The Affordable Way to Improve Your Computer’s Performance
Did you know that adding more RAM to your computer is one of the simplest and most affordable ways to improve its performance?
RAM is the main memory your computer needs to hold programs, data, documents etc. currently in use. (They’re stored on the hard drive, but they still need to be loaded into RAM before your computer can do anything with them). Due to the way Windows works, the main symptom of insufficient RAM is constant hard-drive access noise (“thrashing”) and sluggish, almost unusable computer performance.* If that sounds familiar to you, it might be time to add more RAM!
Many low-end PCs save money by cutting the amount of RAM to the bare minimum. That’s understandable, but their performance can often be pepped up significantly simply by adding more RAM, especially if you’re using it for more than originally planned. It’s also an ideal way to improve the performance of older machines, since RAM is now much cheaper than it was five years ago.
(Did you know that another way to massively improve your PC or laptop’s performance is to fit an SSD drive? Pair a RAM upgrade with an SSD and in most cases you’ll be astonished by the improvement on even the most average computer!)
* Note that unexplained slow performance can also be caused by a computer virus infection.
RAM expansion modules available at competitive prices in Dundee. Ask about our low-cost installation service.
Sale and Installation of RAM Modules in our Dundee Store
We stock a selection of RAM modules, including DDR4 and DDR3 RAM (found in the vast majority of PCs and laptops currently in use) in both desktop DIMM and laptop SODIMM formats, and in a range of capacities.
Not sure which your computer requires? Don’t worry! The helpful staff in our store in Dundee’s Union Street (just off the Nethergate and a minute’s walk from the Overgate) are ready to help you decide which RAM upgrade meets your needs.
Whether you wish to fit it yourself or have our experienced technicians install it in your computer (for a minimal charge), the choice is yours!
Why a Lack of RAM Can Bring Your Computer to a Halt
You don’t need to know the details of why lack of RAM can be detrimental- but if you are interested, read on…
Virtual Memory is Good…
Almost all modern desktop and laptop computers- including those running Microsoft Windows- use a clever scheme that lets it automatically pretend you have more RAM than your computer actually contains. It’s called virtual memory. Essentially, this lets Windows copy (“swap out”) parts of RAM that currently aren’t being accessed to a “page file” on your hard drive. When they’re needed, they’re automatically copied back into real RAM.
Normally this works well, because at any given point most programs only need access to a small proportion of their entire memory usage.
…Until You Push it Too Far!
Unfortunately, if your amount of RAM is really, really low- or you’re just trying to do too much with it- there won’t be enough left even after the unused parts have been swapped out.
Windows then has to constantly “juggle” parts of RAM which are in use, and spends so much time swapping to and from the hard drive that it makes that familiar “thrashing” sound. Meanwhile, your computer almost grinds to a halt because Windows and your programs are spending all their time waiting for their data to be swapped back from the hard drive.
That’s why lack of RAM can bring your Windows PC to a halt- and why fitting more can instantly solve your problem!
