This question can a PC run without ram is like asking “Can a man function without a brain”?.
As man cannot function without a brain, a computer without RAM cannot function therefore a clear response to this question is No.
The computer has two components: (1) Hardware and (2) Software.
The RAM is one of the software components, and in this article, a detailed explanation will be carried out to explain the roles RAM plays in permitting computer function. Let’s get into the article.
What is the meaning of RAM?
RAM means “Random Access Memory”. This stands as the engine that performs the load of work in your PC thereby playing an important role.
For a PC to function effectively, there is a component of a computer such as the RAM and CPU (Central Processing Unit) which operates together.
Whenever data is keyed into the PC, the RAM stores this data for a short period and passes it at a high speed to the CPU which then processes the data to get the required result.
The RAM has various sizes that fit into a PC, and these sizes determine the speed at which a computer can run.
However, there are some technological changes with the use of BIOS to see if a PC can run without RAM which has been to no avail.
Categorization of RAM
There are different categories of RAM but the following are the major known types PC users engage with because of its effectiveness.
DRAM is Dynamic Random Access Memory. This RAM was invented in 1996.
It is the kind of RAM that stores data in a single capacity in a storage cell.
The cost is cheap when matched with SRAM which is why PC users choose this. It is suitable for graphic data.
SDRAM is a Synchronous DRAM that has a relationship with the system timing and clock speed.
SRAM is another kind of RAM called Static RAM. There is no need to change it occasionally.
The speed is very high and expensive when compared with the DRAM.
SRAM consists of four to six transistors.
DDR is Double Data Rate, It is a highly technological type of SDRAM that is constantly in use in present-day computers. It has been in use since 2000.
There are DDR2, DDR3 DDR4, and DDR5 notably used to transfer data requests and multiple files at the same time.
As technology in computers improves, RAM also changes in its improvement to meet the demand of its function.
Description of how RAM functions in a PC
The RAM is designed to function to suit its purpose in a PC.
RAM (Random Access Memory) has a momentary storage of data which is released to the CPU for immediate processing of data. Both of them transfer data and vice-versa.
One thing notable about the RAM is that data lost when the PC is switched off, shifts to the temporary storage keeper.
After the PC is switched back on, the operating system waits for a command/instruction to bring back the RAM at work, and previously lost data in the temporary storage being worked on before the PC is switched off.
The size of the program and application is very important.
This determines the speed at which the RAM can function effectively with its matching size.
The capacity of RAM installed
Before one buys a PC, one should consider the nature of work the PC will carry out, as well as determine the size of the 64-bit or 32-bit CPU, and how much RAM to purchase.
Is the PC for office use or minor work use? Will you require much memory space for work? What capacity of RAM do you need for work?
These early questions will determine how much RAM to get.
The cost consideration also needs to be looked into, because the much RAM you acquire, the higher the cost and performance. The capacities of RAM start from 2 GB to 32 GB.
It is a waste to go for a large amount of RAM when the RAM you need in a PC is for a small amount of RAM.
This reason is why the manufacturers permit room for upgrading when the need arises. Because the RAM your computer needs may require more in the future, and your current RAM capacity is low. What do you do?
More RAM can be obtained using the upgrade method, which ensures you still maintain your PC while now having enough RAM.
How quickly your RAM operates is determined by the megahertz or gigahertz (MHz/GHz), and gigabytes (GB) your computer needs.
2Gb can be used to run small operating systems such as tablets and smartphones.
4Gb is suitable for Windows and Chrome.
8Gb is for Windows/Mac and it is the standardized size.
16Gb. This capacity gives good results and value for your money.
32Gb. This is a high capacity of RAM, although is not limited to just this size. There are more for better output.
How to identify when your RAM is wearing out?
There are about three methods to check the life span of your RAM.
When the RAM in the PC is having problems, there are certain signals this will give to the user.
A prevailing sign is a blue color on the screen, this is called the “blue screen of death” which means that the RAM is either expired or worn out due to excessive work.
Viruses can corrupt files in the system which easily affects the RAM causing it to fail.
Low functioning of a PC may affect the performance of RAM thereby making the system operate off and on without notice.
RAM can be checked as follows:
- By using the HCI Design Mem-test. When this is done you hold on for the response of the system.
- The use of the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool helps. With this method, the tool will come up after you open the PC. First, go to the start menu, and click on it to search for this tool. Secondly, you’ll receive a pop-up indicating to restart your PC. Restart the PC and afterward, you’ll get the results.
- This option is the Passmark Mem-test86. First, you download this tool and follow through the guide. Next, your PC will request for a restart; and afterwards, the results are shown following the restart.
Final thoughts
RAM is basically like a wheel that drives the Computer to enable users to get the best possible result.
From the directions given in this article, it is clear that no PC can run without RAM.
The optimum performance of any PC depends on the size of the RAM on chip memory in the embedded systems in devices/applications.
Question & Answer
Can a computer run with 0 RAM?
A computer cannot run without RAM. A computer without RAM is like a car without an engine.
It needs the engine to function, so is the same with a PC.
The PC needs RAM to always function.
Is it OK to remove RAM from PC?
It is not advisable to remove RAM sticks from your PC. This will lead to an immediate crash on the operating system.
The Operating system will require some data stored on-chip memory, and if not found.
The PC without RAM suffers a terrible failure which is not going to end well.
Does every PC need RAM?
Yes, RAM is a must-have requirement to get your PC running. The PC without RAM would have your PC slower than RAM when present in it.
Because the processor will move to the internal hard disk.
What happens if PC has no RAM?
PC without RAM cannot function.
If your PC is turned on without RAM, the CPU will access the BIOS, and the power on self-test will begin.
However, when the power on self-test starts processing, your computer will give a beep sound indicating the absence of RAM.
Do I need 8GB or 16GB RAM?
The RAM capacity you need is dependent on the computer usage, and what amount of storing data you require. More RAM such as 16GB is best advised for office programs.
8GB is recommended for internet browsing or less work usage.
Hi, this is Masab, the Founder of PC Building Lab. I’m a PC enthusiast who loves to share the prior knowledge and experience that I have with computers. Well, troubleshooting computers is in my DNA, what else I could say….
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