How to Use Ssd As RAM: 12 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

FAQs

Can SSD make up for RAM? ›

While they're made with memory chips, they aren't RAM. SSDs use a different type of memory, can't be directly accessed by your computer's processor, and are much slower than RAM. They can, however, make an even bigger difference in your computer's performance than adding RAM though.

First, the memory chips in SSDs are slower than those in RAM. Second, there is a bottleneck created by the interface that connects the storage device to the computer.

It's under the “Virtual memory” header. This opens the Virtual Memory dialog, which is where you can configure how much of your hard drive will be used as RAM. Un-check “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.” Now you can edit the options on this screen. Click your SSD drive.

If SSD was used like RAM it would die very quickly. While SSD's have a much lower latency and higher speed then hard drives, they are still much, much slower then RAM. Most SSDs are not random access, but block structured, like disks. You can't read or write one byte, you have to use a whole block.

However, with advancements in technology and more efficient operating systems, this rule is not as rigid as it once was. For a system with 16GB RAM, setting the virtual memory between 24GB to 32GB is a good starting point, but adjustments might be needed based on specific use cases.

FAQs Related to SSD and RAM

You can even work on HDD perfectly if you wish so. However, for high-level tasks such as gaming and video editing, at least 8 to 12 GB of RAM with SSD starting from 512 GB is required. The better these two storage options, the better functioning your PC is.

Depending on the task at hand, SSDs can be up to 10 times faster than their HDD counterparts. Replacing your hard drive with an SSD is one of the best things you can do to dramatically improve the performance of your older computer.

Generally, you can put it to be at least 5-10 times faster, depending on frequency, generation and the SSD you are comparing it with.

As for virtual memory, yes, similar to a HDD, we can use an SSD for virtual memory, but keep in mind this is as an extension to RAM, not a replacement. Something else of interest: AMD announced a GPU with a pair of PCI-E x4 M. 2 SSDs on board in a RAID-0.

GPUs can now use PCIe-attached memory or SSDs to boost VRAM capacity —Panmnesia's CXL IP claims double-digit nanosecond latency. Provided that AMD, Intel, and Nvidia would like to support CXL for memory expansions.

How to use your SSD as RAM? ›

for this go to properties >> advanced system setting>> setting[in the system properties dialog box]>> performance >>advanced tab>> change >>uncheck the “Automatically manage paging file size for all drivers” and below that select the drive you want to use as RAM >>> adjust custome size for file if you want else >>> ...

A system using virtual memory uses a section of the hard drive to emulate RAM. With virtual memory, a system can load larger or multiple programs running at the same time, enabling each one to operate as if it has more space, without having to purchase more RAM.