Intel® Core™ Processors
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Help Me Choose: Memory

Random access memory (RAM) can dramatically impact the performance of your system. 

Generally, the more memory your system has, the more it can: 

  • Deliver faster performance on websites and applications 
  • Open larger files more quickly 
  • Better handle files and applications opened simultaneously 
  • Provide better gaming performance  
How much RAM you need depends on the intensity of tasks or programs you intend to run.

  1. What is RAM?

    Your computer memory is otherwise known as RAM, which stands for random access memory.

    • Temporarily stores the flow of data.
    • Remembers frequently used programs, applications, and documents.
    • Along with the architecture of your system, helps determine how quickly applications perform and how many programs can be executed at one time.

  2. What is DRAM?

    Dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) is a type of memory that is typically used for data or program code.

    • Requires continual power to maintain data.
    • Common type of access memory for personal computers (PCs), workstations, and servers.

  3. What is DDR5?

    DDR5 stands for double data rate 5, a type of RAM memory. It is the latest version of synchronous dynamic random-access memory (SDRAM).

    • Helps you switch between applications, open documents, and complete daily tasks faster.
    • Aims to increase memory bandwidth while keeping power consumption low in comparison with its predecessor, DDR4.
    • The fifth generation of low power double data rate (LPDDR5) runs at a lower voltage than DDR5, making it possible to offer higher speed of data transfer with lesser power.

Adding memory at the time of purchase can be more cost-effective and convenient than upgrading later.
If you want ... Choose ...
The maximum performance for data intensive applications such as data base, software, programming and compiling >32GB memory
The ability to run simultaneous intensive business applications, with headroom for future operating systems and applications >16GB memory
The ability to run multiple simultaneous office applications 8GB memory
The ability to run business productivity applications 4GB memory

For configurations supporting Intel® Optane™ memory.

Intel Optane memory

Whether you are a content creator, gamer, professional, or everyday multitasker, you want a PC that can keep up with your digital life with the best components inside: Intel® Core™ processors for performance with Intel® Optane™ memory for responsiveness.

From system startup to application launching, Intel Optane memory is smart technology that accelerates the computing experience by learning your customers most common tasks. It accesses the computer’s frequently used documents, pictures, videos, and applications quickly, and remembers them, even after powering off the PC—enabling you to create, game, and produce with less waiting.

  1. Intel® Optane™ Memory M10/M15

    Intel® Optane™ memory is a smart technology that accelerates computers’ responsiveness in platforms based on the latest Intel® Core™ processors. Available in multiple capacity options in an M.2 form factor, Intel Optane memory accelerates your mobile or desktop system—delivering amazing speed and responsiveness without compromising system storage capacity.

  2. Intel® Optane™ Memory M Series

    Accelerate existing large storage to SSD-like performance. Add responsiveness to your PC by pairing Intel® Optane™ Memory M10 or M15 with an existing HDD to deliver SSD-like responsiveness from your accelerated HDD boot or data drive

Frequently Asked Questions:

Intel® Optane™ memory is a system acceleration solution for the 7th Gen and 8th Gen Intel® Core™ processor platforms. This solution comes in a module format and by placing this new memory media between the processor and a slower SATA-based storage devices ( HDD, SSH or SATA SSD), you are able to store commonly used data and programs closer to the processor, allowing the systems to access this information more quickly and improves overall systems performance.

The Intel® Optane™ memory module does not replace DRAM. It can be, however, added to DRAM to increase systems performance.

Yes! Intel® Optane™ memory can be sued to accelerate and type of STA-based storage media, including SATA SSDs. However, the performance benefit of adding Intel® Optane™ memory will be greater on slower storage devises like an HDD.

You have choices based upon your requirements. Typically, if you need high capacity storage, you will choose an HDD. SSDs are often lower in capacity and tend to be more expensive. Paired with a HDD, Intel® Optane™ memory delivers increased responsiveness of an SSD with the high capacity of a HDD

The main difference between 32GB and 16 GB is the number of applications that can be accelerated. The 32GB module is ideal for power users who often use a variety of intensive applications, such as prosumers and gamers. It is also recommended if you play more than one game at a time.

The second time an application or file is used, it is accelerated and you will experience a huge benefit. One the third launch is when the fill effect of Intel® Optane™ memory kicks in. Note: Intel® Optane™ memory prioritizes frequently used applications and files thus, infrequently used files and applications will fall out of cache.

This is highly dependent on the size and architecture of the software you are using, as well as other software being used and the configuration of your platform.

Game play will not be that different between an SSD and an HDD based systems since the games are loaded into DRAM during play.

Intel® Core™ Processors
Learn More about Intel