Are you worried your RAM might go bad? Well, the good news is that RAM can outlive most other components in a PC, so replacing your computer’s RAM should only be done under certain circumstances.
That doesn’t mean you should never replace your RAM, however, but that you shouldn’t be worried about replacing it before it goes bad.
In this article, we are going to be covering how long RAM can last, what can cause RAM to go bad, when you should consider replacing or upgrading your PC’s memory, and if an upgrade would be worth it.
So, if you’re wondering how often you should replace your RAM, you’ve come to the right place.
How Often Should You Replace Your RAM?
You should only replace your RAM when it’s faulty, or you can afford an upgrade. Replacing your RAM shouldn’t be an annual event or part of any preventative maintenance routine. In fact, your computer’s RAM should last just as long as the CPU or longer! But that doesn’t mean you should never replace it, however. There are plenty of good reasons to upgrade or replace your memory modules, even if they are still in pristine working order.
How Long Does RAM Last?
Unlike an SSD, RAM doesn’t have a maximum number of read/write cycles. This means that, theoretically, RAM can last indefinitely. But typically, RAM will remain useful for 8 years or more. The main deciding factor of whether or not you need to upgrade your RAM is performance issues.
As time moves forward, system requirements become more demanding. Only a few years ago, 8GB of RAM was considered overkill, now it’s the minimum recommended amount for gaming. So as games become more complex, so do the PC requirements, especially the amount of RAM.
Although RAM modules are meant to withstand the stresses of gaming and intensive programs, they can definitely start to show their age. But not in ways you may even notice.
Next, let’s discuss what can cause faulty RAM and whether or not memory degrades over time.
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Does RAM Go Bad or Degrade Over Time?
Just like any other electronic component, RAM is susceptible to failures. Usually, this comes in the form of errors that can be fixed by simply reseating the RAM in the DIMM slots. But there are times when your RAM might actually be fried.
One of the biggest killers of RAM is static discharge. This can happen while working on your computer without properly grounding yourself first. You need to always make sure to either wear an anti-static bracelet or discharge static electricity before touching any components inside of a PC. If you don’t, just lightly touching your RAM could cause a static discharge, effectively destroying your memory module.
Another cause of RAM going bad is a power surge. A power surge will typically come from a lightning storm and/or faulty wiring in your home. To prevent this, you should always be using a surge protector with your PC. Make sure to get a good one, as cheap surge protectors will not actually protect your PC from a power surge.
As for RAM going bad due to age, it’s unlikely. RAM is a long-lived component of a PC, meant to be used near continuously with little to no errors. Usually, these errors are so insignificant that anyone outside of a data center or server would never even notice. But there are a few signs that can indicate faulty RAM modules.
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When It’s Time to Replace Your RAM, You’ll Know
Being a vital part of a computer, RAM is essential to any PC’s operation. So if your RAM starts to fail, you’ll know. There are a few telltale signs to look out for when troubleshooting your RAM.
The most common signs that your RAM is faulty are random crashes, a memory error on screen after boot up, or the infamous blue screen of death. These would indicate that your RAM has experienced some kind of error and is unable to function properly. Reseating your RAM in their slots can usually fix these issues, but if they persist, your RAM is likely done for.
Sometimes there is nothing wrong with your RAM itself, just the amount installed. If you’re experiencing lag while typing, slow or unresponsive programs, or stuttering in games (especially single-player games where you can rule out internet issues), you’re likely dealing with an insufficient amount of RAM. That, or your RAM’s speed is too slow.
Simply adding more memory or replacing your modules with newer, faster RAM should help improve your experience. It’s always smart to install more RAM than you think you’ll need. This will not only future-proof your rig but will make sure you don’t experience any performance issues with memory-intensive tasks like gaming or photo editing.
Even though RAM shouldn’t be upgraded as a form of maintenance, it can be worthwhile to replace your computer’s memory preemptively.
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Is Upgrading RAM Worth It?
RAM is important for the speed of your computer. The more RAM you have installed, and the faster it is, the quicker your PC will be to load programs, run games, and respond to input. Upgrading your RAM can make your computer feel like a whole new machine, especially if you’re dealing with slow loading or lag in single-player games.
You should upgrade your RAM whenever you can afford to do so, as long as your RAM is outdated, that is. Every year, manufacturers come out with better RAM that’s cheaper and more efficient than the last. So, waiting a few years between upgrades is ideal.
This allows for the price of new modules to go down while their speed and capacity continue to increase. You don’t necessarily need to buy the best of the best, but if you get the best on the market today, it’s sure to stay relevant for many, many years.
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In Conclusion
RAM is a component vital to a PC’s speed and performance, so you should always get the best you can afford. But that doesn’t mean you need to replace it constantly. Actually, that would be a huge waste of money.
Every year, memory manufacturers come out with new RAM that’s better than the previous iteration and, subsequently, more expensive. Spending hundreds of dollars a year on RAM would be, in our opinion, silly. There’s just no need for it. Especially seeing as RAM can last for such a long time.
Luckily, there is no expiration date for RAM. RAM can last longer than any other component in your computer. The only time you should consider replacing your RAM is if you’ve gone through the troubleshooting steps and determined your RAM is actually faulty.
Other than that, you should only replace your RAM when you feel it’s time for an upgrade. This could be due to a new game that requires more RAM, or you feel like your computer is running slow, and you know the amount of RAM in your PC is inadequate. By buying high-end RAM, you will ensure that your PC will stay lightning-fast for years to come.
And that’s that, friends. We hope we were able to shed some light on the subject of RAM and its longevity.
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