Does Upgrading RAM Fix PC Stuttering?

RAM holds temporary files and data of applications running in the background.

Computer users frequently encounter performance issues such as slow loading times, lagging applications, and stuttering in today’s digital world. Consider upgrading your computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM) if experiencing these issues.

However, the question remains: does upgrading RAM resolve PC lagging? This article will examine the relationship between RAM and PC stuttering to help determine if upgrading your RAM will solve your performance problems or if you need to consider other options.

Does Upgrading RAM Fix PC Stuttering?

Upgrading RAM can fix PC stuttering, especially if it stutters while opening applications or loading any program. Stuttering due to RAM only occurs if you don’t have sufficient RAM to do tasks. These tasks may be editing, rendering, gaming, or running applications. 

Experiencing stuttering or lag on a PC can be frustrating for any user, especially when performing tasks requiring rapid response times, such as video editing or gaming. RAM upgrades are one of the most frequently recommended solutions for PC stuttering. 

Let’s examine what RAM is and how it functions. RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a type of computer memory that temporarily stores data being actively accessed by the computer. It allows the computer to quickly access and manipulate data, making it a crucial component for the performance of a computer. 

When a computer runs out of RAM, it uses the hard disk drive (HDD), which is much slower than RAM and can cause stuttering as a temporary storage space.

 

In some instances, upgrading RAM can help fix stuttering. If your computer has insufficient RAM, upgrading to more RAM can increase the amount of available memory, thereby enhancing the computer’s performance. 

If an overloaded CPU or GPU causes the stuttering, upgrading the RAM may not be sufficient to resolve the issue. The type and speed of RAM is an additional factor to consider

It is essential to note, however, that upgrading RAM is not a guaranteed solution for stuttering; other factors may be at play. If an outdated or malfunctioning driver causes the stuttering, upgrading the RAM will not resolve the issue. 

In some cases, upgrading to faster RAM can improve performance, particularly when paired with a compatible CPU and motherboard. However, if the new RAM is incompatible with the existing hardware, it can worsen the stuttering.

Is 8GB RAM Enough To Remove Stuttering?

8 GB of RAM is sufficient for most casual users who utilize their devices for web browsing, email, and basic productivity tasks like word processing and spreadsheet creation. But if you are a multitasker and heavy user, 8 GB RAM will cause stuttering.

Noting that RAM is not the only factor in preventing stuttering is also essential. Other components, such as the CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphical Processing Unit), and storage drive speed, can significantly impact a device’s performance. 

For instance, upgrading the RAM may not eliminate stuttering if the device has an older CPU or a slow storage drive.

8GB RAM may not be sufficient to prevent stuttering for more demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and running multiple programs simultaneously. In such instances, upgrading to 16GB or more RAM can improve the device’s overall performance and reduce stuttering.

Does Adding RAM Increases Stability and FPS?

Adding RAM to a computer can improve its stability and FPS, giving more space for temporary files. When a computer has insufficient RAM, the operating system (OS) may substitute the hard disk drive (HDD) for RAM. However, adding RAM in such a situation may improve overall stability and FPS. 

However, because the HDD is considerably slower than RAM, this can cause the system to become unstable and may lead to crashes or freezing. Adding more RAM guarantees the system has sufficient memory to run all applications and processes without crashing or freezing.

Moreover, if a game or application requires more memory than is available in the RAM, the operating system may use the hard drive as temporary memory storage. 

This process, known as “virtual memory,” can cause instability and decrease FPS. By increasing RAM, the system gains more physical memory, which reduces its reliance on virtual memory and enhances its stability.

The system may struggle to process all the necessary data if insufficient memory is available, resulting in decreased FPS. However, once the system has sufficient memory to run the game or application efficiently, adding additional RAM is unlikely to have a discernible effect on FPS.

Adding more RAM may not significantly affect FPS unless the system is already memory-constrained. A running game or application requires a specific amount of memory to function properly. 

Adding RAM will not necessarily improve gaming performance if other hardware components, such as the CPU or GPU, are deficient. In other words, if a system operates with sufficient RAM and the game is still laggy, the CPU or GPU may be at fault, not the RAM.

Which Components Cause Stuttering In PC?

PC users frequently encounter issues with stuttering or lagging, which can be frustrating and disrupt productivity. Stuttering occurs when the computer’s response time is delayed, causing a delay between the user’s input and the computer’s output. This delay is due to faulty components.

RAM: 

Random-access memory (RAM) is used to temporarily store data being actively used by the computer. Insufficient RAM can result in stuttering when insufficient memory is available to store the necessary data for a given task.

A PC can also stutter because of bad RAM. RAM can break down because of flaws in how it was made, electrical surges, or physical damage. When this happens, the PC may freeze, crash, or show a “blue screen of death.” If you think your PC’s stuttering is caused by bad RAM, you can use a tool like Memtest86+ to figure out what’s wrong.

CPU: 

The central processing unit (CPU) is the computer’s brain, and its performance significantly affects the PC’s overall performance. An obsolete or insufficiently powerful CPU for the tasks can result in stuttering.

A CPU’s performance is measured by how many instructions it can run in a certain amount of time, called its clock speed. The speed of the clock is shown in GHz or gigahertz. But if it’s not getting enough power, it will cause stuttering.

Storage:

If storage drives, such as hard disk drives (HDD) and solid-state drives (SSD), are not fast enough to keep up with the demands of the computer, they can also cause stuttering. A sluggish hard drive can delay data access, resulting in stuttering.

Graphics Card:

Games and other graphics-intensive applications require a dedicated graphics card. An inadequate graphics card for the task at hand can result in stuttering. Heavy tasks like rendering and video editing mostly cause stuttering if your card is weak.

The computer may stutter if components like the CPU and GPU get too hot, which can happen without enough cooling. If this is the case, installing a better cooling system might help reduce stuttering.

Is It Normal For PCs To Stutter?

There are two kinds of stuttering, and it’s important to know the difference between them. Micro-stuttering refers to small, temporary hiccups in performance that some users may not notice. Conversely, macro-stuttering refers to bigger freezes or delays that make the user’s experience less smooth.

Several factors can contribute to micro-stuttering, including outdated drivers, background processes, and excessive heat. Most of the time, these problems can be fixed by simply updating drivers, closing applications you don’t need, or ensuring the system has enough cooling.

Conversely, macro-stuttering could mean the PC’s hardware or software is broken more easily. The most common reasons for macro-stuttering are insufficient RAM, a slow hard drive, or an old processor. 

The problem may be fixed by upgrading or replacing hardware parts in these cases. It’s also important to remember that some demanding apps or games, especially those with many graphics or complicated physics engines, are likely to stutter. 

This is because even high-end hardware may have trouble keeping up with the demands of these apps, which can cause occasional stutters or frame drops.

Conclusion

Stuttering on a PC can be extremely frustrating, but fortunately, several options are available to help fix it. Upgrading your RAM is often the recommended solution, as insufficient RAM can cause stuttering when insufficient memory is available to store the necessary data for a given task. 

However, it’s important to note that adding more RAM may not be enough to resolve the issue if other components, such as the CPU or GPU, are not sufficient for the task. 

In some cases, upgrading to faster RAM may improve performance, particularly when paired with a compatible CPU and motherboard. At the same time, if the new RAM is incompatible with the existing hardware, it could worsen the stuttering. 

Additionally, 8GB of RAM may not be sufficient to prevent stuttering for more demanding tasks such as video editing, gaming, and running multiple programs simultaneously.

Additionally, adding RAM may not improve gaming performance if the system is not memory-constrained. It is crucial to assess the condition of each component in the system before attempting to upgrade RAM.