Computer Memory
About Computer Memory
Within your computer, memory is separated into two categories. The first is RAM memory – this is where data is temporarily stored to be retrieved quickly. The second is virtual memory – this is where data is stored long-term, on the hard drive. The lower the RAM, the slower the computer will run.
Are memory and storage the same?
The two components that 'memory' & 'storage' refer to are RAM and the hard drive. Your computer’s main memory – usually referred to as RAM – is the place where an application loads its data during processing. RAM allows you to access data that is stored for a short time – like when editing a document. A hard drive is a device that permanently stores your data so that you can access it at any time.
What is RAM and how does it work?
RAM is a hardware device that allows data to be temporarily stored for your computer to process it. RAM – which stands for Random Access Memory – is made up of memory chips that can be written (and rewritten) with your data, at high speed.
Unlike your hard drive, RAM only holds onto that data while the chip is powered – specifically, while your computer is switched on – and is not a long-term form of storage.
Essentially, RAM is the memory that allows you to work with the data needed to run programs and open files. When your computer loads a program or file, it opens data in RAM. Your operating system also relies on RAM when it’s running. If you want to run a program, RAM moves the data from long-term storage (on your hard drive) to short-term storage in RAM, where it can be accessed fast enough for smooth operation.
How much RAM do I need?
If you’re wondering how much RAM you need, 8GB,16GB and 32GB are the general options. If you’re struggling to choose, consider what you generally use your computer for and do some research. If you’re an avid gamer, for example, 16GB is considered the sweet spot – although you could get by on 8GB. At MyMemory, you can find a wide range of memory accessories from big names like Kingston and HyperX. Browse our full range of memory accessories below.
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Corsair Vengeance LPX 8GB (1x8GB) 2400MHz DDR4 Non-ECC 288-Pin CL16 DIMM PC Memory Module - Black
£32.99 Was £36.95 You save £3.96
VENGEANCE LPX memory is designed for high-performance overclocking. The heatspreader is made of pure aluminum for faster heat dissipation, and the eight-layer PCB helps manage heat and provides superior overclocking headroom. Learn More -
Crucial 4GB (1x4GB) DDR4 2400Mhz 288-Pin CL17 DIMM PC Memory Module
£20.99 Was £25.99 You save £5.00
The 4GB DDR4 2400 MHz UDIMM Memory from Crucial is designed to help increase your desktop's multi-tasking capabilities with an additional 4GB of memory.- 4GB Capacity
- 2400 MHz Clock Speed
- PC4-19200
- 288-Pin UDIMM
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Crucial 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 1600MHz 204-Pin CL11 SODIMM Laptop Memory Module
£69.99 Was £75.99 You save £6.00
Upgrade your PC with this Memory Ram kit that includes two Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-12800 Memory Modules. This useful kit can maximize the RAM of your notebook or desktop so you may run more applications at the same time.- 16GB Capacity
- DDR3 PC3-12800
- 204-Pin SODIMM
- L=11 Learn More
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Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) 1600MHz DDR3L 240-Pin Non-ECC CL19 DIMM PC Memory Module
£34.99 Was £47.99 You save £13.00
The 8GB DDR3L 1600MHz UDIMM Memory from Crucial is designed to help increase your desktop's multi-tasking capabilities with an additional 8GB of memory.- 8GB Capacity
- 1600 MHz Clock Speed
- PC3-12800
- 240-Pin UDIMM
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Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) 1600MHz DDR3L 240-Pin Non-ECC CL11 DIMM PC Memory Module
£69.99
The 16GB DDR3L 1600MHz UDIMM Memory from Crucial is designed to help increase your desktop's multi-tasking capabilities with an additional 16GB of memory.- 16GB Capacity
- 1600 MHz Clock Speed
- PC3-12800
- 240-Pin UDIMM
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Crucial 4GB (1x4GB) DDR4 2666MHz SO-DIMM CL19 260-Pin PC Memory Module
£19.99 Was £22.29 You save £2.30
Boost your PC's performance with Crucial 4GB DDR4 2666 MHz SO-DIMM Memory Module. Clock speeds of up to 2666 MHz, this 4GB single ranked memory unit is designed to enable you to load applications faster and run demanding programs with minimal lag.- 4GB Capacity
- 2666 MHz Clock Speed
- PC4-21300
- 260-Pin SO-DIMM
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HyperX FURY 16GB (2 x 8GB) 3200mHz DDR4 NON-ECC CL16 DIMM PC Memory Module
£77.99 Was £89.99 You save £12.00
Kingston Fury DDR4 is an aggressively styled, low profile memory, optimised for intels 300 series and AMD Ryzen chipsets. Featuring many advances in memory technology including PnP, XMP 2.0 and specially designed asymmetrical heat spreaders keeping the memory cool even when pushed to the max. Learn More -
Crucial 8GB (1x8GB) 2666MHz DDR4 288-Pin Non-ECC CL19 DIMM PC Memory Module
£28.99 Was £33.54 You save £4.55
Crucial Desktop RAM Modules - the fast, easy way to improve your desktop's performance.- Increases system performance
- Easy Installation
- Make everything on your computer faster
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Crucial 8GB (1x8GB) 2400MHz DDR4 288-Pin Non-ECC CL17 DIMM PC Memory Module
£29.99 Was £34.04 You save £4.05
Crucial Desktop RAM Modules - the fast, easy way to improve your desktop's performance.- Increases system performance
- Easy Installation
- Make everything on your computer faster
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Integral 4GB (1x 4GB) 1600MHz DDR3 DIMM PC Memory Module
£24.99 Was £29.98 You save £4.99
Integral's range of laptop and PC/Mac RAM modules will increase the speed of your device to enable you to work, and play, faster.- 4GB Capacity (1x 4GB module)
- 240 Pin
- CL 11
- Unbuffered, Non-ECC
- Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
