Slow computer? Sometimes when your workstation feels bogged down, a relatively cheap and simple hardware update can make a huge difference in performance. Adding more RAM (Random Access Memory, often just called memory) is often a game-changer while updating your PC.
When it comes to the speed of your computer, several factors weigh in. Let’s very briefly break these down:
CPU/Processor
The CPU and processor handle the calculations that your computer runs on a daily basis. These days, CPUs handle so many instructions per second, often a billion to trillion. A dated processor can affect your computer’s speed, but if your PC is fairly new (as in 1 or 2 years old, and possibly older for higher-end builds) it’s likely not. Today, CPUs are equipped with two, four, or maybe more cores, which suggests the CPU can handle an even higher amount of calculations exponentially and consume less electricity.
RAM/Memory
Random Access Memory is essentially the STM of your computer. Applications that are loaded and run get temporarily stored in your computer’s RAM. The RAM is far faster than the disk drive, so your computer doesn’t need to spin its wheels trying to find specific files and parts of applications. The more RAM you have, the more you can store. The faster your RAM, the faster your computer can sift through the info that gets temporarily pushed into it. Once your RAM is full, your computer will depend upon the disk drive to retrieve information, and that’s where things can possibly get sluggish. Once you stop running a program, it’ll remove itself from the RAM to release some space for everything else running.
Hard Drive
The hard drive is your computer’s storage device. For extremely high-end PCs, the hard drive is the most common issue. Hard drives, when compared to RAM, can be very slow when it comes to accessing and writing information. You do not want your computer to rely on your hard drive when it comes to its RAM. While it can, it will affect your speed. Hard drives are limited by their moving parts and mechanisms. There are also costly solid-state drives, but as a performance-improving factor on a standard workstation, typically solid state drives aren’t the cost-effective answer.
Of course, there are software factors as well. Malware and Spyware can hamper your system, and after tons of use, temporary files can slow things down. Before upgrading hardware, you’ll want to hire a technician who can run a fast evaluation on your PC – it’s possible a touch cleanup can make all the difference within the world.
Otherwise, the next step is upgrading the RAM. RAM is usually relatively cheap, even to double or triple what you already have and to get a higher performance. New RAM often only costs between $50-$100 but depends on your computer.
Is your computer running slow? Does it get bogged down by having all of your day-to-day applications open? Contact MyTek at 623-312-2440 for an evaluation to see what kind of upgrade you may need.