If you have installed memory supported by your main board, the computer should recognize it immediately without further input and use the total capacity. An exception applies only if the chipset is not designed for this amount of memory. However, this is only a problem for older Windows tablets or old notebooks whose chipsets can handle a maximum of 2 or 4 GB. The maximum RAM capacity for halfway up-to-date systems is 32 GB. The more decisive question is whether the new memory bar can also work at its highest speed.
This can, for example, prevent the mixed operation of modules with different working clocks: The entire main memory then works with the slowest module’s speeds (clock frequencies and timings). Otherwise, memory sticks with varying clock rates and from different manufacturers can be operated side by side without any problems, as long as they are of the same DDR standard and form factor. If you have used memory sticks that all work with the exact timings, you can check in the BIOS setup whether the computer is using the best possible settings for the RAM.
There are also special memories, especially for overclockers and gamers, which do not correspond to the RAM standards, which the standardization body JEDEC specifies because they use lower timings or faster clock rates. Here you usually have to set the best settings manually in the bios setup. There is another unique feature in the operating mode: the so-called dual-channel method is possible with at least two RAM bars, which doubles the theoretical data transfer rate of the main memory because the memory controller can address the modules of each channel at the same time.
The processor and motherboard must also support this technology, which is what all halfway up-to-date systems do. You must carefully insert the latches into the correct memory banks to use this mode. Mainboard manufacturers often help users label the appropriate RAM sockets in the same color. There is also the quad-channel mode, which can quadruple the transfer rates. However, this is currently only reserved for high-end CPUs and motherboards,
When selecting the RAM, you should always follow the technical specifications and know your system’s compatibility. Expensive RAMs usually have an aluminum heat sink to dissipate the generated waste heat. However, this is unnecessary since the main memory cannot heat up to the point of failure in regular, gaming, or productive operation as long as it sits in the normal airflow in the PC case. Additional air or even water cooling is therefore unnecessary. An exception here is systems that are to be overclocked.
Smartphone And Tablet: Upgrade Memory
Smartphones and tablets are small PCs in which so-called SOCs (Systems-on-a-Chip) provide computing power. Mobile devices also need RAM like a giant computer. And similar to a PC, RAM capacity limits the number of apps you can use simultaneously without slowing down the system. You usually notice this, for example, if you have not restarted the phone or tablet for a long time. However, the main memory in mobile devices cannot be expanded like in a PC since it is firmly soldered to the circuit board.
You must use tricks to ensure that the mobile device uses the available RAM effectively without overstimulating it. Mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS load the working memory in smartphones or tablets quite fully to save the user long waiting times when switching between apps. When the memory is complete, the system automatically takes action and closes applications that have not been used for a long time. That’s why third-party apps that promise better RAM management aren’t helping. Because after the cleaning, the system has to pack the required data back into the RAM, which entails a specific computing power and thus also affects the battery performance. Closing apps manually only makes sense if there are display errors or the application is frozen.
Android offers an overview in the settings to find out how much memory is still free and which app consumes the most RAM. From there, call up the “Apps” or “Applications” entry – the designation may differ depending on the user interface. Tap on the “Active” threshold to get the overview mentioned. Applications can also be terminated there. To clear RAM in iOS, press and hold the device’s sleep button until the power off slider appears. Then release the keys and hold the home button until the system redirects you back to the home screen.
