RAM: What is it and why is it important?
What is RAM?
RAM stands for Random Acces Memory and is it internal memory from your computer. Another commonly used term is random access memory. The working memory looks like a slat when you open your computer (but don’t do that if you have no experience). It is an essential part of your computer because your processor is here store temporary files. The amount of working memory is expressed in GB (gigabytes). As your computer has more working memory, your computer can perform more tasks at the same time. In practice, you can therefore open and work in several programs without your computer slowing down.
How much RAM do you need?
The amount of RAM affects the purchase price of your PC or laptop, so while it is important that you have enough RAM, choosing more RAM than you need often equals an unnecessary expense. Choose a laptop with at least 8 GB of RAMbut if you want a little more comfort, then 16 GB is a safer choice. For An Chromebook able to 4 GB Enough are. The trend in the market gives also On that of most users op safe to play in for 16 GB random access memory to elect al is that not always necessary.
Gamers to have not as per more and 16 GB necessary. She halen more benefit out 2 x 8 GB then 1×16 GB. Generally are gaming laptops easier open the screws in to have she place for An extra slat RAM. Put on serious video editing then you have 32 GB in more identifyg.
What type random access memory?
DDR 3, 4 of 5. DDR stands for double data rate. That means not each generation two time Like this fast is. A good indication of the speed is the clock frequency in MHz of Megatransfers per second in MT/s (for example. 4800 in 32 GB DDR5 (SODIMM) @ 4.800MT/s of 3200 in 16 GB DDR4 (SODIMM) @ 3.200MT/s,). Of most laptops are equipped met DDR4, An standard out 2014. Currently is the last version DDR5, hatched in 2020 only a lot of laptops are here yet not mee equipped in Certainly not below of 1,000 euros.
Processor: what is the difference between different types?
What is a Processor?
It’s the processor heart of the computer. The more powerful the processor, the faster your computer works. The main indicators of a good processor are the letter at the end of the name, generation and range. However, these are just indicators. Many other factors such as the laptop’s cooling, working memory and processor tweaking by the manufacturer also play a role in the final performance.
Different types of processors
Windows
The two largest producers of processors for Windows laptops are Intel and AMD. Both use a similar naming convention. Intel Core and AMD Ryzen have a first number describing the gamut such as i3, i5, i7 or i9 with Intel Core and 3, 5, 7 or 9 with AMD Ryzen. This is followed by the generation number that goes up by one every year. Intel Core will start at 2010, AMD Ryzen at 2016. The 12 and 6 in Intel Core i3-1235U and AMD Ryzen 7 6800H respectively, you can deduce that they are processors from 2022.
One of the most important data is the letter at the end of the name. This indicates whether the processor for light or heavy use is. If you see a U, G1, G4 or G7, it is a processor that is more economical with the battery, but performs a lot less than one with an H or HX at the end. Intel laptop processors with a P in the back are somewhere in the middle.
Gamers, graphic artists or programmers who want to run multiple virtual machines will benefit from one H-processor. For other users, a lighter processor will suffice. In addition to AMD and Intel Core, you still have The Intel Celeron, Pentium and AMD Athlon processors. Those are all entry-level modelsgood for a Chromebook or a basic laptop but don’t expect too much from it.
Apple
Together with the 2020 Mac mini, MacBook Pro 13” 2020 in MacBook Air 2020 has Apple are own the processor introduced. Of M1- in M2-the processor possess over An ARM-architecture. It difference met classic x86 architecture into it An simplified instruction set in better ones performance per consumption.
It to notice We also during the day our tests. By M1 in M2 MacBooks to deliver outstanding performance for An lange battery life. About optimal use the to make of the M1 in M2-processoren heb is applications necessary die for ARM-the processor written are (recognizable On “native for Apple silicon”). If not, shall is Rosetta 2 must to use (translator from x86 Unpleasant ARM). This works very Good but the performance shall However well fewer are.
Further are at important components (CPU, GPU, Bulletin in RAM) in it motherboard integrated. It offers performance gains but has if consequence that is is laptop not shall be able to upgrade. Is shall It must to stay doing with the Bulletin in It random access memory that you bee of purchase selects.
Memory: SSD has supplanted HDD
What is Memory?
Your computer’s memory is used to store all your documents, photos, videos, and the like. It is therefore important that the memory contains sufficient storage space, expressed in GB (gigabyte). Especially high-resolution photos and videos can take up a lot of your storage space.
Memory type: SSD or HDD?
Almost all laptops in 2023 are equipped with a SSD of Solid State Drive. Fortunately, the times of expensive SSDs are long behind us. We recommend choosing no less than 256GB SSD storage. More is always welcome, but know that manufacturers often charge more than twice what you can buy separately. Unfortunately, this practice is also combined with soldered storage or the lack of a connection to place a second SSD.
Within the SSDs you have two major categories: SATA SSDs and NVMe SSDs. NVMe can achieve much higher speeds, although you don’t always notice it that much. In daily use, you may notice that everything responds a little faster, but nothing more. Games will probably load faster with an NVMe SSD than with a SATA SSD, but otherwise you will notice little or no difference while playing. Content creators or those who often have to move large numbers of files will benefit from a faster SSD.
The advantage of HDD of Hard Disk Drive is still that they per GB of storage cheaper are. Especially with larger volumes, it can be economically advantageous to have an HDD as a second disk. Keep in mind that HDDs consume more energy then SSDs and be more sensitive to shock. Some cheaper Windows laptops and Chromebooks come with a eMMC of embedded Multi Media Card.
Extra storage space: online or external SSD
If you want to expand the storage space of your laptop or PC, you have two options: you take one subscription to the Cloud for online storage space or you buy an external SSD.
Store in the Cloud
The advantage of online storage space is that you different devices to your files. It is also initially cheaper than buying a laptop with a larger internal storage capacity.
In contrast, you must pay monthly to “rent” your online storage space. If you offline you are, of course you are no access to your files. Depending on your internet subscription, you may be limited in the volume you can store online. Finally, there is always a species risk if you entrust your files to a third party.
External SSD
You already find SSDs of 1 TB for 100 euros. Your laptop must be equipped with a USB 3.0 connection to use the external SSD. If you often transfer a lot of files and you want it to go fast, you will find it 1 TB Thunderbolt SSDs for about 300 euros. In that case it is better that your laptop is equipped with one Thunderbolt 3 of 4 connection to make optimal use of the more expensive SSD. Read more about the types of connections on a PC in our file on connections.
Looking for a new laptop?
Now that you are sufficiently armed with relevant knowledge about some essential laptop parts, you can look for a laptop that suits you in our laptop comparison.
