There are lots of technical aspects we can discuss regarding RAM but we’re only gonna focus on the details that have something to do with gaming (as usual).
Let’s start with the form factor.
A. SoDIMMs are used in laptops. B. DIMMs are used on desktops.
It is not interchangeable. You cannot use SoDIMM in desktops or the other way around.
Windows 32-bit can only support up to 4gb RAM while 64-bit can support more.
Now, let’s discuss how to read RAM specs.
We’re gonna use this RAM as an example:
DDR4-3200MHz CL16-18-18-18 1.35V 16GB (2x8GB)
1. The “4” in DDR4 indicates the RAM’s generation. The newer the generation, the faster the RAM is.
2. “3200MHz” signifies the CLOCK SPEED. Clock speed corresponds to how much data throughput a RAM can handle each second.
In other words, it tells us how much data can a memory send or receive. In really simple words, how fast RAM transfer data.
3. “CL16-18-18-18” represents the TIMINGS. These series of numbers are measures of latency - the delay between operations.
Just like PING in online games, the lower the latency, the faster the RAM works.
4. “1.35V” is the VOLTAGE. You don’t have to tweak your RAM’s voltage unless you are lowering (also called tightening) your memory’s timings.
5. “16GB” is the CAPACITY.
6. The “2” in “2x8GB” indicates the configuration. In our example, we have two sticks of 8GB RAM which are meant to be used as a dual-channel memory.
So, if you see a “1x16GB”, that means, a single stick of 16GB RAM to be used as a single-channel memory. “4x8GB”, on the other hand, has four sticks of 8GB RAM to be used as quad-channel memory. You get the idea.
The 2 common questions about RAM configuration are:
1. “Can you mix different RAM speeds?”
- You can give it a try. It might work. It might not. If it does, your system will pick the slower speed and run both memories at those speeds.
The greater the difference between the two speeds, the greater the stress your motherboard will incur.
We don’t recommend doing it because not only it causes stress to your motherboard but also it’s a pain in the ass to troubleshoot if there would be any problems.
2. “What if I only want to use one stick of my 2x8GB memory, will it work?”
- Yes, it will work. In fact, that’s one of the advantages of having multiple sticks. If one breaks, you have another memory to run your system.
Your motherboard can only support a certain configuration, capacity, and clock speed.
A. Capacity You can see how much RAM your motherboard can support by looking at the specs sheets.
Mobos can support up to 128GB of memory depending on the model.
B. Clock Speed By default, a modern motherboard will support RAM (DDR4) at 2133MHz. Running more than that will require overclocking.
Just like with capacity, you can also see the supported clock speed of a motherboard at the specs sheet.
C. Multi-channel Configuration Another thing to look for is the supported memory configuration.
Motherboard specs will tell you if it supports either single-channel or multi-channel configuration.
Besides what we’ve already discussed, there are other things you should know.
A. CPU cooler clearance This is a very common pitfall. Due to the bulkiness of either air cooler or radiator fans, there’s a tendency that the DIMM slots would be blocked.
Another thing to watch out for is the height of your memory’s heatsink. There’s a chance that there’s not enough room for it to fit.
Planning is the key to avoid this common pitfall.
B. RAM capacity for gaming 8GB is the minimum capacity for gaming.
16GB gives you a room to do more like streaming while playing, etc.
32GB is overkill for now. But who knows? Maybe one day it will be the minimum.
Also, always go for dual-channel configuration if you can. It’s been proven a lot of times that it is faster than the single-channel configuration.