RAM Upgrade FAQs & Answers from The Upgrade Experts - FAQs

Random Access Memory (RAM) is a form of computer data storage that stores data machine code that you’re using now or in the near future. RAM is a key component in all computer systems however it is more commonly upgraded in laptop and desktop machines.

When your RAM is operating at capacity it can be extremely frustrating and unproductive, leaving you unable to use your machine. However this is a relatively easy issue to resolve.

What are the benefits of upgrading ram? 

As you may already know, the most obvious benefit of upgrading your RAM is a reduction in computer slow downs and crashes. If you are a multi-tasker you will be aware of how often computer applications can slow down a machine, especially if you’re using your laptop or PC every day for work. This can cost you time and money as well as create an unnecessary source of stress.

When you’re running multiple programs at once, you may experience some significant slowdown. Upgrading your RAM to a suitable level will remove this problem for you.

As well as overall speed, a RAM upgrade will allow your laptop or PC to run programs that may not have been able to run previously on your machine. This is because certain programs require a set amount of memory in order for it to run properly. Very useful if the Adobe suite is difficult to run on your computer. 

How Do I Know if I Need a RAM Upgrade?

As there are a few reasons that your computer could be slowing down we have compiled a list below to help you diagnose your speed issues and work out if you need a RAM upgrade. You may need to upgrade your RAM if your computer is experiencing any of the following problems: 

• Your computer takes a long time to boot and load
• You experience poor performance in everyday tasks
• It is slow and difficult to multitask between programs
• You receive a notification that you are low on memory
• Your system freezes while loading programs
• Your computer doesn’t run the way it used to

Pro Tip: When you are experiencing a slowdown on your machine, check your Memory Usage (under task manager on Windows and Activity Monitor on Mac). If your memory usage is high during a slow down it is most likely that RAM is the cause of your problem. 

Your computer may not have always been slow, and it could be a recent development. As technology evolves and updates, so do the system requirements - meaning that newer and heavier applications will use more RAM. Here are a few reasons why you could be experiencing issues with your RAM:

1. Operating system update. A computer's operating system has a significant impact on the overall performance and usually, an update in the operating system can sometimes demand more memory.

2. Using new, more demanding software. Upgrading existing software or using new software can demand more memory than is currently installed on your machine. Particularly if you’re running  photo or video editing software on a machine that is not specifically designed for that purpose.

3. After purchasing a new system - many laptops and PCs come with a minimal amount of memory out of the box. You’ll likely want to upgrade this, especially if you’re a heavy laptop user. 

How Much RAM Do I Need? 

The answer all depends on what you’re using your laptop or PC for, generally speaking, more RAM is better. For example, moving from 4 GB to 8 GB is going to make a huge difference to multi-tasking and overall performance. For most users, 8 GB is recommended and is the “sweet spot” for everyday use. 

However, if you’re more of a gamer, you will likely be running bigger programs and you will want anything from 12 GB upwards. We would recommend the HyperX Ram, which is specifically designed for gamers with higher clock speeds and more efficient cooling. 

Higher RAM is also required by users such as photo editors, CAD modelers and video editors. This is purely because all of these program types typically use a lot of RAM and will not leave you with much space for other applications within your random access memory. The last thing you want is for a crash to happen halfway through a video editing project when you haven’t saved for the last 2 hours. 

What type of RAM do I need? 

It can be difficult to know what ram to buy.  If you’re looking for a RAM upgrade for your laptop and don’t know what is compatible with your particular model, we can tell you, find your compatible RAM with our RAM upgrade finder. We stock a huge range of RAM upgrades for many different laptop manufacturers so we are more than likely to have the perfect upgrade for you.

If you’re an owner of a MacBook or iMac and are experiencing a reduction in performance over time, this is probably due to new and more demanding software which is exhausting your memory. However, adding an, easy to instal, RAM upgrade can make it perform like a new machine. MemoryCow stock a range of specialist MacBook & iMac RAM upgrades to boost your Apple system. We’ll always make sure your order is compatible with your device at the final stage of checkout. 

However, if you by any chance select the wrong RAM for your PC or laptop, we offer a 100% money back guarantee. This means if for whatever reason you are not happy with the item purchased you can return it to us within 12 months for a refund (for unused and unopened items) or within 30 days on opened and used items. 

RAM Upgrades for Business Customers

If you’re a business looking to upgrade the RAM in your  laptops, desktops or servers, , we can help you find the best products for your requirements. 

Upgrading the memory on your server can be a huge cost saving for your business. Your server is the invisible backbone of your business and to remain competitive, your IT infrastructure needs to remain nimble and efficient. 

The obvious main cost saving is employee productivity. Providing your server with upgraded RAM ensures your business is able to handle more Virtual Machines and allows faster data processing. Upgrading company workstations also has an effect on employee productivity, offering less down time and reducing the amount of IT callouts.

You’ll also benefit from the expert knowledge of MemoryCow, as we’ll diagnose exactly what is needed for your server RAM upgrade. In some cases we can also provide legacy products for servers that are no longer being manufactured - so just ask.

Ready to upgrade your RAM? Start by looking for compatible products for your device with our Memory Upgrade Finder tool.