Main Memory and Video Memory
RAM (Random Access Memory)
RAM is your computer's memory. It works just like your own short-term memory: you look a number up in the phone book; you store it temporarily in the cerebral equivalent of RAM. Windows needs the same kind of working memory to store the data it’s currently dealing with. Data are copied from the disks to RAM as needed.
RAM comes in the form of modules (rows) of silicon chips which plug into slots in your computer's motherboard.
RAM also handles your input from the keyboard and mouse.
If you don’t have enough of it, your computing will be sloooooowed down no matter how fast the other individual components are. See Insufficient RAM further down this page to find out why.
Memory, like disk storage, is measured in Megabytes (MB) or Gigabytes (GB). The Windows XP packaging claims that 128MB of RAM is sufficient. What Microsoft really mean is that it will run. Barely. OK if you have time to spare to brew the coffee between mouse clicks.
The absolute minimum recommended by most techies is 256MB. If you don’t have a graphics card, 256MB is not just preferable, it’s vital. Don't pike on this; get at least 512MB.
If you’re likely to be video editing, playing demanding games, using 3D graphics, or running several big programs at once, you should have a minimum of 1MB - preferably 2MB. If you're likely to upgrade to Windows Vista, go for 2GB or more.
RAM is very easily upgraded and no longer expensive, so it's no biggie if you don't get it right initially. See below for more on RAM installation.
RAM Purchase
There are usually only two or three slots in your motherboard for RAM modules. It follows that if you allow the seller to palm you off with two 256MB modules instead of one 512MB module, when you want to upgrade you have to replace them both instead of adding to them. To save your hard earned shekels, ensure that if you buy less than 1MB, you get it in one module, thereby leaving a slot or two free for upgrading.
Insufficient RAM (Random Access Memory)
Why Does Insufficient RAM Slow Everything Down?
The CPU processes information. The information it is likely to need at any particular moment is copied into RAM to enable it to be accessed quickly. If the RAM in your system is full, any extra information required in memory is copied to a file on your hard disk called the PAGING FILE or VIRTUAL MEMORY.
Accessing this file is a very much slower process than accessing physical RAM. If it happens too frequently you will notice your hard disk drive indicator lamp flashing on and off as data are swapped back and forth. This is called disk CHURNING and causes a bottleneck in your computer’s operation.
The Solution.
Install more RAM. This is easy if you’re the sort of person who can change a 3-pin plug. If you’re not, it’s a 10-minute job for a computer technician.
The Graphics Card and Video RAM
Properly called the Video Display Adaptor. Your monitor has a tough job. It must display a lot of information and it’s better for your comfort and pleasure if it displays that information in the finest detail your display is capable of, and without screen flicker.
To accomplish this your computer needs some RAM dedicated to video — preferably very fast RAM. Basic computer systems “slipstream” some of your main RAM for video. This has two disadvantages:
1. Up to 128MB of your system RAM is no longer available for the purposes discussed previously.
2. Normal system RAM is not fast enough for the demands of good graphics, particularly on large monitors and for demanding applications like graphic design, games and playing videos or movies.
To overcome these failings, most systems have a dedicated graphics card. This carries its own (faster and more expensive) SDRAM or SGRAM. For most purposes a 64MB STANDARD AGP GRAPHICS CARD is adequate, but as for system RAM, if you run very demanding programs you will benefit from more. The sky’s the limit here for games freaks with deep pockets.
A 64MB graphics card is not expensive. If you run Windows XP without one, you'll lose out on performance. Windows Vista will require a minimum of 256MB.
It's worth noting that not all VGA cards are created equal. Some 256MB cards will outperform some 512MB cards. It's worth doing some homework to ensure that you're getting the best value for money. Ask a knowledgeable person (probably not a PC salesperson!) or do a search on the internet for a review of the card you're considering.
