When assembling a PC, the key parameter when choosing RAM is the volume – the more gigabytes, the faster the system works. This is true, however, there are other parameters that we will analyze in this article. PCs with the same motherboard, processor, video card and amount of RAM can vary in performance by twenty or even thirty percent precisely because of the unobvious parameters of the memory modules. Find out here about how to choose RAM.
Generations
There are 4 generations of RAM on the market: outdated DDR and DDR2 , outdated DDR3 and current DDR4 . If you are building a PC in 2020, it makes sense to choose DDR4. This is beneficial in the long run: your RAM will not become obsolete in the next few years.
Already now you can find information about the next generation of RAM – DDR5. Even after its release, DDR4 memory will not be considered obsolete – after all, the generational change takes more than one year.
Please note that the memory is not backward compatible: you cannot install a 4th generation module in a motherboard with 3rd generation slots. The opposite is also true: it will not be possible to install a DDR3 module in a new board with slots of the fourth generation. They do not physically fit together, because each generation has its own key connector.
Memory types
Memory has not only different generations, but also types. Besides DDR, there are several other types.
Sometimes the notation DIMM is used – Dual In-line Memory Module. This is the form factor: we are talking about a standard two-sided module, which does not affect compatibility and performance.
Also, the names of the modules use the designation SO-DIMM – Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module. Such modules are more compact than conventional ones and are most often used in laptops.
Of special mention is the DIMM a Registered – it is memory with built-in buffer. Such modules are more expensive and slower to operate, but more reliable, so they are used in servers and are almost never installed in ordinary home and work PCs.
Which is better – one module or several?
Let’s say you want to build a gaming PC and install 16 gigabytes of RAM in it. In this case, there is a choice – one module for 16 gigabytes, two for 8 gigabytes or four modules for four gigabytes.
The decisive factor in this case is the two-channel mode – two modules in two-channel mode provide more performance than one module of the same memory size. The increase in productivity can be up to 20-30 percent.
For the dual channel mode to work, the memory must be installed in specific slots on the motherboard. For example, blue first and third slots, as well as black second and fourth.
Also consider if you are going to overclock. In this case, it is better to choose a configuration of two modules – four modules are much more difficult to overclock than two.
Rank
If you plan to overclock, there is one more factor to consider – rank.
Dual-rank memory modules typically have a higher frequency, ceteris paribus, and a higher capacity per module. They are more expensive and less overclocking, but more productive due to the high frequency.
With peer-to-peer the situation is the opposite: they are cheaper and better overclocked, but initially their frequency is usually lower.
It is worth considering different options here: if you are ready to overclock, it is more profitable to buy peer-to-peer modules and raise their frequency by overclocking.
Frequency and timings
These are the main characteristics of RAM on which most of the performance depends. The higher the frequency and the lower the timings, the faster the PC will work and the more expensive the memory modules will be.
Expensive memory with low timing and high frequency is especially relevant in gaming in work and office tasks, the performance gain will not be as noticeable as in games.
Motherboard compatibility
The choice of memory module is limited by the parameters of the motherboard.
First, the memory modules must match the slots on the motherboard in terms of generation: as we said, there is no backward compatibility here. If the slot on the board and the module do not match, the memory module cannot be physically installed.
Secondly, it will not be possible to install more RAM than the motherboard supports. Also, you will not be able to exceed the maximum speed of the memory modules supported by the board.
Thirdly, if you want to use two-channel mode, you need a board with this function, otherwise there will be no performance gain.
All these reasons once again prove that you need to choose a motherboard taking into account the long-term perspective – it is she who will limit all further upgrades, and this applies not only to memory, but also to the processor and video card.
Attention to such details helps not to overpay: if your PC does not support high operating speed, you can not overpay for modules with high frequency and low timing – just the full potential of expensive modules will not be revealed due to the limitations of the motherboard.
