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Desktop Memory - How RAM Can Boost Performance

Random access memory, or RAM, is an essential type of computer memory, but it is not like the permanent storage memory on your hard drive. Rather than a part that stores data long term, RAM is short term working memory that gives your operating system quick access to the files it needs to run apps and complete tasks. Specifically, the type most desktop PCs use in their motherboard is known as DRAM, or dynamic random access memory. In human terms, permanent storage is remembering what happened last year - RAM is remembering what you have to do before lunch.

Upgrading a desktop PCs RAM is a common way to boost performance. Adding memory modules is relatively easy, and the performance improvement from a memory upgrade can be significant. For those building a new PC, RAM is a key part for determining how your PC performs, particularly for gamers and creative professionals. Whatever you need from your RAM memory, the first step is determining which type is right for your computer system.

What Computer Memory Is Best For My System?

There are plenty of factors to look at when choosing RAM for your PC, but the most important include:

Module Type: Two main types of RAM modules are available today: DDR4 and DDR5, or double data rate 4 and double data rate 5. Basically, DDR4 is the current mainstream standard, while DDR5 is the next gen option that offers improved performance at a higher price point. Which one you need depends on the motherboard compatibility. Most support only one or the other, while a few models have slots for both.

Memory Size: 8GB RAM is considered the minimum for both a modern desktop computer and laptop memory, with 16GB recommended for PC games and users of creative software. 32GB and up is useful for those who need powerful workstations for animation and video editing tasks. Typically, you will want to install RAM modules in pairs, dual channel, to maximize performance, which is why it is common to split a larger amount of memory into an even number of smaller modules.

Data Speed: Each module type is rated for a different speed at which it sends data to the CPU, expressed in megahertz or MHz. Faster RAM generally means faster performance for your PC, although RAM data speed upgrades often are not as noticeable as upgrading the memory size. Most PC builders will want to aim for a balance of decent memory size and data speed.

Other relevant factors exist, too, so we recommend reading our expert guide to choosing the correct RAM. Once you know what you are looking for, shop Micro Center's complete computer desktop memory lineup for outstanding prices on top brands like G.Skill, Corsair, and more.

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Community Article Memory issue with PowerSpec G214 — Micro Center I am having difficulties clearing or moving data from the SSD startup drive on my PowerSpec G214 desktop. Community Article Proper UEFI settings for an Intel Optane memory module installation — Micro Center Greetings everyone! This is my very first post here and I'm looking forward to some great and comprehensive help from fellow PC users. Community Article Tell Us Your Favorite 2021 Micro Center Memory and Enter to Win a Gift Card! - Page 5 — Micro Center Microcenter is the place to go for me to get 3d printer filament. The inland pla+ is solid and I print a crap load of it. Community Article Memory Overclocking - Aida64 Scores — Micro Center Along with the CPU and GPU benchmark threads, I wanted to create one for memory as well! Community Article Corsair DDR5 memory/RAM — Micro Center When will the Corsair Dominator Platinum 64GB (2 x 32GB) DDR5 and 128GB (4 x 32GB) DDR5 memory/RAM be available in Rockville, Maryland? Community Article Stable memory speed with 1600af — Micro Center Hey guys jayztwocents sent me here 😄 Ihave a gigabyte b450 auros elite Ryzen 1600af Team darkZ 3600mhz Community Article Maximum memory on PowerSpec B830 — Micro Center Can someone tell me the maximum amount of memory a PowerSpec 830 can run? Community Article Additional Memory for old computer — Micro Center I went to crucial.com and was told that: Crucial 4GB Kit (2 x 2GB) DDR3L-1600 UDIMM is compatible memory upgrade. Community Article mobo and memory for Ryzen 7 — Micro Center It's finally time to upgrade the system that I built almost 10 years ago, so it's been a while and I'm a little out of touch on the best parts. Community Article PowerSpec G434 memory upgrade? — Micro Center I have a PowerSpec G434 with an ASRock Z390 phantom gamming 4s/AC Motherboard. It has an Intel i7-9700KF running at 3.6 GHz. I bought this memory. Community Article Avexir Memory Compatible with Zen 3 — Micro Center I'm building a new computer using the AMD 5900X. Community Article AMD AM5 Zen4 Performance Sneak Peek (Cinebench R23 + Memory Scaling) — Micro Center You clicked this thread to see the performance results of the new AM5 processors, so lets skip the boring word fluff: •  Motherboard: Community Article MSI Pro B650-P wifi memory issues not booting — Micro Center I bought the AMD 7700x/Gkill memory/MSI PRO B650-P wifi. I Put the parts together, booted and screen never came on. Community Article How to adjust the Virtual Memory size in Windows 11 - Micro Center If your Windows 11 computer is running low on virtual memory, you can adjust the size of the paging file. If you're getting low on memory issues with Windows 11 or seem to notice slow performance while using your PC, this can be a good way to improve system performance. Here is how to adjust the virtual memory size in… Community Article Attention: PowerSpec G714 - Potential Instability — Micro Center Greetings, Some users have reported experiencing memory instability on their PowerSpec G714. Community Article How to adjust the Virtual Memory size in Windows 10 - Micro Center If your Windows 10 computer is running low on virtual memory, you can adjust the size of paging file. If you're getting low on memory issues with Windows 10 or seem to notice slow performance while using your PC, this can be a good way to improve system performance. Here is how to adjust the virtual memory size in Windows… Community Article Item return by mail an option??? — Micro Center I have a memory kit that unfortunately isn't going to work for my build. Community Article Need Help Choosing Parts For My First Build(Gaming/Media Server) — Micro Center CPU: Intel i7-12700k Motherboard: ASRock-Z690 WiFi 6E DDR4 Memory: Community Article Intel Memory Overclocking & Performance Tuning Guide — Micro Center Contents (Page 1) Introduction (Page 2) Overclocking & Performance Validation (Page 3) Stress Testing & Stability Validation (Page 4) Conclusion Community Article What is the best, most cost effective way to add memory onto an Asus laptop? — Micro Center I keep running out of memory & storage space on my laptop. I have an Asus X550V series.

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