Table of Contents
Overview of RAM
RAM (Random Access Memory) is a type of random access memory – that is, a type of memory that allows random read and write access to any location in memory based on the memory cell address. In short, it can be understood as a computer’s temporary memory that helps store current information so that the CPU can retrieve and process it. RAM cannot store data when power is stopped (For example: If the computer loses power or when it is turned off, the data on RAM will be erased).
The data access speed of RAM is extremely high, compared to the fastest SSD, the data access speed of RAM can be from 50 to more than 500 times faster. A computer with large RAM memory can handle many different tasks without causing lag because data does not have to be fetched from a hard drive.
Important parameters of RAM
Capacity
Because it is called memory, the most important criterion is still capacity and of course “the more the better”. However, we still have to spend money on many other components, so we really have to consider “how much is enough” because even if you have 10000000000000000 GB of RAM but the CPU and graphics card are too weak, you still cannot play games. Biareview also has an article about the amount of RAM needed to play games and according to that, currently, you only need 8GB to be able to play most games available on the market smoothly.
But you should also note that 8GB is only enough if the entire amount of space is for gaming, if you want to turn on a few more Chrome tabs to surf Facebook, read news, listen to music while waiting for the game to load then you need more RAM than that, 12GB for example. You heard that right, 12GB of internal memory means 1 stick of 8GB RAM and 1 stick of 4GB RAM, you can completely install it like that and rest assured that there will be no serious problems like fire or short circuit. There is a lot of RAM conflict, but that phenomenon also happens even when you attach 2 sticks of the same capacity and the same bus.
Data transmission frequency – “Bus”
In the names of internal memory products, in addition to the capacity of 4, 8, 16GB, there are often additional numbers behind them such as 2400, 2666, 3000,… which is the data transfer frequency of RAM, also known as Wrong is “RAM bus”. Of course, the higher the “RAM bus”, the greater the amount of data that will be transferred and the more powerful the computer will be, but with gaming, that difference is only about 1-5 fps, relatively small compared to money and effort you have to spend. That’s right, effort, because RAMs with “buses” higher than 3000 are not simply plug and play, to get benefits from them you have to learn in depth, tweak the settings, etc. In general, to avoid pain. First, you can select “RAM bus” according to the following instructions:
| CPU | “Bus RAM” recommended |
| From Intel Core i3 | From AMD Ryzen 3 and below | 2400 |
| From Intel Core i5 to Core i7-9700 | Ryzen 5 | 2666 |
| From Intel Core i7-9700K and above | From Ryzen 7 and up | 3000 or more |
There is a small problem, usually RAM “bus” 3000 and above have very eye-catching RGB heatsinks and if you have “love at first sight” then feel free to buy them to install with any device. Which CPU because they are capable of running at lower levels. It’s a bit of a waste for now when you don’t know how to run RAM on “bus 3000” but… the important thing is that it’s beautiful.
Single or Dual Channel
When you attach 2 RAM sticks of the same capacity, on the same bus together (not necessarily the same brand), Dual Channel will be activated (if your motherboard has 4 RAM slots, you must install it according to the mainboard’s instructions). The throughput of 2 RAM sticks will double, in games, the number of frames can increase up to 15 FPS. That’s great, but why do Biareview’s pre-built configurations only have 1 stick of RAM or can it be understood that they only run in Single Channel? The answer is the ability to upgrade: 8GB is enough for current games but in the future it may be lacking. If the mainboard only has 2 RAM slots and Biareview has filled both slots, when you want to upgrade you will have to Throw away 1 bar, it’s a waste.
Dual Channel can also be activated when you install 2 RAM sticks with different capacity, bus, etc., but you should only do that when the market no longer has products with the capacity and bus you need because of many non-standard errors predict what could happen.
Ideally, if you want to run Dual Channel, buy 2-stick and 4-stick RAM Kits sold together from RAM brands. These kits have been thoroughly tested by the manufacturer, so the error rate when running Dual Channel is close to like equal to 0.
Summary
In short, for gaming, 8GB of temporary random access memory is enough, you should choose the recommended “RAM bus” cache and run Dual Channel with RAM sold in Kits if possible but be aware of the possibility upgrade later.