Understanding, Function, and How RAM Works on Cell Phones & Laptops

Understanding, Function, and How RAM Works on Cell Phones & Laptops

If you often hear the term RAM when you want to buy MOBILE PHONE or laptops new, but still confused about what it does, you're not alone.

Many people know that RAM makes devices run faster, but few understand how it actually works.

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So, to avoid any further misunderstandings, let's discuss the full function of RAM in simple language.

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What is RAM?

motherboard is the meaning of function and how it works — RAM. Source: Unsplash

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, which is a type of temporary memory used by devices (both cellphones and laptops) to store data currently being used by the system and applications.

Unlike internal storage (such as SSDs or HDDs), RAM doesn't store data permanently. Once your device is turned off, all data in RAM is lost. That's why RAM is also called "temporary memory."

Think of RAM as your desk. The larger the desk, the more documents you can open at once without cluttering it. Likewise, with RAM, the more capacity you have, the smoother your multitasking will be!

Main Function of RAM

So, now we get to the important part: what is the main function of RAM on cellphones and laptops?

Support Operating System Performance

RAM helps the operating system such as Windows, macOS, or Android run faster. All basic processes like opening menus, switching apps, or running background services require RAM.

If your RAM is small, the system will have difficulty accommodating all the processes and will eventually become... slow or maybe hang.

Helps Multitasking

Do you like opening multiple applications at once? For example, while opening YouTube, chatting, and editing documents. This is where RAM plays a crucial role.

RAM stores data from all running applications, so you can switch between applications without having to wait long or the application closing automatically.

Improve Game and Heavy Application Performance

For those of you who enjoy playing games or using editing apps like Photoshop or CapCut, a large amount of RAM is essential. Games and demanding apps typically require a lot of temporary memory to process graphics and real-time data.

If the RAM is small, performance can drop, frame rate can drop, or even... force close.

Reducing Dependence on Storage

When the RAM is full, the system will borrow some of the internal storage space as virtual memoryHowever, this process is much slower than storing data directly in RAM. So, the more RAM you have, the less likely your device is to slow down due to "swap memory."

Types of RAM that you need to know

motherboards — RAM Types. Source: Unsplash

There are several types of RAM commonly used in modern devices:

DDR (Double Data Rate): used in laptops and PCs. Currently, the most common are DDR4 and DDR5.
LPDDR (Low Power DDR): a power-saving version of DDR, typically used in smartphones.
SDRAM (Synchronous DRAM): an old generation of RAM that is rarely used now.

The higher the RAM generation (for example DDR5 compared to DDR3), the faster the data transfer speed and the more efficient its power usage.

What is the Ideal RAM Capacity?

The ideal RAM capacity depends on your needs:

HP for daily needs: 4GB–6GB is enough for browsing, social media, and streaming.
HP gaming or heavy multitasking: minimum 8GB for smooth, lag-free operation.
Work or college laptop: 8GB–16GB is safe enough for productivity and light editing.
Professional laptop (video editing, design, coding): 16GB and above is recommended.

Remember, large capacity is important, but RAM speed also plays a role. RAM with clock speed height can make the system more responsive.

RAM is vital for maintaining fast and stable performance on your phone and laptop. It works behind the scenes to ensure all applications run smoothly without interruption.

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So, if you're planning to buy a new device, don't just look at the processor and storage, but also consider the RAM size. With enough RAM, you can enjoy a smoother user experience, seamless multitasking, and maximum performance at all times.