What is RAM or RAM in a computer. What does RAM provide? Why do you need RAM in a computer

When purchasing a brand new computer, you always pay attention to its characteristics, because these are its face and main advantages. Among many parameters, there will definitely be an abbreviation of three letters - RAM. What is it and what is it for? What is the optimal amount needed for normal PC operation? Read about all this below.

Definition and functions

RAM is a random access memory device designed to store data when the computer is turned on. That is, all running processes and tasks on a PC are stored in real time in this very place, from where they are subsequently processed by the processor. You can also find the second name of such a device - RAM, which stands for English or "memory with an arbitrary terminal." RAM performs a number of important tasks, without which the functioning of the entire system is simply impossible:

Features of functioning

RAM is only capable when the PC is on. For this purpose, it is necessary to save all the data with which the work was carried out on the hard disk. RAM - what is it? In other words, the device with which the activities of all processes and programs are carried out. A lot of dynamic information flows through the working memory. Random Access Memory (RAM) - what is it and what does it mean? This technology allows you to read and write data in any memory cells at any time.

How is everything arranged?

How does RAM work? What it is, you already know. How exactly does it function? Absolutely any RAM contains cells, and each of them has its own personal address. Despite this, they all contain an equal number of bits, the number of which is 8 (8 bits = 1 byte). This is the smallest unit of measure for any information. All addresses have the form (0 and 1), in fact, just like data. Cells located next to each other inherit consecutive addresses. Many commands are carried out using "words", areas of memory consisting of 4 or 8 bytes.

Species diversity

The general classification divides this device into 2 SRAM (static) and DRAM (dynamic). The first is used as the CPU cache, the second is assigned the role of PC RAM. Any SRAM contains flip-flops that can be in two states: "on" and "off". They include a complex process of building a technological chain, which is why they take up a lot of space. The price of this device will be much higher than DRAM, which has no triggers, but has 1 transistor and 1 capacitor, which makes the RAM more compact (for example, DDR2 RAM). Its optimal amount at the moment is about 4 GB, but if the computer platform is intended for games, then it is recommended to increase this number by 2 times. Today we figured out the RAM - what it is and how it works. The reader now introduces the basic principle of operation of this device.

I decided to write an article on the topic of what computer RAM is, as I realized, judging by the questions, that many people do not understand what it is.

What is computer RAM and what is it for?

To begin with, I will give a definition that is similar to all the others.

RAM- This is a temporary computer memory that works when the computer is on and is needed for the normal operation of programs and processes. As soon as you turn off the computer and whether you restart, the RAM is erased (correctly speaking, it is reset to zero).

I will explain, using the example of the usual “notebook”, what does temporary memory mean and what is permanent.

Let's start with the constant. Permanent, this is the memory that stores data until the moment when until you remove them. For example, you downloaded a text file from the Internet. As you should already know, any file has weight, it depends on its fullness (in our case, on the amount of text) on the format, etc., this is not so important now. So, you downloaded it, and you see that it exists, that is, you can move it anywhere, delete it, put it on a USB flash drive. That is, this file is “existing”, you can “feel” it.

Now it seems a bit confusing, but after the next paragraph, everything will fall into place, trust me.

Now, let's imagine that you open Notepad and start typing text there. About how good the weather is or how you walked around the city today and what after, you came tired. Now you have already printed a whole poem about your adventures ... Stop! And where is the very text that you typed for half an hour? Look at drive C or D, look in the folders. Let me stop your search, because you won't find it anywhere - it doesn't exist! It's not there yet because you haven't saved it. You didn't click File -> Save As, choose a name, and click Save. Until you save it, it doesn't exist! “How does it not exist?”, you ask, “I can read it, edit it, add it ...”. Yes, like this, it is not in fact, not on one disk, not in one folder. “Then where is he?”, you ask. The answer is simple- just in the same RAM. It exists for situations like this. To store those files that, as it were, do not yet exist, which, at the moment, are only being created. But if you suddenly restart your computer without making a save, then everything that you printed will be lost, because the memory will be reset. Such is its nature of action.

I hope I clarified the situation with the RAM, because it would be much more difficult to explain with other examples and processes. But trust me, this is exactly how it works. So, what is RAM for we figured it out, let's move on.

RAM

The amount of RAM (as it is often called) affects the number of simultaneously running programs and their normal operation.

I'll explain now. You have installed some program, and it has been saved on your computer, let's say Microsoft Office Word. Until you start it, it is at rest and does not take up a drop of RAM. But as soon as you run it to print the text, it immediately begins to take up a certain amount of RAM. Why? Yes, because some temporary processes also take place in it, I will not go into details so as not to confuse you, just take my word for it. These temporary processes occupy a part of our "temporary" memory, and so in every program.

If a large number of "heavy" programs are running, then the computer begins to "freeze" and "fail". His work is noticeably slower. So don't overuse it. And also remember that some .

Now a little about how much memory is normal. It's different for all systems, and here it's not the OS version, i.e. not in Windows XP or 7. It's a matter of bit depth. If you have a 32-bit system, then more than 3 GB of RAM is not recommended. Of course, you can put it, but only 3 GB will be perceived by the computer, the rest will be ignored. If you have a 64-bit system, then you can put up to 9, as far as I know. How to find out how many bits your system is, it’s very simple - Start -> Right-click on “Computer” -> Properties and you won’t confuse everything there (bit depth is highlighted in red).

Frankly, I have 4 GB and enough for my eyes.

How to find out the computer's RAM, or rather its volume?

The easiest way find out the amount of RAM on your computer, this is through the Computer or My Computer program if you have Windows XP. Information about the volume is located in the same place where you found out the bit depth of your system, this is written a little higher (the amount of RAM is highlighted in blue).

order how to check computer RAM, we figured it out quickly, so we will immediately move on to the next question.

Now let's deal with the increase in RAM.

Recently, many people are starting to solve problems with the performance of their PC by increasing resources, and sooner or later they run into the question - how to increase the computer's RAM? Because someone once advised them that, they say, the computer slows down solely because of this. Perhaps in part these "wise advisers" are right, but maybe not. Therefore, let's figure out in which case it is worth increasing our memory, and in which it is not.

Before increasing anything, do something:

• If memory consumption has increased very sharply, without any special reasons (for example, installing a heavy program), then I advise you to check your computer for viruses, either with your antivirus program, or
• I also advise you to generally carry out a major cleaning of the computer, more about it in
• Well, take a look at autoloading programs. You may have enabled those programs that you do not use at all, you can disable them. I wrote about how to do this and.

If you have cleaned and checked everything, and the speed of the PC has not increased, then you can safely increase the amount of RAM. I'll tell you how to do it yourself.

First, as I wrote above, we look at the bit depth to find out to what size we can increase the amount of memory. Next, turn off the computer and DISCONNECT THE POWER FROM THE ELECTRIC NETWORK. After that, we hide one of the covers and take out one of the RAM modules, it looks something like this

You don't have to be a genius to take the module out, just look at how it attaches, unplug the fasteners, and pull it out of the slot. Fasteners look like this:

They are like clothespins, you squeeze them from one side of the module and from the other, and then just drag the module towards you.

Now look how many module slots you have in total, I have four. Since I had two gigabytes of RAM, and I decided to increase it to four, I decided to buy two more gigabyte modules.

Next, I applied a very insidious trick. I went to a computer store, went up to a consultant and said give me two like this one. After the purchase, I came home and inserted all four modules into the slots. All.

Now you know, how to add RAM to your computer if you don't have enough.

How to clear computer RAM?

Several ways to clean up the RAM:

• Restarting the computer. Completely clears "temporary" memory. This type of cleaning can be used only when the computer starts to freeze and slow down due to the huge number of running programs.
• Go to the Task Manager and disable those programs that you currently do not need. I talked about how to do this in.
• Disable unnecessary programs that start with Windows when you turn it on. I talked about how to do this and.

These three points are enough to understand how to clean working memory.

Also, memory is divided not only in size but also in frequency. There are three types of RAM:

• DDR2,
• DDR3.

Their frequencies are:

• DDR - from 200 to 400 MHz,
• DDR2 - from 533 to 1200 MHz,
• DDR3 - from 800 to 2400 MHz.

Accordingly, these types of RAM differ in speed, DDR3 is the coolest. The only thing you need to know is what kind of RAM is suitable for your motherboard, most often it is written on the box in which it was sold.

That's all the secrets of RAM! I hope I helped you at least a little, but to understand this matter.

Computer performance depends on the efficiency of components. The more powerful the processor and the larger the hard disk, the more comfortable the work on the device. However, Random Access Memory (RAM), or RAM, ensures that the tasks are completed quickly. The translation of the term into Russian means "random access to memory cells." Sometimes computer scientists use other names: RAM or RAM. A large amount of RAM running at a high clock speed greatly increases the speed of a PC or laptop.

Concept definition

Random Access Memory (RAM) is used to record information about tasks performed by the computer. The central processor extracts the necessary information from it. In a computer, documents are stored on the hard disk and RAM. Devices differ from each other in speed and dependence on power supply. After turning off the computer, the data loaded by the user remains on the hard drive. RAM is completely cleared when there is no mains voltage.

The main mission of RAM is the quick solution of momentary tasks. When the PC is started, the utilities load the required information into the RAM. From here, the data is sent to the central processing unit, where it is processed. The result of the work is returned to the RAM, and then sent to the hard disk for saving or to the applications involved in the work at the current time.

RAM stores one byte of information in one electronic cell. If there is not enough space in RAM when new data arrives, then old information is erased. To prevent this from happening, a paging file or cache is used. The ability of the RAM to run multiple computing processes at the same time increases the speed and efficiency of the entire system.

Types of storage devices

Recording and saving information in the RAM occurs when a charge is applied to a set of capacitors or when switching the state of a set of semiconductor triggers. Different RAM schemes have led to the use of 2 types of devices:

RAM specifications

1. The type of RAM is determined by the clock speed. DDR operates at up to 400 MHz, DDR2 - 1200 MHz, DDR3 - 2400 MHz, DDR4 - 4200 MHz. The higher the clock frequency, the faster the system runs. However, if the value of the clock frequency of the RAM exceeds the value of the effective frequency of the processor, then this means that money was wasted on the purchase of powerful RAM. The performance of a computer is determined by the frequency of the CPU.
2. The more DRAM, the better. Larger RAM handles more programs and processes at the same time. Accordingly, the cost of the device increases.
3. Timing determines the period of time from the moment the memory is accessed to the receipt of the requested information. The lower the timing value, the faster the RAM. Memory size and timing are related. A larger module size implies a longer memory access time. Installing several identical DRAM sticks of a smaller volume helps to solve the problem.

Operation and prevention

The motherboard has slots for installing RAM modules. On the memory bar, special cutouts are made that will not allow you to insert the plate incorrectly. PC modules must have the same parameters. Otherwise, the device will work according to the lowest values ​​​​of technical characteristics.

The amount of RAM is determined by the operating system installed on the computer. A 32-bit OS will require no more than 4 GB, while a 64-bit OS will require up to 9 GB of memory. The amount of RAM depends on the model of the motherboard installed on the PC. The compliance of the RAM with the power of the computer is checked in the BIOS, the table of which will be displayed on the monitor screen when you press the Del or F2 key during boot. The Installed memory item indicates the amount of RAM.

When removing dust in the interior of the computer, it will not be superfluous cleaning operation. The module pulled out of the slot is blown with a fan or wiped with a dry and clean cloth. The contact group is cleaned of contamination with a swab dipped in alcohol. The dried device is inserted into its original place.

Disabling unnecessary services helps improve RAM performance. Through the "Start" menu, the "Control Panel" opens. In the "Administration" section, select the "Services" item. Utilities that are not currently needed are marked with an icon and disabled. It is better to entrust this operation to a specialist so as not to make fatal mistakes.

RAM size depends on the purpose of the personal computer. 4 GB is enough to surf the Internet. 8 GB is enough for computer games. Utilities that require significant RAM resources up to 16 GB include antiviruses, graphic image editors, and video editing programs. There are two things to keep in mind when choosing RAM for your computer. Too advanced RAM, bought at a high price, will idle. Lack of RAM will not provide memory resources for a powerful processor or powerful video card.

RAM

Next, we will dwell in more detail on the next important characteristic of RAM - its volume. First, it should be noted that it most directly affects the number of programs, processes and applications running at a time and their smooth operation. To date, the most popular modules are strips with a capacity of: 4 GB and 8 GB (we are talking about the DDR3 standard).

Based on which operating system is installed, as well as for what purposes the computer is used, you should correctly select and select the amount of RAM. For the most part, if the computer is used to access the World Wide Web and to work with various applications, while Windows XP is installed, then 2 GB is enough.

For those who like to "run in" a recently released game and people working with graphics, you should set at least 4 GB. And in the event that you plan to install windows 7, then you will need even more.

The easiest way to find out how much memory your system needs is to launch the Task Manager (by pressing the ctrl + alt + del keyboard shortcut) and launch the resource-consuming program or application itself. After that, it is necessary to analyze the information in the "Memory Allocation" - "Peak" group.

Thus, we can determine the maximum allocated volume and find out to what volume it needs to be increased so that our highest indicator fits in RAM. This will give you maximum system performance. There will be no need to increase further.

Choice of RAM

Now let's move on to the question of choosing the RAM that is most suitable specifically for you. From the very beginning, you should determine exactly the type of RAM that your computer motherboard supports. For modules of different types, there are different connectors, respectively. Therefore, in order to avoid damage to the motherboard or the modules themselves, the modules themselves have different sizes.

The optimal amount of RAM was discussed above. When choosing RAM, you should focus on its bandwidth. For system speed, the most optimal option is when the module bandwidth matches the same processor characteristic.

That is, if the computer has a processor with a 1333 MHz bus, the bandwidth of which is 10600 Mb / s, then to ensure the most favorable conditions for performance, you can put 2 bars, the bandwidth of which is 5300 Mb / s, and which in total will give us 10600 Mb/s

However, it should be remembered that for this mode of operation, the RAM modules must be identical both in volume and in frequency. In addition, they must be made by the same manufacturer. Here is a short list of well-established manufacturers: Samsung, OCZ, Transcend, Kingston, Corsair, Patriot.

In the end, it is worth summarizing the main points:

• Based on the definition: RAM or RAM is an integral part of a computer that is necessary for the temporary storage of data, which in turn is necessary for the processor to work.
• After completion of any operations (closing programs, applications), all data associated with them are deleted from the chip. And when you start new tasks, the data that the processor needs at a given time is loaded into it from the hard disk.
• The speed of access to data located in RAM is several hundred times greater than the speed of access to information located on the hard disk. This allows the processor to use the desired information, gaining instant access to it.
• To date, the most common 2 types: DDR3 (with a frequency of 800 to 2400 MHz) and DDR4 (from 2133 to 4266 MHz). The higher the frequency, the faster the system runs.

If you have any difficulties with the choice of RAM, if you cannot determine what type of RAM your motherboard supports and what amount will be more suitable for your needs, then you can always contact the service site. We are computer help at home in Moscow and Moscow region. Our experts will help with the selection, replacement and installation in a computer or laptop.

Story random access memory, or RAM, began back in 1834, when Charles Babbage developed the "analytical engine" - in fact, the prototype of a computer. Part of this machine, which was responsible for storing intermediate data, he called the "warehouse". Memorization of information there was organized in a purely mechanical way, by means of shafts and gears.

In the first generations of computers, cathode ray tubes, magnetic drums were used as RAM, later magnetic cores appeared, and after them, in the third generation of computers, memory on microcircuits appeared.

Now the RAM is performed according to the technology DRAM in form factors DIMMs and SO-DIMMs, is a dynamic memory organized in the form of semiconductor integrated circuits. It is volatile, that is, data disappears when there is no power.

The choice of RAM is not a difficult task today, the main thing here is to understand the types of memory, its purpose and main characteristics.

Memory types

SODIMM

SO-DIMM form factor memory is designed for use in laptops, compact ITX systems, monoblocks - in a word, where the minimum physical size of memory modules is important. It differs from the DIMM form factor in the length of the module reduced by about 2 times, and fewer pins on the board (204 and 360 pins for SO-DIMM DDR3 and DDR4 versus 240 and 288 for boards of the same types of DIMM memory).
In terms of other characteristics - frequency, timings, volume, SO-DIMM modules can be any, and they do not differ from DIMMs in any fundamental way.

DIMM

DIMM - random access memory for full-size computers.
The type of memory you choose must first of all be compatible with the socket on the motherboard. RAM for a computer is divided into 4 types - DDR, DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4.

DDR memory appeared in 2001 and had 184 pins. The supply voltage ranged from 2.2 to 2.4 V. The operating frequency was 400 MHz. Still found on sale, however, the choice is small. Today, the format is outdated - it is suitable only if you do not want to completely update the system, and in the old motherboard the connectors are only for DDR.

The DDR2 standard was released already in 2003, it received 240 pins, which increased the number of threads, decently speeding up the data transfer bus to the processor. The operating frequency of DDR2 could be up to 800 MHz (in some cases - up to 1066 MHz), and the supply voltage from 1.8 to 2.1 V - slightly less than that of DDR. Consequently, the power consumption and heat dissipation of the memory have been reduced.
DDR2 vs DDR Differences:

240 contacts vs 120
· New slot not compatible with DDR
Less power consumption
Improved design, better cooling
Higher maximum operating frequency

Also, like DDR, an outdated type of memory - now it’s only suitable for old motherboards, in other cases it makes no sense to buy, since the new DDR3 and DDR4 are faster.

In 2007, RAM was updated with the DDR3 type, which is still massively distributed. The same 240 pins remain, but the connection slot for DDR3 has changed - there is no compatibility with DDR2. The frequency of the modules is on average from 1333 to 1866 MHz. There are also modules with frequencies up to 2800 MHz.
DDR3 is different from DDR2:

· DDR2 and DDR3 slots are incompatible.
· The clock speed of DDR3 is 2 times higher - 1600 MHz versus 800 MHz for DDR2.
Differs in a reduced supply voltage - about 1.5V, and lower power consumption (in the version DDR3L this value is on average even lower, about 1.35 V).
· Delays (timings) DDR3 more than DDR2, but the operating frequency is higher. In general, the speed of DDR3 is 20-30% higher.

DDR3 is a good choice today. Many motherboards sell DDR3 memory slots, and due to the massive popularity of this type, it is unlikely to disappear soon. It's also slightly cheaper than DDR4.

DDR4 is a new type of RAM developed only in 2012. It is an evolutionary development of the previous types. Memory bandwidth has increased again, now reaching 25.6 GB/s. The operating frequency has also risen - on average from 2133 MHz to 3600 MHz. If we compare the new type with DDR3, which lasted on the market for 8 years and became widespread, then the performance gain is insignificant, and besides, not all motherboards and processors support the new type.
DDR4 differences:

Incompatibility with previous types
Reduced supply voltage - from 1.2 to 1.05 V, power consumption also decreased
Operating memory frequency up to 3200 MHz (can reach 4166 MHz in some brackets), while, of course, proportionally increased timings
May slightly outperform DDR3

If you already have DDR3 sticks, then there is no point in rushing to change them to DDR4. When this format spreads massively, and all motherboards already support DDR4, the transition to a new type will happen by itself with an update of the entire system. Thus, we can summarize that DDR4 is more of a marketing than a really new type of RAM.

What memory frequency to choose?

Choosing a frequency should begin with checking the maximum supported frequencies by your processor and motherboard. It makes sense to take a frequency higher than supported by the processor only when overclocking the processor.

Today, you should not choose memory with a frequency below 1600 MHz. The 1333 MHz option is acceptable in the case of DDR3, if these are not old modules lying around at the seller, which will obviously be slower than new ones.

The best option for today is memory with a frequency interval from 1600 to 2400 MHz. A higher frequency has almost no advantage, but costs much more, and is usually overclocked modules with raised timings. For example, the difference between modules in 1600 and 2133 MHz in a number of working programs will be no more than 5-8%, in games the difference can be even less. Frequencies in 2133-2400 MHz are worth taking if you are engaged in video / audio encoding, rendering.

The difference between the frequencies of 2400 and 3600 MHz will cost you quite a lot, while not adding any noticeable speed.

How much RAM to take?

The amount you need depends on the type of work being done on the computer, the operating system installed, and the programs you use. Also, do not lose sight of the maximum amount of memory supported by your motherboard.

Volume 2 GB- for today, it may be enough only for browsing the Internet. More than half will be eaten by the operating system, the rest will be enough for the leisurely work of undemanding programs.

Volume 4 GB- suitable for a medium-sized computer, for a home PC media center. Enough to watch movies, and even play undemanding games. Modern - alas, will pull with difficulty. (Will be the best choice if you have a 32-bit Windows operating system that sees no more than 3 GB of RAM)

Volume 8 GB(or a 2x4GB kit) is the recommended volume for today for a full-fledged PC. This is enough for almost any game, to work with any resource-demanding software. Best choice for general purpose computer.

The volume of 16 GB (or 2x8GB, 4x4GB sets) will be justified if you work with graphics, heavy programming environments, or constantly render video. It is also perfect for online streaming - here with 8 GB there can be freezes, especially with high quality video broadcasts. Some games at high resolutions and with HD textures may perform better with 16 GB of RAM on board.

Volume 32 GB(set 2x16GB, or 4x8GB) - so far a very controversial choice, it will come in handy for some very extreme work tasks. It would be better to spend money on other computer components, this will have a stronger effect on its performance.

Operating modes: better 1 stick of memory or 2?

RAM can operate in single-channel, dual-, three- and four-channel modes. Definitely, if your motherboard has a sufficient number of slots, then it is better to take several identical smaller ones instead of one memory bar. The speed of access to them will increase from 2 to 4 times.

In order for the memory to work in dual-channel mode, you need to install brackets in slots of the same color on the motherboard. As a rule, the color is repeated through the connector. It is important at the same time that the memory frequency in the two bars is the same.

- Single channel mode– single-channel operation mode. Turns on when one memory bar is installed, or different modules operating at different frequencies. As a result, the memory runs at the frequency of the slowest bar.
- dual mode– two-channel mode. Works only with memory modules of the same frequency, increases the speed by 2 times. Manufacturers produce specially for this kits of memory modules, in which there can be 2 or 4 identical strips.
-Triple Mode- works on the same principle as the two-channel. In practice, it is not always faster.
- Quad mode- four-channel mode, which works on the principle of two-channel, respectively, increasing the speed of work by 4 times. It is used where exceptionally high speed is needed - for example, in servers.

- Flex Mode- a more flexible version of the two-channel mode of operation, when the bars are of different volumes, but only the frequency is the same. In this case, the same volumes of modules will be used in dual-channel mode, and the remaining volume will operate in single-channel mode.

Does memory need a heatsink?

Now is not the time when, at a voltage of 2 V, an operating frequency of 1600 MHz was reached, and as a result, a lot of heat was generated, which had to be somehow removed. Then the heatsink could be a criterion for the survival of an overclocked module.

At present, memory power consumption has dropped significantly, and a heatsink on a module can be justified from a technical point of view only if you are fond of overclocking, and the module will operate at frequencies that are beyond its limits. In all other cases, radiators can be justified, perhaps, by a beautiful design.

If the heatsink is massive and noticeably increases the height of the memory bar, this is already a significant disadvantage, since it can prevent you from installing a processor supercooler in the system. By the way, there are special low-profile memory modules designed for installation in compact cases. They are slightly more expensive than regular sized modules.

What are timings?

Timings, or latency (latency)- one of the most important characteristics of RAM, determining its speed. Let us outline the general meaning of this parameter.

Simplified, RAM can be represented as a two-dimensional table in which each cell carries information. Cells are accessed by specifying the column and row number, and this is indicated by the row access strobe. RAS(Row Access Strobe) and column access gate CAS (Acess Strobe) by changing the voltage. Thus, for each cycle of work there are calls RAS and CAS, and there are certain delays between these accesses and write / read commands, which are called timings.

In the description of the RAM module, you can see five timings, which for convenience are written as a sequence of numbers separated by a hyphen, for example 8-9-9-20-27 .

· tRCD (time of RAS to CAS Delay)- timing, which determines the delay from the RAS pulse to CAS
· CL (time of CAS Latency)- timing, which determines the delay between the write / read command and the CAS pulse
· tRP (time of Row Precharge)- timing, which determines the delay in transitions from one line to the next
· tRAS (time of Active to Precharge Delay)- timing, which determines the delay between the activation of the line and the end of work with it; is considered the main value
· command rate– determines the delay between the command to select a single chip on the module until the command to activate the line; this timing is not always indicated.

To put it even more simply, it is important to know only one thing about timings - the smaller their values, the better. At the same time, the bars can have the same frequency of operation, but different timings, and a module with lower values ​​will always be faster. So it is worth choosing the minimum timings, for DDR4 the timings of 15-15-15-36 will be the benchmark for average values, for DDR3 - 10-10-10-30. It is also worth remembering that the timings are related to the memory frequency, so when overclocking, you will most likely have to raise the timings, and vice versa - you can manually lower the frequency, while lowering the timings. It is most beneficial to pay attention to the totality of these parameters, choosing rather a balance, and not chasing the extreme values ​​of the parameters.

How to decide on a budget?

With more money, you can afford more RAM. The main difference between cheap and expensive modules will be in timings, frequency of operation, and in the brand - well-known, advertised ones can cost a little more than noname modules from an incomprehensible manufacturer.
In addition, the radiator installed on the modules costs extra money. Not all planks need it, but manufacturers now do not skimp on them.

The price will also depend on the timings, the lower they are, the higher the speed, and, accordingly, the price.

So, having up to 2000 rubles, you can purchase a 4 GB memory module, or 2 x 2 GB modules, which is preferable. Choose depending on what your PC configuration allows. Modules like DDR3 will cost almost half as much as DDR4. With such a budget, it is more reasonable to take DDR3.

To the group up to 4000 rubles Includes 8 GB modules and 2x4 GB kits. This is the best choice for any task, except for professional work with video, and in any other heavy environments.

Into the amount up to 8000 rubles The amount of memory will cost 16 GB. Recommended for professional purposes, or for avid gamers - enough even in reserve, waiting for new demanding games.

If not a problem to spend up to 13000 rubles, then the best choice would be to put them in a set of 4 sticks of 4 GB. For this money, you can even choose prettier radiators, possibly for subsequent overclocking.

I don’t advise taking more than 16 GB without the purpose of working in professional heavy environments (and even then not in all), but if you really want to, then for the amount from 13000 rubles you can climb Olympus by purchasing a 32 GB or even 64 GB kit. True, this will not make much sense for an ordinary user or gamer - it is better to spend money on, say, a flagship video card.