RAM is the short-term memory of your computer. It’s where your computer keeps track of the programs and data you’re using right now. You probably already know that more RAM is better, so maybe you’re looking to install more RAM now.

Shopping for RAM can be super confusing, though. What’s the difference between DDR3 and DDR4? DIMM and SO-DIMM? What’s the diffrence between DDR3-1600 and PC3-12800? Are latency and timing important?

In this guide, we explain the different kinds of RAM and what distinguishes them.