Should I Upgrade RAM?
If you have been using computers for any given amount of time, you will have heard that Random Access Memory (RAM), is one of the easiest upgrades that you can make that will boost the performance of your computer. Even if you are a tech novice, the question “Should I upgrade RAM” is one that you are likely to encounter at some point int he future. So, should you upgrade your computer’s Memory? Read on to find out more.
Can you Upgrade Ram?
That’s the first question that you need to ask as part of the process of determining whether or not you should upgrade RAM. I have previously written an article, in which I talk more about Random Access Memory.
What most people do know is that there are limits to the amount of RAM that their computers can take. The question that you should ask yourself when thinking about upgrading your PC’s memory is, therefore; “How much RAM can my computer take.”
How much RAM can my computer take?
You can use the crucial tool to identify the amount and type of RAM that your computer is capable of supporting. In my case, the tool tells me that my laptop can support 8GB. At the moment, it has 3GB of RAM installed. What this means is that I can upgrade the Random Access Memory that is on my laptop.
RAM Limitations
Microsoft places limitations on the amounts of RAM that can be added to computers running the different versions of the Windows 10 operating system. For my computer, which has Windows 10 Home Basic, the limit is 8GB of RAM. Another thing that you need to know is that 32 bit computers can only support up to 4GB of RAM. If you need more, you will have to get a 64 bit computer. 64 bit computers on Windows 10 can officially take up to 2TB or Memory. However, the following OS limits apply;
| Version | Maximum Amount of RAM |
|---|---|
| Windows 10 Starter | 8GB |
| Windows 10 Home Basic | 8GB |
| Windows 10 Home Premium | 16GB |
| Windows 10 Professional | 192GB |
| Windows 10 Enterprise | 192GB |
| Windows 10 Ultimate | 192GB |
How Much Ram Do You Really Need?
I suppose the real answer to the question “Should I upgrade RAM on my PC,” is; how much RAM do you really need? As already mentioned, I have 3GB of RAM on my laptop. This has, over the years, proven to be more than enough.
However, I have recently begun to seriously think about upgrading. I have been noticing some programs hanging here and there, and a memory upgrade could go a long way in eliminating this issue.
Gaming
I tend to be a light user, but if you are into gaming, you do need to have as much RAM as your computer can take. Otherwise, some of the graphics intensive games that are out there will not be able to run smoothly on your PC.
Light Users
However, if you are a light user, it is more than likely that you will be able to get by with at least 4GB of RAM. My advise in this regard is to future proof yourself. Computer programs are getting heavier and heavier, and you need to have enough RAM to see off any future needs.
Conclusion
In any case, the answer to the question “Should I upgrade RAM,” is; by any means, if your PC can support the upgrade. I will be making an upgrade of my own in the near future, to 8GB on my laptop. Check this blog to see how that goes.