01: Gamers' Memory Requirements
◉ The Basic Function of Memory
As a critical component of computer hardware, memory acts as a bridge for direct communication with the CPU. When using a computer, whether opening a game or an application, these operations rely on memory for execution. Thus, the capacity of memory directly impacts the computer's operating speed.
As long as the computer is powered on, memory remains continuously active. While gaming, in-game changes and operations depend on the CPU's performance. The CPU temporarily stores data in memory and exchanges data with external storage devices such as hard drives. The operating speed of memory directly affects the computer's stability. Additionally, memory is meticulously composed of multiple components, including circuit boards, gold fingers, and memory chips.
◉ Identifying Memory Needs
How can you determine if your computer needs a memory upgrade? During office work, if you frequently encounter prolonged unresponsiveness during loading screens, it is often related to memory. Similarly, while gaming—for example, in PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (PUBG)—if pressing the TAB key results in noticeable lag, it may also be due to memory issues. In such cases, you can open the Task Manager to check memory usage. If memory is identified as the bottleneck, upgrading it becomes particularly important.
02: Key Points in Memory Selection
◉ Choosing Memory Generation and Capacity
When purchasing memory, there are four core aspects that consumers should closely consider to ensure the selected memory meets their computer's needs and avoids unnecessary waste.
First, it is essential to determine the memory generation. Different generations such as DDR, DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 are not compatible with each other. Currently, most computers are equipped with DDR4 memory, while older systems may still use DDR3. Therefore, when adding memory modules, it is crucial to ensure that the new memory matches the generation supported by the computer. Otherwise, purchasing DDR3 memory for a DDR4-supported system, for example, will render it unusable.
Second, memory capacity is another critical factor to consider. As computer performance continues to advance, the demand for memory capacity also grows. Currently, 8GB of memory has become the standard for new computers, while 16GB is more ideal for gaming. This is because 8GB of memory may create performance bottlenecks that affect the gaming experience. Additionally, computers with dual 8GB modules generally offer better operating speeds than those with a single 16GB module.
In summary, clarifying memory generation and capacity selection are two core tasks when purchasing memory. By focusing on these key points, consumers can make more informed choices tailored to their needs, ensuring optimal computer performance.
