Is More RAM Better?

Adding RAM often boosts PC performance.

Better Performance

For many tasks on your computer, the addition of RAM boosts performance. While simple tasks, like word processing and internet browsing, don't necessarily benefit from extra RAM, having it does usually lower latency times and provide a smoother overall performance for memory-intensive tasks, including games, downloads, virus scans, video and photo editing and multitasking.

Maximum Capacity/Utilization

At some point, adding RAM doesn't continue to increase performance; in some cases, extra RAM may slow computer performance. For instance, traditional 32-bit operating systems can only utilize up to 4 GB of RAM. If you have a 64-bit operating system, you can use as much RAM as will fit in the computer; however, RAM in excess of 8 GB typically requires a high-performance processor and will slow down most standard consumer machines.

Bottom Line

More RAM can increase performance---but only for certain functions. In fact, out of three performance tests conducted by ZDNet, "two [test results] showed little performance gain when running with more than 2GB of RAM." Unless you use your computer as a high-tech workstation or game station, you can often save yourself the money of a RAM upgrade.

References

• bit-tech: Is More Memory Better?
• Computer Memory Upgrade: Why More RAM Is Better
• ZDNet: The 8GB/64-Bit Advantage---More RAM Doesn't Always Mean Better Performance

Resources

• The PC Guide: System Memory
• CNET: Everything You Need to Know About RAM