How Much RAM You Should Have in Your Trading Computer It doesn't matter if your computer runs the latest software. Without enough memory, those programs will run poorly. The longer your computer takes to think, the more likely you are to miss out on hot real-time trades. Few things are more important than RAM when it comes to your computer. At of the time of publication, DDR3 RAM is the fastest available, and it's been available for several years. Older and used computers may be compatible with DDR2 memory, but this won't cut it if you want your computer to respond as quickly as possible. Because computers are compatible with only one type of memory, you may have to upgrade if your motherboard uses an older type of memory. If you want to prolong the health of your trading computer, opt for brand name RAM. Companies such as Kingston and Corsair might cost more than generic memory. Furthermore, stay away from purchasing RAM that's used or from eBay because it may have a shorter shelf life and you won't have the support of a warranty or replacement service should something go wrong with the RAM that you buy for your trading computer. Kingston, for instance, offers a lifetime warranty. They also offer free technical support should you encounter any problems with their hardware. Initial cost savings might sway you when considering what type and where to by RAM, but consider the protection offered by these trusted companies. Brand name RAM from a trusted source is the best option for your best trading computer. Now that you know what type of memory to look for, you'll need to know the amount of memory. We recommend at least 8 gigabytes of RAM per your computer, but you can certainly upgrade your computer to more memory if it's compatible. Most computers have multiple slots for RAM, and each slot is compatible with a maximum amount allotted in each slot. For example, your computer may allow 4 gigabytes of DDR3 in two slots for a total of 8 gigabytes. However, some computers have more slots and allow more. To determine how much RAM your computer is compatible with, you can read the manual for your computer or perform an online search. To allow memory to run better on your computer, it's best to use memory chips of the same amount in each slot. Two 4-gigabyte memory chips are better than chips with mismatched capacities. Upgrading your RAM is as great way to ensure your trading computer is working at the capacity you need.