What Kind of RAM Do I Have?
Understanding RAM, memory, and storage could be confusing, especially if you’re not that indulged in the topic. You might be confused about what kind of RAM you have, and what speed it runs at.
Well, that’s what we are going to answer today. In this article, we dive deeper into the subject and tell you everything there is to know about RAM. In the end, you will be able to tell what type of RAM you have in your PC or Mac.
But first, let’s tell you about Computer Memory Solutions. At CMS, we sell all kinds of high-quality computer RAM and storage modules. If you need a trusted seller to buy RAM or storage components for your PC, consider getting in touch with CMS.
With that out of the way, let’s tell you everything you need to know about RAM and its types.
What is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It’s temporary storage where loaded apps and files are stored temporarily while they’re running.
Simply said, every program or file that you open on your PC, has to be loaded into the RAM before you can use or view it. RAM is really fast in its read and write speeds. To put that in context, it’s even much faster than the fastest permanent storage device, i.e., an SSD.
The data stored in RAM is volatile, meaning it vanishes automatically when the RAM loses power. That’s why if you restart your computer, every loaded program has to be loaded again.
Difference between RAM and storage
If you think RAM and memory are two different things, that’s not true. RAM and memory are two names of the same thing. Storage, on the other hand, is a different hardware component.
Storage devices are permanent storage solutions that store data for an indefinite period. The data stored on them is not volatile, meaning it doesn’t go away when the storage device loses power.
Storage devices are much slower than RAM. Plus, they are often very high in their storage capacity.
For context, the average RAM being used nowadays is 8GB, but the average storage in modern laptops is easily more than 256GB.
How to know which RAM do I have?
If you want to find out the type, size, and speed of your RAM, we’ve got you covered. The method to find your RAM specs is different for macOS and Windows. Let’s look at both of them one by one.
How to find your RAM specs on macOS
Finding your RAM specs on macOS is comparatively easier, thanks to the infamous intuitiveness of the operating system.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to find your RAM specs.
- On the home screen of your Mac, click the Apple logo at the left corner of the menu bar, then select “About This Mac”.
- Look at the “Memory” label on the page that opens up, it will show the size of your RAM.
- To view a more detailed insight into your RAM, click the “System Report…” button at the bottom.
- In the Hardware left menu, click the “Memory” option.
- You will be able to see your memory size, type, and speed in the opened section.
How to find your RAM specs on Windows
To check your RAM specs on Windows, follow the below-mentioned steps.
- Press the “Windows” logo key on your keyboard to open the search bar.
- Write “Task Manager”, then hit Enter.
- When the Task Manager opens, select the “Performance” tab from the top menu bar.
- Select the “Memory” tab in the left bar.
- You will be able to see detailed info about your RAM on the opened page, including the RAM size, speed, and type.
How much RAM do I need?
The amount of RAM you need depends on the type of work you do on your computer, as well as the operating system you’re using. Furthermore, it also depends on the architecture of your PC.
For most Windows PCs, 8GB of RAM should suffice for most users’ day-to-day needs. If you want to make the most out of your PC and run heavier programs on it, it’s better to opt-in for 16GB.
If you’re up for a Mac, 8GB should be enough for all your basic to medium intensity needs. If you’re a heavy user, 16GB is the sweet spot.
If you’re choosing a Mac with Apple Silicon, i.e., a Mac/MacBook with M1, M1 Pro, or M1 Max CPU, 8GB should be enough for running all the basic and advanced programs. That’s because these Macs come with a Unified Memory solution, that makes the most use of every bit of available RAM.
However, if you’re going to run super-intensive processing tasks on it, then opting in for a 16GB option might be a good idea.
If you’re wondering what type of RAM you should choose, let us help. All modern DDR4 RAM modules are good enough. If you opt-in for DDR5, it’s going to be a cherry on top. But try to stay away from DDR3 RAM modules, as, at this point, that type of RAM is kind of outdated.
The bottom line
Understanding RAM and storage doesn’t have to be hard. In this article, we have addressed this concern and described everything there is to know about RAM. At this point, you should be able to find out your RAM size, speed, and type on Windows and macOS alike.
If you need any sort of computer memory or storage solutions, feel free to check out CMS. We have a wide collection of modules ready to be picked by you.