A laptop cannot run without RAM. Every laptop requires basic components to function properly. For example, when you run an application on your laptop, such as MS Word, it loads into the RAM.
So, if RAM is not installed or does not function, your laptop will fail to run the required applications. Without RAM you will only get access of BIOS. However, the OS will not load without RAM.
What is RAM?
RAM or Random Access Memory is a volatile memory. Therefore, it stores data temporarily. The processor stores data that it is currently using. It can process data faster than HDD or SSD. Also, RAM loses its data every time a laptop reboots.
RAM is integral to every computing device, such as desktops, laptops, and smartphones. As a processor needs storage to process data, running a laptop without RAM is impossible.
What Happens When Ram Is Removed From A Laptop?
Laptops or any computing device fail to boot up if the RAM is removed. Also, if you remove the RAM or it gets damaged while the laptop is on, the system will completely crash.
Additionally, without RAM, the OS will fail to store its data and it will not function properly. When a laptop boots up, it performs a memory check to ensure that all RAM modules are operational. As a result, if the RAM remains inoperable, your laptop will fail to load the operating system.
How to Detect RAM Problems?
There are several ways to detect RAM problems, such as
- BSOD: “BSOD” or “Blue Screen of Death” indicates that your laptop may have a problem with its memory. As a volatile memory, an inoperable RAM could be the reason for a BSOD on your laptop.
- System Crashes: If your laptop often gets frozen, it could be the reason for faulty RAM. A faulty RAM fails to store real-time data that a processor needs. Thus, the system crash and everything gets frozen.
- Performance: If your laptop runs or loads the applications slower than expected, it can be a sign of faulty RAM.
Reasons Behind Faulty RAM
A faulty RAM refers to a situation when a RAM no longer functions correctly. Generally, RAM does not get damaged so easily. But several facts can cause RAM damage.
- Electrical Surges: A sudden increase in the current voltage or electrical surges can damage your RAM. It generally happens during lightning strikes or power outages.
- Overheating: Overheating problem is a common factor behind RAM damage. This happens because of overclocking or poor ventilation.
- Mismatch: Installing different types or speeds of RAM, or incompatible RAM modules can lead to RAM damage. All RAM modules in a computer should be identical to maximize performance and stability.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is not possible to run a laptop without RAM. It is a crucial component of every computing system. RAM is used to store and retrieve data in real-time.
Depending on the hardware and the task, RAM can process data twenty to one hundred times faster than HDD or SSD. It has a direct relation to the performance and the speed of your computer. So, the more RAM you have installed, the more speed you will get.