What is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it’s one of the most important parts of your computer, it is often referred to as "Memory". Think of it like your desk space while you’re working, the more desk space you have, the more documents you can have open and ready to use without having to put things away.
In a computer, RAM temporarily holds the information and programs you’re using right now. It’s not the same as your hard drive (which is more like a filing cabinet for long-term storage). When you open a file, program, or web browser, RAM is what makes it run quickly and smoothly. The more RAM your computer has, the more things it can have open at once without slowing down & needing to write data back to your hard drive.
How Much RAM Should I Have?
The answer depends on what you use your computer for.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- 4GB – Not really enough anymore. Only suitable for very basic tasks like checking emails or using one app at a time. We don’t recommend this for any business use.
- 8GB – The bare minimum for most office users. Okay for emails, web browsing, basic Word/Excel use. The computer will feel sluggish if too many programs are open.
- 16GB – A sweet spot for most modern businesses. Supports multitasking, accounting software, heavy Excel use, multiple browser tabs, and even some light design work.
- 32GB+ – Recommended for users doing video editing, CAD, high-end design, or running multiple virtual machines or databases - Or even if you just like to have heaps of applications opened at once.
It’s also important to remember that RAM needs are higher today than even just a few years ago. As programs like Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Chrome get more powerful, they also get more demanding and chew up more of your RAM, even when it appears that they are not doing anything.
How to See How Much RAM I Have
It’s easy to check your RAM in Windows:
- Right-click on the Start menu and choose System.
- Under “Device specifications,” you’ll see how much Installed RAM you have.
You can also press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, then click the Performance tab and choose Memory to see how much is currently in use.
If your RAM is constantly at 80–100%, that’s a sign you might need an upgrade.
Will More RAM Make My Computer Faster?
Yes — but only if RAM is your bottleneck.
Adding RAM can dramatically improve performance if your current system is struggling to juggle multiple programs or tabs. It’s especially noticeable if you're:
- Waiting for programs to open
- Experiencing freezing or crashing
- Dealing with lag when switching between applications
However, if your RAM usage is already low and your computer is still slow, it might be due to something else like an ageing hard drive or SSD, outdated processor, or even malware.
At GBS, we often recommend a quick system check before throwing more RAM at the problem — we want to make sure you’re investing in the right fix.
What about RAM Speed?
RAM speed refers to how quickly your computer’s memory can send and receive data. It is measured in megahertz (MHz), the higher the number, the faster your RAM can feed data to the processor. For example, RAM running at 3200MHz is noticeably quicker than RAM at 2400MHz when handling large spreadsheets, high-resolution files or demanding programs. But speed is not just about numbers, the type of RAM can also have an impact. A lot of business PCs today use DDR4 RAM, which is faster and more efficient than the older DDR3.
The latest generation, DDR5, offers even higher speeds and better multitasking performance, but it is typically found in newer, higher-end machines. It is a bit like upgrading from a two lane road (DDR3) to a four lane highway (DDR4), and now a superfast freeway (DDR5). Faster RAM will not always turn a slow machine into a rocket, but it can reduce lag and improve responsiveness, especially when paired with a modern CPU.