RAM: Replacement and Installation

How Much RAM is Needed for Video Editing and Streaming

When talking about gaming computers, blogging cannot be ignored. For 4K video editing, the optimal amount of RAM is 32 GB, in the worst case, you can use 16 GB, but comfort will be significantly lower, and you will have to close all background application processes.

Video streaming support does not require any special amounts of RAM, usually, it is done by the hardware of the video card, this approach is implemented in the latest NVIDIA and ATI Radeon lines. So for streaming in 2021, you need a minimum of 16 GB, preferably 32 GB.

Frequency and Timings

The term RAM (Random Access Memory) means memory that can access any block when needed. Information in RAM is stored only while power is supplied; once you turn off the computer, it disappears. That's why it takes time for the computer to shut down; it needs to save the necessary data to long-term memory. This technology allows very fast data writing and reading.

Frequency is the number of cycles, i.e., the number of allowable accesses per second to a specific memory cell, meaning rewrite cycles. 2800 MHz equals 2.8 billion cycles per second. Clearly, the more such cycles, the faster the memory, but there's one "but" – timings.

Memory timing or CAS timings is the delay with which a cell responds to a request, usually written as four numbers separated by dashes. The higher the timing, the longer the cell responds to a specific request. As the frequency increases, so do the timings, so with poor overclocking, we gain nothing; the frequency becomes higher, but the delay longer.

The principle behind choosing RAM is why the brand of RAM matters much more than the same label on a motherboard or video card. Simply put, the speed of rewriting depends on the balance between three indicators – voltage, frequency, and timings. An overestimated frequency with spoiled timings will not give any power gain.

You can delve into timings, try to overclock the unoverclockable, picking the values of delays and voltage, or you can trust the brand. Currently, HyperX, a division of Kingston Technology, dominates the market, targeting gamers. Worthy competitors include Corsair, G. Skill, Samsung, but they are still behind.

HyperX is represented in the market by three RAM lines:

• Fury – standard RAM line with and without heatsinks, depending on the model. Supports XMP technology, fully compatible with the latest Ryzen series and new models of Intel i5, i7 and i9 of the 11th generation.
• Predator – gaming-specific RAM with top frequency indicators up to 4600 MHz, used in almost all HYPERPC computers. At such high frequencies, timings remain at a fairly low level, CL15 – CL19. Of course, during work and overclocking, they can change, but there are boards with already high frequencies and the same timings "from the factory". If you match the default frequency to your processor with the motherboard, you can achieve good results.
• Impact – compact RAM for laptops and mini-computers. It is not equipped with heatsinks as they are unnecessary, but it also supports XMP and is compatible with the latest processor models from both manufacturers.

What is XMP Technology

XMP technology allows you to avoid going into BIOS settings after installing RAM sticks. No matter what the initial stick parameters are, they will adjust their frequency to the maximum possible, based on the same BIOS data, which records the maximum allowable memory frequency on the processor and motherboard.

Today this seems commonplace; the Plug-and-Play principle doesn't surprise anyone. But without this technology, you would have to go into BIOS and set frequencies, then pick the right voltage and timings for stable memory operation. After several hours of tweaking settings, you might get into the system, launch a game, the sticks would warm up a bit and give a blue screen of death (BSOD) because everything was set incorrectly. The agony of choosing the right configuration for your memory sticks is not something you'd want to deal with in the days after buying new RAM.

Cooling

Just 3-4 years ago, it could be said that any heatsink on a RAM stick was just decoration, cooling wasn't needed. Now, with everyone actively using DDR4 at high frequencies, it becomes clear that overheating of the chips under heavy loads can be critical. Remember that the processor has a critical overheating temperature around 92-100°C, for graphics cards, the same range is critical. Memory, however, cannot withstand more than 70°C.

The plastic casing of the chips, unlike the processor and graphics card, does not provide adequate heat dissipation inside. Overheating is not dangerous in games, as games usually do not transfer gigabytes of data through memory for a long time. But if you start rendering, your memory will have to sweat.

Rendering tests your computer's strength every time. Data is loaded and unloaded in gigabytes, especially if the processor or graphics card is powerful. Although much depends on what you are doing the rendering on – GPU or CPU. If you use GPU for rendering, you can breathe easier – this process uses video memory, which is many times faster than regular RAM.

Aesthetics

A large beautiful case with a glass cover and gaming hardware with blinking lights make your computer a real beauty. Even if it's not something someone will see (or will see if you're a streamer), it will be pleasant for you to approach it every time, feeling that everything is perfect inside. RAM lighting complements the lighting of other modules. Infrared Sync technology will help you synchronize the RAM LEDs with other LEDs on the motherboard, case, etc.

Large aluminum heatsinks, despite their usefulness in cooling, are mostly decorative in this case. An important point – RAM sticks are often located close to the processor. Too high RAM heatsinks can interfere with the installation of large dual-fan air coolers on the processor. Test fit and check the dimensions of the components.

Not all sticks have independent RGB lighting. To reduce the cost of their product, manufacturers sometimes install LEDs of one or several colors and use LED modules without a driver, meaning non-controllable. If you're lucky, the brightness will be adjustable. Such sticks can be used, but remember that you won't be able to change the lighting color, make sure it matches the style of other system modules.

Channels and Memory Version

The memory version – DDR3 or DDR4 – is partly related to frequency. DDR3 supports frequencies up to 2133 MHz, and DDR4 up to 3200 MHz and even up to 4600 MHz, but only in theory – there is no equipment yet that supports such a frequency. So far, modern desktop solutions have hit the 3200 MHz limit, which is generally not bad.

Now we need to mention the form factor and compatibility. DDR3 and DDR4 are not compatible; you can't even physically insert a foreign stick into the socket. A "foolproof" feature prevents you from confusing the sticks. Structurally, they differ only in the notch and the number of contacts, DDR3 has 240 pins, DDR4 has 288 pins.

It should also be mentioned that the motherboard usually supports only one type of memory, as does the processor. If you don't have an outdated CPU model, you are likely using DDR4 right now.

As for channels, most processors work with memory in dual-channel mode. That is, there are two channels, two buses through which the processor exchanges data with RAM. If you put all the sticks on one channel, you will lose performance, as the access speed will be half as fast as if you distributed the memory sticks across different channels.

Therefore, it is better to use sticks of smaller capacity but in larger quantities. The only exception to this rule is the upgrade reserve. If you want to install 16 GB now and expand the capacity in the future, it's better to buy 2x8 GB than 4x4 GB.

"Matching" means a stick that matches the version, frequency, and preferably the manufacturer of the one already installed. The dimensions of RAM sticks for laptops are smaller than for desktop PCs, and they have 204 pins in DDR3 and 260 pins in DDR4. There is always SODIMM marking. There are also two types of sticks – standard and low-power, they have an "L" suffix at the end.

You can install a low-power stick in any laptop; theoretically, they are compatible with any equipment as long as the version matches. But just in case, check compatibility on the stick manufacturer's website or the laptop itself. In extreme cases, call the service center and clarify this information with them.

When you reach the slots, you need to release the metal holders on the sides of the stick to remove the old module. If you want to install a stick in an empty slot, place it at an angle as shown in the picture, and press it to the case; the holders will snap and securely fix the new stick in place.

After these manipulations, feel free to put the cover back on and start the laptop; nothing else needs to be done.