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PC Water Cooling | When Is It Really Worth It?

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If you want to get more performance out of your own gaming computer , then you’ve probably stumbled across so-called water cooling. Again and again you hear that this is the ultimate option to protect the graphics card and CPU from overheating. But what is really true about these statements? We compare the advantages and disadvantages of a PC water cooling and explain whether it is suitable for you!

The basics: This is how water cooling works

Basically, the PC water cooling should ensure a more efficient heat exchange between the CPU, GPU, and environment. Particularly in high-performance computers, as is often the case with gaming PCs today, the individual components heat up strongly under load. Part of the electrical energy is released as thermal energy. If this is not removed quickly enough, the hardware can be damaged.

Final Fantasy Vii Remake | This Is What Awaits You

The problems of conventional air cooling

Air cooling has been built into most PCs for a long time. And it is still very popular today. But it brings with it some problems that quickly explain the need for alternatives . Basically, this variant works with fins, which transfer the heat to a conventional fan. This then distributes the hot air to the environment.

The biggest problem with this is that the modern PC almost always sits in a confined housing . This also means that the heat emitted remains in the computer and continues to help heat the various components. Additional fans are therefore required, which then convey the heat out of the housing. However, these are also severely limited in their size and can therefore never provide 100% cooling capacity.

This is how PC water cooling differs

The big difference between water cooling and air cooling lies in the spatial separation between the heat absorption and its release in the case of the former. Because here it is so that a heat sink is attached to the component connected to a water circuit. The liquid absorbs the heat and transports it away.

A pump is used to bring the water to the radiator (also known as the heat exchanger ). This is usually located in the air space of the housing, for example in the front, in the lid or even completely outside. There are fins in the radiator that cool the water down again. In contrast to air cooling, these cooling plates are much larger because they do not have to take any other components into account due to their placement in the free space. In this way, the liquid can be cooled down more efficiently and fed back into the cycle.

Nevertheless, the name of PC water cooling is actually misleading, because basically it is not the water that directly cools. This is, so to speak, only the means of transport for the heat. On the other hand, classic fans are also attached to the radiator itself , which release excess heat. However, the whole thing is usually much more effective here, as the hot air is usually released directly to the outside and not back into the limited space.

When does water cooling make sense?

Before you decide on water cooling, you should absolutely be sure that it makes sense. Because it is quite the case that you can easily spend more than 100 euros on such a system . A typical, powerful fan, on the other hand, is only around half of this price range. In the meantime, there are also models that can keep up with inexpensive water cooling.

The main advantage of water cooling is that it offers greater efficiency . The difference is particularly clear with external systems. In addition, the PC water cooling is usually noticeably quieter than the pure fan version. You will hardly notice the difference in the office computer. However, if your PC often runs in the high-performance range, you can provide additional protection against overheating.

Especially when you notice that your computer is often slowing down due to thermal throttling ( i.e., the CPU or GPU performance is reduced to prevent overheating), water cooling can be very useful. This then ensures that your graphics card and / or your processor stays cool longer. So you can enjoy a smoother gaming experience.

Water cooling: when to change the water?

Have you decided on PC water cooling? Then there are still a few things to consider after the purchase, because just as dust must be removed from the fan, the water cooling should also be cleaned from time to time. As a rule, however, it is not actually necessary to replace the water. However, you should check carefully whether dust has deposited in it or whether algae have formed after a longer standstill.

If this is the case, you can rinse the individual components (especially the hoses) once with distilled water and clean them in this way. To prevent this, it also makes sense to use special liquids for water cooling. For example, distilled water with a little cooling liquid has proven to be very resistant. If you follow these tips, you will most likely never get embarrassed about having to change the water.

Final Fantasy Vii Remake | This Is What Awaits You

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Without question, one of the most popular JRPGs and hardly any gamer has completely avoided the hype. With 15 original game titles, over a dozen books and even some film adaptations, as well as pieces of music specifically for or based on the series, Final Fantasy is not only one of the best-known, but also one of the best-selling video games of all time. Now the publisher Square Enix has decided to reissue one of the most popular parts. Find out what you can expect from the Final Fantasy VII Remake and what you need to know before playing here!

Final Fantasy Vii Remake

Final Fantasy – a success story straight out of a fairy tale

Did you know that the original Final Fantasy part, which appeared in 1987 for the NES, was actually supposed to be the last release from the game developer Square? In fact, that’s where the “final” comes in the title. But what began as a parting gift quickly became the studio’s savior and so a series was created that still inspires millions of players around the world.

The origins of a legend

After Masafumi Miyamoto and Hironobu Sakaguchi, the founders of Square, saw no way out, they apparently thought that now was the right time to break all the rules . They wanted to develop an RPG that has never been seen before. Four heroes should control the players, who go through an open, gloomy world and experience adventures to ultimately save the earth.

Anyone who knows the background of the development will soon notice the depressive mood that overshadows the game and somehow gives it its unique flair at the same time . Ruins shape the landscape and in more than one situation you as a player have the feeling that there is no way out.

While the producers were already in the process of clearing the studios and looking for new jobs after the release – Sakaguchi wanted to start studying again at the university – the positive reviews rolled over. Suddenly things were looking up, and Square saved a whole new RPG series saw the light of day. But the original game was designed in such a way that it was impossible to continue. Without further ado, the pattern emerged that still characterizes the Final Fantasy Games today: New heroes always face new adventures with ever new game mechanics.

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True masterpieces: Final Fantasy VI & VII

In 1994 and 1997 Square celebrated further, at the time almost unimaginable successes with the classics Final Fantasy VI and Final Fantasy VII. For the first time, the player no longer finds himself in a medieval world, but in a post-apocalyptic world with a steampunk look.

The characters are also more versatile than ever. Sometimes you control a thief who sneaks up very quietly, sometimes a martial arts artist who only fights with his bare hands. The background stories are told in detail and cast a spell over gamers all over the world.

But not only that: For the first time, the developers also received praise for the unique soundtrack . The composer Nobuo Uematsu had his hands in the game and worked out memorable, catchy tunes for the players for days. Even today, the two popular titles are celebrated and played with as true fan favorites, which is why a remake was probably not too far-fetched.

A new age has arrived: Final Fantasy today

In the 10th part of the series , Square said goodbye to the steampunk world and moved on to cyperpunk. Metal structures and futuristic inventions shaped the gaming experience and referred to the series’ dark roots. But the company could not celebrate a real success again, so in 2003 Square united with its biggest Japanese competitor Enix. Together, the companies also managed to establish themselves in the western world.

The release of the two MMOs Final Fantasy XI and XIV was definitely decisive for this success . Finally the players could play together online. But at the same time one of the characteristics that had made the games so popular suffered: Suddenly, you were constantly only controlling one character. But the characters of other gamers came to the rescue in boss fights – a style that seemed to please, because even today, especially Final Fantasy 14, is experiencing an enormous increase in players.

Final Fantasy VII vs. Remake 2020 – a classic reinterpreted

The first rumors of a Final Fantasy VII remake surfaced as early as 2014. But it wasn’t until E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) 2015 that Square Enix made the announcement official. The reactions were mixed: some could hardly wait, the game was a true classic, while others were afraid of all the details that could be lost in the new edition.

The original FF7 appeared in 1997, more than 20 years ago . It is the first in the popular series of games to use 3D graphics. Specifically, this means that the game characters moved in front of a pre-rendered background. But what is now ridiculed as a simple production was the first cornerstone for the modern designs of the JRPG.

The story of the new edition

While the game designers have changed some of the graphics, the story remains fundamentally the same : The player will also control the former Shinra soldier Cloud Strife in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. He has teamed up with the AVALANCHE eco-activist group to fight his former employer.

Reason: The Shinra organization won its money by unfair means. They withdraw all of its life energy from the (invented) planet in order to make a profit. In the long run, however, this process would mean the end of all life. So, together with Tifa, Aerith, Barret and Sephiroth, Cloud takes on the fight – you can of course switch between the characters as usual.

A graphics dream comes true

In the remake, the optics will look a little different than the original, because Square Enix naturally uses high-end technology here . A completely new gaming experience is offered graphically because that is the difference between the remastered and remake versions. Here you dive into new, previously unknown worlds, get to know a new Kapf system and can look forward to many new (but also old) acquaintances.

In the new Final Fantasy VII you can look forward to a real-time combat system in which you will also be able to use magical items during the fight scenes. The development studio has also confirmed that some of the popular minigames will also be reissued – which, unfortunately, we will only see when we play.

The full gaming experience

It is typical for the old Final Fantasy versions that the characters communicate exclusively in Japanese. That can quickly become exhausting for the German player. Because it means constantly reading the subtitles in order to really understand the context.

In the Final Fantasy VII Remake, however, Square Enix relied on full synchronization . In addition to Japanese, the game will also support the following languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Release

The release date was originally announced for March 3, 2020. However, Square Enix announced in January 2020 that the release would be postponed by one month to April 10, 2020 . According to Yoshinori Kitase, one of the game producers, the reason for this decision is that you need a little more time to fine-tune the game.

However, this date only applies to all PS4 players, because PC gamers and Xbox fans will have to wait another year . However, it is already clear that the game will definitely be released in individual episodes – how many is not yet known.

Final Fantasy 7 PC system requirements

Even if it will take a while before the PC version of the FF7 Remake finally appears, there is already some information on the minimum requirements . So that you can prepare yourself extensively and in good time for the release and then not be surprised with lags and pixel mud, we have summarized the system requirements (as of the end of January 2020) here.

After the one year of Sony exclusivity has expired, you may need to upgrade your computer, because the new JRPG is not completely undemanding. You should have at least an Intel Core i5-2500K 3.3GHz or an AMD FX-8320 installed as a processor. However, for the full gaming experience, an Intel Core i7-6700K 4-core 4.0 GHz or AMD Ryzen R5 1600 is recommended.

As a graphics card, you should at least use a GeForce GTX 960 (2GB) or the Radeon equivalent R9 380. However, for the ultimate setting, an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 or an AMD Radeon RX Vega 56 (8GB) is required. Your RAM is best between 8 to 16 GB and you should definitely get DirectX 11 up and running. You can also expect the FF7 to take up around 50 GB of your hard drive.

Case Modding For Beginners | What Is Actually Possible?

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PC components around which fish swim, microwaves in which a real monster PC has found its home and of course many colorful LEDs that illuminate the whole thing in an exciting way. Have you ever seen these crazy pictures? All of them are – albeit particularly unusual – examples of case modding. How this actually works and what is possible if you want to put your gaming PC in the limelight at home , we’ll tell you now!

Case Modding For Beginners

What is case modding anyway?

Anyone who gamble has probably heard of PC modding or computer modding. Both terms basically refer to the same phenomenon. Roughly broken down, modding is derived from the English “modification”, meaning change. And that’s exactly what it’s about: changing the look and technical components of a computer.

On the other hand, case modding specifically deals with the design of the housing – the case. For this purpose, the various components are set in scene using LEDs, for example, and the outer and inner walls as well as the various components are painted and given logos.

So that you can really marvel at this spectacle while gambling, the right housing must of course also be found. Plexiglass is often used to make the inside of the PC visible. Sometimes even the most diverse (everyday) objects are modified into a PC case with a little tinkering – such as the microwave mentioned above. This process in turn is referred to as Case Construction (also: CaseCon for short).

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The heart of PC modding: the housing

Do you want to know which doors are open to you when it comes to case modding? Then we would like to give you a hand. But before we start designing the interior , we have to lay the foundations. This forms the housing itself, because this will later house all LEDs, cables and components. When choosing – or designing – you have a number of options. We’ll reveal which ones!

Always a great view

For many, the glass window on the side is essential so that the case modding is really worthwhile. However, since this often has to withstand the higher temperatures that arise with the high performance of the components, it should ideally be made of Plexiglas . Because real glass is unfortunately often not suitable for this environment.

The synthetic glass, on the other hand, has exactly the right properties for the gaming PC: It is particularly stable and can withstand extremely cold as well as extremely warm temperatures that can arise in the case. In addition, it is very easy , which is particularly noticeable when you visit a LAN party. Speaking of transport: The acrylic glass is also extremely break-proof. But the glass replacement still has one disadvantage. It is quite sensitive to scratches. So, especially when cleaning and transporting, make sure that you do not leave any permanent traces.

Of course, what is particularly interesting for you with case modding is that it is wonderfully easy to individualize. The manufacture can different colors , and even gradients are produced. It can be made transparent or milky – depending on what you have in mind! By the way: custom-made parts are often available for comparatively little money.

From anthracite to cyan: color design

It is not just the window that defines the future appearance of your housing, the color is also essential. Since most cases still come in black, white or maybe even gray, it can make sense to lend a hand here. This is particularly easy with the help of special foils or stickers . You can often purchase these and are adapted to the standard sizes of the various mini, midi and maxi towers.

Of course, you can also design your own stickers – for example with the logo of your new esports team . Or what is your favorite game? You will often find different stickers for case modding with their logo, your favorite characters and Co. If you don’t find the right one, you can order it from the printer of your choice.

However, the results become more spectacular and individual when you start painting yourself . To do this, you must first thoroughly clean the surfaces to be colored and lightly roughen them with sandpaper. Then you walk evenly around the housing with a spray bottle and from a distance of about half a meter. Et voila: Your individual case has been created. Incidentally, it is best to prepare patterns, logos, etc. beforehand with a stencil – this makes designing much easier for you and prevents mistakes.

Unusual and individual: modding components

In addition to the housing, the existing components can of course also be designed individually . While this is very difficult with the mainboard and should really be left to the professionals, with a little basic knowledge you can trust the graphics card and the cooling.

While the GPU usually has fans mounted on the underside, the surface usually consists of a smooth plate. No connections should lead to these, then you can simply repaint them . You proceed similarly to the rest of the case, but make sure that you mask off the sensitive partitions. Don’t you dare Then look around carefully before buying. Because most graphics cards are available in different versions from different manufacturers. One of them will surely fit your setup.

The same applies to water cooling. Because while it still has technical advantages over conventional fans – as we have also highlighted in this article – it is an important component, especially in case modding. Because often the liquid can be easily colored and is sometimes even pepped up with fluorescent substances. This creates a real, individual eye-catcher!

For the right ambience: gaming lighting

We have just mentioned the fluorescent liquids in water cooling. But that doesn’t have to be the only glowing component. Because the housing with the right LEDs becomes a real spectacle . This part of case modding is roughly summarized as light modding. Even if you have bought a finished case, you can give it an individual look very quickly.

This is particularly easy with special LED strips or chains. These are often simply glued into the housing and provide indirect light . The power is either supplied directly via the mainboard (if it has such a connection) or operated via a battery. You only have to decide beforehand whether you value an RGB color change or whether you want to commit yourself to a color.

For more highlights you can also use fluorescent tubes and give your housing a three-dimensional flair. Another variant are LED fans. These are available for the CPU as well as for the graphics card and as a case fan. Ideally, they can all be programmed separately and give your case exactly the look you want.

Well hidden: hard drive and cable management

Unfortunately, even the most beautifully illuminated housing only works if the cable management is right. After all, who wants to stage a tangled cable? That’s why we want to give you a few tips on how to make your case look tidier:

  • Double back wall : Insert a second back wall through which you can thread cables. You can hide it behind her and move it from A to B.
  • Cover for the power supply unit : The cables all lead into the power supply unit, so this should also be hidden so that they are not visible again at this point.
  • Modular power supply : A modular power supply is recommended so that the cables can be reduced to a minimum.
  • Cable sleeving : You can buy sleeves for your cables, usually made of polyester. You simply pull this over one or more cables. That looks nicer than pure cable ties and gives you additional options for color design.

What you need: case modding tools

Do you want to tackle your project now? Whether you want to make a letterbox for your new case or just want to attach some LEDs – depending on the difficulty, you will need different case modding tools. We have put together a rough list for you here:

  • General: folding rule or ruler, cardboard & paper for masking
  • For gluing : squeegee, cutter knife
  • For painting : protective goggles, sandpaper, if necessary painter’s tape & stencils, spray can (alternatively: brush, sponge and / or painter’s roller and paint)
  • To work on metal : metal scissors, hacksaw, file
  • For the LED strips : scissors

You can achieve even more individuality if, for example, you have access to a 3D printer and print entire walls yourself. A CNC milling machine is also perfect for processing the metal and plexiglass. So if you want to design your own steampunk, military grade or cyberpunk case, you should address the relevant trades.

How To Find The Best Gaming Mouse | The Most Important Tips

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Whether CS: GO, PUBG, Fortnite or LoL : You inevitably need a mouse for all of these games. It should not only be comfortable to hold , it should also react quickly and, ideally, have a few additional buttons. But which is actually the best gaming mouse? We’ll tell you here what it should be able to do and what you have to pay attention to!

How To Find The Best Gaming Mouse

The best gaming mouse: that’s what sets it apart

Before we go into more detail, we would like to briefly summarize what actually characterizes a good gaming mouse . In some points it differs significantly from the conventional office mouse.

However, in terms of their basic functions, they are initially the same: As a rule, they have two horizontally arranged buttons with which you can operate various PC applications. There is usually a mouse wheel between these. They come either wired or wireless. But that’s about the similarities. We have briefly listed the differences:

  • Ergonomics . The gaming mouse is usually much more ergonomic and is therefore still comfortable to hold even after long use.
  • Operation . The best gaming mouse for many games has a few additional buttons that can be assigned macros.
  • Reaction . When gaming, it is important that the mouse reacts precisely and, if possible, without delay – this requires good sensors and a high polling rate.
  • Software . In the best cases, the mouse is easy and individually programmable, which means that it can be adapted to different games and also types of gamers.
  • Lighting . Gaming mice are often heavily lit – after all, we spend a lot of time with them. However, this is of course not necessary.

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Gaming mouse: what to look for?

We have just listed the rough factors that you should consider when buying a gaming mouse – these are exactly those that distinguish it from a conventional office version . But before we dive deeper into the subject, one thing first: There is no such thing as one, the best gaming mouse for everyone.

The choice always depends on your individual needs and preferences . The genres you play will also play a role in the decision. A shooter player often has different requirements than someone who likes to play MMO RPGs. There are even differences between the individual games. We can only give you a little guide to help you make a decision.

Comfortable for several hours: ergonomics

The most important point is of course your health . Anyone looking for a gaming mouse will likely have a good time of the day in front of the PC. In addition, you usually have the mouse in your hand for significantly longer periods of time when gaming than in normal office use – here a large part of the input is also made via the keyboard.

So it is all the more important that the gaming mouse is gentle on your wrist . Unfortunately, a conventional variant very often ensures that the area is severely kinked. This posture can cause a pain syndrome, which can run through the hand up to the shoulder. It is accordingly important to prevent this.

While there are now some office mice that pay particular attention to ergonomic factors (especially those that arrange the keys vertically), these are usually completely unsuitable for gaming. The best thing to do here is to use a mouse that feels good in your hand. There are special models for small and large hands as well as for left and right-handers that are precisely tailored to their needs.

A matter of milliseconds

Response time is often crucial, especially when gaming . If you see your opponent and can press the trigger a few milliseconds earlier, it must of course react accordingly quickly so that you ultimately emerge as the winner. There are several factors that determine this mouse-to-game transfer speed.

Gaming mouse with or without a cable?

It can make a huge difference to professional gamers whether a mouse is wireless or wired. Because it is unfortunately still the case that the wireless models are a few milliseconds slower than their wired siblings. For the casual gamer, however, that seldom makes the decisive difference.

A wireless gaming mouse, on the other hand, brings a high level of comfort for most gamers . On the one hand, you don’t have to constantly retighten the cable, on the other hand, you can really use it anywhere. For example, do you want to watch a movie on your PC from the sofa? Just take the mouse with you!

However, it also has one major disadvantage: it has to be charged . If the battery runs out in the middle of a game and the mouse stops responding, it’s just incredibly annoying. There may also be more problems between the drivers – a wireless mouse must always be installed, while most other models are plug-and-play. The fact is that many gamers prefer a wired mouse, but this is by no means necessary!

Between laser and infrared: sensors

The sensor is the heart of every mouse . He feels exactly where it is on the ground and how you move it. In the meantime, two types of sensors have established themselves which are equally suitable for gaming: laser and infrared sensors (also called optical sensors).

A few years ago the use of both variants was highly controversial, but experts have since determined that there is no significant difference in transmission. However, a laser mouse can be used on all surfaces without any problems. The optical variant works best on a mouse pad. In addition, the laser is usually more energy efficient and often more precise, but such statements cannot be 100% generalized.

DPI and CPI: a matter of taste

Manufacturers often advertise with particularly high DPI (dots per inch) or CPI (counts per inch) values . These basically state how fast the mouse pointer can move across the screen. A mouse with a DPI of 1000 will move 2.54 cm over the image per second.

However, the best gaming mouse is not the one with the highest DPI value. On the contrary, a high DPI is in most games ineffective . You will never need more than 2000 dots per inch when playing. Much more important when gambling – especially if you want to play different games – is that you can change the value quickly and easily. This is usually possible using buttons behind the mouse wheel or on the side.

From hand into play: polling rate

The polling rate is often more decisive for gamers than the DPI. In broad terms, this value indicates how quickly the mouse transmits input to the driver and thus also to the game. A higher polling rate means that the driver asks more often where your mouse is and what you are doing with it. Conversely, this means that mice with higher values ​​in this range react faster .

The best gaming mouse for most gamers has a polling rate between 500 and 1000 Hz. A lower value can cause stuttering and limit the response time. However, if you decide on a high polling rate, make sure to check whether the drivers also support it – you can usually find good reviews online.

Interact, activate defense, crouch: additional keys

The best gaming mouse comes with a few additional buttons. You often need these for additional actions in the game . As a rule, these keys can be assigned so-called macros. You can either set this directly in the mouse software or program it in the game.

This is particularly useful if, for example, you want to quickly peak around the corner, want to throw a grenade or want to use a special skill in MMO RPG. However, too many buttons can quickly become confusing . For casual gamers, we recommend 2 to 4 additional ones.

By the way: In many cases, the mouse wheel can also be used as an additional button. In some cases, you can even assign three actions to it: By pressing on it and pressing left and right, various skills are triggered.

More (more or less) useful features

A gaming mouse can have a few other features. These are sometimes more, sometimes less useful when gaming. We have summarized them here for you. The decision as to whether you need this is entirely up to you and depends primarily on the games you want to play.

  • Mouse correction : If an almost straight line is drawn, it is automatically smoothed. What is useful in graphics work falsifies the mouse line when gaming and often acts as a hindrance.
  • Lighting : Some mice light up in one color or can be set individually. Can be helpful if you define different settings for different modes and combine them with a color.
  • Vibration . Can display warning messages using sensors. Useful if you play very focused and want to hide the life bar, for example.
  • 10+ programmable buttons . Smart for MMO RPGs with a large skill bar, but less so in other games.
  • Additional weights . Can be useful to adjust the weight individually and especially to different users.
  • Mouse acceleration . DPI is adjusted based on the speed at which the mouse is moved. It takes a lot of getting used to, but often useful for precise reactions, especially in shooters.

Between DDR3 & DDR4, 4GB & 64 GB | The Right RAM Memory

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If your game is jerky and the graphics program does not allow new layers, it is probably time for a larger RAM memory. We at Gaming Guru will be happy to explain to you what RAM or main memory actually is, what you have to pay attention to and how you can optimally use your money for the right memory size. Read more here!

Between DDR3 & DDR4, 4GB & 64 GB

RAM memory – what is that anyway?

The working memory, also called RAM, is required in every functioning computer. The abbreviation stands for “ Random Access Memory ”, which, loosely translated, means “memory with random access”. Its main function is the direct access and the intermediate storage of data that are currently required for the execution of processes and programs. These read and save processes run much faster than with hard disks.

However, a RAM memory can only store this data temporarily – as long as it is supplied with power – which is the biggest difference to the hard disk . While an HDD or SSD hard drive keeps your storage data long-term, even when it is not actively needed. The RAM only provides relevant data for a short time and deletes it after the PC has been shut down.

The memory itself is integrated in the so-called RAM bar , an elongated piece of hardware. This is then located directly on the mainboard and is linked to the other components via it. While a single RAM bar is often sufficient for the conventional office PC, they usually come as a pair or even a quartet for the gaming PC. We’ll tell you why this is so important in a moment.

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Function of the main memory

You can imagine how RAM works like this: While hard drives work like a long-term memory, the main memory can be compared with the short-term memory . Everything that is not needed at the moment can be forgotten. The larger the short-term memory, i.e. the RAM memory, the more can be stored on it.

Especially with current graphics-heavy games that come up with huge maps and countless interactive elements, an extremely large number of processes take place in the background. So that these do not lead to unsightly jerks or lags , it is important to process them as quickly as possible. This is exactly what the RAM is for. Theoretically, storing the required data would also work on a hard drive, but much too slowly. Therefore, a sufficiently large RAM memory is important in every gaming PC.

Whenever the PC is disconnected from the power, for example when it is switched off normally, but also in the event of a power failure, the data is deleted from the RAM . By the way, for the same reason, a restart can often be the first aid if the computer has slowed down during the day or an inexplicable error occurs somewhere. It is not for nothing that IT support usually asks first whether the computer has already been restarted.

DDR3 or DDR4 – is it worth upgrading to the new generation?

The “DDR” and the corresponding number in front of the RAM describe the respective variant or generation of the main memory. Accordingly, a DDR4 RAM memory is simply the more recent further development of the DDR3. Before that there was DDR2 and DDR (quasi DDR1). The principle is the same as when software is given a newer version number.

The current standard since 2014 is DDR4 RAM. Not infrequently, however, PCs with DDR3 are still in use. You may now be wondering whether you should replace your DDR3-compatible motherboard with a newer model. This decision may result in other components that need to be replaced. But purely for the RAM memory it might be worthwhile if you can be patient. Because the DDR5 has already been announced . As soon as this appears, we will tell you about it in a detailed article.

But let’s stay with the current candidates for now: The DDR4 bars have a larger memory volume and a higher clock rate than the DDR3. However, the timings (request speed from memory to processor), which are particularly relevant for gaming, are sometimes still better with some DDR3s. Roughly speaking, this has to do with the slightly different construction of the bolt. A closer comparison of the specific timing rates is worthwhile here. If you have enough free slots, it may be more worthwhile to add some memory to the “old” DDR3.

How much GB of RAM does a PC need?

There is no general answer to this question. However, we want to give you a few guidelines that you can use as a guide. Simple office computers can do their work with just 4 GB of RAM. However, more effective and actually the standard in most desktop PCs today are at least 8 GB. A gamer can only smile wearily at this. Because many games are now so graphics-heavy and full of details that a gaming PC needs more oomph. In principle, more RAM is always better here.

The best thing to do is to ask yourself the following questions first: Do you have music playing on your PC in addition to a video game? Several applications, for example Browser and TS or Discord, opened on a second monitor? Then you should definitely think in two digits! If BF5 doesn’t give you anything and you can live with closing all windows when you play more than Majong, then a RAM of 8GB will be enough for you.

For an unrestricted gaming experience, we recommend that you do not plan under 16 GB for a gaming computer . With 32 GB you are on the safe side in order to be able to enjoy the latest games smoothly in the years to come. By the way: video editing, 3D modeling and graphics programs also benefit from more RAM.

RAM too full – does it have to be?

Please don’t panic if your performance analysis reveals that your RAM is constantly “full”. It really has to be! At least it is normal and wanted that you have built in as much RAM as you need to work and play. A utilization of 50% or 75% alone is therefore not a reason for a new purchase. A utilization of very few percent is even inexpedient and a waste of money.

Note that just starting the PC and running its operating system will use part of the RAM memory. Every additional application and, of course, every started game are then still on top. So, if already idle is used more than half of the working memory, you notice any lag while playing or have even close programs, then you should think about more RAM. By the way, you can easily check the load on Windows using the task manager.

Why two RAM bars are better than one

You have probably already noticed that memory bars are usually sold in packs of two or even packs of four. The reason? All compatible bars plugged into the mainboard are added together. With two 8 GB bars, your PC has access to 16 GB of RAM memory. With four 8 GB bars to a total of 32 GB and so on.

The so-called dual-channel mode is also an important aspect . Your processor usually jumps into this automatically as soon as two identical RAM bars are in the slots. This doubles the data transfer rate and boosts the overall performance of your computer. With just one bar, almost half of your performance would simply fizzle out into nothing.

This only ever works for two bars with identical storage capacity and DRAM technology (DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, etc.). However, it does not have to be from the same manufacturer. A “quad-channel mode” can also be found on high-end motherboards. But you can also use a second, parallel running dual-channel mode with a second pair of modules. These two RAM bars have to be identical to each other, but not to the other bar pair.

Upgrade or replace RAM memory

When you finally have enough budget to pimp your PC, but don’t want to throw everything in the bin, you can upgrade the existing RAM memory. The first thing you should do is find out which memory modules are compatible with your motherboard . Unfortunately, it is of no use to you to spend your savings on a 64 GB DDR4 RAM and then discover that it does not even fit on your DDR3-designed motherboard. For this purpose, manufacturers provide compatibility lists as a guide. The number of free slots and whether other components restrict their height is also important.

You can also note the so-called clock rate , which indicates the speed at which data is transmitted between the components. Actually, you can combine two different clock rates. However, you are wasting performance because the faster RAM would match the slower one. So ideally you should always combine two identical RAMs in order to get the most out of them. By the way: In order to actually be able to use the multi-channel mode, you have to use certain slots on the mainboard. Which these are depends on the model and you can find out from the operating instructions.

However, a good graphics card is even more important for smooth and detailed gaming than the clock speed of the RAM memory. We explain exactly why in our blog post about gaming graphics cards . It is also relevant how much maximum storage capacity your mainboard allows at all. You can usually find out this information from the manufacturer.

Conclusion: You have to pay attention to this when buying RAM

So you see: Before you decide on a new RAM memory, there are a few things to consider . Take a look at which components are compatible with your motherboard and CPU, how many slots there are and which programs you want to use and how. Together with your budget, you can limit the selection of suitable RAM memory bars for you. Because even if more storage capacity is generally better at first, it doesn’t have to be the most expensive and newest bar. We hope you enjoy testing your RAM!