Computer Memory Upgrades for Desktops and Laptops

In regards to computer memory, more is always a good thing. Well, this is somewhat misleading. The truth is that jamming a computer with too much memory (more than it can handle) is in fact pointless. Every computer can only handle a certain amount of random access memory, better known as RAM. Therefore, a computer configured for only 256 MB of RAM would be doing nothing with 756 MB of RAM on a 1 Gig RAM chip. Other than that though, memory remains one of those things where more is typically better.

Consequently, when purchasing a new PC, you need to choose one that can handle a hefty amount of RAM. The more RAM it can handle, the faster it will operate. Consider all the functions and tools that your computer may be handling all at once: a webcam, a microphone, a CD/DVD player, etc. Not to mention all the RAM involved constantly in loading web pages, sending email, chatting with friends, and running anti-virus, anti-spyware, and anti-adware software. All these applications and gadgets take an enormous amount of RAM to function efficiently and effectively. Run all of them concurrently and you might have a potential deadlock on your hand. If your computer has ever started lagging all of a sudden to the point that you had to reboot, then you know what I am talking about.

Now, I want to point out that there are two primary forms of RAM in a PC. The first is your system RAM. That's what keeps your computer ticking. The second is video RAM. Video RAM refers to memory established for the sole purpose of maintaining images on your monitor. Most computer systems are operating on just system RAM. This forces the system RAM to therefore take over the role of managing your graphical output as well. As a result, less system RAM is available for more important functions such as managing the operating system, running software applications, and operating peripheral equipment. It is for this reason that many hardcore computer users (primarily gamers) invest in a graphics card. A graphics card comes with its own set of video RAM. As a result, more system RAM is available for primary system functions.

My point in all this is to clearly display the need for more RAM. Your best bet is to increase system RAM and also purchase a graphics card. This is the optimum route for an efficient computer. So, the question remains: Exactly how much RAM is needed?

First of all, as was previously mentioned, every computer can only hold a certain amount of RAM. This typically ranges between 256 MB (old computers) all the way to 4 Gigs (new computers). Whether you have an old or new computer, you need to maximize your RAM. This is especially important if your computer does happen to be rather ancient. Old computers have slow processors, no graphics card, and a weak power source. Maximizing its RAM will make the difference between an old and slow computer versus an old yet management computer.

Second, if your new computer comes preinstalled with Windows Vista, then you will most definitely need to maximize on RAM. Any less than 1 Gig and your computer is likely to not function properly. Truthfully, Vista is a relatively new operating system that is plagued with incessant errors. If you get a PC with XP, on the other hand, then the minimum RAM to function properly would be 256MB. Nonetheless, I readily recommend opting for maximization. You would be astonished at the difference that RAM can make.

Third, a graphics card usually contains memory ranging from 64 MB to 1 Gig. Unless you intend to play any very 'graphical' games, you only need about 128 MB of RAM in you graphics card. In all honesty, however, you may not even need a graphics card at all. If you maximize your computer up to 1 or 2 Gigs or RAM, then a graphics card isn't even necessary, especially if you don't intend to play games. It doesn't hurt to have though.

Lastly, I want to note that RAM is expensive. Upgrading a computer's RAM or purchasing a new computer with maximized RAM can be awfully expensive. Nevertheless, I cannot even begin to stress the vital importance of RAM. If your computer is slow, then consider upgrading RAM before anything else (e.g. upgrading the processor, the operating system, or the power supply). When it comes to computers, RAM is key. Don't forget that!