Yes, the Random Access Memory tends to degrade over time. The lifespan of the RAM varies widely depending on the usage conditions but a typical consumer DRAM is made to last for several years even on heavy operations. In general, consumer RAM is expected to function reliably for 5 to 10 years under normal conditions.
Our computers and laptops use the DRAM as the primary memory and this RAM is based on the capacitors. Now, because the capacitors can’t store the charge permanently and require constant refreshing, the operation of the DRAM becomes complex. RAM chips operate on very high frequency which also induces a lot of heat. So, the DRAM has all the elements that contribute to faster degradation and lower lifespan. However, the design of DRAM is so simple, that the memory chips can work for years under heavy load without any errors. A single memory cell in the DRAM comprises a transistor and a capacitor.
The memory read-and-write operations aren’t very destructive for both transistors and capacitors. But, still, some factors may contribute to faster degradation like temperature and over-use. I want to discuss all of them and then tell you how you can eliminate them and make your RAM last longer.
Reasons for RAM degradation
RAMs are made to work along with the CPU at a very high speed for long periods. Unlike long-term storage drives like SSDs and HDDs, RAM chips hardly have time to rest. The intensity of usage will decide your RAM’s degradation period. High-frequency and intensive usage like gaming and heavy computational tasks increases the number of reads and writes on the RAM. Over time, this could lead to the wearing of capacitors, transistors, and other components inside your RAM.
Continuous high temperatures can also result in faster degradation of your RAM. This is because electronic components wear faster when exposed to abnormal heat for long durations. This happens mostly because of poor cooling and high ambient temperatures. Over long periods, the RAM will degrade just because of the normal aging of the components.
The electrical noises from the nearby components can also result in RAM degradation. Also, physical damage, manufacturing defects, electrical stress, power fluctuations, and software bugs can result in RAM damage and even premature failures.
How to detect RAM degradation?
Run Memory Diagnostics in Windows
If your system is running on the Windows operating system, Windows has a great built-in tool to check your memory’s condition. You can easily identify your memory degradation if this tool highlights some errors or problems with your RAM. Let’s see how you can use it.
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog. Type mdsched.exe and press Enter.
- Select “Restart now and check for problems” to perform an immediate test, or “Check for problems the next time I start my computer” for a scheduled test.
- Your computer will restart and run the test. It will take some time to complete.
- Once the test page is there, you can also change the intensity of the test from basic or standard to advanced. You can open this menu by clicking F1.
- Once the test is done, your system will restart automatically. If you want to check the results, just press Win + X >> Event Viewer >> Windows Logs >> System >> Windows Memory Diagnostics Results.
- The results will highlight the problems in the RAM if there are any.
Using the built-in memory diagnostics tool in macOS
- Restart your Mac and immediately hold down the
Dkey. - Follow the on-screen instructions to run the diagnostics.
You can also use the Memtest86+ software which is also available for Linux operating systems.
8 Methods to Increase RAM/Memory Lifespan
1. Employ proper cooling
Proper cooling is very important for all your components. But, because high-frequency RAM modules can get very hot, it is good to ensure a good airflow gets to these sticks. Make sure to use good quality CPU and case fans or use liquid cooling if necessary. Liquid cooling prevent the case temperature from rising which can result in unnecessary heating of the RAM as well.
Many RAM modules now come with passive heat sinks which can dissipate the heat in the case in a much better manner. Especially for the fast DRAM sticks, it is good to buy the heatsink variants of RAM.
Under load, the RAM can easily reach 60°C. However, 30 to 50°C is considered normal for the DDR4 RAM modules. The DDR5 RAM has much higher thermal tolerance reaching up to 95°C. The average temperature under load is between 50 to 70°C. To check your RAM’s temperature, you can always use the CPUID HWMonitor which is a free tool. If you see the temperature going beyond 60°C while doing normal tasks, it might be a concern of overheating and you should do something about it.
2. Avoid Overclocking
RAM is rated for specific speed which is measured in MHz or GHz. Also, a certain voltage and timing are set in order for the RAM to work properly. When we overclock the RAM, we tweak these settings to achieve higher RAM speed. You can always do safe overclocking but sometimes, things can go wrong and can result in excessive heat and in some rare cases permanent damage to the memory chips.
With modern motherboards, you’ll see built-in memory overclocking tools like Intel XMP and AMD EOCP profiles. These features allow the users to use the pre-configured overclock settings to safely overclock the RAM without any manual adjustments.
Users can also manually adjust the RAM speed, voltage, and timings in the motherboard’s BIOS. This provides greater control over the settings but carries higher risks if not done carefully.
The key drawbacks of any type of RAM overclocking are increased heat, void warranty (some manufacturers), shortened lifespan, and BSOD Errors. It is best not to overclock your RAM if you don’t have arrangements for effective heat management. However, you can use the motherboard tools and gradually increase settings. Keeping a constant eye on RAM performance and heat generation is important. But, overall, if you want your RAM to last longer, it is best not to overclock it.
3. Use a good power supply
Power supply can play a major role in increasing your RAM’s lifespan. This is because the RAM modules are sensitive to voltage fluctuations. They are designed to operate within a specific voltage range (e.g., 1.2V for DDR4, 1.35V for DDR4 with XMP profiles). Unstable power supplies would induce electrical noise and interferences which can lead to data corruption and faster degradation.
A PSU with 80 PLUS certification (Bronze, Silver, Gold, or higher) is a must for good working for all the components of your computer.
Although, motherboards have VRMs to stabilize the power input to both RAM and CPUs. But, the good power input to the VRMs is important for their output as well. Some motherboards also come with Over-voltage and over-current protection. So, investing in a good motherboard is also a part of ensuring a proper power input to the RAM.
4. Keep RAM clean and dust-free
Dust buildup on the DRAM module can block the airflow and obstruct heat dissipation. This can increase the temperature and can result in electric shorts as well. Regularly clearing the RAM and the whole computer is a good thing. This is crucial much more in desktop computer cases.
5. Reduce Memory Load
This is a basic process of keeping the unwanted software closed. Over-utilizing your RAM will put an extra burden which increases the read/write operations and hence the temperature. Also, you can upgrade the RAM and add more size if you constantly keep multiple apps running at a time. In a nutshell, allowing more headroom to the memory will reduce the stress.
You can check the activity monitor or the task manager to check which apps are consuming most of your system’s memory. If any of these isn’t important to you, it is better to uninstall it or close it whenever not required.
6. Regularly Restart your computer
Using your computer for long periods in one go can also result in faster RAM degradation. Constant use can result in memory leakage and unnecessary memory use. Restarting your computer refreshes the memory and cleans all the temporary memory locations. In this way, you are freeing up the space and increasing your RAM’s lifespan.
7. Install RAM in Matched Sets
This isn’t very important but still can ensure the proper working of multiple RAM sticks together. Using the same modules of RAM on a single motherboard will reduce the voltage and timing discrepancies. It is good to buy matched kits. Or if you are upgrading the RAM, make sure to match the size, speed, voltage, and latency numbers properly with the existing RAM module/modules.
8. Take care of physical handling
RAM modules are pretty thin PCB sticks. A little extra pressure can easily bend it especially when it is without any heatsink. So, make sure to remove and install them carefully. Also, when removing or installing, make sure you are not exposing them to the electrostatic discharge. It is good to ground yourself properly before touching the RAM sticks. Anti-static wrist straps are pretty affordable.
Proper seating of RAM sticks is also very important. Improper seating can result in a poor connection which can lead to stability issues, crashes, and bad power input to the RAM. When installing the RAM, make sure the memory sticks properly and click inside their dedicated slots. It must be locked in its place.
I hope this helps!