Search results
What is RAM and what does RAM do? RAM, also known as computer memory, is one of the most vital components in your desktop, laptop and MAC. For anyone wondering what RAM does, how it works in your computer and why you might need to upgrade it for better performance, read on!
- Function
- Operation
- Benefits
- Performance
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
A computer's Random Access Memory stores data for short-term use. RAM works in conjunction with the hard drive, which takes care of long-term storage, to provide quick access to files that the computer is actively reading or writing. Unlike hard drive memory, however, program data stored in RAM is erased when you reboot the computer or when another...
To lessen the slowdown, computers store files in RAM after the files are first read from the drive. RAM has no moving parts (and runs at a higher speed than even a ) so the files can load very quickly during subsequent uses.
In addition to storing files read from the hard drive, RAM also stores data that programs are actively using but that doesn't need to be saved permanently. By keeping this data in RAM, programs can work with it quickly, improving speed and responsiveness.
If RAM works so much faster than the hard drive, why not load all of the computer's data into RAM? One major reason: computers have far less RAM than drive space. As of publication, hard drive sizes range from a few hundred gigabytes in laptops to 10TB in high-end enterprise systems. Most home computers have between 1 and 4TB of drive space. On the...
RAM is a fast memory that stores data for short-term use and improves computer speed and responsiveness. Learn how RAM works with hard drive, what it does for everyday tasks, and how to check your system's RAM size.
- Aaron Parson
Dec 31, 2020 · RAM (Random Access Memory) is the hardware used to store data that is being accessed by the CPU. More RAM usually means a faster computer.
RAM is a common computing acronym that stands for random-access memory. Sometimes it’s called PC memory or just memory. In essence, RAM is your computer or laptop’s short-term memory. It’s where the data is stored that your computer processor needs to run your applications and open your files.