Storage and memory

Storage keeps things; memory holds what is open

Storage is where files live when the computer is off — documents, photos, programs, the operating system. Memory is the working space holding whatever is open right now, and it empties every time the machine shuts down.

Running out of each feels different, which is what makes the distinction useful. Running out of storage means you cannot save things. Running out of memory means the computer becomes slow while you are using it and recovers when you close programs.

Choosing storage

Solid-state storage should be the default; mechanical drives now make sense mainly for bulk archives where capacity per pound matters more than speed. Within solid-state drives, the NVMe type is faster than the older SATA type, though for everyday use the jump from mechanical to any solid-state drive is much larger than the jump between the two.

Size it so it does not fill. A drive running near capacity slows down and leaves no room for updates.

• NVMe solid-state: fastest, and the sensible default for a working drive
• SATA solid-state: still transformative compared with mechanical
• Mechanical: for bulk archive storage where capacity is what matters

Choosing memory

Capacity matters far more than speed for most work. Enough memory to keep everything you use open at once removes a whole category of slowdown; a marginally faster module does not.

Check whether the machine can take more before buying — free slots, the maximum the board supports, and whether the memory is soldered. On many laptops it is, and the amount fitted is final.