Spyware, keyloggers, and other malicious software, also known as malware, can also slow a computer by taking up system resources. Upgrading to a larger disk drive can relieve that part of the issue, and hard drives should be defragmented regularly. A lack of sufficient hard disk space will slow performance, as will a fragmented drive. Maintenance issues also affect computer speed. If the graphics card in a computer is top notch and the RAM seems fine, then the CPU may need to be upgraded, which can drastically improve computer speed.
External ram for pc windows 8 manual#
The motherboard manual typically indicates what types of hardware can be used to improve performance by upgrading to a better card. A good graphics card should have its own on-board RAM and Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), otherwise it will use system RAM and Central Processing Unit ( CPU) resources.
Other Causes of Slow Computersįor gamers and people who work with video applications, a slow graphics card might be a contributor to poor performance.
External ram for pc windows 8 software#
With more memory to run programs, multiple pieces of software can be used at the same time without slowing the computer too much. The size of the RAM indicates how much memory is available to run programs and processes at any given time. The numerical value of RAM is typically represented in terms of storage quantity, such as one gigabyte. RAM behaves like short-term memory and is used to actually process information while running a program.Īdding RAM - or Random Access Memory - to your computer can increase its performance, but computers have a limit as to how much RAM they can process. A hard drive acts as long-term memory, storing data for later use. Within a computer system, the RAM effectively acts as part of the " brain." There are two types of storage used in a computer - long-term and short-term memory - just like a human brain. Prebuilt computers may also have warranties that are voided by the addition of new components, so this should be considered prior to any hardware changes.ĭefragmenting or freeing up space on a computer's hard drive can also improve speed. Laptop computers have much less room and use smaller sticks of memory that can be more difficult to properly install. Desktops with towers or similar cases can usually be opened and RAM can be installed directly onto the motherboard. RAM usage can be checking using various methods, depending on the computer's operating system.Īdding RAM to a desktop computer is typically easier than a laptop. The wrong type of memory typically won't fit into the slots in the motherboard, and if it does, the computer usually will not boot up. There are several different types of RAM, so it's important for the person who wants to add more to check the computer's user manual or online to find out what kind is needed. Installing additional RAM may help increase computer speed. If all three slots are filled with 4 GB sticks, then no more can be added if the motherboard has three 2 GB sticks, then one or more could be replaced by 4 GB sticks to increase the RAM within the space available. For example, a motherboard might only have three slots for RAM and a maximum allowance of 12 GB. The board might be maxed out for the amount of RAM it will support, either in terms of physical sticks of RAM or the combined values of them. The motherboard is the circuit board where most of the computer's crucial components are found, and it has a limited amount of space for new memory. Adding RAMīefore purchasing additional RAM, it is important to check the motherboard.