You’ve no doubt heard of RAM, as it’s one of the most important components in your computer. But what exactly is it, how does it work, and how much RAM do you need?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and its purpose is to store temporary data that your computer system needs to access quickly. Unlike storage devices such as hard drives or SSDs, RAM is much faster and plays a crucial role in determining a computer’s performance, especially when gaming or multitasking.
Want to know more? In this guide to RAM, we’ll cover:
What is RAM?
RAM is a type of volatile memory, which means it stores data only while the computer is switched on. Once you turn off the system, RAM loses everything it holds. RAM’s purpose is to give quick access to the data and applications you currently use. This lets the CPU retrieve information almost instantly, speeding up processes significantly compared to fetching data from slower storage drives
If you’re a gamer, RAM stores game assets, textures, and other necessary files for fast retrieval, ensuring smooth gameplay. It also benefits if you’re a streamer and content creators because RAM helps encode, decode, render, and run broadcasting software efficiently. Simply put, the more RAM your system has, the better it handles multiple tasks at once without slowing down.
What is the difference between RAM and ROM?
People often confuse RAM and ROM, but they serve different purposes. RAM focuses on speed and flexibility, temporarily holding the data and applications the processor needs to access quickly. ROM, on the other hand, stores permanently written data such as firmware or the system BIOS, which helps the computer boot up and initialise hardware components. You cannot easily modify or rewrite ROM — it holds essential instructions that rarely change.
The main difference between RAM and ROM lies in speed. RAM allows rapid read and write operations, significantly boosting system performance. ROM runs much slower because it stores permanent data rather than active processing information.
Another key difference is data permanence. ROM retains information even when the computer powers off, while RAM loses all stored data once the power cuts out. This explains why computers need both: RAM handles short-term, high-speed data access, while ROM ensures critical system instructions remain intact.
In short, if RAM acts like a computer’s short-term memory, holding temporary files for quick use, ROM works as long-term memory, storing essential information permanently. Both types play vital roles in a computer’s functionality but operate very differently.
| RAM | ROM |
| Random access memory | Read-only memory |
| Volatile memory | Non-volatile memory |
| Stores temporary data | Stores permanent data |
| Loses data when PC is switched off | Retains data when PC is switched off |
Checking Your System’s Memory
It’s easy to check how much memory your system has. On Windows, open Task Manager and head to the Performance tab. Under Memory, you’ll see the total installed. You can also find this info in the System Information panel.
But total memory isn’t the whole story—speed matters too. Faster modules can improve performance in demanding tasks like gaming or content creation, where quick data access makes a difference. To check the speed, go back to Task Manager and look under the Memory section, where it’s shown in megahertz (MHz).
What’s the Right Amount of Memory for You
The amount of memory you need depends on how you use your PC. For basic tasks like web browsing or working in Office apps, 4GB might get you by—but it’s really the bare minimum. If you’re into gaming, 8GB is often the entry-level recommendation, but newer titles—especially open-world or strategy-heavy games—demand more. Many gamers find 16GB or even 32GB delivers a noticeably smoother experience, particularly when multitasking with voice chat or background apps.
Streaming benefits from extra memory too. Running a game while encoding a livestream uses a lot of system resources. Starting with 16GB is sensible, but 32GB is ideal for high-quality streams and content creation, especially with tools like OBS Studio or Adobe Premiere Pro. You could also consider using an external capture card to ease the load when gaming and streaming at the same time.
How to free up RAM?
If your system is operating slowly, freeing up RAM can help improve performance. One way to do this is by closing unnecessary applications running in the background. Some software you might have installed on your computer continues to consume memory even when it’s not actively in use, so checking the Task Manager for memory-heavy processes can be useful.
If that doesn’t help, there are other steps you can try:
- Restarting your computer can also help clear RAM and free up system resources.
- Disabling startup programs that you don’t need can prevent them from using memory unnecessarily.
- Updating your drivers and optimising your system settings can further improve the performance of your PC.
For more tips, this guide from Norton Antivirus might help.
How to install more RAM
If your PC is laggy or working too hard, you might want to think about upgrading your PC to a custom desktop PC with better specs. Not sure if you need a new PC? This video might help:
If you use our custom PC builder, you can make RAM your priority. Our expert team will work with you to ensure your personalised system is optimised for whatever you want to use it for, whether that’s gaming, streaming, editing, or other tasks.
Alternatively, you can try installing additional RAM. To do this, follow our step by step guide:
First, check how many memory slots your motherboard has available. If there are empty ones, you can add additional sticks. However, if all are already in use, you may need to upgrade by swapping out the current modules for ones with a higher capacity. Just make sure that any new components are compatible with your motherboard and that the speed you’re aiming for is supported.
Should you overclock your RAM?
Overclocking your memory means pushing it beyond the manufacturer’s default speeds. You can do this via the BIOS or with overclocking software—but proceed with caution. Higher speeds can boost performance in areas like gaming and rendering, but if done incorrectly, overclocking can make your system unstable.
Some users feel the risk and setup effort aren’t worth the minor gains. If you still want to give it a go, make sure your system has good cooling and that your modules are designed to handle the extra load. It’s a good idea to follow a reliable guide—like this one from Intel.
Memory plays a major role in your computer’s performance. Knowing how it works, how much you need, and how to get the most out of it can make a noticeable difference in everyday tasks and high-performance scenarios alike.
Whether upgrading RAM for gaming, streaming, or general use, ensuring the right amount and speed will help achieve the best possible computing experience. For more core knowledge, check out the rest of the guides in our blog.