RAM

03 RAM

What you will need

Motherboard RAM

The third part of your computer building journey will be about installing RAM. We will learn what RAM is, important handling and installation tips, and how much RAM you will need. This section will also teach you how to remove RAM if you are interested in upgrading.

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Let’s talk about RAM!

RAM is an acronym that means Random Access Memory. This is an important component of your computer which allows many programs to run at the same time. RAM is basically your computer’s short-term memory. This means that the memory stored in it while the computer is on is erased when the computer is turned off.

How does it work?

RAM uses Gigabytes (GB) to measure the amount of storage it can have. The benefit of having more RAM is that your programs will run faster. This also means that you can run more programs at the same time more smoothly. In addition to that, your computer needs RAM to use basic programs and surf the web.

When checking your RAMs speed, you will notice that it is in megahertz (MHz). The speed makes it much faster for data

to move in and out, but you will want to make sure that you follow the speed specifications set by the motherboard to avoid overheating. You do not need much RAM to get started, and you can always add or upgrade more RAM at any time.

Getting the Right RAM

There is a big difference between laptop RAM and desktop RAM, and since we are not building a laptop, we want to make sure that we have desktop RAM. Desktop RAM uses Dual Inline Memory Modules (DIMM) and laptop RAM uses Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Modules (SO-DIMM). When you are searching for RAM you will want to make sure it is DIMM and not SO-DIMM. Remember that these two types of RAM are incompatible. Next, we are going to take a detailed look at the RAM stick to understand the important parts. We will also be looking at what to look for when buying RAM, how much RAM you will need, and explain DDR.

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How much RAM do you need?

Determining how much you will need will all depend on your computer’s main function. Just surfing the web while using more than a couple of tabs at once and using basic programs will require a minimum of 4GB of RAM. If you plan on using demanding programs, or you know that you are going to be multitasking with lots of programs all at once, you might want to consider 8 to 16 GB.

How much is too much?

Many people wonder, “How much RAM is too much?”. Many people believe that 32GB is just enough before it can be considered too much or overkill. This amount will be more than enough if you plan on doing high-end gaming, editing 4K video, and multitasking demanding programs.

What is DDR?

DDR stands for Double Data Rate and can transfer data twice in a single cycle. Different versions such as DDR3 and DDR4 are just updated versions of the previous number. Remember to consult your motherboard manual for the RAM it requires, but it is easy to tell if you have the wrong one. Each generation has the notch cut differently in the stick, so you cannot mix them up or worry about damaging the motherboard.

What to look for when buying RAM.

Whether you are buying your initial RAM or upgrading it, here are some things to consider when shopping around:

• Always follow the recommendations of your motherboard, CPU, etc. to make sure that your new RAM will fit and is supported.

• It is also important to remember that laptops and desktops use different types of RAM.

• When checking for the speed of your RAM make sure that you check your CPU specs for the recommended speeds.

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IMPORTANT:

• Make sure not to touch the gold fingers.

• The notch is not centered, so make sure you are aligning the RAM correctly.

• The RAM should snap in place when inserted correctly.

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Let’s install the RAM!

Your motherboard will have either two or four RAM slots. If you aren’t going to fill all the slots, make sure you check the configuration that is recommended by your motherboard. This will make sure that you place them accordingly. However, if you are going to fill all the slots simply snap them into place.

If you are upgrading or replacing RAM, make sure that your computer is shut down and all cables connected to it are unplugged. You will also need to remove the side of the case so that you can access the RAM slots. Pushing the plastic retention clips at both ends will release the RAM stick and allow you to remove it and replace it.

Motherboards sometimes have tabs that help with RAM installation, so you do not have to move the tabs yourself. You may not be able to turn your computer on if the RAM does not get seated correctly the first time. If this happens, just reseat the RAM and try again.

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WARNING!

• RAM sticks are very sensitive to static charges!

• Be sure to handle it very carefully.

• Never hold them by their edges or touch the metal conductors if they are visible.

• Make sure that your RAM is compatible with your motherboard before installing it.

Congratulations! Now that we installed the RAM, it is time to move on to the next step: the power supply. We are going to go over what the power supply is, why it is important, and how to install it. Also, we are going to finally start putting our parts inside the case, starting with the power supply.

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