical differences are standard across the industry, so make sure you buy memory compatible with your motherboard or other components.

RAM performance is all about the relationship between speed and latency. At a basic level, latency is the time delay between when a command is entered and when the data is available. Understanding the speed and latency of RAM will help you better choose the correct RAM to install in your system based on your needs.

Computer RAM is a critical component in a computer system, providing volatile storage that the processor uses to temporarily store and access data quickly. There are several types of RAM, each with its unique characteristics and use cases. 

Dynamic RAM is one of the most common types of RAM used in computers. It stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. However, DRAM needs to be constantly refreshed to retain data, which can impact its speed compared to other types. 

SRAM is faster than DRAM and doesn't require constant refreshing, as it stores each bit using a flip-flop circuit. Due to its faster access times, SRAM is often used in cache memory to provide quick access to frequently used instructions and data.

SDRAM synchronizes with the system's clock speed, allowing for more efficient data transfers. This synchronization enables a steady flow of data, reducing delays in accessing information. Various types of SDRAM, such as double data rate (DDR) SDRAM, have evolved to provide increased data transfer rates.  

Double data rate (DDR) synchronous dynamic random access memoryDDR SDRAM transfers data on both the rising and falling edges of the clock signal, effectively doubling the data transfer rate compared to traditional SDRAM. DDR RAM has undergone several generations, with each iteration (such as DDR3, DDR4 and DDR5) offering increased performance and efficiency.  

Graphics double data rate (GDDR) synchronous graphics random access memorySpecifically designed for graphics processing units (GPUs), GDDR SDRAM focuses on high-speed data transfer to support the demands of graphics-intensive applications like gaming and video rendering. Similar to DDR RAM, GDDR has seen multiple generations, each enhancing memory bandwidth and performance. 

While most RAM is volatile and loses data when power is cut, NVDIMM combines the speed of traditional RAM with the non-volatility of storage. It retains data even when the system is powered off, making it suitable for applications where persistent memory is crucial. 

RAM is volatile memory, which means its contents will be lost when the power is turned off. Read Only Memory, ROM, is a type of non-volatile memory, which means it can retain its contents without power. SSDs are another type of non-volatile memory, but they are not read-only. 

For more information see our dedicated article on the difference between RAM and ROM.

Whether you are a gamer, designer, or just looking to speed up your personal computer, upgrading RAM is a simple and easy way to boost your system performance. To determine the right kind of memory for your computer, use the Crucial® System Selector or the Upgrade Selector. These tools will help you determine which memory modules are compatible with your computer and provide options for your speed requirements and budget.