Why laptop computer memory matters?
The topic of laptop memory size is by no means new. What is more distinct however is that most people hear advice such as "more memory is always better" and automatically conclude that this statement is true whatever the use of your computer. The real truth behind this is that while such advice is generally correct, it is best understood once one appreciates the background facts. All laptop computers make use of a certain Operating System - Microsoft Windows is by far the most popular (Windows 95, 98, Me, 2000, XP, Vista or 7 etc.). This is the software that both interacts and manages two aspects: a) the hardware and other software used on it and b) the user (hardware).
An Operating System must load its own components into memory when it starts. In effect, a large chunk of its footprint gets copied into physical memory within your notebook computer, this in turn found on the memory modules inside your laptop's chassis. To add to this, any additional software that is necessary to run your laptop computer for the purposes you use it is also loaded. This usually means any device drivers and third party software. Ideally the Operating System attempts to allocate most or all the above in physical memory. If there is an insufficient amount of such memory, the Operating System will imitate it on your laptop's storage medium. The latter will in most cases mean a hard drive or solid state drive (in newer laptops). The term given to describe it is virtual memory.
Since both a hard drive and solid state drive are considerably slower than notebook computer memory, the effect of this is that performance will be degraded. The net outcome of this is that it may take longer for software programs to load, to run, to shutdown, and to switch between (multi-task) etc. The more of these software programs run in such circumstances, the more the performance will suffer.
How much laptop computer memory is enough?
A cure to the above problem are laptop memory upgrades. This will expand the total amount of physical memory in your laptop computer and either reduce or completely eliminate the slowdown associated with insufficient physical memory. How much laptop computer memory is enough is subject to two different aspects: a) what types of software do you use on your laptop computer and b) how much laptop memory does your laptop computer support.
To answer part "A" you need to ask yourself what software you use. For example, you may simply use it for Internet browsing, word processing, the odd game. Alternatively you may use it professionally for graphics work or audio or video editing. Furthermore you may be an avid gamer. Each of these scenarios reflects a different optimum amount of laptop computer memory. For simple Internet browsing and similar 2GB will in most cases be enough. If however you are a professional doing graphics/audio or video work then anything between 4-8GB will probably suit you best. If on the other hand you are a gamer, 4GB or more is likely what you should be aiming for.
To answer Part "B" is a little trickier because in order to determine how much laptop computer memory your laptop supports, you need to either look into the user manual (not always possible and exhaustive) or determine the memory controller it uses. Either method works with the latter being more for the hardcore computer user. Luckily, there are tools online that will scan your laptop computer and tell you this information without any or much technical awareness on your part. You can find these tools by simply searching online, or optionally visiting my website. Whatever the outcome from part "A" or part "B" you should always opt for the most optimum laptop memory upgrades, both for your laptop computer and the tasks you use it for. As a result you will guarantee a smoother user experience.
In Summary
Be sure to extract the most important traits of the above information. Both the Operating System and any additional software used on your laptop computer are loaded into physical memory. Should your laptop computer not have enough of physical memory for the purposes for which you use it, the Operating System will simulate it in what is described as virtual memory. Unfortunately, the latter is considerably slower than physical memory and thus performance is degraded.
A well chosen laptop memory upgrade is a solution to the above. How large it should be is determined via a) what you use your laptop computer for and b) how much physical memory your laptop computer supports. This information can be rendered via asking yourself the first question, and looking in the user manual or using an online scanner for the second question.
Once you determine and opt for suitable laptop memory upgrades, you will witness a faster performing laptop!
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