Optimizing Your Computer: How to Speed Up Your RAM

iolo Tips

How to Improve RAM Speed

What is it?

Sticks of computer chips that store data for your system’s processes.

Why do I need more?

If your system is slow to respond while you work, you might need more RAM.

How to upgrade it?

Simply acquire compatible sticks, and install them into the proper motherboard slot.

About System RAM

Keeping your PC clean and well-maintained is essential to the longevity of the system and the capabilities of the machine. Computer problems can be external or internal. For example, if the interior of the computer is filled with dust, PC performance can fall drastically and affect the user’s experience. Similarly, failing to take care of the software itself will eventually lead to constantly needing to restart your computer to keep it running quickly. Even after System Mechanic optimizes your system’s performance, today’s new RAM-intensive applications and games can create the need for more memory capacity. Fortunately, taking your PC to the next level is easier and less costly than you might think. If you think of your PC as a custom-tuned automobile, adding more physical memory (RAM) is like upgrading the fuel-injection system: it gives an extra power boost to a car that’s already primed for high performance. In the past, installing additional RAM on your computer to help it run faster and more smoothly may have been something best left to the experts—but today, it’s easier than ever to buy and install as a simple do-it-yourself upgrade. Read on to find out more about how RAM works, when you might need more of it, and how to make sure you’re getting the most out of the memory you have.

What is RAM, and why do I need it?

If the central processing unit (CPU) is like the brain of your computer, RAM is like the oxygen it needs to keep everything running. Your computer needs RAM to keep all of your programs running swiftly and smoothly—and when there’s not enough of it, your whole system will begin to falter. This especially becomes apparent when you have several programs running in the background or running at startup. Although RAM refreshes itself whenever you restart your PC, over the course of the day it‘s used in the running of many different processes and applications on your computer. By the end of the day, you may find that your PC has slowed down noticeably, and you may even be getting low memory warnings from Windows. For an instant fix, you can use System Mechanic’s Memory Mechanic® tool to flush out troublesome memory leaks.

Why should I invest in more RAM?

I am upgrading my software or operating system

If you’re planning to do a major software upgrade—for example, if you’re expecting to upgrade to a new operating system—there’s often no choice but to purchase additional RAM, since the new system requirements are likely to be more demanding. Likewise, if you’re upgrading other hardware on your computer, such as installing a new motherboard, you might be required to upgrade to the latest type of RAM for compatibility to support the increased demand for resources. Even an upgrade to the graphics card -which allows for improved rendering of visual effects- would benefit from an upgrade to your system’s RAM.

I am purchasing a new computer

If you’re purchasing a brand-new computer, it can be less expensive to purchase more RAM as a separate, after-market upgrade than to buy a PC with higher levels of RAM pre-installed. Installing more memory on your new computer is a quick and easy way to add extra power and energy while future-proofing your investment.

I am experiencing slow performance

Did you know that the everyday software you’ve become accustomed to can require more RAM with each update? Without sufficient memory, even these trustworthy programs can bog down. You may have also developed habits that cause your programs to use up more system resources. For example, opening up multiple tabs in your internet browser requires additional RAM for each new website you access as it stores temporary files. What appears to be “slow internet” is just as likely a struggling browser. Quick Tip: Check your current RAM setup to see how much memory your system is using. Open your PC’s Task Manager, navigate to the Performance tab, and monitor the Memory section. A person replaces a part inside of their computer.

Can I really do it myself?

Yes! You could potentially complete the replacement in about 10 minutes. It’s similar to changing a vacuum bag: simply remove the old part and replace it with the new one. The most challenging part is picking RAM compatible with your PC, but a simple Google search for your system will help you identify matches. 

RAM Installation

How do I install new RAM sticks?

Once you’ve got the new RAM in hand, it’s just a matter of turning off your PC, removing power and other cables from the back, opening the computer case, and then unplugging – and replacing the RAM memory modules.

How do I get the most out of my RAM upgrade?

Once you’ve installed more RAM, you’ll instantly notice the difference in the speed and responsiveness of your entire system. However, even with upgraded virtual memory, a PC can benefit from using a tool in System Mechanic called Memory Mechanic to make the most of your upgrade. Memory Mechanic flushes out the “memory leaks” caused by software programs and applications that forget to release the memory they had reserved for their regular operations. Memory Mechanic releases all of the unused memory from these “leaks,” instantly refreshing your PC and keeping it running at top speeds all day long. With upgraded RAM and the Memory Mechanic tool, taking your PC speed to the next level can be done quickly, easily, and more inexpensively than ever before.
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What is iolo's Whole Home License?

The Whole Home License® is iolo’s licensing policy that allows you to install and keep your software running on all of your compatible devices within the same home. Previously, users were allowed to install and license their iolo software simultaneously on a maximum of three PCs. Under the Whole Home License, a single activation key allows you to use your iolo software on all of your PCs, other than any PCs you use for business purposes. What you need to know about Whole Home Licensing

  • You, your spouse, and your relatives living within the same household may use the same license on any number of PCs that you own which are not used for business.
  • For full legal terms and conditions, see https://www.iolo.com/company/legal/eula/

To install your iolo product on additional PCs:

  1. On the additional computer, download the latest version of your iolo product. Choose from the list of downloads offered here.
  2. Follow the steps in the installation wizard, and enter the same Activation Key that you used to install on your original computer.

You can view the Activation Key on the original computer from within System Mechanic > red menu bar > key icon > Activation Key.