5 Warning Signs Your Device Needs More (or New) RAM

There are a lot of issues that can impact the operations of your business, many of which are rooted in the hardware components of your computers. One of the most common issues with devices that are on their way out is issues with RAM. What is RAM, and how do you know if it’s time for a replacement?

What is RAM?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it’s the short-term memory your computer uses to run programs, open files, and handle all of the multitasking required to keep your business running. As such, it’s integral to the operation of your computer. When RAM starts to fail, your computer will start to exhibit warning signs, some of which might be more disruptive and frustrating than others.

Warning Signs of Failing RAM

Blue Screens of Death

Okay, we know it doesn’t look like a blue screen of death anymore, but it’s a surefire sign that something is wrong with your PC. When these screens appear, they offer the user an error code that can help them diagnose the problem. Contact your IT service provider to see if the issue is related to your RAM or something else. In any case, the blue screen of death indicates a critical issue that needs to be addressed.

Random Crashes and Freezes

Sometimes, you might not get any indication that it’s the RAM failing. You might be working on a task and your computer suddenly closes the program or reboots without any explanation. These issues can be tough to deal with, as they can lead to lost progress and productivity, especially in the workplace.

Unexpected Program Crashes

While programs can crash due to compatibility issues or other bugs, they shouldn’t be crashing all the time. If you’re seeing more than usual, it could be a RAM issue. Sometimes the program will tell you that it’s a RAM issue, and other times it might not.

Corrupted Files and Missing Data

RAM can corrupt data, including your personal files and even system files. You might have trouble opening certain files, or they might disappear entirely. This kind of data loss is quite bad for businesses and must be addressed accordingly.

General Poor Performance

If you find your devices are stuttering or failing to keep up with whatever you’re doing, it could be a RAM issue. Your video and audio might not be able to handle an online meeting, for example, or input from your keys or mouse will lag behind. Your device might also struggle with multitasking and switching from one program to another. There are a lot of issues that could cause this, but RAM is one of them, and you should contact your IT department about these issues as soon as you can.

Not sure if you’re dealing with a RAM issue? Omega Technical Solutions can help you diagnose and prevent problems like these from sinking your business’ productivity and data integrity. To learn more, call us at (703) 743-3056.