[Answer] Will replacing RAM make the computer run faster?

Among the solutions to improve the speed and responsiveness of the computer, upgrading RAM is the solution chosen by most users. This is a simple solution, does not lose data, is effective, and does not cost much. However, many of you ask the question, does upgrading RAM make the computer run faster ?

Some notes when upgrading computer RAM

Does your computer have enough RAM?

Most of the popular or mid-range computers sold on the market today are only equipped with 4GB of RAM. However, with this RAM, after a period of operation, the computer will become slower when you open too many tabs or start heavy applications.

Therefore, the user's PC should be equipped with at least 8GB of RAM. PCs used for tasks such as web browsing, watching movies, typing and playing simple games should have at least 8GB of RAM.

As for gamers, it is recommended to equip their system with at least 16 GB of RAM. After this mark, whether to upgrade or not depends on your actual needs. 

Is there a bottleneck?

If you find that a lack of RAM is causing your PC to experience a 'bottleneck', you can check by testing your system's performance.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Windows 10's Task Manager, then click "More details" to open the advanced view. Click the "Performance" tab, then click "Memory."

Next, use your computer as normal and monitor the parameters that appear in Task Manager, including the "In Use" and "Available" sections under the RAM usage graph. If your computer still has a lot of free RAM, this is not the cause of the problem. However, if the amount of RAM used (In Use) is close to 100% when the computer is slow, upgrading the RAM will help fix the above situation.

Is XMP enabled?

You may not be maximizing the performance of the RAM sticks you have installed. In your motherboard's BIOS settings, a feature called "eXtreme Memory Profile" (XMP) may be enabled. If your computer uses an AMD CPU, a similar feature will be called DOCP.

Is the RAM speed fast enough?

Upgrading RAM is quite complicated. You have to choose the right type of RAM and its speed must be supported by the motherboard.

In addition, if you install a RAM stick and want to install another RAM stick, both sticks must have the same bus speed. However, many people still prefer to use a RAM Kit, including 2 RAM sticks with identical specifications to ensure stable computer operation. 

Don't forget to check the speed of your current RAM to know the effectiveness of upgrading RAM. For example, if your RAM has a bus of about 2400MHz, upgrading to a bus of 3000MHz will help your PC achieve much higher performance. 

Does the PC have an SSD installed?

If RAM isn't the bottleneck, you should consider some other options to speed up your system. If you're using a hard drive, your number one priority should be to get a solid-state drive (SSD). 

Are the CPU and GPU powerful enough?

If upgrading your RAM and SSD doesn't make a significant difference, it's time to think about upgrading your CPU and graphics card.

To find out how your CPU is performing, pay attention to CPU usage using system monitoring software like MSI Afterburner. During gameplay, if the CPU is running at full capacity and the GPU is only running at 70-80%, the CPU is likely the bottleneck. 

Does changing RAM make your computer run faster?

Replacing RAM will help your computer run faster in case your computer really needs more temporary memory. Experts recommend that you choose a temporary storage memory higher than the system's requirements. For example, your computer is for basic office work, RAM with about 2GB of memory is enough, so you should increase the memory to 4GB to ensure comfort. 

If you want to replace RAM for your computer, you should choose RAM with the same capacity but higher bus speed, less power consumption or heat generation, and more modern support technology.

Does changing RAM make your computer run faster? Changing RAM for your computer not only requires attention to RAM capacity but also very important factors you need to consider:

1. Bus speed: affects data transmission speed
2. Power consumption: optimize battery life with laptops
3. Brand: RAM from reputable brands is of higher quality and price than equivalent memory from other brands. That cost difference is not only due to the brand but also due to the durability in the technology.

Conclude

Replacing computer RAM is a much more economical option than buying a new laptop. However, does replacing computer RAM make it run faster? is a question many people ask. To follow the instructions for upgrading laptop RAM, you need to have certain skills and knowledge about machines. Contact the nearest facility for support to upgrade RAM if you cannot do it yourself at home. 

Jessica Tanner

Update 16 January 2025