How to Choose RAM?

In the world of rapidly evolving technologies, choosing the right RAM for your system is becoming increasingly important. Each year, manufacturers release new models with improved specifications, making the selection process complex and confusing. In this guide, we will look at all the aspects to consider when choosing RAM in 2024.

The RAM of a desktop computer differs from that of a laptop. RAM modules are referred to as DIMM, which stands for «dual in-line memory module». Several different types of DIMM modules are available on the market:

The memory type determines the basic technological characteristics of the RAM modules and their compatibility with various computer components. The most common types of RAM are DDR (Double Data Rate) and their subsequent generations: DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5.

If you are choosing RAM for a gaming PC, pay attention to DDR4 and DDR5. They will provide optimal performance in games compared to previous types of RAM. Also, when selecting the type of memory for your system, make sure it is compatible with your motherboard and processor, and meets your performance and budget needs.

There are two main factors that make RAM considered fast: frequency and timings.

First, there's the RAM frequency, often referred to as speed. When looking at RAM products, you might find them listed as DDR4-3200 or DDR4 2666 MHz. These four-digit numbers represent the RAM's frequency.

Your memory constantly cycles through reading and writing loaded data, and this frequency indicates how many times per second the memory goes through such a cycle. DDR4-3200 refers to a frequency cycle of 3200 MHz, which corresponds to approximately 3.2 billion read/write cycles per second.

So, the higher the frequency, the better, but keep in mind that some processors and motherboards may not support certain frequencies at an effective level. In this case, additional research into the computer components' requirements relative to each other may be necessary. Additionally, the price for high-frequency RAM tends to increase very rapidly.

Then there are timings, also known as CAS latency, which is a measure of the delay between your RAM modules receiving a command from the CPU and the memory actually executing that command.

CAS latency is typically represented as a series of numbers, for example, 18-22-22-42, which actually refers to a series of timing values beyond just CAS latency. The usual timing order is as follows:

Essentially, the lower the number, the better.

There are several factors that affect the maximum amount of RAM available on your computer. It's important to consider the number of slots on the motherboard you'll be working with. Most motherboards have between two to four slots. More than four are often found in server motherboards.

However, these motherboard chipsets and the memory generations themselves also have a maximum capacity. DDR3 memory has a maximum memory capacity per chip of 8 GB, providing a theoretical maximum capacity of 16 GB per module.

DDR4 allows for a capacity of 16 GB per chip, enabling up to 128 GB on a server memory card, though in reality, 32 GB is the maximum capacity per memory card you'll find for consumer RAM.

DDR5 continues this trend, doubling the maximum capacity of a single memory card to 246 GB for server boards or 128 GB for regular consumers.

In general, anything above 32 GB per module is considered server-grade modules.

When considering the issue of RAM compatibility, it's crucial to ensure that the selected module will work seamlessly with your system without any issues. When choosing memory, several key aspects need to be taken into account.

First and foremost, ensure that the chosen memory is compatible with your motherboard. This includes checking supported types and capacities of memory, as well as the maximum clock speed that can be set in your system. It's also important to consider the specifics of memory slots: some motherboards may require using certain slots for optimal performance.

Additionally, the compatibility of the RAM with your system's central processing unit should be checked. Different processors may have limitations on supported types and frequencies of memory. It's also worth paying attention to supported processor generations. For example, newer models may require more modern standards of RAM.

Looking through user reviews and professional memory reviews can help you gain a more objective view of the quality and performance of specific models. User reviews can provide valuable information about real-life memory usage experiences, including pros and cons.

Pay attention to the overall product rating, user comments on performance, compatibility, and reliability. It's also worth considering reviews from professional testers and experts, who can offer a deeper analysis of the technical specifications and performance of the memory.

Different memory can have additional features. Let's consider some of them:

When choosing RAM, pay attention to the features that best meet your needs and preferences.

When selecting RAM, consider its power consumption. Modules with lower power consumption can help reduce the overall power usage of your system, which can be particularly important for mobile devices or systems with limited power sources. Choosing energy-efficient memory can also reduce heat output and increase system reliability.

Some RAM modules come with built-in heatsinks or thermal solutions that help reduce heat dissipation and ensure stable memory operation even under high loads. This is especially relevant when using RAM in systems with intensive computing tasks or when overclocking, as additional heat output may occur. Consider the thermal characteristics of memory modules to avoid overheating problems and ensure stable system operation.

When choosing RAM, it's important to consider factors and specific application goals. Here are some recommendations: