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Heavier programs like video games and CAD applications demand higher capacity RAM and higher memory speed. RAM requirement is always determined by the kind of programs and applications you use. The RAM capacity or RAM speed does not match the requirement of the program.
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Now you all must be wondering why your laptop or PC hangs when you play games. When your system runs out of RAM, it starts using virtual memory, allocating data to the slower hard-drive, slowing down overall performance immensely.
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This implies a smooth and fast running of programs on your device. If you have more RAM, you have a bigger capacity to store more data at the same time. This is why the performance of a computer is – almost – directly proportional to the RAM capacity and RAM speed. When you close the program, RAM automatically loses all the data.The program accesses this data from RAM as long as you are running it.All the data required to open and run that program is copied from the hard drive to RAM.When you open a program, your CPU accesses it from the hard drive.All programs and applications are stored on the hard drive.Now if you shut off the program, all the data stored on RAM is lost. As long as the program is running, RAM is being used. This happens because RAM is quicker to access than the hard drive or even the SSD. Now let us assume you open a program or a file, stored in your hard drive.Īll the necessary data to open that program is copied temporarily from your hard drive to the RAM. It has two types of memory i.e., short-term memory (RAM) and long-term memory (hard drive). The CPU on a computer behaves just like a human brain. Let us understand this better with an example. On the other hand, RAM allows you to store and process this data as long as you are using it. An SSD or your hard disk drive stores data for long-term usage.Īll the operating system files, programs, and applications are stored in your hard drive or SSD. This means that as soon as your computer is shut down, RAM loses all its data and information. It keeps data stored only when you are using it. As mentioned earlier, RAM is short-term memory storage.
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Yes, both are memory storage devices, but both have a different purpose. People mostly confuse RAM with a hard drive or SSD. It allows you to juggle between different tasks effortlessly and seamlessly. For example, writing a document, browsing the Internet, or listening to music all at the same time.Īll these programs and tasks are managed by RAM, all at once. This storage and quick access capacity allows you to multi-task. File sizes and their conversions explained: kilobytes, megabytes, gigabytes
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