RAM memory capacity is one of the things that users are most concerned about in order to achieve performance according to their needs. When choosing a PC configuration, or a laptop, it is one of the first things you look at.
However, few take into account its scalability, that is, the possibilities of expansion. Not only if it is soldered or if there are free DIMM and SO-DIMM slots, but also because of the amount that each system supports.
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RAM Memory Capacity Depends on What
The RAM memory capacity of a computer depends not only on one factor, but on several of them. Let’s look at these factors as if they were layers, from the core, which is the first and most important limitation, to other outer layers:
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CPU
The maximum capacity of RAM memory that a computer would accept depends on the architecture of the CPU.
Mainly of the addiction bus (PE: A 32-bit bus limits 2 32 addresses or 4,294,967,296, from 000000000000000000000000000000 to 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111, and a 64-bit bus to 2 64, which are 18,446,744,073,709,551. 616 possible addresses), addressing modes, MMU, etc.
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All of this limits the amount of RAM that a system supports. For example, the 32-bit can support up to 4GB, while the 64-bit would be 16 GB theoretically (although in practice it is limited below that, since it also needs to address other memories, including the I/O space) S and virtual memory.
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Motherboard/Chipset
The chipset or platform can also limit the amount of RAM. In systems where the MMU is still integrated into the Northbridge, although now in newer designs this is no longer the case.
On the other hand, the motherboard manufacturer itself also includes more or less channels and memory slots to install, so it would be another limitation.
Even if the CPU tolerates more memory than the maximum allowed by the motherboard, you will not be able to do anything, since there will not be enough slots to expand it.
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BIOS/UEFI
Some systems may also have limitations on the amount of RAM that can be installed in a system, because the necessary tables or capabilities have not been built into the code of this firmware to support more.
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Operating System
32-bit operating systems accept up to 4GB of RAM, like CPUs of this word size. To solve this, some systems added PAE extensions, which are capable of extending this limit up to 64GB on x86.
On the other hand, modern 64-bit operating systems can support much more than that, but it will depend on each operating system. For example:
- macOS -> 64GB
- Windows 10 Home 64-bit -> 128GB
- Windows 10 Pro Enterprise 64-bit -> 6TB
- Windows 11 Home 64-bit -> 128GB
- Windows 11 Pro -> 2TB
- Windows 11 Pro Enterprise 64-bit -> 6TB
- GNU/Linux: 128TB
- Windows Server 2019 Datacenter -> 24TB
How do I know how much RAM I can install?
To know the capacity of RAM memory that you could install in your computer, I recommend you follow these simple steps:
See Also: How to Repair RAM Memory
01 – Check if your operating system is 32-bit. In case it is, the answer is 4GB. If your CPU has PAE extensions, then you may be able to install something else above that limit if other factors allow it. If it is not 32-bit, go to the next step:
02 – If the installed operating system is 64-bit, it is very likely that the biggest limitation to installing more RAM is not this, but rather other factors:
03 – Look at your motherboard’s manual and note the maximum amount of RAM it supports. If you don’t have the motherboard manual, go to the website of your motherboard brand and in the download or support area you can download the PDF with the manual for your model. Remember that:
- If it is a clone PC, you should go to the website of the motherboard (ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI…).
- If it is a branded PC, you will do it to the brand of the equipment (Lenovo, HP, Dell, Acer, ASUS
04 – Once you know how much capacity your motherboard accepts, then the next thing to do is determine how much RAM you have installed. To do this, you can follow these steps:
- macOS: Click the Apple icon > About This Mac > Memory.
- Windows: Click on Start > in the search menu type “About” > click on About your PC > Open > Installed RAM.
- Linux: Although there are methods to visualize it graphically, these may vary depending on the distro. To do it generically, enter the terminal and type this command: “ grepMemTotal /proc/meminfo” without quotes and press ENTER.
05 – By subtracting the one you have installed from the one you can install; you will get the RAM memory capacity that you can expand.
For example, if the limit to install is 32 GB and you have 8 GB installed, you already know that you can upload 24 GB more. Here, also remember that:
- You can keep the current module (if not soldered) and add other RAM module(s) to expand it.
- You can also remove the one you have installed and replace it with another with greater If it is of low capacity, it will be occupying a slot and you will not be able to expand it sufficiently.
- If it’s a modern Mac, with M1, you won’t be able to upgrade it, since it’s built in. Therefore, to exceed that capacity you should consider purchasing an M1 Pro or M1 Max.
Characteristics of a RAM Memory
Below we recommend reviewing some of the characteristics of your RAM memory. Types of RAM memory: You must know what type of RAM memory you have installed in your computer.
See Also: How to change a RAM memory on a PC
For example, it exists in the latest computers DDR3, DDR4 or the new DDR5. Once identified by the motherboard or by the module itself, you know which one you should buy.
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RAM memory size
It is very important to know the size of each RAM memory module. If they are 4, 8, 16 or 32 GB, we recommend starting with 16 GB as a minimum and if you are a designer having 64 GB is highly recommended. How much RAM does your PC have?
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Amount of RAM memory
Taking into account if it is working in Single Channel or Dual Channel, it is always better to mount modules two by two to get the most out of it. HDET platforms feature Quad Channel technology.
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RAM memory speed
The higher the speed of our computer, the more performance the processor will get. That is why it is important in DDR4 we recommend buying 3200 MHz or 3600 MHz.
While in DDR5 the fastest speed you can afford without mortgaging the rest of the components.
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Latency
We recommend that you read our specialized article on latency. But we will summarize it for you very quickly, how much less the number is, it benefits us in performance. It is preferable to buy DDR5 CL40 memory than DDR5 CL50.
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Voltage
It is used for the ram memory to work optimally. Therefore, we must check in our BIOS if it is working at that value, if not we will have to manually set it with one more point.
See Also: Is 16 GB RAM Enough for your PC
For example, if it is 1.35v, we must mark 1.355 or 1.36v. We can always identify it on the sticker of the module itself.
With this we finish our article on the RAM memory capacity of your computer. Was our article useful to you?
Have you been able to identify and see if you have enough RAM for your day to day or play? We are waiting for your comments.
Zahid Khan Jadoon is an Interior Decorator, Designer and a specialized Chef and loves to write about home appliances and food. Right now he is running his interior designing business along with a managing a restaurant. Also in his spare time he loves to write about home and kitchen appliances.