Memory (RAM)

Memory-RAM-DDR4
Random Access Memory (RAM)

If the CPU could be thought of as a brain, then the Random Access Memory (or RAM) would be its short term memory. RAM can only hold data as long as it is receiving power. Unplug a machine (or let its battery completely drain in the case of a laptop) and RAM will forget anything currently stored in it.

RAM is very fast memory.  While the computer is running, RAM stores the bulk of the operating system and any active applications, processes or services. If the machine has insufficient RAM, it will offload some of the data to the Hard Disk in a process called “swapping”. Since the hard disk is always a lot slower than the RAM, this is a situation that generally you want to avoid.

Can I have too much RAM?

If you’ve got too much RAM, it rarely goes to waste. Modern operating systems use excess RAM for caching data that needs to be read or written to the hard disk. This allows the computer to delay slow transfers to a convenient time.

Like any component in a computer, RAM comes in many different speeds and types. It used to be very expensive, but prices these days are quite reasonable. Generally, the more you have, the better it is for your computer speed. The amount and type that your motherboard can accommodate will limit your options.

Do I need more memory?

RAM-usage
Monitoring Memory Usage

When most of your RAM is in use most of the time (except for caching), then you probably need more.  Sometimes you can make a significant difference to your machine performance by:

  • selectively shutting down unnecessary processes
  • cleaning up what is running on your machine

Computer manufacturers and retailers still sadly sell computers with barely enough RAM to hold the operating system (e.g. Windows). This can mean that when you buy the machine and start it up, the machine is blisteringly fast, but as soon as you open a browser or, even more so, install an office application or game, the machine grinds to a crawl.

DeGeekIT can help you identify the root of your computer performance problems and help you identify the best solution. If you do need to buy a new computer or component, talk to us first and find out what’s best for your needs. Empower yourself! Spending a bit of time and money with DeGeekIT will help prevent you from wasting money on poor computer purchases! Contact us today!

Book Appointment

Read on to find out more: Previous PageNext Page

  1. Computer slow down over time? Why does it happen?
  2. CPU (Central Processing Unit) and Motherboard… The Brain and Central Nervous System.
  3. Memory (RAM)
  4. Hard Disks
  5. Graphics Cards
  6. Network, WiFi, Internet Connection
  7. Heat and Dust
  8. Cleaning up a computer and preventing unnecessary applications from running.

Computers get slower from the moment we first switch them on and computer stores are more than happy to sell you a new one. But why is your computer slow and is there anything you can do about it?

computer slow
Why is my computer slow?

Computers slow down over time, right? It’s just one of those facts that we get used to. Here’s the thing… It’s not quite true.

Technically, if you go out and buy a new computer today, don’t unpack it and don’t turn it on, it will be as fast in 10 years’ time as it would have been if you’d unpacked it on the day you bought it. If you do turn it on, but never connect it to the internet, never do anything with it (other than turn it on) and keep it in an airtight box, it is also likely that it will never slow down.

These scenarios, however, are unlikely and impractical in all but the most extreme fringe cases. (A factory that buys an identical backup computer in case a production machine fails, would be one such real example).

In the real world, as a home computer user, we want to use the devices that we have bought. In almost all cases this means using them on the Internet. When connected online, it is essential that we keep them patched and up to date. This introduces the first point of extra drag on the machine.

The reality is that the computer, the physical hardware itself, doesn’t really get any slower, with one notable exception that we’ll come to later (See HEAT and DUST). What makes your computer slow, or act slower, is that you’re unknowingly asking it to do more. It’s like taking a sports car and adding a caravan, a few kids, and a bunch of luggage… It is going to go slower!

So is there anything that we can do about it?

Well yes, to a point. Computer stores all have a vested interest in one solution… getting you to fork out on a new machine, or new parts. That’s how they make money. However, they also have a lot of pressure to shift existing stock and will often unload out of date (read “already slower”) machines and components on the unwitting.

In this article, I’m hoping to expose what makes your computer slow.

To be fully transparent, my vested interest is in selling myself. My business, DeGeekIT, is focused on helping you to help yourself. I sell my time and my advice. I can help you learn how to pinpoint the cause of slow computers (Windows, Mac etc) and other devices (e.g. Smart Phones and Tablets). I hope that I can save you money by showing you how to speed up the technology you already own and pinpoint the bottlenecks if there are any. If it turns out that by replacing one component, rather than replacing the whole machine, you resolve your performance issue, then I’ll point you in the right direction and help you fit it.  I will not, however, be selling it to you or be making any profit from selling the hardware.

I’m independent and not affiliated with any brands, so I’ll be as impartial as humanly possible. I will always aim to help you find something that is price appropriate for the hardware you’ve already got. If it turns out that you do actually need a whole new computer, then talk to me first about your needs, and I’ll help you identify the right thing to buy and what to watch out for when the computer salesman is on commission to offload rubbish on you!

Book Appointment

Read on to find out more: Next Page - CPU

  1. Computer slow down over time? Why does it happen?
  2. CPU (Central Processing Unit) and Motherboard… The Brain and Central Nervous System.
  3. Memory (RAM)
  4. Hard Disks
  5. Graphics Cards
  6. Network, WiFi, Internet Connection
  7. Heat and Dust
  8. Cleaning up a computer and preventing unnecessary applications from running.