Not all users are versed in the functioning of system components. Such knowledge helps to understand the computer and, if necessary, eliminate any problems. Therefore, you often need to know how to find out the amount of RAM or other characteristics of a PC.
RAM concept
RAM has long been an integral part of the system. And if the system can function without a discrete graphics card, then things are more complicated with the operational one.
The component is volatile in the system. It is part of computer memory and stores machine code while the PC is running. That is, RAM is not involved in saving user data, but is designed to maintain the health of the system.
For example, you open a browser, and it has several tabs. After you had to interrupt work, to launch one of the programs. You worked with her for a while and returned to your web browser. So that neither one nor the other information is lost, it is recorded by the code on RAM. The same situation occurs with computer games.
RAM work
Before you figure out how to find out the amount of RAM, it is important to understand how RAM works. All data is stored in the semiconductors of the module. All of them are available and can work if voltage is applied to them. That is, in a turned off computer, RAM does not work. If during the operation of RAM interrupt the supply of electric current, then any stored information can be distorted or destroyed.
RAM features
Thanks to the RAM, an energy-saving mode can work. It helps the PC put the system to sleep. At this time, energy consumption is reduced. But since electricity is still supplied to the motherboard, the RAM module functions fully.
But if you use hibernation, then in this case the RAM will not help, since it completely disconnects the voltage. But before that, the system manages to record all the information that was stored on RAM in a special file that will be launched the next time the system is turned on.
RAM creation
About how to find out the amount of RAM, before there was no question. Many initially did not understand the essence of this component. But work on it was begun back in 1834. Of course, then these were only the beginnings of a modern prototype. But the idea itself came about thanks to Charles Babbage and his analytic machine.
During this time, the device has gone through a huge amount of processing. At first it was made as magnetic drums. After that, magnetic cores were developed, and already in the third generation microchips were invented.
RAM amount
Before installing the RAM module in the system, you need to understand how to find out the maximum amount of RAM on a PC. You can do this programmatically.
If you work with the Windows operating system, it will be enough to go to "My Computer". After clicking RMB on the free area and select "Properties". Brief information about the system will be available in the dialog box.
Here you need to find the line "System Type". The maximum amount of RAM can be determined by looking at the capacity of the OS. If it is indicated that the operating system is 32-bit, then the maximum supported RAM capacity is 4 GB. In the case of a 64-bit system, this figure is 128 GB. That is, all modern PCs should be based on the x64 OS.
The same option is also suitable in order to understand how to find out the maximum amount of RAM of a laptop.
On a Mac, it’s not so easy to determine RAM. It all depends on how long the device was purchased. To do this, you will have to refer to the operational documentation. For example, models from 2006 to 2009. received only 4 GB, after - until 2012, worked with 16 GB, and by the end of 2013, 32 GB of RAM was available.
Motherboard
Much also depends on the capabilities of maternal memory. Even if the operating system works with 128 GB of RAM, the motherboard may not support this amount. To do this, you will have to open your PC and find out the motherboard model. After that it will be possible to search for information about it. In the case of a laptop, it is enough to find documentation for it or find information on the official website of the manufacturer.
Situation now
The minimum amount of RAM at the present time is 1 GB. This is the minimum that can still withstand work with office programs and a browser. But for another six months or a year, and due to the resource consumption of programs and media content, resources will not be enough.
Optimal is considered 8-16 GB of RAM. This is enough for heavy programs like "Photoshop", and for computer games, and for office work.
How much is installed?
When you figure out how to find out the maximum supported amount of RAM, you can try to upgrade RAM. But for this you will have to find out how much is available in the system.
To do this, you can again go to "My Computer", click RMB on an empty space and select "Properties". A new dialog box will show the total amount of RAM. This option is more suitable in order to understand how to find out the amount of RAM of a laptop, since in laptops it is not easy to get to the module.
You can also install the CPU-Z program to get all the RAM data. To do this, you need:
- Download program;
- install and open it;
- go to the SPD tab.
It will indicate the type of memory, its size, frequency, manufacturer and even serial number.
In a PC, it’s better to check everything with your own eyes:
- disconnect the system from power;
- remove the side cover;
- find the module on the board;
- turn it off and check the information on the label.
If one module is installed in the computer, it is possible to connect one or two more. But for this you will have to choose the same RAM modules. That is why it is better to get the device out of the case to find identical or very similar parts and purchase.
Mem Reduct Program
How to find out the amount of RAM used by a computer? To do this, you can install the Mem Reduct program. This small utility provides information on how much physical, virtual memory and system cache are used in real time. But, in addition to this, it allows you to clear already unnecessary data.
If the system began to slow down, this is especially true for computers with 1-4 GB of RAM, then you can install this program. Entering it, some indicators will be highlighted in orange. This means that the memory is loaded. Just click on “Clear memory” to unload it for a while.
The program is very useful because it allows you to maintain the working state of the system without braking. If you have a little RAM installed, it is best to clean it once an hour. Of course, everything will depend on the processes.