Most people think RAM and Memory are the same, but that’s not always true.

RAM is a particular type of memory, but not all memory is RAM. Here’s why that matters.

What’s the Difference Between RAM and Memory?

RAM (random access memory) is often referred to as memory, but it’s technically a type of memory. There are two main types of memory: RAM and storage memory. RAM is much faster but can only store data while receiving power, while storage memory can store data permanently, even when the power is off.

Every computer needs both RAM and storage memory.

RAM, or random access memory, is memory your PC uses to read and write data at super-fast speeds. Your CPU accesses data temporarily stored in RAM to perform blazing fast computations.

Since RAM is volatile, however, it can’t store data in the long-term. That’s where storage memory comes in.

Storage memory is orders of magnitude slower than RAM, but it’s great for storing data permanently.

When you’re using a game or any other program, your computer will store its data in the RAM so that the processor can access it quickly.

But once you save your work and close the app, that data is stored on your PC’s SSD or HDD, forms of storage memory. Any documents, pictures, movies, or games on your PC are stored in its storage memory.

As you can see, you need both types of memory in your computer. But is one more important than the other?

Is It Better To Have Memory or Storage on a PC?

More RAM is usually better than more storage memory. More and better RAM improves your computer’s performance and allows it to run more more applications concurrently. Adding storage memory doesn’t improve performance, but it gives you more space to store stuff.

You can have a gaming PC with 32 GB of RAM and a mere 256 GB of storage and it will still have great performance.

Compare that to a business PC with only 8 GB of RAM and 2 TB of storage. The gaming rig can run circles around the business rig because it has more RAM and probably a better processor.

If you’re not a gamer and don’t need quick access to a lot of data, having more storage is better than having more RAM. That’s because you won’t ever need the extra speed that comes with additional RAM.

Of course, you still need enough storage to keep all your games. It’s just that RAM will have a greater impact on your gaming experience.

Keep in mind that not all RAM is the same. For example, DDR6 RAM is faster than DDR4 RAM. It will offer a better gaming experience than DDR4 RAM.

The same goes for storage. Solid-state drives (SSD) are much faster than traditional hard disk storage drives (HDD).

HDDs have been around for a long time and are cheaper than SSDs, but it’s typically better to go with SSDs because they have superior performance.

Now you understand how RAM and storage work, but which one is more important for gaming?

Which Is More Important for Gaming: RAM or Storage?

RAM is more important for gaming than storage. RAM works directly with the CPU to load data that’s in constant use, while storage is mostly used to read game data during loading.

Having more RAM lets you keep more data accessible to the CPU so that it can be processed quickly, which is essential for gaming.

Storage, on the other hand, is where data is stored long-term. It takes much longer to access data from storage than from RAM, but it’s not as crucial for gaming because data in storage isn’t being accessed constantly.

Just in case, let’s make a few things clear about SSDs.

Is SSD A Type of Memory?

SSD is a storage device, but it’s not RAM. SSD is a type of storage technology, which means it’s used for storing data permanently. SSD drives are much faster than their older counterpart, HHDs.

SSD stands for solid state memory, so it’s naturally a type of memory. However, the word “memory” is often used interchangeably with RAM, and SSD is definitely not RAM.

Like any other type of storage, SSDs hold data in the long term. But will that data ever disappear or become corrupted?

Do SSDs Lose Data Over Time?

SSDs lose data over time, but they retain data for a very long time—at least 5-10 years, which is longer than HDDs do. That’s because SSDs don’t have any moving parts, so there’s nothing to break down over time.

Instead of using a magnetic disk, SSD stores data in transistors that hold their charge even without power.

However, SSDs can still fail. They can be damaged by power surges, static electricity, physical shocks, or extreme temperatures. It’s essential to back up your data regularly just in case your SSD fails.

HDDs lose data over time due to physical wear and tear. The moving parts inside an HDD can break down. If you have important data that you need to keep safe, it’s best to store it on an SSD.

The downside to SSDs is that they’re more expensive than HDDs. This means you might have to trade off space for performance when you upgrade your storage.

For example, a 2TB SATA HDD might cost you $60, while a 1TB SSD might cost you $200.

It’s important to weigh your needs before making a decision. If you need more storage, go with an HDD. But if you need the fastest possible performance, go with an SSD.

Now that we’ve talked about the roles of storage and memory, let’s see which are the best components you can get for your PC.

Best RAM: Corsair Vengeance 16GB RAM

The Corsair Vengeance 16GB RAM is the best RAM for gaming. This Vengeance 16GB RAM uses cutting-edge DDR4 technology for high speeds and low latencies. It’s also compatible with Intel and AMD CPUs.

This high-performance RAM from Corsair is designed for gamers and power users who need the best possible performance. It’s available in up to 32GB, which means you can get the right amount of RAM for your needs.

With this RAM, you get customizable RGB lighting, so you can match it to the rest of your gaming rig. It also comes with a generous warranty, so you can be sure it’s built to last.

If you’re looking for the best possible performance, this is the RAM for you. Just be aware that it’s more expensive than other options on the market.