How Much RAM Do I Need for Gaming? Here’s the Sweet Spot for Optimal Performance

October 21, 2019 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

So how much RAM do I need for gaming? We'll discuss the sweet spot for RAM in different applications and how to determine your needs.

Gaming on personal computers (PCs) has been a favorite hobby for some time, but newer gamers may be asking how much RAM do I need for gaming? I was curious about what the latest recommendations were for 2019 and decided to do some research to see what I could find.

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What is RAM and What Does It Do?

Features to Consider in Your PC

Troubleshooting Your Ram

Other Kinds of Ram

RAM for Gaming Purposes

So, how much RAM do I need for gaming? How much RAM you need will depend on the games that you want to play and how much processing power they require, but the general guideline is somewhere between 4GB and 32GB.

It's worth noting that you can get by on 4GB of RAM for many different games, but that is the bare minimum, and you can expect some lagging and other challenges when you attempt to play a game using the minimum amount of RAM. For smoother gameplay, you'll want to have at least 8GB of RAM for moderate gaming, and 16GB of RAM is generally preferred.

What is RAM and What Does It Do?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it's a physical component inside of your computer that resembles a small ruler. These tiny pieces of hardware are very advanced and work to temporarily store data for your computer so that it can access that data quickly and perform more complex functions.

RAM is a critical part of how your computer works, and when you are gaming, there is a large amount of data that your computer needs to access in a fast order so that the game can play smoothly. If your ram isn't big enough to store this data, your computer will run slowly as it needs to store and access the data from your hard drive instead.

Accessing the data from the hard drive poses a whole other set of problems, and serves only to slow down the performance of your machine. Having a more significant amount of RAM will allow your computer to store more information in an area where it is accessed more quickly, which makes your whole experience of using your computer feel quicker.

Other gadgets such as your phone, tablet, and laptop also have and use RAM, but the amount that they have at their disposal will vary depending on the device. The RAM on your computer works with your hard drive to store and manage data appropriately, but they are separate things and perform different functions.

Photo by Valentine Tanasovich from Pexels

The motherboard in your computer will only support certain types of RAM that are in specific sizes. For example, your motherboard may not be able to accommodate 32GB of RAM, and the only way to remedy that situation is to replace your motherboard. It's also important to note that 4GB of RAM is not the same as 4GB of space on your hard drive.

Your hard drive will keep and store data that's written to it for as long as you need it to, but the RAM in your computer empties whenever you shut off your machine. When you put your computer into hibernation mode, whatever data is left on your RAM gets copied over onto your hard drive so that it can be retrieved later.

This emptying of the RAM whenever you shut off your PC is the reason why the programs you had open are closed when you restart your machine. Putting your computer to sleep doesn't empty the RAM in the same way and allows some of the data to continue to be stored there.

Features to Consider in Your PC

If you want to know how much RAM you have or you are looking to upgrade your system, you may first want to figure out what features your current PC has so that you can make the most of an upgrade. When looking at the features of your PC, there are a few items you'll want to consider:

What tasks you perform with your PC
Possible capacity
The frequency of your RAM
RAM latency

It can be helpful to make a list of all of the functions that you use your PC to complete so that you can best decide how much RAM you need and any other updates that you'll need to make to optimize your machine.

Image by Joshua Robins from Pixabay

Once you have that list, you can then look at your current RAM and decipher what kind of specifications it has available. For example, look at how much RAM you have right now, and see if there's any remaining space on your current motherboard. If you can upgrade to large RAM in each slot, that may be the best option.

Keep in mind that if you are building a gaming computer, it may be in your best interest to go a little over the amount of RAM that you need so that your machine will have a longer useful life. When asking yourself "how much RAM do I need for gaming?" the answer may be that you need about 16GB now, but in a few years, you'll need 32GB.

If the cost to add more RAM is negligible and your motherboard will support it, it may be best to get more RAM now and enjoy how speedy your PC will be as you play through any game of your choice. Using the recommended 16GB of RAM for the optimal "sweet spot" isn't a bad idea, but you may end up needing to add more RAM sooner than you might think.

Troubleshooting Your Ram

If you are having issues with your RAM or suspecting that you may be having problems, the first thing you can do is reseat your RAM inside of your computers' tower to ensure that there is good contact between the RAM and the motherboard.

To do this, you'll want to open up the tower, locate your RAM on your motherboard and double check that each ruler shaped piece is securely inserted.

There isn't really a reason that RAM comes unseated, but it can happen whenever you move your tower, and sometimes it just seems to happen without any instigating event. You'll notice small clips on either side of the RAM, and when you push gently on the RAM, you should hear those clips snap into place.

Now is also an excellent time to take a can of compressed air and go over the surfaces in your computer case to ensure that everything is free from dust and debris. A buildup of dust on the inside of your case can cause the computer to overheat and can also make it malfunction.

It's also a good idea to run a memory test program if you suspect RAM issues to figure out if it's the RAM that is failing or if another component is at fault

Other Kinds of Ram

There are a few different kinds of RAM that are available, and since RAM is frequently used as a blanket term for many things, it's useful to know the difference.

When people talk about RAM in reference to their computers, they may also refer to it as "memory," but more precisely they're talking about dynamic random-access memory, or DRAM. If you want to get more accurate, modern systems use synchronous dynamic random-access memory or SDRAM.

These names are just technicalities, and the most common type of RAM sold is called DDR4. If you look in an older machine, you may find older types of RAM that are DDR3 or DDR2 even, but the numbers only indicate the generation that the RAM is part of in terms of production.

If you are looking to play a lot of video games with your PC, you'll also want to be aware of video RAM or VRAM for short. This type of memory is used with your graphics card or chip and allows your computer to handle more graphics-heavy gaming without using only the standard RAM on your motherboard.

RAM for Gaming Purposes

Some gaming websites will claim that you need to have at least 8GB of RAM to enjoy most modern games available today; however, this may not be entirely true. There are several games that play quite nicely with only 4GB of RAM at their disposal, and those titles include some of the biggest hits including:

Total War: Warhammer (DX12, 1080p)
Grand Theft Auto V (1080p)
Cities: Skylines (1080p)

If you are looking to upgrade an existing PC, absolutely plan on getting at least 8GB of RAM, or you'll be wanting to upgrade very shortly, and you may have issues doing so with the capacity of your motherboard.

If you are going to buy a PC, get at least 8GB of RAM, or 16GB would be even better. This extra RAM ensures that you'll have enough for the next several years without needing to upgrade and deal with the hassles of adding more RAM.

With more RAM you will get more speed, but at some point, you won't be able to notice it as a user, and you'll have invested a lot of money that could have gone to another higher performing part like your motherboard or graphics card.

Featured Image by skeeze from Pixabay

Icon source: flaticon

Why is my Laptop Fan so Loud? Six Possible Reasons for the Noisy Nuisance

September 9, 2019 By David Crozier Leave a Comment

You’re sitting there, all cozied up and streaming Netflix from your laptop when suddenly your laptop fan kicks on. You patiently wait for it to complete its cycle and stop.

But then it doesn't stop. And the laptop fan gets even louder. Then, it won’t shut off.

The fan is so loud that you cannot hear Netflix even on full volume: an evening ruined. And to boot, you’re now worried that something is wrong with your laptop.

So, why is your laptop fan so loud? Several factors could be the culprit of a noisy fan, including the most common factor: dust. Read on to determine six possible reasons that could be the cause of this noisy nuisance, as well as some standard troubleshooting and resolutions.

#1: Dust

Image source: Pixabay

Dust is the number one common culprit of a loud, running fan. Because laptops are so compact and designed to be as slim as possible, there’s not much room for airflow resulting in an easily clogged cooling system.

If the dust accrued in your laptop is not cleaned regularly (and especially when your laptop fan becomes extra noisy), it can cause damage to the fan blades as well as the entire cooling system.

Laptops typically have one or two fans to cool the central processing system. You can imagine that if the fans are unable to function correctly to cool down the processing system, compromised by dirt and dust, the significant damage it could cause to your laptop as a whole. Only by keeping a clean laptop (inside and out) can you avoid dust-related damage.

Cleaning Your Laptop

You’ll need to dust the laptop cooling system at least once a year to ensure that it remains somewhat clean to prevent any damage or degradation.

It’s important to note that although the user can clean and maintain a laptop by merely removing the panel (on the bottom of the computer) with a screwdriver, some laptop models are not designed to be opened by users.

Cleaning your laptop (without being able to open the panel) includes using compressed air (either an air-compressor, a can of compressed air, or camera lens air duster) and following these steps:

Power laptop down.
Remove the laptop battery (if possible).
Insert compressed air nozzle into the laptop vent.
Press a long, thin plastic object against the laptop blades so they won’t spin (spinning blades won’t clean thoroughly).
Begin blowing out the dust.

Alternatively, there are several tutorials on how to take apart particular laptops models. If you do own a laptop model that can be opened by the user, it’s preferable to use a small brush to clean out the dust and dirt instead of compressed air. Furthermore, if you can open the laptop panel, it might be best to remove the fan to clean any dust or dirt left behind the blades.

Although it seems like it could plausibly work, using a vacuum cleaner to remove dust and dirt from a laptop is not ideal due to the static electricity build-up that can also cause damage to your device. Stick with compressed air and brushes.

Replace the parts you’ve removed after you’ve completed cleaning the fan and surrounding areas.

#2: Ineffective Hard Drive (and its Impending Doom)

Image source: Pixabay

An overworked fan and hard drive can sound similar to one another. In other words, you may think your laptop fan is making all the ruckus when it’s your hard drive making the noise.

Both fan and hard drive make a whirring sound. However, a hard drive issue will have accompanying noises: clicking and grinding.

Unfortunately, when the hard drive begins to make these noises, it is most likely due to failing mechanics within the hard drive itself. Consequently, the hard drive will need replacement.

#3: Plastic Fan Bearings Need Replacement

Image source: Pixabay

A standard indicator that the plastic fan bearings are no longer effectively working is a loud whine coming from the laptop fan. If this is the case, the entire fan will need replacement.

Rest assured that the plastic fan bearing is not meant to last forever, nor are they a typically expensive part. Bearings are a small part and cost anywhere from $10.00 to $20.00, depending on your laptop model. However, the real cost is the labor-intensive work of determining the proper part, then installing it.

Before ordering a new part, it’s crucial first to access your laptop fan to determine the dimensions you’ll need. Alternatively, you can check with the seller to obtain accurate information regarding the proper part to purchase.

Furthermore, an alternative to replacing the fan is to purchase a cooling pad (which costs anywhere from $20.00 to $70.00). A cooling pad can stop the inner fan from running but will achieve the desired result: cooling the internal systems avoiding damage.

The plus side of solving this issue with a cooling pad is that you don’t need any specific parts, just the cooling pad itself. If purchasing a cooling pad is the route you choose to go, check out the highest-rated (4.6 out of 5 stars) Pccooler Laptop Cooling Pad. It’s top-quality and only priced at $25.99.

#4: Apps & Software Straining CPU Resources

front view of hardware of macbook laptop

Image source: Pixabay

If your laptop fan is running at top speed, or the fan won’t stop running, you’ll need to check to see if any of your apps are using a high percentage of CPU time. Luckily, this issue is easy to fix and doesn’t require any funds.

The CPU time is the amount of time that the central system used for processing information from a new operating system, app, or software. In other words, it is how hard the laptop system is working.

The more CPU time utilized, the harder your laptop is working. The harder your laptop processing system works, the risk of overworking it increases, resulting in a noisy fan trying to cool the overworked system.

If you don’t believe that your CPU time has reached its highest capacity, it’s possible that malware could be to blame. Cryptomining malware hijacks your laptops CPU time to mine cryptocurrencies (digital or virtual currency).

To reduce the amount of CPU time utilized (and thus decreasing how hard your systems are working, and hopefully how hard the fan works), you’ll need to locate your task manager in your laptop.

Then, find the “processes” tab, then the “CPU” tab. You’ll then be able to monitor the apps, software, and systems (including any Malware) that are using the most CPU time to remove or replace.

#5: Missing or Damaged Rubber Feet

macbook air beside mouse and glasses on top

Image source: Pixabay

Those little rubber feet under your laptop do more than keep the computer from sliding around on your desk. Although the rubber feet are a small and simple addition to your laptop, they are just as critical for the functioning of your computer as the hard drive and fan.

How? Rubber feet for your laptop extends the life of your laptop. Your laptop fan could be functioning correctly, but without any airflow to the fan, it will not work properly anymore. Rubber feet prop up your laptop just enough to allow airflow to the laptop fan.

So, if you find your laptop fan making loud noises and see that the rubber feet have peeled off the bottom of the laptop, this may be the culprit.

The rubber feet assembled by laptop manufacturers can be of lesser quality than rubber feet you can purchase separately. Laptop Lifts offer high-quality, low-cost ($19.95) rubber feet that guarantee not to slip or peel off.

#6: Fan Setting

Image source: Pixabay

Some third-party software programs will allow most laptops control over the fan settings. If you can control the fan setting, then you can control the fan noise.

However, if there is a valid reason your fan is working overtime to cool your laptop systems (as some possible reasons above detail), reducing the fan speed (to minimize fan noise) will increase the heat within your laptop. Reduced fan speed = increased heat generated.

Consequently, although you are resolving the issue of decreasing the fan noise, you are simultaneously increasing damage to the device itself by overheating it. Thus, although it’s an option to resolve your noisy fan predicament, it’s not the most desirable resolution when weighing the risks.

Conclusion

Image source: Pixabay

Attempting to troubleshoot the systemic issue of a loud laptop fan yourself is ideal. Immediately running off to a local repair shop or manufacturer, before trying to resolve the situation yourself, can accrue unnecessary expenses.

You could end up paying $50.00 to $100.00 per hour for just the diagnosis alone. And if the determination results in bad news for you and your laptop, you’ve just added a brand new laptop to your bill on top of it.

However, if these solutions do not decrease your laptop’s fan noise, it may be worth it for your laptop to see a professional. It could be indicative of a more severe problem that needs addressing before further damage accrues. Alternatively, depending on your laptop model, it may be more cost efficient to buy a new laptop as opposed to mending your current device.

Hopefully, these six possible reasons for your noisy laptop fan and resolutions assist you in resolving this inconvenient nuisance.

Tips And Tricks: 3 Easy Ways How To Print Pictures From Phone

January 2, 2019 By David Leave a Comment

The smartphone. It’s one device we all can’t do without in today’s world. Not only because it keeps us connected to our loved ones, business or work, and the whole world at large, but because it is more of the multi-tool of life. It’s one device that we can use to accomplish so many things that matter to us in life.

And one thing it does well is to give you the ability to capture those wonderful moments in life.

Whether it’s a selfie, a group photo, or a beautiful sunset, your smartphone is always ready to capture those moments for you to enjoy for life. And those moments don’t have to remain in the digital world, you can print them out and frame them, give them as a gift, or put them in an album or time capsule.

I’m going to show you how to get those pictures from phone to paper – the easy way.

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How to Print Pictures from Your Phone – 3 Simple Ways

Share your Memories

How to Print Pictures from Your Phone – 3 Simple Ways

Nothing beats a physical photo printed on nice glossy photo paper. Despite the fact that your phone can store thousands of photos in its memory, the most memorable photos are those we can touch. And that’s why you need to know how to print pictures from your phone so that you can be able to create historical pieces of art for yourself and family.

Fortunately, today’s technology enables you to print your photos wirelessly by utilizing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technology and without any hassle at all.

Print from Home

Printing your photos from home has never been easier than it is today. All you need hardware-wise is a dedicated photo printer that is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth-enabled and photo paper. As for software, you will need apps like Google Cloud Print that allow you to print your photos directly from your phone via a secure internet connection. No cables, no fuss.

To print your photos from the phone using Bluetooth is very simple. All you have to do is pair your phone and printer, select the photos you want to print, send it (share it) over Bluetooth and print.

If you are an iPhone user, you can use Apple’s innovative AirPrint technology. AirPrint gives you full-quality printed photos without you having to download or install drivers. All iPhones that are 3G-capable and above come AirPrint ready. All you need is to get an AirPrint compatible printer. Don’t worry though as most big manufacturers make them and they are very affordable – you can get one for less than $100.

To print Using AirPrint, all you have to do is select the photos you want to print from your camera roll, tap the printer icon, select the AirPrint printer and the number of copies you want to print, and that’s it.

If you don’t print photos regularly in bulk, printing from home may not be your best option as the hardware and computer paper will be very under-utilized.

Print from Pick Service

If you just want to print the occasional photo, photo-printing services will be ideal for you. There are many local businesses that can print photos for you at their stores, and all you need to do is go and pick them up when it’s convenient for you. Businesses like Walgreens, Target, CVS, and Walmart are some that come to mind when it comes to remote photo printing from your phone.

To be able to do this, you can download your favorite photo shop’s app so that you can locate the nearest store, send your photos, and pay via their secure payment gateway. All you have to do is pass by the store on your way from work and pick your beautiful photos. The advantage of going this route is that the photos will be professionally printed using high-quality printers and paper. It may seem a bit expensive at 99 cents a photo but at least you won’t have to worry about buying and maintaining a printer.

Print from Deliver Services

I promised to show you how you can print pictures from your phone the easy way. And it doesn’t get easier than sending your picture wirelessly to a print shop, paying the printing fees, and having your pictures delivered to your doorstep free of charge. Companies like Printic offer this amazing service but require that you order at least 3 prints per order.

Just like print and pick services, print and deliver services have an app (or website) that allows you to send your photos wirelessly via Wi-Fi to the shop, pay using your phone, and have them printed and delivered to your home.

Share your Memories

Whatever method you choose to print pictures from your phone, be sure to remember to share those memories with your loved ones. Photos may be simple but they always make good gifts. Now you know how to print pictures from your phone, go ahead and do it – and remember to share those memories.

How To Make Anonymous Calls And Block Your Number On Caller ID

November 1, 2018 By Daniel Giordano Leave a Comment

Quick Navigation

Insert Prefix *67

Switch off Caller ID on iPhone

Switch off Caller ID on Android

Switch Off Caller ID on Windows Phone

Use Google Hangout to Make Anonymous Calls

Use Disposable Phone Number to Make Anonymous Calls

Apps to Hide the Main Number When Making Anonymous Calls

How to Make an Anonymous Call

Trying to work out how to make an anonymous call? It’s actually fairly easy to make anonymous calls from your cell phone with a few tweaks.

All smartphones are capable of utilising Block Caller ID. When you change your telephone to block caller ID, the recipient’s phone will show as an anonymous caller when you get in touch with them.

This is a great precaution when you are coping with an unknown individual or phoning back to another unfamiliar number. These tweaks, however, are dependent upon your state and telephone provider.

When working out how to make an anonymous call, there is a workaround if you don’t want to actually use your handset to make these calls. In these cases, you can make use of your PC to make anonymous calls instead.

**Insert Prefix *67**

This enables you to block identification of any phone supplier in America. It works regardless of the phone platform you use or whatever service you’re contracted with.

Using this prefix number will operate with Android, iPhone and Windows mobiles. You can block your caller ID by merely incorporating '*67' prefix with a ten-digit number.

You may try this for toll-free amounts that begin with 1. If that's the case, you have to dial the state after 67. Telephone format will be similar to this.

Switch off Caller ID on iPhone

iPhone comes with an inbuilt feature that allows you to conceal your number when making any calls. You're able to turn with this feature by following these steps.

iOS Settings > Phone > Show My Caller ID > Slide to OFF

This setting will conceal your phone number for all outgoing calls. Though this is an OS setting, this might differ slightly dependent on where you live and your telephone provider.

Switch off Caller ID on Android

Android telephones also offer the choice to conceal your number when you phone someone else. The setting might be somewhat different on various Android mobiles. However, there is a generic solution that matches the majority of Android mobiles.

Select Phone Settings > Call Settings > Additional Call Settings > Caller ID.

Switch off Caller ID on Android Oreo (Pixel two)

On the Android Oreo operating system (on Google Pixel), the method is slightly different. To Switch off Caller ID on your Google Pixel using Android Oreo, press the telephone icon then the follow the rest of the instructions below.

Android Phone icon > Settings > Calls > Additional Settings > Caller ID > Turn Off

Switch Off Caller ID on Windows Phone

The Windows mobile platform is coming together to offer the same features as iOS and Android when it comes to concealing incoming numbers.

To do this, go the Home screen > select Start > Scroll to and select Settings > Select Phone > Scroll to and select Caller ID > At Provide my caller ID to > scroll left or right to No One or Only my contacts > Select Done > Select Done again > Select Done again.

Use Google Hangout to Make Anonymous Calls

In US and Canada, you can use Google Hangout to dial almost any American or Canadian number at no cost. You can download the Google Hangout out from the PlayStore if you have an Android phone or use iTunes if you are an iPhone user.

Any call you make using Google hangout will show an anonymous number, unless you have already confirmed your number in Google Hangout.

Use Google Hangout rather than Google Voice - Google Voice will show the registered Google Voice number. This is a great option if you are wondering how to make an anonymous call.

Use Disposable Phone Number to Make Anonymous Calls

Disposable Phone Number programs are a different solution for concealing your telephone number for an amount of time before you throw it away.

Its one-time payment option is ideal for a unique purpose, before you get rid of it. Please make use of any cellular number to make calls only briefly. As soon as you’ve finished using it, you can end service.

This is great for keeping your primary number confidential.

Apps to Hide the Main Number When Making Anonymous Calls

There are paid programs from iTunes that can allow you to get a secondary telephone number for your iPhone.

These can also be used to maintain your privacy. These secondary telephone numbers can be used for business transactions or alternative services. Just like the disposable numbers above, you can get rid of these quite easily too.

Depending on the OS and telephone that you use, you will have access to certain telephone numbers to make anonymous calls.

How to Make an Anonymous Call

This is a crucial and straightforward trick to know when you are getting harassed by an unknown individual, or perhaps you want to make an inquiry without being detected.

For your safety, it’s paramount you conceal your number with any one of the alternatives described here and make unknown calls using these procedures.