Which is the best RAM for gaming? How to check the compatibility of the motherboard and RAM: several simple ways. Tips to follow when buying RAM

Don't forget. There are two very important purchases left for any boyar - RAM and a video card. We'll talk about graphics accelerators later, when Nvidia and its partners finally release 20-series cards for general sale. Today we’ll look into the intricacies of choosing RAM.

As with many aspects of life, RAM isn't easy. It would seem that take more volume, and that’s all. But there are many subtleties that can spoil the purchase experience so that no tens of gigabytes will please you. So, let’s go in order, so that, on the one hand, we don’t overpay for unnecessary things, and on the other hand, we don’t end up with a glitchy computer in an attempt to save too much.

Again, we emphasize that for computer gurus this article may cause attacks of contemptuous grins and increased finger itching. Everything is correct, because our guide is aimed at people who did not attend computer literacy universities and do not every day face the problem of choosing the “most correct” timings.

Types of RAM

Have you thought that you need to decide on the volume first? Like, more gigabytes means more happiness? No, first you should find out what type of RAM you need.

The computer market, despite pessimistic forecasts, is constantly evolving, and RAM is improving along with it. From time to time, new technologies and standards appear that make it possible to increase the speed of memory and reduce its power consumption and heat dissipation. So, generation after generation, more and more new types of RAM are released.

Old DDR memory. This one is no longer produced

You can easily find out which generation a memory stick belongs to by the DDR marking (double data rate). You won't see regular DDR in desktop systems for a long time, just like DDR2. On older, but not released assemblies, DDR3 may still be found, but if we are talking about current computers with brand new “offal”, then there will be no option for DDR4. The memory of the fifth generation has been looming somewhere on the horizon for many years, but for now we can forget about it.

Thus, if we focus on new current processors and motherboards, then the choice comes down to the DDR4 memory type. By the way, even if you made a mistake and bought the wrong type of RAM, you don’t have to be afraid of ruining your computer - you simply won’t be able to install this stick in the motherboard. Each type of memory comes on a board with a special connector, which must correspond to the connector on the motherboard. Do you see that the notch on the memory chip does not coincide with the partition in the slot? Congratulations - this type of RAM is not suitable for your machine! All that remains is to negotiate with the store and exchange it for something more useful.

With DDR4 it’s clear - we’ll only talk about it further. But what else is DDR4 DIMM? What about DDR4 SO-DIMM? Or DDR4 DIMM Registered? Well, DIMM is just a Dual In-line Memory Module (double-sided memory module), that is, a direct and not very necessary designation of the fact that this is a RAM module of a certain form factor and nothing more (or less). DDR4 DIMM is just what you need for desktop computers.

Memory modules of the SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module) format, as is clear from the English translation of the name, are distinguished by more compact dimensions compared to DIMMs. Such strips are used in systems with limited internal space. Laptops and mini-PCs are the habitat for such memory.

DDR4 DIMM Registered is a registered memory with a buffer that partially takes over control of data transfer in memory. Such modules are considered more reliable and fault-tolerant, but they are usually a little more expensive and, they say, a little slower than a regular DIMM. They are used almost exclusively in servers and are of little interest to the classic home user.

Briefly about the main thing. Are you assembling a computer from new, up-to-date components? This means that you don’t have to understand the types of memory and immediately check the box next to DDR4 DIMM, ignoring all the others.

Memory

Many people think that this parameter is the most important. And this is really almost true! At the same time, it is also the simplest. Yes, the “more is better” principle works great here. But within reasonable limits.

There is no point in buying 64 GB of RAM if... No, let's just leave it as “there is no point in buying 64 GB of RAM.” Of course, you can process terabytes of video for days on end, but then you’re unlikely to read this guide.

The minimum amount of RAM allowed today is 4 GB. Anything below is money thrown away. This volume is enough for web surfing, watching movies, and undemanding games. In general, what you need for a working office machine.

8 GB is enough for almost everything and for almost everyone. Games, high-definition movies, photo processing and a little video, a browser with a dozen or two open tabs. All this will run without any problems, but one at a time. Option without reserve, but you can live.

16 GB is still the best option for the vast majority of users. A browser with thousands of tabs can no longer be closed before starting a demanding game. In general, you don’t have to close anything. A very convenient container, with a small reserve, but without crocodile tears for unnecessary expenses.

32 GB is needed, but so far only for specific tasks “not for everyone.” This much memory will be useful for work, for example, by designers or those same video editing specialists. In home computers, 32 GB has not yet become a standard, although it is occasionally found among enthusiasts who need more of everything. Perhaps in a couple of years, individual AAA projects will begin to happily “eat” so much RAM.

Briefly about the main thing. For a computer “to surf the Internet” and with a very reduced budget, take 4 GB and save up for the same amount. 8 GB is a reasonable choice, but if possible, it is still better to give preference to 16 GB and forget about RAM for the near future. 32 GB - if you don't want to think about it at all.

Two 8 GB modules are better than four 4 GB modules

Above we talked about different amounts of RAM - 4, 8, 16, 32 GB. But why is there no word about 9 or 12 GB? After all, you can take one module with a capacity of 4 GB, then buy another 4 GB, save some money and cram another 4 GB into your computer. So let's deceive the system! Let's start small and gradually upgrade!

No one forbids doing this, but there is a nuance. Firstly, we must proceed from the fact that today memory sticks with capacities of 4, 8 and 16 GB are widespread. That is, installing 3 GB + 6 GB will definitely not work. Secondly, computers like an even number of installed memory sticks, that is, in fact, two or four modules. Thirdly, if you fill up all four slots on the motherboard, this will lead to increased load on the memory controller, and therefore may negatively affect the stability and performance of the system, as well as possible overclocking.

Thus, it turns out that it is best to use two slots (three is very undesirable, one is possible, but with an eye to the “additive”). Four are possible, but you must be sure of the quality of all system components and that you will not overclock it.

So which is better - one 8 GB module or two 4 GB modules? If we are talking about a new system, it is more logical to buy one 8-gigabyte module and start saving for another one of the same kind. What if the choice is between one 16 GB module and two 8 GB modules? In this case, the second option is preferable, and here's why.

Modern computers support dual-channel memory operation, which increases the speed of data transfer between memory and computer components. That is, the user actually receives an increase in computer performance for free. The power will not increase much, but why not take advantage of such a nice bonus?

There is a nuance here too - for dual-channel operation, you need two memory modules with identical characteristics from the same manufacturer. Many vendors offer kits of such memory - identical and guaranteed to work in this mode. It happens that such kits are more expensive than similar modules, but not included in the kit. It is not necessary to go for “prefabricated” offers; it is enough to buy identical planks of the same series (check the labeling).

For dual-channel mode to work, the memory must be installed in the “correct” slots on the motherboard. Usually they are designated in one color and placed one after another. For example, blue 1st and 3rd slots, as well as black 2nd and 4th.

Briefly about the main thing. Your motherboard most likely has four RAM slots. Don't rush to fill them all out! It's better to get by with two. Two 8GB modules are a reasonable option. Have some extra shekels? Then take two 16 GB. To make the system work a little faster thanks to the dual-channel mode, choose identical strips from the same series and from the same manufacturer.

Frequency and timings

Frequency and timings are key parameters for the speed of RAM. Today, standard DDR4 memory frequencies include 2133, 2400, 2666 and 3200 MHz. There are also sticks with other frequencies on sale - copies overclocked by the manufacturer. Timings indicate the time it takes for memory to process information and are designated as follows: 16-18-18-38, 14-16-16-31, etc.

Theoretically, the higher the memory frequency and lower the timings, the better. But (ha ha!) not everything is so simple. In the silicon life of our inorganic friends, the higher the frequency, the higher the timings. That is, by relying on one performance indicator, you will have to sacrifice another.

It is believed that frequency is more important for video editing, when working with large archives and in creating multimedia content. Low timings have a better effect on games. Let us note that in both cases we are not talking about a catastrophic difference; usually the increase is limited to a few percent at best.

It is also very important what maximum memory frequency your motherboard supports. A RAM with a frequency of 3200 MHz can be installed on a board that supports frequencies up to 2666 MHz, but will not be able to use its full potential and will operate at a lower frequency. This primarily applies to budget motherboards.

Briefly about the main thing. The higher the frequency and lower the timings, the better the RAM. It's a pity that there is no RAM with high frequencies and low timings. A module with a frequency of 2400 or 2666 MHz and associated timings is enough for everything.

Radiators, lighting, manufacturer

Phew, our memory is so cool, so powerful that we can’t do without this car radiator! It has become fashionable to hang the unfortunate operative with pieces of iron. But not because she absolutely needs to cool down, but simply for the sake of beauty.

RAM is one of the most heat-resistant and at the same time cold computer components. Heat sinks won't help or prevent anything simply because the memory modules don't need them. Moreover, massive elements can interfere with each other when installing the brackets into slots on the motherboard one after another. They can also touch the processor cooler.

It’s another matter if you are a furious overclocker who, with sweat and blood, extracts additional megahertz from every piece of hardware. With extreme overclocking and increasing the voltage to power the RAM, the heat dissipation can increase significantly, and then you really can’t do without additional cooling. However, this is the lot of 0.5% of users who know what to do even without our guides.

One of the equally useless, but increasing the price of memory, unnecessary things is the backlight. It’s especially funny when people buy such models in a closed case without windows. It is recommended only for those who consciously assemble not only a computer, but also a Christmas tree.

But the memory manufacturer is really important. When you open our catalog, you will see that RAM is produced by at least 40 vendors! The vast majority of them are essentially ordinary assemblers of products from ready-made components. But the most important thing - memory chips - is made by only a few companies. The most popular are chips produced by Samsung and Hynix. These same brands themselves produce memory modules - we recommend them for purchase. Brands like Crucial, Kingston, Corsair, Patriot have also proven themselves well.

Briefly about the main thing. Aren't you going to waste your property in its tail and mane? This means that radiators are not needed. Are you used to playing and working at the computer, and not admiring the LEDs shimmering with all the colors of the rainbow? This means that memory backlighting is definitely not needed. Among the manufacturers, we recommend paying attention first of all to Samsung and Hynix.

Overclocking

Enthusiasts love to buy inexpensive components and overclock them, manually increasing the performance. Moreover, they like to overclock not only processors, but also RAM. The topic of overclocking is very extensive and cannot possibly fit into one chapter.

But if you really want to do this here and now, you can look for memory modules with XMP support. The manufacturer already includes profiles with overclocked parameters in such brackets - increased frequency, changed timings and increased voltage. You don't need to do anything, just select such a profile in the motherboard BIOS or using a separate program.

But it is necessary to take into account that often the performance gain from such factory overclocking will be noticeable only in benchmarks.

Briefly about the main thing. To overclock RAM yourself, you need a separate guide, the purpose of which is to find the optimal ratio of frequency, timings and voltage. You can use models that support XMP profiles, the parameters of which are already overclocked. But you shouldn’t expect a noticeable performance increase from such components.

Very briefly about the most important things

• For a new system, choose DDR4 DIMM type modules; all others can be safely skipped. If you want to upgrade something older, you'll most likely need DDR3.
• For a current modern system, 16 GB of RAM (two 8 GB modules) is sufficient. If you have the opportunity to spend money “in reserve,” then install 32 GB (two 16 GB modules).
• Frequencies and timings are the main indicator of RAM speed. But if you don’t give preference to very cheap copies, then you shouldn’t worry too much about these parameters, because you won’t notice a difference in performance anyway.
• Chips for RAM modules are made by only a few manufacturers, and the modules themselves are assembled by a huge number of companies. The technical process has reached a level where quality problems almost never occur, so you can choose based on your favorite or familiar brand, design, warranty conditions, etc.
• Unoverclocked RAM does not require cooling in the form of metal radiators. They only increase the cost of RAM and give it an aggressively polished look.

I think it’s no secret to anyone that RAM is an important component of a gaming system, and the performance in games is affected by several RAM parameters. For example, not long ago the 3DNews laboratory found that AMD Ryzen central processors are very sensitive to DDR4 frequency. Testing has shown that using fast DDR4-3200 memory compared to standard DDR4-2133 with the same timings increases FPS in games by 12-16%, depending on the application. Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your system, buying a fast RAM kit is one of the most powerful options.

Performance is affected not only by frequency, but also by latency. And yet the most important parameter of RAM is capacity. If, in the case of using a slow kit, we lose units of FPS, then if a certain number of gigabytes is missing, the game will either slow down or not start at all. Therefore, we decided to find out how much RAM a gaming computer needs in 2017. Obviously, the main “battle” will take place between 8 and 16 GB kits.

A good example is that a user upgraded his computer, adding a GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB video card to the existing configuration. Now its system unit fully complies with the recommended requirements of Watch_Dogs 2, which I so wanted to play. However, even without using the maximum graphics quality settings, spending time in your favorite “sandbox” was marred by microfreezes that appeared every now and then. And the GeForce GTX 1060 seems to do its job perfectly, since the average figure stays around 50 FPS, but the whole impression is spoiled by these drawdowns! It turns out that the lack of RAM was involved in the visually noticeable drop in frame rate, because adding another 8 GB partly solved this problem - with the same settings and with the same video card, it became more comfortable to play.

The main topic has been outlined, but, in my opinion, it is no less important to answer one more question: will using a fast page file correct the situation with the lack of RAM in games?

⇡ Modern gaming platforms

A very large number of configurations fall under the definition of “gaming computer”. For example, the monthly column “” discusses ten different systems. The most inexpensive one includes a Pentium G4560, GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and 8 GB DDR4. Using this amount of RAM is the most common option, according to the official statistics of the Steam game client. But modern platforms allow you to install 64 and even 128 GB of RAM.

Current gaming platforms
	Intel					AMD
Socket	LGA1155	LGA2011	LGA1150	LGA2011-v3	LGA1151	AM3+	FM2/2+	AM4
Year of sale	2011	2011	year 2013	year 2014	2015	2011	year 2012	2017
Supported processors	Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge	Sandy Bridge-E, Ivy Bridge-E	Haswell, Haswell Refresh and Devil's Canyon, Broadwell	Haswell-E, Broadwell-E	Skylake, Kaby Lake	Zambezi, Vishera	Trinity, Richland, Kaveri, Godavari (Kaveri Refresh)	Ryzen, AMD 7th Generation A-series/Athlon
Memory controller	DDR3-1066/1333	DDR3-1066/1333 /1600/1866	DDR3-1333/1600	DDR4-2133/2400	DDR4-1866/2133/ 2400, DDR3L-1333/1600	DDR3-1066/1333/ 1600/1866	DDR3-1600/1866/ 2400	DDR4-2133/2400/ 2666
	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, four-channel	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, four-channel	Built-in, two- duct	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, two-channel	Built-in, two-channel
Maximum amount of RAM	32 GB	64 GB	32 GB	Haswell-E— 64 GB Broadwell-E — 128 GB	64 GB	32 GB	64 GB	64 GB

Even now, without testing, we can safely say: the specified maximum amount of RAM is excessive for gaming configurations, although the entertainment sector has recently been the most active driver of computer progress. As already mentioned, most users install 8 or 16 GB in their systems. The table lists both the most modern (LGA1151, LGA2011-v3, AM4) and time-tested platforms, which can easily be classified as gaming in 2017. In most cases, AMD and Intel CPUs use dual-channel RAM controllers. This means that motherboards for the corresponding platform use either two DIMM slots or four. And boards with LGA2011 and LGA2011-v3 sockets have four or eight slots for installing RAM, respectively. For Haswell-E and Broadwell-E processors there is an “exotic” exception to the rule - ASRock X99E-ITX/ac.

The dual-channel mode of the memory controller built into the central processor implies the use of an even number of modules. In order to easily increase the amount of RAM over time, it is better to use a motherboard with four DIMM slots. So, we can purchase a 16 GB memory kit, consisting of two 8 GB modules, and over time, purchase two more modules with similar characteristics. Some motherboards have only a couple of slots for installing RAM - these are either very budget boards (for example, based on H110, B250 and A320 chipsets for Kaby Lake and Ryzen processors), or devices of the mini-ITX form factor, or exclusive overclocking solutions, such as ASUS Maximus IX Apex. These devices support half the amount of RAM: 32 GB for Skylake, Kaby Lake and Ryzen processors; 16 GB for Haswell, Broadwell, Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge and Vishera processors. Take this point into account when upgrading or when assembling a system unit from scratch.

⇡ Test bench

During all tests, the LGA1151 platform was used along with a Core i7-7700K processor overclocked to 4.5 GHz. Video cards, RAM and storage drives were changed. A complete list of components is presented in the table.

Test bench configuration
CPU	Intel Core i7-7700K @4.5 GHz
Motherboard	ASUS MAXIMUS IX Hero
RAM	Kingston HyperX Predator HX430C15PB3K4/64, DDR4-3000, 4 × 16 GB
	Kingston HyperX Fury HX421C14FB2K2/16, DDR4-2133, 2 × 8 GB
Drives	Western Digital WD1003FZEX, 1 TB
	Samsung 850 Pro
Video cards	ASUS GeForce GTX 1060 (DUAL-GTX1060-3G), 3 GB
	ASUS Radeon RX 480 (DUAL-RX480-O4G), 4 GB
power unit	Corsair AX1500i, 1500 W
CPU cooler	Noctua NH-D9DX
Frame	Lian Li PC-T60A
Monitor	NEC EA244UHD
operating system	Windows 10 Pro x64
Software for video cards
AMD	Crimson ReLive Edition 17.4.2
NVIDIA	GeForce Game Ready Driver 381.65
Additional software
Removing drivers	Display Driver Uninstaller 17.0.6.1
FPS measurement	Fraps 3.5.99
	FRAFS Bench Viewer
	Action! 2.3.0
Overclocking and monitoring	GPU-Z 1.19.0
	MSI Afterburner 4.3.0
Optional equipment
Thermal imager	Fluke Ti400
Sound level meter	Mastech MS6708
Wattmeter	watts up? PRO

⇡ RAM consumption in modern games

Determining how much RAM modern games consume is not that difficult. There are a large number of diagnostic utilities. But it is important to understand that the amount of RAM used depends on several parameters, and therefore may differ significantly on different systems. So, along with the launch of games, various software does not stop working.

For example, opening just ten Chrome tabs increases RAM consumption by 1.5 GB. The appetites of the Google browser have long become a “meme,” but let’s not forget about the constantly active messengers, antiviruses, drivers and other utilities that are loaded along with the operating system.

I recently conducted comparative testing of the GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB and the Radeon RX 470 4 GB. There is an opinion among users that an additional gigabyte of video memory is another argument in favor of an AMD graphics adapter. A small experiment showed that out of twelve games, exactly half consume more than four gigabytes of video memory in Full HD resolution. The stand used a GeForce GTX 1080 accelerator with 8 GB GDDR5. It turns out that if there is insufficient video memory, all data that does not fit into GDDR5 cells will be placed in RAM. Some games immediately inform the user that the video memory limit has been exceeded. Some - GTA V, HITMAN, Battlefield 1 - will simply not allow you to set a higher graphics quality until the user himself removes the special “fuse” in the settings menu. Therefore, to study the issue in more detail, it is necessary to use several video cards. My choice was made on three popular NVIDIA models: GeForce GTX 1060 with 3 and 6 GB GDDR5, as well as GeForce GTX 1080.

Graphics settings in games
		API	Quality	Full screen anti-aliasing
				1920 × 1080 / 2560 × 1440 / 3840 × 2160
1	The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Novigrad and surroundings	DirectX 11	Max. quality, NVIDIA HairWorks incl.	A.A.
2	Mass Effect Andromeda, first mission		Max. quality	Temporal smoothing
3	Ghost Recon Wildlands, built-in benchmark		Max. quality	SMAA + FXAA
4	GTA V, city and surroundings		Max. quality	4 × MSAA + FXAA
5	Rise of the Tomb Raider, Soviet base		Max. quality	SMAA
6	Watch_Dogs 2, city and surroundings		Ultra, HBAO+	Temporal Anti-Aliasing 2×MSAA
7	Fallout 4, Diamond City and surrounding area		Max. quality, high resolution textures, bullet fragments off.	TAA
8	HITMAN, built-in benchmark	DirectX 12	Max. quality	SMAA
9	Total War: WARHAMMER, built-in benchmark		Max. quality	4xMSAA
10	Battlefield 1, mission "Job for the Young"		Ultra	TAA
11	Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, Utulek complex		Max. quality	2 × MSAA
12	Sid Meier's Civilization VI, built-in benchmark		Ultra	8×MSAA
13	Star Wars Battlefront, Battle of Endor map		Max. quality	TAA
14	Tom Clancy's The Division, built-in benchmark		Max. quality	SMAA
15	DOOM, OIC mission	Vulkan	Ultra	TSSAA 8TX

RAM consumption was measured in fifteen applications. The graphs show the maximum load rate, which was recorded after 10 minutes of random gameplay. For clarity, results have been rounded. RAM load indicators were recorded using the MSI Afterburner program with a polling rate of 100 ms. Among other programs, only Steam, Origin and Uplay clients were active when launching games, as well as Windows Defender, FRAPS and MSI Afterburner.

The assumption made earlier has become a fact - already in Full HD resolution we see that using the 3 GB version of the GeForce GTX 1060, nine out of fifteen games exceeded the 8 GB RAM bar. That is more than half. The same games run on stands with GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB and GeForce GTX 1080 turned out to be less RAM-hungry.

With increasing resolution, the trend continued - already thirteen out of fifteen games consumed more than 8 GB of RAM in a stand with a GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB installed. Seven projects consistently consumed more than 10 GB of RAM. The RAM load also increased noticeably when using the GeForce GTX 1060 6 GB in the test bench. This means that six gigabytes of video memory are no longer enough for games at the graphics quality settings we have specified.

Testing in Ultra HD resolution was carried out only with the GeForce GTX 1080, because there is no point in using versions of the GeForce GTX 1060 in this resolution - the GPUs of these video cards simply cannot cope with the increased load.

The results turned out to be quite predictable. We can safely say: many modern AAA projects at close to maximum graphics quality settings consume more than 8 GB of RAM. In addition, measurements in Rise of the Tomb Raider, Watch_Dogs 2, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Mass Effect Andromeda demonstrate the lack of a serious safety margin when the system has 16 GB of RAM. In addition, testing was carried out with a minimum of active applications in Windows 10. In my opinion, there are all the prerequisites for the fact that projects will soon appear for which 16 GB of RAM will not be enough at maximum or close to maximum graphics quality settings.

I think many have already noticed the fact that I considered only one scenario - games at maximum (or close to them) graphics quality settings. However, most gamers use less powerful video cards, and therefore use different quality modes.

The good thing about computer games is that, as a rule, they have a large number of settings that worsen or improve the quality of the output picture. For example, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided has five pre-programmed modes: Low, Medium, High, Very High and Ultra. Many developers use similar categories. Please note that it is quite difficult (sometimes even impossible) to determine by eye where the quality is high and where the quality is very high. Thus, there is no point in turning the sliders to the maximum in some games. And significantly less video memory and RAM are used.

From the list of games that consumed the most RAM at maximum (or close to them) quality settings, I selected five applications: Watch_Dogs 2, Mass Effect Andromeda, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided and Ghost Recon Wildlands. Using the same NVIDIA video cards, I measured the RAM consumption when activating modes prepared in advance by the developers. In some games (Watch_Dogs 2 and Ghost Recon Wildlands), when the overall graphics quality changes, the anti-aliasing automatically changes. In other applications, the anti-aliasing setting must be set separately. As a matter of fact, in Mass Effect Andromeda, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, anti-aliasing was not used at all for this part of the experiment. The results are entered into a summary table.

Areas in which the encouraging fact is recorded are highlighted in green - when a certain graphics quality mode is activated, games consume less than 8 GB of RAM. The table clearly shows that setting the “High” and “Medium” parameters is suitable for video cards with 4 GB or less video memory, and even more so for graphics adapters with 6+ GB GDDR5.

A sharp drop in RAM consumption in Rise of the Tomb Raider is also noticeable when using the 3 GB version of the GeForce GTX 1060. We see logical confirmation of the fact that when using the “High” picture quality mode, the game requires less video memory than at “maximum settings”.

Of course, the consumption of video RAM and system memory is also affected by disabling anti-aliasing, which should eliminate irregularities (ladders) along the edges of objects. Anti-aliasing is one of the parameters that is critical to the amount of video memory. Therefore, on a gaming system with 8 GB of RAM and a graphics accelerator with 2, 3 or 4 GB of video memory, it makes sense to turn off anti-aliasing or use “light” modes, if these are supported by the application.

Textures are the second parameter that is critical to the amount of video memory, and therefore RAM. The use of low-resolution textures noticeably spoils the image, but at the same time, there is no particular difference between the “High” and “Very High” modes in Rise of the Tomb Raider (in other games too). Therefore, if there is a lack of video memory and RAM, this parameter can be sacrificed in order to achieve a comfortable frame rate.

Maximum RAM consumption (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3 GB), MB
Texture quality
Rise of the Tomb Raider (general quality settings - maximum, but no anti-aliasing)		Watch_Dogs 2 (general quality settings - "Ultra" mode, but without anti-aliasing)		Deus Ex: Mankind Divided (general quality settings - maximum, but no anti-aliasing)
Very high	11600	Ultra	11000	Ultra	11000
High	6900	High	9700	Very high	9600
Average	6400	Average	8800	High	7800
Low	6200	Low	7800	Average	7100
				Low	6900
Shadows
Very high	10700	HFTS	11600	Very high	11000
High	10500	PCSS	11000	High	10900
Average	10300	Ultra	11000	Average	10800
Off	10300	Very high	11000
		High	10400
		Average	10400
		Low	10300

There are a lot of image settings in computer games. The developers work closely with hardware manufacturers - AMD, NVIDIA and Intel, and therefore the applications are replete with a different number of various options. For example, Rise of the Tomb Raider features a PureHair mode that significantly transforms the hairstyles of the characters in this game. They also use various ambient light blocking technologies (SSAO, HBAO, HBAO+, VXAO, etc.) that darken cavities and corners, adding visual depth to them.

All these settings to one degree or another affect the consumption of video memory and RAM. However, not as much as anti-aliasing, shadows and texture size.

It seems that the answer to the main question has been received: measurements of RAM consumption show that 16 GB is our everything if you plan to play with maximum graphics quality settings. On the other hand, there is evidence that 8 GB of RAM is still enough for any modern project - you just need to reduce the image quality. Most often, it is enough to set the mode to “High” or “Medium”. According to the author, the picture will still be of a completely acceptable level. However, it is interesting to know how typical gaming systems behave when there is a lack of RAM? The second part of the experiment is devoted to this issue.

Story random access memory, or RAM, began back in 1834, when Charles Babbage developed the “analytical engine” - essentially a prototype of a computer. He called the part of this machine, which was responsible for storing intermediate data, a “warehouse.” Memorizing information there was still organized in a purely mechanical way, through shafts and gears.

In the first generations of computers, cathode ray tubes and magnetic drums were used as RAM; later magnetic cores appeared, and after them, in the third generation of computers, memory on microcircuits appeared.

Nowadays RAM is made using technology DRAM in form factors DIMM and SO-DIMM, is dynamic memory organized in the form of semiconductor integrated circuits. It is volatile, meaning data disappears when there is no power.

Choosing RAM is not a difficult task today; the main thing here is to understand the types of memory, its purpose and main characteristics.

Memory types

SO-DIMM

Memory of the SO-DIMM form factor is intended for use in laptops, compact ITX systems, monoblocks - in short, where the minimum physical size of memory modules is important. It differs from the DIMM form factor in that the length of the module is approximately halved and there are fewer pins on the board (204 and 360 pins for SO-DIMM DDR3 and DDR4 versus 240 and 288 on boards of the same types of DIMM memory).
In terms of other characteristics - frequency, timings, volume, SO-DIMM modules can be of any kind, and do not differ in any fundamental way from DIMMs.

DIMM

DIMM - RAM for full-size computers.
The type of memory you choose must first be compatible with the socket on the motherboard. Computer RAM is divided into 4 types – DDR, DDR2, DDR3 And DDR4.

DDR memory appeared in 2001 and had 184 contacts. The supply voltage ranged from 2.2 to 2.4 V. The operating frequency was 400 MHz. It is still available for sale, although the selection is small. Today the format is outdated - it is suitable only if you do not want to update the system completely, and the old motherboard only has connectors for DDR.

The DDR2 standard came out in 2003 and received 240 pins, which increased the number of threads, significantly speeding up the processor data bus. The operating frequency of DDR2 could be up to 800 MHz (in some cases - up to 1066 MHz), and the supply voltage was from 1.8 to 2.1 V - slightly less than that of DDR. Consequently, power consumption and heat dissipation of memory have decreased.
Differences between DDR2 and DDR:

· 240 contacts versus 120
· New slot, not DDR compatible
· Less power consumption
Improved design, better cooling
Higher maximum operating frequency

Just like DDR, it is an outdated type of memory - now it is only suitable for old motherboards, in other cases there is no point in buying it, since the new DDR3 and DDR4 are faster.

In 2007, RAM was updated to the DDR3 type, which is still widely used. The same 240 pins remain, but the connection slot for DDR3 has changed - there is no compatibility with DDR2. The operating frequency of the modules is on average from 1333 to 1866 MHz. There are also modules with frequencies up to 2800 MHz.
DDR3 differs from DDR2:

· DDR2 and DDR3 slots are not compatible.
· The clock frequency of DDR3 is 2 times higher - 1600 MHz versus 800 MHz for DDR2.
· Features a reduced supply voltage - about 1.5V, and lower power consumption (in the version DDR3L this value is on average even lower, about 1.35 V).
· The delays (timings) of DDR3 are greater than those of DDR2, but the operating frequency is higher. In general, the speed of DDR3 is 20-30% higher.

DDR3 is a good choice today. Many motherboards on sale have DDR3 memory connectors, and due to the massive popularity of this type, it is unlikely to disappear soon. It is also slightly cheaper than DDR4.

DDR4 is a new type of RAM, developed only in 2012. It is an evolutionary development of previous types. Memory bandwidth has increased again, now reaching 25.6 GB/s. The operating frequency also increased - from an average of 2133 MHz to 3600 MHz. If we compare the new type with DDR3, which lasted on the market for 8 years and became widespread, the performance increase is insignificant, and not all motherboards and processors support the new type.
DDR4 differences:

· Incompatible with previous types
· Reduced supply voltage - from 1.2 to 1.05 V, power consumption has also decreased
· Memory operating frequency up to 3200 MHz (can reach 4166 MHz in some trims), with, of course, timings increasing proportionally
May be slightly faster than DDR3

If you already have DDR3 sticks, then there is no point in rushing to change them to DDR4. When this format spreads massively, and all motherboards already support DDR4, the transition to a new type will happen by itself with an update of the entire system. Thus, we can summarize that DDR4 is more of a marketing product than a real new type of RAM.

Which memory frequency should I choose?

Choosing a frequency should begin by checking the maximum supported frequencies by your processor and motherboard. It makes sense to take a frequency higher than that supported by the processor only when overclocking the processor.

Today you should not choose memory with a frequency lower than 1600 MHz. The 1333 MHz option is acceptable in the case of DDR3, unless these are ancient modules lying around the seller, which will obviously be slower than the new ones.

The best option for today is memory with a frequency range from 1600 to 2400 MHz. A higher frequency has almost no advantage, but it costs much more, and as a rule, these are overclocked modules with raised timings. For example, the difference between modules of 1600 and 2133 MHz in a number of work programs will be no more than 5-8%; in games the difference may be even smaller. Frequencies of 2133-2400 MHz are worth taking if you are engaged in video/audio encoding and rendering.

The difference between frequencies of 2400 and 3600 MHz will cost you quite a lot, without significantly increasing speed.

How much RAM should I take?

The amount you need depends on the type of work performed on the computer, the operating system installed, and the programs used. Also, do not lose sight of the maximum supported memory capacity of your motherboard.

Volume 2 GB- today, it may only be enough to browse the Internet. More than half will be consumed by the operating system; the rest will be enough for the leisurely work of undemanding programs.

Volume 4 GB– suitable for a mid-range computer, for a home PC media center. Enough to watch movies and even play undemanding games. Modern ones, alas, are difficult to cope with. (Best choice if you have a 32-bit Windows operating system that sees no more than 3 GB of RAM)

Volume 8 GB(or a 2x4GB kit) is the recommended volume today for a full-fledged PC. This is enough for almost any games, for working with any resource-demanding software. The best choice for a universal computer.

A capacity of 16 GB (or sets of 2x8GB, 4x4GB) will be justified if you work with graphics, heavy programming environments, or constantly render videos. It’s also perfect for online streaming – with 8 GB there may be stutters, especially with high-quality video broadcasts. Some games in high resolutions and with HD textures may perform better with 16 GB of RAM on board.

Volume 32 GB(set 2x16GB, or 4x8GB) – still a very controversial choice, useful for some very extreme work tasks. It would be better to spend money on other computer components; this will have a stronger effect on its performance.

Operating modes: is it better to have 1 memory stick or 2?

RAM can operate in single-channel, dual-, triple- and quad-channel modes. Definitely, if your motherboard has a sufficient number of slots, then it is better to take several identical smaller memory sticks instead of one. The speed of access to them will increase from 2 to 4 times.

In order for the memory to work in dual-channel mode, you need to install the sticks in slots of the same color on the motherboard. As a rule, the color is repeated through the connector. It is important that the memory frequency in the two sticks be the same.

- Single chanell Mode– single-channel operating mode. It turns on when one memory stick is installed, or different modules operating at different frequencies. As a result, the memory operates at the frequency of the slowest stick.
- Dual Mode– two-channel mode. Works only with memory modules of the same frequency, increases operating speed by 2 times. Manufacturers produce sets of memory modules specifically for this purpose, which can contain 2 or 4 identical sticks.
-Triple Mode– works on the same principle as two-channel. In practice it is not always faster.
- Quad Mode- four-channel mode, which works on the principle of two-channel, accordingly increasing the speed of operation by 4 times. It is used where exceptionally high speed is needed - for example, in servers.

- Flex Mode– a more flexible version of the two-channel operating mode, when the bars are of different volumes, but only the frequency is the same. In this case, in dual-channel mode, the same volumes of modules will be used, and the remaining volume will function in single-channel mode.

Does memory need a heatsink?

Now we are long gone from the days when, at a voltage of 2 V, an operating frequency of 1600 MHz was achieved, and as a result, a lot of heat was generated, which had to be removed somehow. Then the radiator could be a criterion for the survival of an overclocked module.

Nowadays, memory power consumption has decreased significantly, and a heatsink on a module can be justified from a technical point of view only if you are into overclocking and the module will operate at frequencies that are prohibitive for it. In all other cases, radiators can be justified, perhaps, by their beautiful design.

If the radiator is massive and noticeably increases the height of the memory bar, this is already a significant disadvantage, since it may prevent you from installing a processor super cooler in the system. By the way, there are special low-profile memory modules designed for installation in compact cases. They are slightly more expensive than regular size modules.

What are timings?

Timings, or latency (latency)– one of the most important characteristics of RAM, determining its performance. Let us outline the general meaning of this parameter.

Simply put, RAM can be thought of as a two-dimensional table in which each cell carries information. Cells are accessed by column and row numbers, and this is indicated by the row access strobe RAS(Row Access Strobe) and column access gate CAS (Access Strobe) by changing the voltage. Thus, for each cycle of work, accesses occur RAS And CAS, and between these calls and the write/read commands there are certain delays, which are called timings.

In the description of the RAM module you can see five timings, which for convenience are written as a sequence of numbers separated by a hyphen, for example 8-9-9-20-27 .

· tRCD (time of RAS to CAS Delay)- timing, which determines the delay from the RAS pulse to the CAS
· CL (time of CAS Latency)- timing, which determines the delay between the write/read command and the CAS pulse
· tRP (time of Row Precharge)- timing, which determines the delay when transitioning from one line to the next
· tRAS (time of Active to Precharge Delay)- timing, which determines the delay between the activation of the line and the end of working with it; considered the main meaning
· Command rate– defines the delay between the command to select an individual chip on the module until the command to activate the line; this timing is not always indicated.

To put it even more simply, it is important to know only one thing about timings - the lower their values, the better. In this case, the strips can have the same operating frequency, but different timings, and a module with lower values ​​will always be faster. So it’s worth choosing the minimum timings; for DDR4, timings for average values ​​will be 15-15-15-36, for DDR3 - 10-10-10-30. It is also worth remembering that timings are related to the memory frequency, so when overclocking you will most likely have to increase the timings, and vice versa - you can manually lower the frequency, thereby reducing the timings. It is most beneficial to pay attention to the totality of these parameters, choosing rather a balance, and not chasing the extreme values ​​of the parameters.

How to decide on a budget?

With a larger amount, you can afford more RAM. The main difference between cheap and expensive modules will be in the timings, operating frequency, and brand - well-known, advertised modules may cost a little more than noname modules from an unknown manufacturer.
In addition, the radiator installed on the modules costs additional money. Not all planks need it, but manufacturers are not skimping on them now.

The price will also depend on the timings; the lower they are, the higher the speed, and, accordingly, the price.

So, having up to 2000 rubles, you can purchase a 4 GB memory module, or 2 2 GB modules, which is preferable. Choose depending on what your PC configuration allows. DDR3 type modules will cost almost half as much as DDR4. With such a budget, it makes more sense to take DDR3.

To the group up to 4000 rubles includes modules with a capacity of 8 GB, as well as sets of 2x4 GB. This is the optimal choice for any task except professional video work and in any other heavy-duty environments.

In total up to 8000 rubles It will cost 16 GB of memory. Recommended for professional purposes, or for avid gamers - even enough in reserve, while waiting for new demanding games.

If it's not a problem to spend up to 13,000 rubles, then the best choice would be to invest them in a set of 4 4 GB sticks. For this money you can even choose more beautiful radiators, perhaps for later overclocking.

I don’t recommend taking more than 16 GB without the purpose of working in professional heavy environments (and even then not in all), but if you really want it, then for the amount from 13,000 rubles you can climb to Olympus by purchasing a 32 GB or even 64 GB kit. True, this will not make much sense for the average user or gamer - it is better to spend money on, say, a flagship video card.

A computer is a universal device on which you can perform a huge number of tasks. Some users use its capabilities for studying, others prefer to watch movies on a PC, and others require powerful “machines” for games and professional activities. In each of these cases, you need to know how to choose the right RAM for a personal computer or laptop.

The performance and speed of the assembled system largely depends on this component. In this article, we will figure out which memory is best to buy depending on your needs and what you should pay attention to first.

Budget and memory requirements

Memory available on the market for a computer or laptop varies greatly in cost. The price of the planks is influenced by a huge number of parameters, including additional features such as radiators or customizable RGB backlighting. As for the requirements, they depend on whether you are building a new system or upgrading an existing one. For example, if you decide to add RAM to a computer or laptop, you will need to select sticks whose characteristics correspond to the parameters of the RAM installed in the PC. Experts often recommend even choosing the same manufacturer, but it is not necessary to follow this rule.

Criteria for choosing RAM

When planning to add memory to an existing PC or wanting to purchase RAM for a new computer, you will definitely encounter a number of important criteria. Among them, the most important are frequency and timings. The volume and number of strips included in the kit also influence the performance of the system. Additional RAM capabilities usually do not provide practical benefits for the average user. So the backlight will be suitable mainly for gaming PCs, where a similar feature is implemented in other components. Radiators, which were also mentioned above, may be required only for high-frequency RAM and compact assemblies, where there may be problems with high-quality ventilation of the case.

Memory types

Usually it is necessary to select memory for the motherboard. There are 4 of them in total: outdated DDR and DDR2, DDR3 still retains its popularity, capable of operating at frequencies up to 2400 MHz, as well as the most modern DDR4, the theoretical maximum of which is 4266 MHz.

Despite the fact that some stores still have stocks of DDR2 sticks, it is almost impossible to find a motherboard for sale for this type of RAM. Only used versions of such boards are available on the market, and new devices have not been produced by manufacturers for a long time.

For the remaining two types, motherboards are offered in a wide range. But for a gaming computer, it is better to choose DDR4 RAM, because the new Ryzen processors from AMD and Coffee Lake from Intel, which can fully unleash the potential of modern projects, no longer support DDR3.

However, you will not be able to install the wrong RAM into your computer, because they are incompatible with each other due to the different number and arrangement of contacts. For this reason, boards with slots for DDR4 sticks do not support DDR3 and vice versa.

The exception is motherboards, where it is possible to install DDR3 and DDR4 memory simultaneously. However, such solutions are rare and there is no point in purchasing them, because in terms of price, both types of strips differ only slightly from each other, when in terms of parameters DDR4 is many times superior to its predecessor.

When purchasing memory for an office computer, you can choose the DDR3 type. If you are building a powerful gaming PC, then to avoid frame loss, purchase DDR4 sticks.

Volume

Deciding how much memory modules to choose should be based on the tasks that will be performed on the computer. Thus, office systems aimed at working with text and surfing the Internet can be equipped with 2-4 GB. A capacity of 4 to 8 GB must be installed in multimedia and basic computers for games. But powerful gaming machines should be equipped with 16-32 GB of RAM. This amount of RAM is now enough for any modern project.

If you plan to take a larger amount of RAM for your computer, then this will be justified in two cases: reserve for the future or specialized tasks. It is likely that in 2-3 years there will already be games that will require 24 or more RAM for stable operation at high graphics settings. If during this or a longer period you will not update your PC, then you can immediately take the appropriate brackets. Also, 32 or more gigabytes of RAM will be required to run professional programs.

You also need to take into account the bit depth and version of the system that is installed on your computer. So 32-bit Windows will not see more than 4 GB of RAM, and if we are talking about Windows 7 Starter, then it can only work with 2 gigabytes. At the same time, 64-bit OSes use approximately twice as much RAM for their needs, which also needs to be taken into account when assembling the system.

The maximum version of Windows 7 can work with 192 gigabytes of RAM, and the professional versions of Windows 8 and 10 already support up to 512 GB. You can find out exact information about the amount of RAM that can be installed in your system on the official Microsoft website.

If you install more memory into your computer than the operating system installed on it supports, then the “extra” volume simply will not be used.

Which frequency to choose

As is the case with processors or graphics adapters, the frequency of the RAM determines its performance. The higher this indicator, the better performance the PC will show. However, you should not immediately run for the most advanced RAM that is in the store. Before purchasing, you need to make sure that the selected option is supported by the motherboard and processor.

Of course, if you buy memory that is better in performance than what your hardware can handle, then there will be nothing wrong with that. When installing such strips into a computer, they will simply start operating at the maximum frequency supported by the system. But the disadvantage in this case will be higher costs, because a good 3000 MHz RAM will cost more than its 2400 MHz counterpart from the same series.

Again, it’s also not worth looking for sticks whose frequency corresponds to the maximum values ​​​​supported by your computer. For office tasks, simple models at 1333 MHz (DDR3) or 2133 MHz (DDR4) are sufficient. A balanced solution for a wide range of tasks will be RAM with a frequency of 2400 or 2666 MHz. But advanced gaming PCs and professional builds are better equipped with RAM of 3000-3600 MHz or more.

XMP technology developed by Intel and its analogue from AMD called AMP allow high-frequency RAM to operate at its maximum capabilities even if the declared frequency is not supported by the processor. However, this technology must be implemented not only in the “stone” itself, but also in the motherboard, which automatically raises its price.

Timings

This parameter is indicated in the characteristics by a number-alphabetic (for example, CL15) or numeric (15-17-17-35) designation. In both the first and second cases, we are talking about a RAM delay between the execution of various operations. If you want to choose the right RAM, then you should definitely pay special attention to this parameter, because with high timings and high frequencies you will get approximately the same performance as with low-frequency RAM with low latency.

For the DDR3 type, excellent timings would be CL9, and in slower models that are popular on the market, this parameter is CL11. Standard latencies in DDR4 sticks are CL15, and in cheaper memory modules you can see CL16 or CL17 timings. For this type of RAM, you can find lower latencies, but they are extremely rare on sale.

Note. The CL designation corresponds to the first number in a block of numbers. So the above numerical designation of timings 15-17-17-35 can be written as CL15.

Important! It is not recommended to buy RAM with high timings. Based on reviews of such memory on forums, you can understand that it is characterized by poor performance and significantly impairs the performance of the PC.

Operating modes

Many users forget that not only the choice of the amount of RAM is important, but also the number of sticks from which it is assembled. This is due to the fact that in modern computers RAM operates in multi-channel mode, which significantly increases system performance in professional applications, demanding games and other tasks. When installing one 16 GB memory module into a computer or laptop, you will get worse performance than choosing a pair of 8 GB sticks.

In total, today there are 4 operating modes of RAM:

1. Single channel.
2. Dual channel.
3. Three-channel.
4. Four-channel.

The first one is considered obsolete and is only present in older PCs. Its essence lies in the fact that all data is written sequentially to each module, regardless of their total quantity. Modern computers can operate in this mode if the user has installed only one stick of RAM.

Most motherboards released in recent years operate in dual-channel mode. However, boards with support for three- and four-channel configurations are also offered for sale. However, the cost of such models is quite high, and the advantage of the indicated modes is not always noticeable.

It should be taken into account that the dual-channel mode works when using 2 or 4 memory sticks, the three-channel mode – 3 or 6, and the four-channel mode – 4 or 8. Another important nuance is the need to install modules with the same capacity, frequency, timings and other parameters.

However, if the characteristics of the strips do not match, then this will not affect the performance (except for voltage). At different frequencies, the system will be able to operate at the frequency of the slowest module. A similar rule applies to timings. If the volumes do not match on the PC, the multi-channel mode simply will not work.

The Flex option is also worth noting. It allows you to deviate from this rule and use memory sticks of different sizes for dual-channel mode. In this case, the matching volumes will be used in dual-channel mode, and the remaining volume will be used in single-channel mode. For example, when choosing modules of 8 and 4 GB, 4 gigabytes from each strip will operate in dual-channel mode, while the remaining 4 GB from the first module can operate in single-channel mode.

When purchasing, you need to take into account that one RAM module will cost a little less than a set of sticks with similar parameters and the same total volume. However, purchasing all the planks separately from each other will cost you a significantly larger amount. Therefore, if you have enough budget, it is better to immediately purchase a kit of the required volume.

Important! Flex Mode is not supported by all motherboards, so before selecting RAM for expansion, you should read the instructions for your board.

Form factor

Also among the characteristics of memory modules, the form factor is important for users. It comes in DIMM or SO-DIMM. The first are standard PC strips, which, depending on the type, can have from 168 to 240 contacts. The SO-DIMM form factor denotes memory for laptops or small computers whose motherboards are in the Mini-ITX format. These strips contain from 72 to 200 contacts.

Supply voltage

This characteristic is especially important when choosing an additional memory stick for a PC or laptop. Despite the fact that most modern sticks operate at standard voltage (2.5V for DDR, 1.8V for DDR2, 1.5V for DDR3, 1.2V for DDR4), solutions for enthusiasts with higher power supply and models with reduced power are also available for sale. It is strictly prohibited to install sticks that are incompatible with this parameter in a PC, because the RAM may become unstable (if the stick does not receive enough voltage) or even fail (if the RAM is supplied with higher power than it requires for operation).

Before purchasing an additional RAM module for your computer, first make sure that the power it requires matches the voltage of the RAM installed in your PC.

Decoding RAM markings

To mark strips of any type, standard designations are used, including the letters PC and a number indicating the transfer speed in Mb/s (bandwidth). But navigating through them is not very convenient for the average user, because it is much more convenient to know the frequency and timings.

Usually the seller indicates all the information about the memory, but if you are looking for a used RAM on an advertisement site, then an inexperienced user may well indicate something like PC2-8500. This means that we have DDR2 RAM with a frequency of 1066 MHz and CL5 timings.

DDR3 strips are designated PC3:

• 10600 – 1333 MHz;
• 12800 – 1600 MHz;
• 14400 – 1866 MHz;
• 16000 – 2000 MHz.

In the first case, the timings are CL9, and in the other three, CL11.

DDR4 strips are marked, respectively, PC4:

• 17000 – 2133 MHz;
• 19200 – 2400 MHz;
• 21300 – 2666 MHz;
• 24000 – 3000 MHz;
• 25600 – 3200 MHz.

For the first type of memory, the latency is usually CL15, and for the others - CL16.

Which brand of RAM modules should I buy?

When talking about which RAM to choose, it is also necessary to mention its manufacturers. This market has its own undisputed leaders, who have extensive experience and have factories equipped with the latest technology. Well-known brands guarantee that the planks you purchase can last for many years without breakdowns or failures. If you want to get high quality RAM and have a sufficient amount of money, then you should take a closer look at the following popular manufacturers of RAM modules:

1. Kingston.
2. Crucial.
3. Corsair.
4. G.Skill.
5. GOODRAM.

With a limited amount of money allocated to RAM, budget firms such as Team Group and AMD are also excellent choices, offering excellent value for money for their memory.

Try to avoid little-known and inexperienced RAM manufacturers, even if they offer a very “tasty” price. Also, read reviews about the memory kits you are interested in before purchasing them.

Conclusion

Modern PCs can perform a huge number of tasks, from processing photos and playing movies, to running modern games and demanding graphics programs. And if simple tasks can be performed on simple hardware, then “heavy” applications require a powerful processor, a modern video card and, of course, fast RAM. You can choose one for your computer thanks to our detailed recommendations. If you still have any questions, we will always be happy to answer them. Enjoy the shopping!

The set of basic computer components also includes RAM. It is used to store information while performing various tasks. The stability and speed of games and software depends on the type and basic characteristics of RAM. Therefore, you must choose this component carefully, having first studied the recommendations.

There is nothing complicated in choosing RAM; you just need to know its most important characteristics and consider only proven options, since counterfeits are increasingly found in stores. Let's look at a few parameters that you should pay attention to before purchasing.

Optimal amount of RAM memory

Different tasks require different amounts of memory. A PC with 4 GB is enough for office work, which will also allow you to work comfortably on 64-bit OS. If you are using sticks with a total capacity of less than 4 GB, then you should install only 32-bit OS on your computer.

Modern games require at least 8 GB of memory, so at the moment this value is optimal, but over time you will have to buy a second die if you are going to play new games. If you plan to work with complex programs or are building a powerful gaming machine, then it is recommended to use from 16 to 32 GB of memory. More than 32 GB is required extremely rarely, only when performing very complex tasks.

RAM type

Currently, computer memory of the DDR SDRAM type is produced, and it is divided into several specifications. DDR and DDR2 are an outdated option, new motherboards do not work with this type, and it is becoming difficult to find this type of memory in stores. DDR3 is still actively used and works on many new motherboard models. DDR4 is the most current option; we recommend purchasing this type of RAM.

RAM size

It is very important to pay attention to the overall dimensions of the component so as not to accidentally purchase the wrong form factor. A typical computer is characterized by a DIMM size, where the contacts are located on both sides of the strip. And if you come across an SO console, then the die has different dimensions and is used most often in laptops, but can sometimes be found in all-in-one computers or small computers, since the size of the system does not allow installing a DIMM.

Specified frequency

The frequency of the RAM affects its performance, but it is worth paying attention to whether your motherboard and processor support the frequencies you need. If not, then the frequency will drop to one that will be compatible with the components, and you will simply overpay for the module.

At the moment, the most common models on the market are models with frequencies of 2133 MHz and 2400 MHz, but their prices are practically the same, so it’s not worth buying the first option. If you see sticks with frequencies above 2400 MHz, then you need to take into account that this frequency is achieved thanks to its automatic increase using XMP (eXtreme Memory Profile) technology. Not all motherboards support it, so you should be careful when choosing and purchasing.

Time between operations

The shorter the execution time between operations (Timings), the faster the memory will work. The characteristics indicate four main timings, of which the main one is the latency value (CL). DDR3 has a latency of 9-11, and DDR 4 has a latency of 15-16. The value increases with the frequency of the RAM.

Multichannel

RAM is capable of operating in single-channel and multi-channel modes (two, three or four channels). In the second mode, information is recorded simultaneously in each module, this ensures increased performance. DDR2 and DDR motherboards do not support multi-channel. Buy only identical modules to enable this mode; normal operation with dies from different manufacturers is not guaranteed.

To enable dual-channel mode you will need 2 or 4 sticks of RAM, three-channel – 3 or 6, four-channel – 4 or 8 sticks. As for the dual-channel operating mode, almost all modern motherboards support it, while the other two are supported only by expensive models. When installing the dies, take a closer look at the connectors. Enabling the dual-channel mode is carried out by installing the strips one at a time (often the connectors have different colors, this will help to connect correctly).

Availability of heat exchanger

The presence of this component is not always necessary. Only high-frequency DDR3 memory gets very hot. Modern DDR4 is cold, and heatsinks are used only as decoration. Manufacturers themselves are good at inflating the price of models with such an addition. This is exactly what we recommend saving on when choosing a board. Radiators can also interfere with installation and quickly become clogged with dust, which will complicate the process of cleaning the system unit.

Pay attention to modules with lighting on the heat exchangers if it is important for you to have a beautiful assembly with illumination of everything possible. However, the prices for such models are very high, so you will have to overpay if you still decide to get an original solution.

System board connectors

Each type of memory listed has its own type of connector on the motherboard. Be sure to compare these two characteristics when purchasing components. Let us remind you once again that motherboards for DDR2 are no longer produced; the only solution is to pick up an outdated model in a store or choose from used options.

The best manufacturers

There are not many RAM manufacturers on the market now, so identifying the best ones will not be difficult. Crucial produces the optimal modules. Each user will be able to choose the ideal option, the price will also pleasantly surprise.

Corsair is considered the most popular and recognizable brand. They make good memory, but it can be a little overpriced and most models have a built-in heatsink.

Also worth noting are Goodram, AMD and Transcend. They produce inexpensive models that perform well, work for a long time and work stably. You just have to pay attention that AMD most often conflicts with other modules when trying to enable multi-channel mode. We do not recommend purchasing Samsung due to frequent counterfeits, and Kingston due to poor assembly and low quality.

We looked at the main characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing RAM. Check them out and you will definitely make the right purchase. Once again I would like to draw attention to the compatibility of the modules with motherboards, be sure to take this into account.