How To Choose Computer RAM For PC, Laptop, Tablet, and Gaming

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How much RAM do I need? You must have wondered this after hearing the suggestion of increasing computer RAM for a slow computer. But simply increasing the RAM is not always the answer, and incrementing it is not always that simple.

This question usually pops up in your mind when you experience a slow computer. A slow computer shows unresponsive programs and applications, load times become forever, and the worst is when the display starts to lag right in front of you while using the device. 

The reason behind the how much RAM do I need question is that we keep hearing it way too often. From a technical point of view, it is true to some extent. There are other factors like storage and compatible power supply that contribute to the slowness of the computer.

Yes, but mainly for the user-intensive and power-hungry task, the ram of the computer is to blame. Increasing it will solve the problem, but there is a method of doing so. This process involves what RAM you need and how to install these RAM sticks efficiently. 

The other main aspect of increasing the computer RAM is to know what type of RAM sticks for PC, laptop, or tablet you require. There are subtle and significant differences that set them apart, and knowing them is necessary. 

Multitasking in today’s daily life requires many opened tabs, and users switch through them faster than the blink of an eye. The lag in the switch causes many to think about how much RAM I need to stop, but you know what more makes the RAM upgrade a necessity? Gaming! 

We know gamers also search for the best RAM for gaming; we will address that problem. What better way to enjoy gaming while making your computer fast for daily routine tasks? Let’s get down to it, but first, the basics.

What Is RAM in a Computer?

Random Access Memory is the full form of RAM in a computer. Computer RAM is the primary memory, along with cache memory. The primary function of computer RAM is to store the data actively required by the CPU and processor with the help of the cache memory. Like cache, RAM is volatile and does not store data after the power is turned off. It is fast because it is temporary, and the CPU has direct access to it. The CPU can read and write data directly on the computer RAM and retrieve it faster than it would from a storage device. 

Form Factor

Form factor is a term used to describe the physical form of computer RAM and how it differs between desktops and laptops. RAM modules come in different DIMM, meaning “dual in-line memory module.” 

A DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module) is a memory module containing RAM chips. It’s a physical circuit board with multiple RAM chips mounted on it, designed to be installed in the memory slots on a computer’s motherboard. The green board that you see and hold is called “DIMM.” 

These are the types of DIMMs;

• The most popular form of RAM module sold for personal computers is UDIMM, which stands for Unbuffered and/or Unregistered. Simply writing “DIMM” on a RAM product listing indicates that it is most likely UDIMM.
• Since SO-DIMM is required for laptops, it ranks the second most common form of RAM. A “small outline,” or SO, is essentially a smaller DIMM. As mentioned before, SO-DIMM can also be Unbuffered; this is the type of RAM typically found in laptops.
• MicroDIMM is similar to SO-DIMM but even more compact. Although these RAM modules aren’t as widespread as the other two, they might be used by tablets or some smaller laptops.

DDR

Modern-day RAM is identified as DDR, which stands for “double data rate.” It is a successor to DRAM, which stands for dynamic random access memory. Then these DRAMs were upgraded to SDRAM with better circuit designs and a clock signal to sync with other parts of the system, hence the name Synchronized Dynamic Random Access Memory. 

The innovation of DDR was to double the amount of data bandwidth to perform better. Think of it like widening a single road in double to increase the traffic flow. DDR comes in generations denoted by the number after it, like DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and now the current is DDR5. DDR6 is soon expected to come out and is in the development stage. Do not confuse system memory with graphic memory and think the DDR6 is out. It is GDDR6 and GDDR6X that are out and sweeping the market.

Capacity

This is the part that most excites the user. More RAM means better performance; of course, 8GB RAM of a computer will perform better than 4GB of computer RAM. As for gaming, the specifications mention the capacity required. A normal requirement is usually 4GB for daily tasks of web browsing or documentation, but this is the bare minimum, and you will not get much out of it. That is why 8GB minimum is recommended and 16GB for casual gamers.

Moreover, buying additional RAM for a 32-bit processor is a waste of money as it can only make use of computer RAM of up to 4GB. The next generation of 64-bit processors can theoretically support 4 petabytes of memory. This is on paper only, but in reality, it can support computer RAM between 32GB and 256GB. To know what capacity your motherboard can handle, you will have to shuffle the specs manual of the CPU. 

Speed

This is actually the aspect or feature of the computer RAM that should excite and entice gamers and PC users. People do not think how much RAM speed I need because it is a bit of a complex concept. The two features that define the speed are frequency and timing.

✅ Frequency is referred to as speed in common terms, which is understood. It means the read/write cycle of RAM sticks. Reading and writing cycles happen constantly in memory with the currently loaded data. The frequency number tells you how many times per second the memory goes through that cycle. You will usually see the numbers after the name, like DDR4-3200, where 4 represents the generation, and 3200 refers to the 3200MHz frequency of 3.2 billion read and write cycles per second. 

Higher frequencies generally mean better performance, but the performance also depends on CPUs and motherboards. Not every motherboard supports every frequency and may not work effectively with a higher one. Also, higher frequencies are more pricier.

✅ You must have heard of Column Access Strobe or CAS latency, which is the technical term for speed in computer RAM. To understand it more easily, consider it as the unit of measurement of the time it takes to execute the command received from the CPU. The CAS value is nominated in numbers like 16-18-22, and the lower number is better. 

However, the difference between the numbers is not going to make that much of a difference because of the modern auto-detect settings and memory controllers. These differences are much required and difference-makers in the gaming perspective.

Channels

Remember we talked about widening the road before? The channels are the road on which the data or commands travel from the CPU to the RAM. More the channel, more the transfer. Even if you have the fastest CPU and exceptional RAM, if they are on a single channel, the same channel becomes a chokepoint for them and cripples the performance. CPUs are the components that support channels, and most current-gen CPUs support two to four memory channels. 

RAM computer slots on the motherboard physically support the CPU. To acquire the best RAM performance, you will need to use multiple channels with multiple RAM sticks. This means that to use 16 GB of RAM, you will require two 8GB RAM sticks. The limitation with this approach can be that if you have two RAM slots, then you will need to change both the RAM sticks to upgrade. It is best to use RAM sticks that have matching frequency and timing. The out-of-sync RAM or different capacity scales back the performance.

How Much RAM Capacity Do You Require For a Desktop?

For most daily tasks, casual gaming, and future-proofing, 16GB of RAM is enough. More details of desktop memory are mentioned below;

• 4GB: Some tablets and low-end Chromebooks include 4GB of RAM, but they are only worthwhile purchases if you have a very tight budget.
• 8GB: Usually found pre-installed on budget laptops. This works well for simple Windows games at lower settings, but the steam quickly runs out.
• 16GB: Great for gaming, especially if it’s fast RAM, and great for Windows and MacOS PCs as well, though certain titles still require more.
• 32GB: This is the ideal amount for experts and sophisticated players. Although the price is still reasonable, playing any game is sufficient.
• 48GB: If 32GB of RAM is insufficient and 64GB is superfluous, you may be able to save some money by using non-binary memory kits.
• 64GB and above: This is only for enthusiasts and specially designed workstations. Professional A/V editors, engineers, and others who are interested need to scale more if necessary.

How Much Computer RAM For Laptop?

As the demands of modern applications increase, the need for more computer RAM becomes paramount. Now, laptops come with 8GB pre-installed RAM and options for 16GB. Premium branded-laptops are packing a RAM punch of 32GB to fulfill the demands of today. So, choose your Laptop memory accordingly.

We have already mentioned the use case and capacity requirements in the above section for desktops. It is the same in laptops, and a general rule of three capacity variants;

• 8GB
• 16GB
• 32GB

Going beyond these capacity caps is advised only if you have to perform certain tasks, such as editing high-quality pictures, vast volumes of videos, or playing really demanding AAA games. Increasing just the computer RAM will not bring back ROI instead, other aspects like CPU and GPU are equally important. 

Many laptop users do not consider the device for such tasks, but if you are, then buying enough RAM is important. Moreover, upgrading the RAM of a computer is easier than upgrading a laptop (in some recent models, it is almost impossible). So, making a smart decision is compulsory. 

Difference Between Laptop and Desktop RAM

The main differences between desktop and laptop RAM revolve around their physical size, form factor, capacity, and sometimes performance. 

Here’s a brief comparison:

1. Form Factor

Desktop RAM:

• DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module)
• Larger size (133.35 mm)

Laptop RAM:

• SO-DIMM (Small Outline DIMM)
• Smaller size (67.6 mm)

2. Capacity

Desktop RAM:

• Higher capacities due to more space
• More RAM slots on motherboards

Laptop RAM:

• Smaller capacities
• Limited by fewer slots and space

3. Performance

Desktop RAM:

• Better performance due to more power and cooling
• Higher overclocking potential

Laptop RAM:

• Slightly lower performance due to power/thermal constraints
• Limited overclocking

4. Compatibility and Installation

Desktop RAM:

• Larger, not compatible with laptops
• Easier to upgrade

Laptop RAM:

• Fits smaller laptop slots
• Harder to upgrade

5. Heat Dissipation

Desktop RAM:

• Better cooling solutions
• Handles higher temperatures

Laptop RAM:

• Limited cooling options
• Efficient at lower heat

6. Price

Desktop RAM:

• More cost-effective per GB

Laptop RAM:

• More expensive per GB

Desktop RAM (DIMM) offers higher capacity and performance, better cooling, and easier upgrades. Laptop RAM (SO-DIMM) is smaller, designed for compact spaces, and more expensive per GB.

How Much RAM Does Tablet Support?

Tablets are not supposed to do RAM-intensive tasks like smartphones, hence they do not come with more. However, the evolution of apps and software in the tabs sphere has pushed them to accommodate more RAM. These innovations have widened the range from 2 to 16GB of computer RAM because they also have to balance the processor speed and battery life.

Nowadays, tablets have 8 and 16GB of RAM, but some budget models also come with 4GB of RAM. If you are eyeing 4GB RAM for your tablet, then prepare to have patience while multitasking. Other than that, 8GB is enough for almost any kind of use, but almost. If you want to go all out, then 16GB is the deal, but we do not recommend it because you cannot mostly perform tasks on tabs that require that much RAM.

Difference Between Tablet and Laptop RAM

1. Form Factor

Laptop RAM:

• SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module)
• Size: About 67.6 mm (2.66 inches)

Tablet RAM:

• Soldered Chips or LPDDR (Low Power Double Data Rate) Modules
• Directly soldered onto the motherboard, not replaceable

2. Capacity

Laptop RAM:

• Typically, higher capacities (4GB to 64GB or more)
• Upgradable in many models

Tablet RAM:

• Lower capacities (2GB to 8GB typically)
• Not upgradable

3. Performance

Laptop RAM:

• Better performance with higher power availability
• Suitable for multitasking and demanding applications

Tablet RAM:

• Optimized for power efficiency over performance
• Designed for lighter, less demanding tasks

4. Compatibility and Installation

Laptop RAM:

• Uses SO-DIMM modules that can be replaced or upgraded
• Requires opening the laptop chassis for installation

Tablet RAM:

• Integrated and soldered onto the motherboard
• Not user-replaceable or upgradable

5. Heat Dissipation

Laptop RAM:

• Designed to handle more heat with better cooling solutions
• Larger chassis allows for better heat dissipation

Tablet RAM:

• Designed for minimal heat generation
• Limited cooling due to compact and sealed design

6. Power Consumption

Laptop RAM:

• Higher power consumption compared to tablet RAM
• Requires more energy for higher performance

Tablet RAM:

• Lower power consumption for longer battery life
• Optimized for energy efficiency

Laptop RAM (SO-DIMM) offers higher capacities, better performance, and upgradability but consumes more power and generates more heat. Tablet RAM is integrated and optimized for power efficiency, compact design, and lower heat generation but is not upgradable and has lower capacity.

How Much RAM Do I Need For Gaming?

This is a really interesting and frequently asked question, too. The DDR4 was cutting it for quite some time until the DDR5 arrived. It does not differ in terms of capacity but rather in data transfer rate, bandwidth, and power consumption. The capacity requirement will still be the same, and with the best DDR4 RAM, it won’t make much of a difference.

If you are starting from scratch to build a gaming PC, 16GB is a good budget option. If you want to experience a legit gaming experience, we recommend opting for 32GB. Before, 8GB was able to pull the AAA games, but now they demand as much as 32GB. 

16GB of RAM can also be enough for many games like Cyberpunk 2077, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and Red Dead Redemption 2. These games almost consume the RAM, leaving little memory for the background applications. If you need to run applications like OBS Studio for streaming along with a web browser, then 32 GB is a must. Feeling more generous than 48GB with a non-binary kit is also an option.

RAM Requirements For Designing Software

Should You Upgrade More Than The System Requirements?

With minimal system requirements, a computer can run an operating system (OS) but will have a slow response time and limited multitasking capabilities. Additionally, higher minimum requirements may be necessary for any future improvements. We expect you to demand above and beyond what is required.

Upgrading Computer RAM Is Easy and Affordable

Out of the other components in a PC required for gaming, such as CPU, GPU, and motherboard, RAM is the cheapest. It is also highly affordable and easy to install. Until now, we have established that more is better, but with a method to madness. There is no reason to go beyond 32GB for a better gaming experience and 16GB if binge-watching Netflix is the weekend’s goal. 

Are your creative ambitions and rank achievements being limited because of the computer RAM? Even after reaching the end of this blog, you cannot decide how much RAM I need. Then let’s not waste both of our effort and time and connect on a technical level to find you the perfect RAM solution.

FAQs

What kind of RAM do I have?

To find out what kind of RAM you have, check your computer’s specifications via system settings or BIOS. Alternatively, use tools like CPU-Z or Task Manager in Windows. Look for details such as DDR type (e.g., DDR4), speed (e.g., 3200MHz), and capacity (e.g., 16GB).

Why is RAM important for my PC?

RAM is crucial for your PC because it stores data temporarily, allowing the CPU to access it quickly. This speeds up tasks, improves multitasking, and enhances overall system performance. Adequate RAM also ensures the smooth operation of applications, games, and processes without slowdowns or crashes.

How much RAM do I need for my PC?

The amount of RAM needed for your PC depends on your usage:

• Basic Tasks (Browsing, Office Work): 8GB
• Gaming: 16GB
• Professional Work (Video Editing, Graphic Design): 32GB
• High-End Applications (3D Rendering, Large Data Analysis): 64GB or more

Choose based on your specific needs to ensure smooth performance.

How do I know if a RAM module is compatible with my motherboard?

To ensure a RAM module is compatible with your motherboard:

1. Check Motherboard Specifications: Look up your motherboard’s manual or manufacturer’s website for supported RAM types (e.g., DDR4), speeds, and capacities.
2. Use Online Tools: Use tools like Crucial’s System Scanner or manufacturer’s compatibility checkers.
3. Verify Form Factor: Ensure the RAM module fits the DIMM slots (e.g., UDIMM for desktops, SO-DIMM for laptops).
4. Consult with Manufacturer: Check the motherboard and RAM manufacturer’s compatibility lists.

What should I do if my PC doesn’t recognize the new RAM?

If your PC doesn’t recognize the new RAM, follow these steps:

1. Check Installation: Ensure the RAM is properly seated in the slots.
2. Consult the Manual: Verify the RAM is compatible with your motherboard.
3. Update BIOS: Sometimes, a BIOS update is needed for new RAM support.
4. Test Slots: Try different RAM slots to rule out a faulty slot.
5. Check for Defects: Test the RAM in another compatible system to see if it’s defective.

Verify Specs: Ensure the new RAM matches the required specifications (e.g., DDR type, speed).