We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hardware

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Does Adding RAM Improve Computer Speed?

By R. Kayne
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 218,645
Share

Adding more Random Access Memory (RAM) can increase computer speed, though it is not guaranteed and often depends on other factors. If a lack of RAM is the only reason for the slowness in an otherwise fast system, then adding more memory will typically improve the operating speed. When there are other problems aside from a shortage of RAM, adding more memory might help, but those secondary factors need to be addressed for the best possible performance. In some cases, a computer might simply be too old to run newer applications efficiently, if at all.

Checking RAM

RAM usage on a computer can be checked in different ways, depending on the operating system (OS). On a machine running some version of Windows™, the easiest way to see how much memory the computer has is to view the System screen in the Control Panel. The Task Manager shows how this memory is being used; pressing the Ctrl + Alt + Del keys brings up this program or the option to open it. In this tool, the Performance tab shows a graph of memory resources, and how the RAM is being used may be listed as "physical memory." The Activity Monitor on systems running the Mac™ OS displays similar information on the System Memory tab.

Third-party software can also be used to monitor memory and even free up RAM when necessary, though this is not always the best way to boost computer speed. Freeing up RAM means closing programs that aren't being used, but which are using memory. If a system is low on memory or often requires freeing up RAM, installing more of it can usually improve computer speed.

Adding RAM

Before purchasing additional RAM, it is important to check the motherboard. The motherboard is the circuit board where most of the computer's crucial components are found, and it has a limited amount of space for new memory. The board might be maxed out for the amount of RAM it will support, either in terms of physical sticks of RAM or the combined values of them. For example, a motherboard might only have three slots for RAM and a maximum allowance of 12 GB. If all three slots are filled with 4 GB sticks, then no more can be added; if the motherboard has three 2 GB sticks, then one or more could be replaced by 4 GB sticks to increase the RAM within the space available.

There are several different types of RAM, so it's important for the person who wants to add more to check the computer's user manual or online to find out what kind is needed. The wrong type of memory typically won't fit into the slots in the motherboard, and if it does, the computer usually will not boot up.

Adding RAM to a desktop computer is typically easier than a laptop. Desktops with towers or similar cases can usually be opened and RAM can be installed directly onto the motherboard. Laptop computers have much less room and use smaller sticks of memory that can be more difficult to properly install. Prebuilt computers may also have warranties that are voided by the addition of new components, so this should be considered prior to any hardware changes.

The Purpose of RAM

Within a computer system, the RAM effectively acts as part of the "brain." There are two types of storage used in a computer — long-term and short-term memory — just like a human brain. A hard drive acts as long-term memory, storing data for later use. RAM behaves like short-term memory and is used to actually process information while running a program.

The numerical value of RAM is typically represented in terms of storage quantity, such as one gigabyte. The size of the RAM indicates how much memory is available to run programs and processes at any given time. With more memory to run programs, multiple pieces of software can be used at the same time without slowing the computer too much.

Other Causes of Slow Computers

For gamers and people who work with video applications, a slow graphics card might be a contributor to poor performance. A good graphics card should have its own on-board RAM and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), otherwise it will use system RAM and Central Processing Unit (CPU) resources. The motherboard manual typically indicates what types of hardware can be used to improve performance by upgrading to a better card. If the graphics card in a computer is top notch and the RAM seems fine, then the CPU may need to be upgraded, which can drastically improve computer speed.

Maintenance issues also affect computer speed. A lack of sufficient hard disk space will slow performance, as will a fragmented drive. Upgrading to a larger disk drive can relieve that part of the issue, and hard drives should be defragmented regularly. Spyware, keyloggers, and other malicious software, also known as malware, can also slow a computer by taking up system resources. Malware can also be used to steal or damage data and personal information, so an antivirus program and/or firewall should be used to help protect the system.

In some cases, a computer functions fine except for one specific application. Most software has minimum system requirements that must be met for it to work correctly, but more memory and processing speed is often needed for exceptional performance. If a system can only meet the minimal requirements, then it is likely to have problems running the program. Twice the recommended RAM and processing power are typically needed to ensure fast and reliable performance with a program.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon1003605 — On Jul 30, 2020

As long as you have enough RAM slots, and the new RAM sticks have the same form factor and speeds then it'll be fine. For example, you have 2GB of LP-DDR3 1600MHZ RAM and want to increase it to something like 16GB. As long as the single 16GB stick or the dual 8GB sticks are also LP-DDR3 and operating at 1600MHZ frequency then there won't be any problems.

By anon343866 — On Aug 03, 2013

I have installed 4 gb ram and 2 gb came with my laptop,

but after that my laptop started poor performance and hangs frequently while performing any task.

By anon320665 — On Feb 19, 2013

My laptop has an i5 processor and 4GB RAM. I am trying to add another 4GB RAM to it. Is it compatible with it or not?

By anon298791 — On Oct 22, 2012

I have purchased an HP Pro slimline with an Intel core i5 processor. The RAM size is 2.99 GB. There is only one more slot is available to add another RAM.

For my work, I need to enhance the speed of operation to maximum. Is it possible to add two 8GB RAMs so that the total RAM size in my system becomes 16 GB? Will it be compatible with my system?

By anon280960 — On Jul 21, 2012

A fast hard drive is crucial too. At least 7,200RPM spin, plus keeping it tidy.

By anon254689 — On Mar 14, 2012

I bought a new hp 6005 pc with an amd sempron cpu and 1 gb of ram, since I could upgrade if needed, along with a 160gb hdd with only a dvd multi player along with keyboard, mouse, speakers and driver on ebay for $212.76.

I have clean installed xp pro sp3, but it hangs every so often and I made an xp cd with driverpacks integrated so I think they might be the problem, but am unsure. So, I need to know why, if my system is clean to the bone, why the hangs and how to fix them?

I have not run ccleaner or iobit disk defrag the first time, but if that's what I need to do, let me know or if there are other ways to stabilize my pc.

By anon224943 — On Oct 25, 2011

Usually, I optimize my system with WiseFixer. It is a wonderful system optimizer software, and its assistance, it is very easy to fix system errors, fix registry errors, detect useless information in your computer and get rid of it. Therefore, the advanced system optimizer tool is so helpful.

By anon78435 — On Apr 18, 2010

An informative article. Thanks

By anon58560 — On Jan 02, 2010

I had enough ram but my computer was still slow until i used Reg cleaner Reginout

By anon54366 — On Nov 29, 2009

Article was really informative- succinct and clear!

By anon24000 — On Jan 06, 2009

Great Article... very helpful

Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/does-adding-ram-improve-computer-speed.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.