Want a faster computer, but don’t know where to start? Adding RAM to your PC may seem like a simple solution, but beware: every motherboard has its own rules. Find out how to maximize your investment without risking incompatibilities.
Check which type of RAM is compatible with your system
Not all RAMs are compatible with each other or with your motherboard. The type of RAM (DDR3, DDR4, DDR5, etc.) is an essential criterion to check.
| RAM type | Current speed (MHz) | Year of launch | Typical usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| DDR3 | 1066 à 2133 | 2007 | Legacy and office PCs |
| LDDR3 (Low Power) | 800 à 2133 | 2013 | Laptops, ultrabooks |
| DDR4 | 2133 à 5333 | 2014 | Gaming and multitasking |
| DDR5 | 4800 à 8400+ | 2020 | High-end gaming, AI |
| LDDR5 (Low Power) | 4800 à 6400+ | 2021 | Modern notebooks |
Check your motherboard manual to see whether it supports DDR3, DDR4 or DDR5.
If you’re building a new PC, opt for DDR4 or DDR5, depending on your budget and needs.
How much RAM for your PC?
Before investing in new RAM modules, you need to know the limitations of your motherboard. This is a crucial step to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Your motherboard’s maximum RAM capacity
Every motherboard is designed with a limit on the RAM memory it can support. This limit is determined by the motherboard chipset and the processor you’re using. Installing more RAM than your system can handle won’t bring you any additional benefits, and may even cause malfunctions.
See our article: How to determine maximum RAM capacity
The number of slots available
The number of DIMM slots on your motherboard directly influences how you can configure your memory. Motherboards in standard ATX format generally have four slots.
Conversely, more compact motherboards, such as Mini-ITX models or notebooks, often have only two slots available.
For example, if your motherboard has only two slots and you want to reach a total capacity of 32 GB, you’ll need to install two 16 GB strips.
With a motherboard featuring four slots, you could opt for four 8GB or two 16GB modules, depending on your performance needs and budget.
Enjoy the benefits of DualChannel and QuadChannel
RAM optimization through DualChannel and QuadChannel modes maximizes RAM performance for gaming, video editing or intensive multitasking.
| Configuration | Increase observed |
|---|---|
| Single Channel | Base |
| Dual Channel | Up to 20% increase |
| Quad Channel | Up to 30% increase |
SingleChannel: the basic configuration
In this mode, a single RAM strip is used. This limits bandwidth and therefore overall performance. This mode is common on entry-level PCs or configurations with a single slot.
Avoid if possible!
DualChannel: a performance boost
Dual Channel is a technology that allows two RAM bars to work in parallel. This significantly improves performance, especially for gaming and multitasking.
How do I activate the DualChannel?
- Install strips in pairs in alternating slots (e.g. 1 and 3 or 2 and 4).
- To work properly, the strips must have the same capacity, frequency and latency.
QuadChannel: for demanding users
This mode, reserved for high-end motherboards, uses four bars to quadruple bandwidth. It’s ideal for workstations and resource-intensive applications.
Tip: check the specifications of your motherboard to see if it supports QuadChannel. This mode is more expensive, but may be worthwhile for servers or professionals.
Choose the right speed for your application
RAM speed, expressed in MHz, is an important factor in your PC’s performance. But don’t just pick the fastest RAM: your motherboard and processor must be able to handle it.
Which speed to choose?
- For office use: DDR4 at 2666 or 3200 MHz is sufficient.
- For gaming: opt for 4800 MHz DDR5.
- For video editing: A very fast DDR5 from 5200 MHz is recommended.
When assembling your computer, make sure your motherboard and processor are compatible with the RAM frequency you choose.
CAS latency: Choose low latency for better performance
CAS latency (CL) indicates the time it takes memory to respond to a request. The lower this figure, the more responsive your PC will be.
- A 3200 MHz DDR4 with CL16 latency offers excellent value for money.
- For DDR5, latencies often start at CL30 or CL40, but are compensated for by increased speeds.
Tip: If you’re deciding between two strips with the same frequency, choose the one with the lowest latency. This makes a real difference for demanding tasks such as gaming or scientific calculations.
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