Computer RAM: How many GB are needed beyond marketing?

[msfntor]

Computer RAM: How many GB are needed beyond marketing?
The standard is 8GB but in some cases it can fall short. It is also common to overspend. The expert word.
 

32GB of RAM: a high-performance configuration. Photo Maxi Failla

by Juan Brodersen

13/03/2023 6:30
Clarín.com
Technology
Updated at 13/03/2023 6:30

RAM memory is a key part of a PC or laptop: it is in charge of saving the data of the programs we open and it is partly responsible -although not the only one- for keeping the computer from slowing down. Thus, it is critical to open many tabs in the browser or many applications at the same time. Which begs the question: how much is needed: 8, 16, 32 or 64? How much marketing is behind it?

The answer to this question is rather contextual. It is not the same to use a computer to surf the Internet, visit social networks and applications such as Word, than to have to edit video or want to play video games with the best possible performance.

The standard that almost always appears in people's heads is 8 GB of RAM. And while under certain conditions (upgraded processor and solid state disk) this may be enough for the average user, the picture changed these years, especially after the pandemic in which a much more intensive use.

"Today we can consider that 8GB is the base configuration that most new computers come with; there are no longer any new computers with 4GB of RAM," José Luis Fernández, technology manager at Kingston, one of the world's largest manufacturers, explained to Clarín.

However, there are a series of parameters to be taken into account in each case: quantity, frequency and generation (with DDR5 as the newest but the least widespread), in an area where every penny spent on one component takes away from another.

And by the way, a not minor clarification: all this information is with Windows as the reference operating system, not necessarily because it is the best, but because it is the most widely used.

Here, the expert word and everything you need to know about RAM in 2023.

What is RAM memory

The first thing we have to do is to understand what RAM memory is: its acronym, Random Access Memory, gives a bit of an idea of what it is all about.

It is also called "volatile" memory: "It is so called because when the computer is turned off, its contents are lost and it is basically the closest working space that the processor has beyond the internal cache, which is also a type of memory", explains the Kingston expert.

RAM is thus the first workspace that the processor has to store applications and their data: Word, Excel and Google Chrome and so on.

Secondly, there are three important parameters: the amount of RAM (measured in gigabytes), the speed (measured in MT/s, MegaTransfers/sec) and the type: DDR5 has been available since last year, but at such a high price that it is almost inaccessible. For this reason, DDR4 is still the standard (and there are still some computers with DDR3).

What are MT/s? "It is the technical description of memory speed. Until very recently, the term megahertz (Mhz) was used to refer to the physical frequency at which the chips run, but already a year ago Kingston and other companies started calling it by its name: MT/s or MegaTransfers/sec," he explains.

"This is because when you buy a 3200 'Mhz' memory in reality physically the chips run at 1600Mhz (half), but as DDR ("double data rate") memory technology transmits 2 times per clock cycle, the net data transfer is doubled, hence the confusion," he clarifies.

The standard quantity and speed in 2023
 
2 of 8: 16GB in dual channel, a good option. Photo Maxi Failla

"The operating system, Windows for example, doesn't take up that much space. The problem is all the applications that run on top and are included. There are many heavy applications that send information to the operating system (telemetry) that compromise the available memory", explains Nicolás Wolovick, PhD in Computer Science from the National University of Córdoba.

"That is to say: nobody worries about making applications that take up few resources. In fact, there are people who run Windows 10 on 2GB netbooks and it works fine. The problem comes with everything that comes with the OS", adds the expert in computational calculation. And to that we have to add what the user installs.

In this sense, although most of today's laptops come with 8 GB, this number may be too small even for the average user.

"It is already normal to see that just by starting the computer, the equipment is consuming 8, 9 or even 10 gigabytes of memory. So 16GB is no longer just something to be 'loose' but a necessity. Yes, you can manage with 8 if there are budget limits but it is not recommended and you should definitely look to upgrade to 16 as soon as possible," suggests Fernandez.

A basic 16GB RAM kit today costs around 30 thousand pesos (without heatsink and RBG).

However, if you perform heavier tasks, 16 is already too small. "For professional work, it is usual to start from 32 and upwards, it must be taken into account that many of the new equipment, including laptops, already support capacities of up to 64 gigabytes of memory".

As for gaming, which tends to be a demanding sector, 16GB may be more than enough: "For gaming 16 is usually still enough, unless it is not only used for gaming but also for streaming and other editing tasks, with which 32 would become more recommendable." In this sense, this sector often prioritizes RGB (lights, as seen in the images).

As for RAM speed, the current standard is 3200. "In DDR4 equipment the standardized rate is 3200 mt/s in both Intel and AMD platforms. Those who are already acquiring the latest platforms using DDR5 technology, handle even higher speeds starting from 4800 and going up to 6000, and even more, Kingston will be launching 7200 in a couple of months", adds Fernandez.

Beware: laptops without expansion
 RAM is purchased in "sticks" that are inserted in "slots". Photo: Shutterstock
RAM is purchased in sticks that are inserted into slots. Photo: Shutterstock
One problem to be aware of is that there are some computers that come with the bad idea of having the RAM soldered to the motherboard without the possibility of expansion.

This is a bad practice by certain companies that limit future hardware upgradeability. "Another trend that is currently occurring is that many laptops mainly come with the memory soldered and without expansion slots, which is a problem if the user buys it without knowing this detail because when he inevitably looks for expansion he will realize that this is not possible in that equipment," he warns.

"In that case, the only alternative is to change the equipment, so the recommendation is to check in detail at the time of purchase whether the equipment can be upgraded in memory and disk," he adds.

Thus, the speed that is sure not to cause problems for the average user is 16GB of RAM, although if you are building an economical computer, you can always start with 8 and then add 8 more.

Higher speeds are relegated to more specific and even professional or recreational tasks (video games), so it is better not to be seduced by the marketing of some companies and go for a classic but safe configuration: 16 to 3200 mt/s.

Here (in Spanish): https://www.clarin.com/tecnologia/memoria-ram-computadora-gb-necesitan-alla-marketing-_0_bXuBAkQFfh.html

[Tripredacus]

30 minutes ago, msfntor said:

RAM memory

[msfntor]

48 minutes ago, msfntor said:

memory is: its acronym, Random Access Memory

Of course, wrote: or memory, or RAM...

It's not me, but author, expert ...

[jumper]

AI (or a child).

 

[msfntor]

2 hours ago, jumper said:

AI (or a child).

 

Yes @jumper, AI is like an uneducated child, likes to lie, but then these developers are certainly childlike - this proves who makes this AI.

Sadly, "RAM memory" AI article, we see...

Edited March 15, 2023 by msfntor