Memory or RAM is rightly called as the storehouse of data. As a short-term medium that stores instructions, RAM assists the CPU for performing a number of activities. When you run multiple applications, the CPU obtains all the information from the RAM. While using the system, you may often come across a query of whether you need to upgrade memory. The right answer to that depends on a number of factors. You must consider your current activities, usage, speed, any significant delays, and future requirements. When you know the current memory specifications and potential requirements in the future; you can decide whether you need to go for an upgrade.
RAM or random-access memory is a form of volatile or short-term memory. It stores data on a temporary basis unlike the permanent storage in a hard-disk. This temporary arrangement allows it to handle a large amount of data at a faster speed. Instead of searching for instructions from a permanent storage; the CPU can process the information quickly from an easily accessible RAM.
Options of memory for your system
There are several memory specifications that determine the overall performance. First and foremost, you must check the capacity measured in GB. 4GB is the minimum capacity, while 8GB is an excellent option for running basic applications. If you run multiple applications and perform many CPU-intensive activities, you may require 16GB. The right choice depends on the nature of your workload.
By opting for a higher capacity, you can eliminate the issues of slow processing. If your memory is quite low as compared to your usage, you would come across frequent bottle-necks. You would notice lagging in the system that can affect the overall performance. It is difficult to switch from one task to the other that can only add to the delays. If you open multiple websites on the browser, perform activities like upgrading a spreadsheet and writing a word document, and also listen to some audio files or stream video in the background- you would require at least 8GB. And in case, if this leaves no room for doing anything else, you can upgrade to 32GB.
Besides capacity, it is also beneficial to check the speed of your memory. It is measured in MHz and determines the rate of data flow. It is important to understand whether your system can support an upgrade. The motherboard must contain compatible slots for inserting new RAM memory. You can check the specifications as provided by the manufacturer to understand the recommended upgrades.
Signs that indicate you need to upgrade memory
When you start your work on a new system, you would find that the memory is quite sufficient. With passing time, as you start using more applications, you may experience the need for an upgrade. Since it all depends on the nature of your workload, you can understand the requirement for an upgrade. Based on the performance of your applications, you can determine the requirement. If you realize that your system is slowing on a regular basis, you may have to address the query.
Slow system
Sometimes your system may slow down or crash due to some mechanical issue. In such a situation, you may not need to upgrade immediately. It is only when the system shows recurring instances of crashing, slowing down or stalling; you need to find out the underlying issue. Such frequent delays can impact your productivity to a great extent. Also, if the system shuts down unexpectedly, you run into the risk of losing all your current data. As RAM stores data on a short-term basis, it may turn difficult to retrieve your lost information. If your screen freezes on a regular basis and you report slow behavior, you may need to go for an upgrade.
Poor performance
This is characterized by unnecessary wait times while performing any activity. For example, if you move from one application to another, you would notice a delay. Normally, when you click on an icon, it responds immediately. It is easy to open a file as soon as you select the file. But in case of a lower memory, you may have to wait before the system responds to your command.
Another example is the inability of the system to catch-up with your commands. If you are typing your words, you would notice that they do not appear on an instant basis. You may have to wait for the system to respond back.
You may also notice display issues. It may take time for opening a website. When you open a webpage, you may have to wait more than expected. You may observe these issues on a regular basis that can hamper your work.
Error Notification
When you are in the middle of your work, you may get an error message that indicates low memory. The system may send frequent notifications when you try to open multiple programs. If the system is unable to find any memory for the new demand, it may send notifications about the low memory. When the system sends notifications or error messages on a regular basis, it may be time to upgrade.
Difficulty for multi-tasking
Generally, a memory supports multiple applications. You can easily open multiple tabs on your system and work with applications. Activities such as browsing, writing, editing, and media can be performed simultaneously. Unless you are running an intensive game or a video-editing software, you may find it convenient to use multiple applications. In case of low memory, you may find it difficult to switch from one task to the next.
How does it help if you upgrade memory
When you experience the signs that indicate the need for an upgrade, you can look around for options. By upgrading to a higher capacity, you can make more room for running multiple tasks and activities. The system uses memory on a continuous basis. Even simple activities such as using the mouse can consume memory. The amount of memory that is used depends on the type of activities. Writing a word document may consume less memory as opposed to streaming videos. Similarly, intensive applications and gaming can take more memory as compared to regular applications.
When you are working on a system, there are many activities in the background. Some processes such as system updates and security software programs consume memory in the background. Even though you may not be working on those applications actively, it can use some memory in a passive manner. When you take all these things into consideration, you may realize that a higher memory can be beneficial.
You can check the total and available memory while working on your system. After checking the availability, cost, capacity, and compatibility, you can choose an upgrade. If you would like to sell your used memory, you can get an excellent price at BuySellRam. We accept a wide range of new and used memory types. You can expect good cash value in return. You can take advantage of a secured process of payment.
Find out the memory in your system
Before you look around for options of new memory, you can take a look at the capacity of your existing memory. It can give you an idea of the total capacity. At the same time, it will show you the available memory in the system. You can always check the memory while you are using your system. It is a good idea to check the used and available memory at the peak performance. When you evaluate the memory capacity while running all the applications, you can get a better idea. Though we may not run the same programs in an exact same manner every day; we can get a basic idea for the overall functioning. A continuous delay or slow down can point towards the need for an upgrade.
If you are using Windows, you can go to Task manager to check the memory. When you open task manager, you can proceed to Performance. Here, you can check the total memory. When you select memory, it opens the details including available memory.
In order to check the memory on Mac, you can select the Apple icon on the top left corner. Under the section ‘About this mac’, you can find the total memory. To check available memory, you can press Command and Space bar. It opens a spotlight search tab. You can type ‘Activity monitor’. It opens a new box with details about the physical memory. It indicates the memory in use. You can also see the memory used by each application. It gives a list of all the active and passive applications that are consuming memory.
How to upgrade your memory
After understanding your current usability and probable use for the future, you can opt for a new memory upgrade. Adding memory is one of the efficient methods for ensuring maximum productivity. You can use a tool called Crucial System scanner to understand about your memory and storage. The tool can give your details about how much memory you have currently. It also shows how much it can hold, and also give a list of compatible upgrades that are available for your system.
It can analyze the system for current memory usage. Depending on the usage, it can suggest options for upgrade. These options are compatible with your system that makes it an ideal choice. It also gives the maximum recommendations that can ensure optimum performance. With this information, you can opt for an upgrade that matches your workload. You shall observe an increase in productivity and extract maximum benefit.
When you are ready for an upgrade, you must check out compatible options. You can hunt for the right price after thorough research. If you are eager to run particular applications or play specific games, you can check the recommended memory specifications. Most of the regular gaming and activities such as video editing, photo editing, and intensive applications can be done with 16GB. If your work involves rendering larger files, creating content, and using advanced photo and video modification applications, you may require up to 32GB.
Instead of spending money on discarding your used memory, you can sell it to us at BuySellRam.com. If you recycle the used memory, you may have to spend money for it. We accept all types of new and used memory and can offer excellent price in return.
How to know if you need to upgrade RAM in the future
The memory requirements of certain applications may rise with newer updates. If you opt for enough memory beforehand, you can avoid the issue of having to upgrade quite often. You can consider few probable situations where you might be forced to upgrade.
When your upgrade the OS
The OS or operating system is one of the central components that utilizes maximum memory from the system. As the performance of OS influences the overall productivity, you must ensure that there is enough memory to support the OS. When you plan to upgrade your OS, you can check if also require more memory. By adding more memory while updating the OS, you can take ensure smooth processing. It can also optimize the overall performance.
When you install new software and hardware
When you download new software programs, you would require more memory. Similarly, applications such as video editing, advanced photo editing, and intensive gaming requires more memory. Besides, if you install new hardware such as a graphics card, processor, or storage, you may require to upgrade memory.
Buying a new system
If your system does not support memory upgrades, you may be forced to buy a new system. This is true in case of inexpensive models offering something as low as 4GB or 8GB. In such a case, you can opt for a new system and ensure compatibility for newer upgrades. When you add more memory, you would experience a drastic difference in the response time. It also offers an impressive speed for running multiple applications at once. The processing time is reduced to a great extent and allows you to multi-task even with intensive applications.