RAM speed and technology?

[meaghancarr]

Hey Brian! I need to replace the RAM in my desktop. How much does the memory speed and memory technology matter? Is there a major difference between 3200MHz and 3600MHz? Should I go for DDR5 or will DDR4 cut it? I'm planning on buying 2x32GB. 

[Brian]

When it comes to RAM, it is recommended to purchase the RAM that your motherboard is optimized for, usually the documentation can provide this. Most of the time, people install the same speed/specs of the existing RAM. RAM (and motherboards,) like RAM sticks matching; If you do install a faster RAM module, like a Military Convoy,  it will only operate at the speed of the slowest chip.  So if you added two RAM sticks that were 3600MHz and your existing RAM was 3200MHz, the new RAM is only going to operate at the 3200MHz speed. Or if your motherboard caps out at 3200MHz, your new sticks won't operate at 3600Mhz...so save your money and purchase the correct type.

Now, between DDR4 / DDR5, I could make your eyes glaze over with the technical details of the differences, so I will spare you. When it comes to Photoshop, it really doesn't matter if you go 3600 or 3200 or even 2400...there aren't any real-world benefits going with extra speedy RAM. In reality, having a big and powerful VIDEO CARD with its own dedicated Video RAM makes the biggest difference when it comes to Photoshop / Lightroom. (Even Noise Reducing Software, like the stuff from Topaz, like using a GPU to do things because it's a lot faster to use the GPU than the CPU.)

So let's cut to the chase: You can not willy-nilly just add whatever RAM you feel like, you must install what your motherboard likes/requires. I would also not mix DDR4 and DD5 together. In addition, RAM often likes to be installed in pairs, so I do recommend replacing your current RAM and get things matching.

Do you know what is installed now? What Motherboard / PC do you have? (Make / Model.) How. many slots do you have? You can also use Crucial's Scanning Tool to find out what is currently installed. Then we can figure out what you need. How much RAM do you have now? My recommendation for folks that use Photoshop CC is to have 64GB in 2024/2025. This is especially true if they have large MP Camera bodies, i.e. 45MP or more. RAM above 64GB...unless you have a need for it, like hosting virtual machines or using software that has A LOT of plug-ins which eat up RAM, or you are the type of person who has 150+ Tabs Open in Chrome...because they are all important, then you might want more. But honestly? 64GB is fine now. If you have to ask how much RAM, then you don't need to go above 64GB.  

Get me more details about your computer or run Crucial's Scanning Tool and we will go from there.

[meaghancarr]

This is super helpful! I have a Dell XPS 8940 with 32GB RAM. According to Crucial it is DDR4 and 320MHz.

I’m well aware that my graphics card isn’t up to today’s standards, but I’m not able to afford a new computer at the moment. It’s worked well enough in the past, and I connect my laptop to my monitor when I need to process massive files (that graphics card is a beast). 

[Brian]

15 hours ago, meaghancarr said:

that graphics card is a beast

Yeah, you have to think of the modern graphics cards as "a computer within a computer." The amount of power and cooling is way more than cards 10 years ago; I'm surprised we haven't reached the point of having a dedicated power supply for them, but give it time.

OK, Dell XPS 8940 DDR4 and 3200MHz, correct? Is this a Desktop or Laptop? How many slots are free? You should have a total of four slots with two occupied. You might be able to get away with one 32GB kit.

[meaghancarr]

Correct! It is a desktop. Four slots with two occupied, but one of the sticks no longer works. I’m just going to replace them both. 
 

Sorry for the late reply — I have a newborn who has been keeping me busy lately! 

[Brian]

On 11/12/2024 at 5:29 PM, meaghancarr said:

I’m just going to replace them both. 

Yep. Do that.