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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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Showing 61–80 of 999 for “memory”
Community Article How G.Skill is taking over the RAM market. — Micro Center G.Skill... Of course you've seen that name before while you were looking for memory and then you're like: Community Article I think one of the memory modules is bad. — Micro Center 128 Gigs of ECC Unbuffered memory.  When I'm in Linux and start to reboot I see the ECC errors.  I've used MemTest86 the latest version I didn't get any errors t… Community Article New G707 BSOD Memory Management and others — Micro Center Hey- Bought a Powerspec G707 in July and have had a few BSOD pop up, pretty much had one within the first week of purchase. Community Article Help me choose a mobo and memory for hard-working 5950x — Micro Center Hi everyone, I have a specific use case and a budget and I need advice. CPU "has to be" 5950x. Community Article What should I get to upgrade my Powerspec G509 Memory? — Micro Center I have already upgraded my storage but now I am looking to add another 16g of memory. Will I need to upgrade my power supply and cooling as well? Community Article Does the MSI Katana GF66 laptop have DDR5 memory capability? — Micro Center Not in addition to the current dimms, but if the user wants to upgrade later. Community Article Memory is Maxing Out on New Build- Why ? - Page 2 — Micro Center Well I think I fixed it.. Community Article APPLE 16" MacBook Pro — Micro Center Do you have Apples 16" MacBook Pro in stock with 2TB and 32 GB of memory Community Article Quick Question on Laptop's RAM capability — Micro Center Hi Microcenter!  Just wanted to ask about the memory on this laptop.  Comes with 4GB, but how expandable is it?  Thanks in advance! Community Article Need Help Choosing Parts — Micro Center I am building a 3D workstation for a friend of mine. There are some parts that I'm wary of, like the MoBo and Memory. 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. Community Article New B744, Intel Optane Memory Manager — Micro Center Intel Optane Memory Manager set to Manual in services.msc and in task manager its stopped.  Should this not be automatic and running ?? Thanks, Bjw Community Article Need help replacing CPU, MOBO, Memory — Micro Center Hi Everyone, my CPU recently gave up the ghost, and so I will be replacing it in the near future. I have a budget of about $500. Community Article How to Choose Your PC Parts: RAM — Micro Center If you’re reading this post, you’re probably here for one reason: you're starting a new PC build. Community Article G.Skill Memory Models (2 x 16Gb) — Micro Center Hi, I apologize if this question was answered elsewhere, but I couldn't find it... Community Article Dam Ram! — Micro Center I have the MSI X570 Gaming Pro Wifi.. and I can't find the Correct RAM (memory) that works with this motherboard!.. Community Article Ambient Overkill - Micro Center Build — Micro Center Ambient Overkill - Micro Center BuildThe system was originally built for benching in overclocking competitions, specifically for CPU and memory overclocking. Community Article How do I go about getting more storage installed on my PC via Micro Center's services? — Micro Center I have an HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop (15-ec2097nr) with 16 GB memory and 256 GB of SSD storage. Community Article ASUS PRIME Z690-P Adding memory (PowerSpec) — Micro Center This motherboard has 4 memory slots. It came with 2 and 4 filled. I'd like to fill the others but, it appears #2 might have an issue. Can I just fill #3? Community Article Will this memory work with Ryzen 5 2600X & Asrock B450 PRO4? — Micro Center Corsair Vengeance LPX 32GB (2 x 16GB) DDR4-3200 PC4-25600 CL16 Dual Channel Desktop Memory Kit CMK32GX4M2E3200 - SKU 046201I'm a little confused by the buffered/unbuffered/registered and the Single Rank/Dual Rank in the Pinnacle Ridge memory section of the motherborad manual.

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