RAM Question

[chevyavalanche04]

this will be a easy one for the experts

what exactly does RAM do? is it for the speed of the computer or the performance or is it something else then that?

what I wondered was about adding another 1024MB of Ram to my new computer to make it a 2 GB.

Thanks all!

[brett74]

it's for both speed and performance and sure go ahead to more memory the better. ram stores apps while the computer is on also with ram it help to cut down on the wear and tear on a hard drive because it doesn't have to work as hard.

[chevyavalanche04]

so to add more, all I have to do is just put it right in and the computer will know that it has more ram once it is added?

[brett74]

yep that is correct. Also i might add to the last post when you are using apps or gaming you won't run low on virtual memory either with more ram

[chevyavalanche04]

ok Thank you so much for your time!

[brett74]

you're welcome if you have any further questions you know where to find us

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Here is a good example of RAM.

When you're playing a game, all the graphics and sounds are loaded into the RAM so they can be accessed faster than if it were only on the Hard Drive. For example, if you shoot your gun and you didn't have RAM, there would be a lag time for the sound and images.
Because the graphics are loaded into the RAM, the game can access it easier and faster than if it has to search the drive for the appropriate files.

[squall_01]

It keeps the stuff in the memory aka the ram so that it can process the next series of data, looking in your screen the page up right know is in memory since there isnt a need to have it in the storage, if it was stored there we would need huge harddrives in order to keep the data.  Only a small percent would be used to really store anything.  Once the power goes off all the data goes with it since it cant no longer call on it.  Hope that helps an thanks guys for explaining.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

Once the power goes off all the data goes with it since it cant no longer call on it.  Hope that helps an thanks guys for explaining.

That's a good point Squall. When there is no more power running through the ram, it is Dumped. 

[squall_01]

Did think it mattered just thought that I would add it.

[SuperDave]

I added one gb of RAM and I don't see any difference. Perhaps I'm not using the computer in a way that would show that extra bit of RAM. No gaming unless  you count freecell.

[quaxo]

what I wondered was about adding another 1024MB of Ram to my new computer to make it a 2 GB.

This would also depend on what OS you're using. If you using XP and you're not into games, 1GB is more than enough... heck, it's enough even if you are into games in some cases.

On the other hand, if you're using Vista, I would recommend going ahead to 2GB.

[Carbon Dudeoxide]

I added one gb of RAM and I don't see any difference. Perhaps I'm not using the computer in a way that would show that extra bit of RAM. No gaming unless  you count freecell.

You might not feel any difference but I Guarantee your computer feels much better...

 

[squall_01]

Cant you hear the electrical impulsing thoughts?

[Calum]

I didn't notice much difference going from 1Gb to 2Gb DDR either actually.
You may start to notice it a little, e.g. programs loading a little faster.  However, RAM tends to only really impact multitasking or programs that use a lot of RAM, like Vista, games or video/audio editing.

[SuperDave]

I do a lot of video editing/composing and this is where I thought I would see a change but that hasn't happened yet. Perhaps, I don't have a personal relationship with my computer.

[drmsucks]

For the original poster: Not to confuse things but quite often just "adding" RAM can cause system instabilities because of differences in the new and old RAM modules. If you add RAM and start having "problems," remove the newly added RAM.

[Calum]

As long as the RAM is compatible (which the fact that the PC can still boot would support) then there will be no issues with adding RAM, unless the new RAM is actually faulty.
SuperDave, you should see a change, unless your CPU is holding you back when you're editing.

[chevyavalanche04]

its a Vista Premium and I do a little bit of gaming on it so I will definitely add more,

Thank You all for all the help!

[drmsucks]

As long as the RAM is compatible

That's the point - but quite often "compatible" memory is difficult to obtain.

(which the fact that the PC can still boot would support)

Often a system will boot but show instability signs later. I don't want to belabor this, but wanted @chevyavalanche04 to be aware that RAM upgrades may not be as simple as "plug in new RAM and go." Quite often they are - quite often they are not. If problems occur, all he has to do is to remove the new RAM and ask for help.

As far as performance goes, >1GB on XP can be barely noticeable depending on use of computer; for Vista, 2 GB is essential and will be noticeable from boot time (reduced) and throughout the user experience.