How to find out the maximum amount of RAM on your computer. How much RAM does the laptop support?

Users interested in “what affects a computer” and asking similar questions have come to the right address. The article covers all these topics. But before we move on to solving problems, let's figure out what RAM is and how much RAM need to. Random access memory or random access memory (RAM) is a volatile (short-term, non-permanent) memory.

When the computer is turned off, it is reset to zero, which is why it is called volatile. It is needed for temporary storage of intermediate data that is processed by the processor and currently executing machine code. RAM stores running applications, services and intermediate results of their operation.

RAM for a computer is made in the form of so-called “slats” with an incredible number of transistors (dynamic) or transistors and capacitors (static). Install the RAM into the appropriate slot with which it is equipped. motherboard, any user can.

You can't put it wrong - various models The brackets are equipped with keys - cuts, for which similar shaped convexities are located on the motherboard. Thanks to this implementation, the user will be able to increase the computer’s RAM or replace a non-working “bar” in a matter of seconds.

How much RAM do you need on your computer?

Let's figure out how much RAM you need to modern computer coped with the assigned tasks.

There is no optimal amount of RAM in nature, and there are two main reasons for this.

Computers are used to solve various problems (one user just needs to launch the player, browser and office applications, another works with resource-intensive applications for video editing, 3D and other modeling, a third plays new games).
Moore's Law. Although its operation has been questioned over the past couple of years (it stops working), the amount of RAM required for normal computer operation is constantly increasing.

Let's consider the amount of RAM required for 2016.

2 GB

Let's start with the fact that installations of Windows operating systems require 2 GB of RAM. For smaller volumes, you need to use only XP.

A computer with 2 GB of RAM is considered an office computer - it is comfortable to work with office applications, the Internet, and watch movies.

In this case, use a paging file or virtual memory (analogous to RAM, in which currently unused data is written to hard drive). It's been around since Vista.

4 GB

This amount of memory is now optimal. A Windows 7 -10 user will be able to work without problems in graphic and video editors, and with web applications. What you need for normal operation, periodic file conversion and video processing.

8 GB

Almost every game released in the last year and a half consumes at least 4 GB of RAM. Therefore, gamers are recommended to use at least 8 GB of RAM. Remember that the speed of games depends primarily on the performance of the video card, and only then on the RAM.

In 2017, the amount of required RAM can be increased by 1.5 times. And for the latest new games, 12 GB will be enough.

WATCH THE VIDEO

How to find out the amount of RAM?

We figured out what RAM is. Now let's move on to methods that will help determine its volume on a computer or laptop. The operating system tools are enough for this. But to obtain detailed data (for those who want to increase the RAM on the computer), you will have to resort to using third-party utilities.

Checking the amount of RAM using Windows

The first method is the simplest and fastest. To see data about the amount of RAM, go to the “System” information window. This is done using the following methods:

through the “Properties” item of the “My Computer” directory;
go to “My Computer” using the “Win + E” keys and click “System” in the top menu;
go to the “Control Panel”, where we find the required item.
When grouping items, the item is located in the “System and Security” menu.

In the window that opens, find the line “Installed memory (RAM)”
Similar information will be displayed after entering the command “msinfo32” into the search bar of the “Start” menu or the “Run” window, called up using the combination “Win + R”
The last way to find out the amount of RAM through the graphical interface is the “dxdiag” command entered into the same “Run” window or search line

The last option to see the number of bytes of RAM on your computer is to use the Windows command interpreter tools.

Launch the command line.
Type “cmd” into the search or “Run” box and click “Enter.”
Enter the command “winsat mem -v” in the text line.
Press "Enter".

We are looking for the line “Total physical mem available to the OS”

Find out the amount of RAM using third-party utilities

Alas, Windows developers did not provide the ability to view the frequency of RAM using OS tools. To do this, we will resort to the help of free utilities Speccy from Piriform and HWinfo.

To see the detailed characteristics of the RAM, run the HWinfo utility.

Although it extends to English, but will not cause any difficulties in operation.

The left frame displays a tree structure of the PC hardware.
Go to the “Memory” item.
The right frame contains detailed RAM data - the first line: “TotalMemorySize” displays its total volume.
Just below, in the “CurrentMemoryClock” line, the current (operating) frequency of the RAM is indicated.

IN free program Speccy actions are carried out in a similar way: launch the utility and go to the appropriate section.

The right information panel displays information about the computer's memory.

Another option to determine the amount of RAM is to unscrew the side panel of the computer and look at the stickers on the RAM strip or strips. Viewing laptop memory in this way is a little more difficult, so it’s better to use software methods.

Types of RAM

RAM is classified according to several indicators. One we mentioned earlier is dynamic DRAM and static SRAM memory (depending on the elements on which the memory cells are made).

The next classification of RAM is the execution architecture and, accordingly, operating frequency, bandwidth. Types of RAM depending on the architecture:

DDR is an outdated RAM standard operating at frequencies up to 400 MHz.
DDR2 - widely used, but being replaced in recent years RAM operating at frequencies from 533 to 1066 MHz.
DDR3 – gaining popularity new standard(operating frequency from 1 to 2 GHz). The performance increase compared to DDR 2 is 5-10%.
DDR4 is a model that appeared in 2014, the operating frequency of which exceeds 2 GHz.

Not yet popular and intended for gamers, overclockers and other enthusiasts

There are also types of RAM that have gone out of use (with rare exceptions): SIMM, DIMM, SDRAM.

Due to the fact that RAM is made in the form of quick-removable modules, increasing the computer’s RAM will not be difficult for any user. When choosing RAM, be sure to pay attention to the architecture and operating frequency.

Now you know how much RAM you need.

My respects dear site visitors. In the last article I wrote about. Now, having learned what it is and what and how it serves, many of you are probably thinking about purchasing a more powerful and productive RAM for your computer. After all, increasing computer performance with additional memory RAM is the simplest and cheapest (unlike, for example, a video card) method of upgrading your pet.

And... Here you are standing at the display case with packages of RAMs. There are many of them and they are all different. Questions arise: Which RAM should I choose?How to choose the right RAM and not make a mistake?What if I buy a RAM and then it doesn’t work? These are completely reasonable questions. In this article I will try to answer all these questions. As you already understand, this article will take its rightful place in the series of articles in which I wrote about how to choose the right individual computer components, i.e. iron. If you haven't forgotten, it included the following articles:
—
—
—
This cycle will continue, and in the end you will be able to assemble for yourself a super computer that is perfect in every sense :) (if finances allow, of course :))
In the meantime learning how to choose the right RAM for your computer.
Let's go!

RAM and its main characteristics.

When choosing RAM for your computer, you must take into account your motherboard and processor because RAM modules are installed on the motherboard and it also supports certain types of RAM. This creates a relationship between motherboard, processor and RAM.

Find out about what RAM does your motherboard and processor support? You can go to the manufacturer’s website, where you need to find the model of your motherboard, as well as find out which processors and RAM it supports. If you don’t do this, it will turn out that you bought a super modern RAM, but it is not compatible with your motherboard and will gather dust somewhere in your closet. Now let's move directly to the main technical characteristics of RAM, which will serve as unique criteria when choosing RAM. These include:

Here I have listed the main characteristics of RAM that you should pay attention to first when purchasing it. Now we will reveal each of them in turn.

Type of RAM.

Today, the most preferred type of memory in the world is memory modules DDR(double data rate). They differ in release time and, of course, technical parameters.

DDR or DDR SDRAM(translated from English: Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory - synchronous dynamic memory with random access and double data transfer rate). Modules of this type have 184 contacts on the strip, are powered by a voltage of 2.5 V and have a clock frequency of up to 400 megahertz. This type of RAM is already obsolete and is used only in old motherboards.
DDR2- a type of memory that is widespread at this time. Has on printed circuit board 240 contacts (120 on each side). Consumption, unlike DDR1, is reduced to 1.8 V. The clock frequency ranges from 400 MHz to 800 MHz.
DDR3- the leader in performance at the time of writing this article. It is no less common than DDR2 and consumes 30-40% less voltage compared to its predecessor (1.5 V). Has a clock frequency of up to 1800 MHz.
DDR4- a new, super modern type of RAM, ahead of its counterparts both in performance (clock frequency) and voltage consumption (and therefore characterized by lower heat generation). Support for frequencies from 2133 to 4266 MHz is announced. On at the moment These modules have not yet entered mass production (they promise to release them into mass production in mid-2012). Officially, fourth generation modules operating in DDR4-2133 at a voltage of 1.2 V were presented at CES by Samsung on January 4, 2011.

Amount of RAM.

I won’t write much about memory capacity. Let me just say that it is in this case that size matters :)
Just a few years ago, RAM of 256-512 MB satisfied all the needs of even cool gaming computers. Currently, for normal functioning of the Windows 7 operating system alone, 1 GB of memory is required, not to mention applications and games. There will never be too much RAM, but I’ll tell you a secret that 32-bit Windows uses only 3.25 GB of RAM, even if you install all 8 GB of RAM. You can read more about this.

Dimensions of the planks or the so-called Form factor.

Form - factor- This standard sizes RAM modules, type of design of the RAM strips themselves.
DIMM(Dual InLine Memory Module - a two-sided type of module with contacts on both sides) - mainly intended for desktop desktop computers, A SO-DIMM used in laptops.

Clock frequency.

This is pretty important technical parameter RAM. But the motherboard also has a clock frequency, and it is important to know the operating bus frequency of this board, since if you bought, for example, a RAM module DDR3-1800, and the motherboard slot (connector) supports the maximum clock frequency DDR3-1600, then the RAM module as a result will operate at a clock frequency of 1600 MHz. In this case, all sorts of failures, errors in the operation of the system, etc. are possible.

Note: Memory bus frequency and processor frequency are completely different concepts.

From the tables above, you can understand that the bus frequency, multiplied by 2, gives the effective memory frequency (indicated in the “chip” column), i.e. gives us the data transfer speed. The name tells us the same thing. DDR(Double Data Rate) - which means double the data transfer speed.
For clarity, I will give an example of decoding in the name of the RAM module - Kingston/PC2-9600/DDR3(DIMM)/2Gb/1200MHz, Where:
—Kingston- manufacturer;
- PC2-9600— name of the module and its capacity;
- DDR3(DIMM)— memory type (form factor in which the module is made);
— 2Gb— module volume;
- 1200MHz— effective frequency, 1200 MHz.

Bandwidth.

Bandwidth- a memory characteristic on which system performance depends. It is expressed as the product of the system bus frequency and the amount of data transferred per clock cycle. Throughput (peak data rate) is a comprehensive measure of capability RAM, it takes into account transmission frequency, bus width and the number of memory channels. The frequency indicates the potential of the memory bus per clock cycle - at a higher frequency, more data can be transferred.
The peak indicator is calculated using the formula: B=f*c, Where:
B is the bandwidth, f is the transmission frequency, c is the bus width. If you use two channels to transmit data, we multiply everything received by 2. To get a figure in bytes/s, you need to divide the result by 8 (since there are 8 bits in 1 byte).
For better performance RAM bus bandwidth And processor bus bandwidth must match. For example, for Intel processor core 2 duo E6850 with a system bus of 1333 MHz and a bandwidth of 10600 Mb/s, you can install two modules with a bandwidth of 5300 Mb/s each (PC2-5300), in total they will have a system bus bandwidth (FSB) equal to 10600 Mb /s.
Bus frequency and bandwidth are denoted as follows: “ DDR2-XXXX" And " PC2-YYYY". Here "XXXX" denotes the effective memory frequency, and "YYYY" the peak bandwidth.

Timings (latency).

Timings (or latency) are the time delays of the signal, which, in technical specifications RAM is written as " 2-2-2 " or " 3-3-3 "etc. Each number here expresses a parameter. In order it is always " CAS Latency"(working cycle time), " RAS to CAS Delay"(full access time) and " RAS Precharge Time» (pre-charge time).

Note

So that you can better understand the concept of timings, imagine a book, it will be our RAM that we access. Information (data) in a book (RAM) is distributed among chapters, and chapters consist of pages, which in turn contain tables with cells (like in Excel tables, for example). Each cell with data on the page has its own vertical (columns) and horizontal (rows) coordinates. To select a row, the RAS (Raw Address Strobe) signal is used, and to read a word (data) from the selected row (i.e., to select a column), the CAS (Column Address Strobe) signal is used. The full reading cycle begins with the opening of the “page” and ends with its closing and recharging, because otherwise the cells will be discharged and the data will be lost. This is what the algorithm for reading data from memory looks like:

the selected "page" is activated by applying the RAS signal;
data from the selected line on the page is transmitted to the amplifier, and a delay is required for data transmission (it is called RAS-to-CAS);
a CAS signal is given to select a (column) word from that row;
data is transferred to the bus (from where it goes to the memory controller), and a delay also occurs (CAS Latency);
the next word comes without delay, since it is contained in the prepared line;
after access to the row is completed, the page is closed, the data is returned to the cells and the page is recharged (the delay is called RAS Precharge).

Each number in the designation indicates how many bus cycles the signal will be delayed. Timings are measured in nanoseconds. The numbers can have values from 2 to 9. But sometimes a fourth one is added to these three parameters (for example: 2-3-3-8), called “ DRAM Cycle Time Tras/Trc” (characterizes the performance of the entire memory chip as a whole).
It happens that sometimes a cunning manufacturer indicates only one value in the RAM characteristics, for example “ CL2"(CAS Latency), the first timing is equal to two clock cycles. But the first parameter does not have to be equal to all timings, and may be less than others, so keep this in mind and do not fall for the manufacturer’s marketing ploy.
An example to illustrate the impact of timings on performance: a system with memory at 100 MHz with 2-2-2 timings has approximately the same performance as the same system at 112 MHz, but with 3-3-3 timings. In other words, depending on latency, the performance difference can be as much as 10%.
So, when choosing, it is better to buy memory with the lowest timings, and if you want to add a module to an already installed one, then the timings of the purchased memory must match the timings installed memory.

Memory operating modes.

RAM can operate in several modes, if of course such modes are supported by the motherboard. This single channel, two-channel, three-channel and even four-channel modes. Therefore, when choosing RAM, you should pay attention to this parameter of the modules.
Theoretically, the speed of the memory subsystem in dual-channel mode increases by 2 times, in three-channel mode – by 3 times, respectively, etc., but in practice, in dual-channel mode, the performance increase, unlike single-channel mode, is 10-70%.
Let's take a closer look at the types of modes:

Single channel mode(single-channel or asymmetric) – this mode is activated when only one memory module is installed in the system or all modules differ from each other in memory capacity, operating frequency or manufacturer. It doesn’t matter what slots or memory you install into. All memory will run at the speed of the slowest memory installed.
Dual Mode(dual-channel or symmetrical) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each channel (and theoretically doubles maximum speed data transfer). In dual-channel mode, memory modules work in pairs: 1st with 3rd and 2nd with 4th.
Triple Mode(three-channel) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each of the three channels. Modules are selected according to speed and volume. To enable this mode, modules must be installed in slots 1, 3 and 5/or 2, 4 and 6. In practice, by the way, this mode is not always more productive than the two-channel one, and sometimes even loses to it in data transfer speed.
Flex Mode(flexible) – allows you to increase the performance of RAM when installing two modules of different sizes, but the same operating frequency. As in dual-channel mode, memory cards are installed in the same connectors of different channels.

Generally, the most common option is dual-channel memory mode.
To operate in multi-channel modes, there are special sets of memory modules - the so-called Kit memory(Kit set) - this set includes two (three) modules, from the same manufacturer, with the same frequency, timings and memory type.
Appearance of KIT kits:
for dual channel mode

for three-channel mode

But the most important thing is that such modules are carefully selected and tested by the manufacturer itself to work in pairs (triples) in two- (three-) channel modes and do not imply any surprises in operation and configuration.

Manufacturer of modules.

Now on the market RAM Such manufacturers as have proven themselves well: Hynix, amsung, Corsair, Kingmax, Transcend, Kingston, OCZ…
Each company has its own for each product marking number, from which, if deciphered correctly, you can learn a lot for yourself useful information about the product. Let's try to decipher the module marking as an example Kingston families ValueRAM(see image):

Explanation:

KVR– Kingston ValueRAM i.e. manufacturer
1066/1333 – operating/effective frequency (Mhz)
D3- memory type (DDR3)
D (Dual) – rank/rank. A dual-rank module is two logical modules wired onto one physical channel and alternately using the same physical channel (needed to achieve the maximum amount of RAM with a limited number of slots)
4 – 4 DRAM memory chips
R – Registered, indicates stable operation without failures or errors for as long a continuous period of time as possible
7 – signal delay (CAS=7)
S– temperature sensor on the module
K2– set (kit) of two modules
4G– the total volume of the kit (both strips) is 4 GB.

Let me give you another example of marking CM2X1024-6400C5:
From the labeling it is clear that this is DDR2 module volume 1024 MB standard PC2-6400 and delays CL=5.
Stamps OCZ, Kingston And Corsair recommended for overclocking, i.e. have the potential for overclocking. They will have small timings and a clock frequency reserve, plus they are equipped with radiators, and some even coolers for heat removal, because When overclocking, the amount of heat increases significantly. The price for them will naturally be much higher.
I advise you not to forget about fakes (there are a lot of them on the shelves) and buy RAM modules only in serious stores that will give you a guarantee.

Finally:
That's all. With the help of this article, I think you will no longer be mistaken when choosing RAM for your computer. Now you can choose the right RAM for the system and increase its performance without any problems. Well, for those who will buy RAM (or have already bought it), I will dedicate the following article, in which I will describe in detail how to install RAM correctly into the system. Don't miss...

is not as pressing as it used to be, it still worries many users today. IN lately Even the cheapest computers have at least 4GB of memory, an amount that once seemed unthinkable but is now the de facto standard. Despite this, many people wonder: is this enough? Will additional memory speed up the computer, or will there be no special effect?

There is undoubtedly a difference between 4, 8, 16 and more gigabytes of RAM, but for the mass user the relationship between the amount of installed memory and PC performance remains slightly blurred. In this material I will try to shed light on this question and briefly answer what is the optimal amount of RAM and is there any point in installing additional modules RAM.

What is Random Access Memory (RAM)?

Although computers have long been commonplace, many people still confuse the concepts of “RAM” and “local” memory. The misconception often comes from the fact that both types of memory are measured in the same units—lately usually in gigabytes (GB). Despite the fact that both RAM and local memory are used to store information, they differ in terms of data storage period. RAM is usually several times faster than local memory and is used for temporary data storage. After turning off the computer, all data stored on it disappears without a trace. Information is stored in local memory (hard drives and SSD devices) regardless of whether the computer is on or off. This is why RAM is usually defined as volatile, and local memory as non-volatile.

How much memory does a PC need?

For a long time, Bill Gates has been credited with the phrase “640 KB of memory is enough for everything.” Ultimately, Gates himself issued an official statement, saying that he was not the author of this statement, which he called pure stupidity.

However, in the early 80s of the last century this did not sound so comical, because volumes of the order of 100-200 MB were considered huge. Today, even the cheapest computer systems have 2-4 GB of RAM, and local storage space is measured in terabytes.

Basic configurations have from 4 to 8 GB of RAM, and high-end models (multimedia or gaming) offer 12-16, sometimes 32 (or more) GB of RAM. So how much can be called “optimal”? Unfortunately, it is very difficult to give an exact answer expressed in a specific figure, since the optimal number depends on the tasks for which you use the computer. So, for example, on a Windows PC, only the operating system itself can require more than one gigabyte for its system libraries. If you are using antivirus program, then this is another 30-200 megabytes in the background depending on the specific product. Most web browsers, office applications and multimedia players require 100-800 MB or more memory. If you run them simultaneously (i.e. use Windows for its intended purpose - multitasking), these volumes become cumulative - the more running programs, the higher the RAM consumption.

Video games remain the champions in RAM consumption. Popular titles like Call of Duty can “swallow” 4-5 GB of memory without any problems.

Most modern laptops use integrated graphics, which also consume RAM. Video cores integrated into the processor do not have their own memory (unlike discrete solutions) and “eat up” part of the available RAM. So if your laptop specs 4GB of RAM and integrated graphics, Windows will tell you that you only have 3.9GB (or less) of memory available.

Other Considerations

The optimal amount of RAM also has a software (perhaps it would be more correct to say system) aspect. Older versions of the operating system use a 32-bit memory addressing method. It is now outdated and harkens back to a time when more than 4GB of RAM seemed unthinkable. This is why 32-bit versions of Windows simply cannot use more than 4GB of RAM. Even if you have more memory, a 32-bit operating system will insist that you only have 4 GB (although usually even less - 3-3.5 GB) of RAM. To fully use volumes over 4 gigs, you will need 64-bit Windows.

Another interesting question Memory-related concerns the rate at which RAM fills up, as well as what happens if all available memory is used up.

If the system tool "Task Manager" shows that the entire memory capacity is almost completely exhausted, i.e. all running processes occupy 70-80% or even more of RAM, this is not a reason to worry. Microsoft has long since seriously changed its philosophy in relation to memory management, and therefore, starting with Windows Vista, the company considers unused RAM “bad RAM”.

Since RAM is many times faster than any hard drive or even solid state drive, Microsoft decided it would be better if Windows kept as many frequently used user modules and applications as possible permanently loaded into system RAM. Thanks to this, when accessing them again, the system reacts much faster than when it has to read them from the local disk again and again.

This is the essence of SuperFetch technology, which has been developing since Vista. The introduction of this concept points to one important conclusion - the more RAM modern versions of Windows have at their disposal, the better (faster) they work. Of course, we're not talking about exponential growth - the biggest difference will be when jumping from 2 to 4 GB of RAM. With each subsequent doubling - 4 to 8 GB, 8 to 16 and so on, the impact on overall system performance will decrease. However, if you regularly work with heavy programs, keep dozens open tabs in the browser and actively play, then the principle of choosing the optimal amount of memory comes down to one simple thing: the more, the better.

If at any time the available memory is exhausted, Windows will not stop working. In such cases, the operating system relies on the so-called . For this purpose, an area allocated on the local disk is used and Windows writes to it all data from RAM that is not currently in use, and, at the user’s request, reads it again using local disk resources. Since local memory is slower than RAM chips, the process of reading data from disk takes significantly longer, during which time the computer may noticeably slow down. If the system regularly accesses virtual memory, this is a sure sign that it is time to consider expanding your RAM.

Have a great day!

RAM capacity

Next, let’s take a closer look at the next important characteristic of RAM – its volume. First, it should be noted that it most directly affects the number of simultaneously running programs, processes and applications and their uninterrupted operation. Today, the most popular modules are modules with a capacity of 4 GB and 8 GB (we are talking about the DDR3 standard).

Based on what operating system is installed, as well as for what purposes the computer is used, you should choose and select the right amount of RAM. For the most part, if the computer is used to access the World Wide Web and to work with various applications, and Windows XP is installed, then 2 GB is quite enough.

For those who like to try out a recently released game and people who work with graphics, you should install at least 4 GB. And if you plan to install Windows 7, you will need even more.

The most in a simple way to find out how much memory your system needs is to launch the Task Manager (by pressing the keyboard combination ctrl+alt+del) and launch the most resource-consuming program or application. After this, you need to analyze the information in the “Memory Allocation” - “Peak” group.

In this way, you can determine the maximum allocated volume and find out to what volume it needs to be increased so that our highest indicator fits in RAM. This will give you maximum performance systems. There will be no need to increase further.

Selecting RAM

Now let's move on to the question of choosing the RAM that is most suitable for you. From the very beginning, you should determine exactly the type of RAM that your computer's motherboard supports. For modules different types There are different connectors accordingly. Therefore, to avoid damage to the motherboard or the modules themselves, the modules themselves have different sizes.

The optimal amounts of RAM were discussed above. When choosing RAM, you should focus on its bandwidth. For system performance, the most optimal option is when the module throughput matches the same characteristics of the processor.

That is, if the computer has a processor with a 1333 MHz bus and a bandwidth of 10600 MB/s, then to ensure the most favorable conditions for speed, you can install 2 strips, the throughput of which is 5300 Mb/s, and which in total will give us 10600 Mb/s.

However, it should be remembered that for this mode of operation, the RAM modules must be identical in both volume and frequency. In addition, they must be manufactured by the same manufacturer. Here short list well-proven manufacturers: Samsung, OCZ, Transcend, Kingston, Corsair, Patriot.

Finally, it is worth summarizing the main points:

Based on the definition: random access memory or RAM is component computer, necessary for temporary storage of data, which in turn is necessary for the processor to operate.
After completing any operations (closing programs, applications), all associated data is deleted from the chip. And when you launch new tasks into it with hard drive the data that is needed by the processor at a given time is loaded.
The speed of access to data located in RAM is several hundred times higher than the speed of access to information located on the hard drive. This allows the processor to use the information it needs, gaining instant access to it.
Today, the most common 2 types are: DDR3 (with a frequency from 800 to 2400 MHz) and DDR4 (from 2133 to 4266 MHz). The higher the frequency, the faster the system operates.

If you have difficulty choosing RAM, if you cannot determine what type of RAM your motherboard supports and what volume will best suit your needs, then you can always contact the service website. We are this computer help at home in Moscow and the Moscow region. Our specialists will help with selection, replacement and installation in a computer or laptop.

Probably many remember, or have heard about the first, now ancient computers, such as, for example, the ZX Spectrum? For those who don’t remember or have forgotten, let us remind you that the RAM for these dinosaurs was measured in kilobytes. Yes, yes, exactly in kilobytes, not even in megabytes. Nowadays, any mobile phone is many times more powerful than ancient Spectrums. Technology is advancing, time flies, and RAM no longer requires kilobytes, but gigabytes. In the future, of course, this will not be enough, and our current most powerful computers will also be called dinosaurs of the past. But let's return to our time.

Today we will talk about - How much RAM does Windows XP, 7, 8.1 and 10 support?
Let's say you wanted to install additional lines of RAM in your computer. Let's say you had 4 GB, and you plugged in another 4 GB. We turn on the computer, and in the properties there are still the same 4GB (And even then this is a rounded figure, in fact the maximum is 3,750 GB). Why is this so? Oh horror!!!

Why are the same 4 GB of RAM left? Let's settle these questions once and for all.

All operating rooms Windows systems with x86 bit depth (32 bit), it doesn’t matter what version, they all see only up to 4 GB. memory. Even if you poke the entire computer with memory, like a hedgehog with needles, it will only see up to 4 gigabytes. This is due to internal architectural limitations.

If you install 64 bit on your computer operating system, then the system will see all your memory lines.

How much RAM does each version of Windows see?

Windows XP
Windows XP x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows XP x64 (64 bit): 128 GB

Windows 7
Windows 7 Starter x86 (32 bit): 2 GB
Windows 7 Home Basic x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 7 Home Premium x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 7 Professional x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 7 Enterprise x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 7 Ultimate x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 7 Home Basic x64 (64 bit): 8 GB
Windows 7 Home Premium x64 (64 bit): 16 GB
Windows 7 Professional x64 (64 bit): 192 GB
Windows 7 Enterprise x64 (64 bit): 192 GB
Windows 7 Ultimate x64 (64 bit): 192 GB

Windows 8/8.1
Windows 8 x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 8 Professional x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 8 Enterprise x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 8 x64 (64 bit): 128 GB
Windows 8 Professional x64 (64 bit): 512 GB
Windows 8 Enterprise x64 (64 bit): 512 GB

Windows 10
Windows 10 Home x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 10 Home x64 (64 bit): 128 GB
Windows 10 Pro x86 (32 bit): 4 GB
Windows 10 Pro x64 (64 bit): 512 GB

As you can see, 64-bit editions support a huge amount of RAM, but in the case of the 32-bit version you need to be careful with your choice: often the system does not even support the specified 4 GB.

Result: Maximum quantity RAM that can “see” 32-bit versions of Windows is 4 GB. Therefore, if you have more RAM, you should install the 64-bit version to take advantage of that memory. In order to find out which Windows version installed on your computer, open the “System” item in the control panel (or click on “My Computer” right click mouse and select "Properties").