Advertisements / Special Offers Current Store or Chain Wide Selection Pagination Comparison Section Search Refinements Product Results More Advertisements / Special Offers
Additional Ads / Special Offers that relate to your search.

Special Offers / Advertisements

AMD Radeon RX 9060/9060 XT arriving on 6/5
Crucial DDR5 Memory.No fuss. Just fast.
Microsoft Windows 11
Compare up to 4 items

New list of matching products

X

Sorry, you may compare a maximum of 4 items at a time.

Please clear one or more of your compare items before adding another

Special Offers / Advertisements

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.

Content Site Search

Showing 120 of 999 for “memory”
Community Article memory — Micro Center do you carry a 1 trig usb memory Community Article What memory is compatible with Crucial 16GB (8x2) DDR4 3600 CL16? — Micro Center I would like to add memory (16GB) to my ASUS motherboard and am looking for compatible memory without having to replace the existing memory. Community Article Crucial memory compatibility -- memory upgrade desired — Micro Center I currently have 2x8gb ddr5 5600 ram installed, and want more ram. Community Article RAM 101: Your Guide to Understanding RAM — Micro Center Written by @Julia_V Not sure what computer memory is, or not sure what to look out for when it comes to memory? Community Article Memory failing? — Micro Center I have the symptons of a card/stick failing and well i'm only showing 8gb of 16gb. I took them out and swapped them still only showing 8gb. Web Page Crucial Memory | Micro Center Crucial memory and storage. As a brand of Micron, one of the largest memory manufacturers in the world, Crucial manufactures its memory in-house to meet three key criteria: quality, compatibility, and selection. Community Article 13900k mobo and memory bundle, can I return the memory? — Micro Center I had purchased this bundle but no longer have a need for the ram as I need 2 sticks of 64gb instead of the 32gb. Community Article Memory for HP Pavilion — Micro Center The HP Pavilion had its original 8 GB of ram.  Will adding memory  speed it up.? Community Article Upgrade memory for B241 — Micro Center Hi, I would like to upgrade the memory for my B241 Powerspec. Can you recommend correct memory which I can get. Here's the spec for my PC. Community Article Smart Acess Memory — Micro Center I am currently running 6700xt with 10700k , i am curious if moving to a Ryzen platform with a 3700x would be worth the change to take advantage of resizable bar. Community Article Question on Heatsink and memory — Micro Center I have decided to go with I7 Pentium 2700K Alder Lake. It comes with a package with the Intel Z690 Motherboard and 16 Gb DDR4 GSkills RipJaw Ram for $349. Community Article G.Skill Memory — Micro Center What do you guys think about G.Skill desktop and laptop memory? It's funny how every memory kit I bought, it comes with a badge for advertising. Community Article memory warranty question — Micro Center A few weeks ago I started getting a bsod at startup with "irql_not_less_or_equal" given as the reason. Community Article BSOD Memory related — Micro Center Computer: Community Article Memory Upgrade iMac — Micro Center Hi I'm new here. I have an iMac 21.5" late 2013 model with 8 GB currently installed and would like to upgrade. Community Article DIY - Laptop - Hardware — Micro Center I have a Dell Espiron 5570. Want to replace the SSD, Memory, and CPU. Have specs for SSD from Dell, memory, but not sure what CPU is needed. Community Article Tell Us Your Favorite 2021 Micro Center Memory and Enter to Win a Gift Card! - Page 4 — Micro Center My favorite Micro Center memory is that of my first visit.  I convinced my brother to stop at the Tustin Microcenter on our way to the beach.  All I ended up b… Community Article Tell Us Your Favorite 2021 Micro Center Memory and Enter to Win a Gift Card! - Page 2 — Micro Center My favorite 2021 Micro Center memory would probably have to be when I was waiting in line for a bit longer than normal when picking up an online order. Community Article Tell Us Your Favorite 2021 Micro Center Memory and Enter to Win a Gift Card! - Page 3 — Micro Center Getting my ender 5 plus and putting so many cool things  Web Page RAM | Computer Memory | Micro Center Micro Center has the top deals and selection of RAM and computer memory. Shop online or visit one of our nationwide locations today!

Sign in for the best experience

Access helpful features and personalize your experience - Sign in or create an account now

Sign In
Don't have an account? Create Account