Is there a way to expand RAM or CPU?

Question

[Giulia.cosenza]

Hi everyone, Let me start by saying that I don't know much about computer.

I'm working on a workstation with other colleagues, and we are all doing different analysis and using different softwares. Yesterday, while using a program, I got a message saying that there was not enough memory to procede with the analysis. I guess the problem is the RAM or the CPU.

Can you tell me the best solution that would allow me and my colleagues to work on the same workstation at the same time ?

Is there a way to expand the RAM or the CPU?

thank you Giulia

[Joe]

All motherboards support expandable RAM and usually a family of CPUs. If memory is the issue it is unlikely to be a CPU issue.

Whether or not you can add additional RAM will depend on your motherboard specification. There is an upper limit on the amount of RAM that can be supported, and physical constraints on the number of slots.

You could try something like Crucial's system scanner to see what options you have, though I don't know how well it works with enterprise grade hardware.

https://uk.crucial.com/upgrades

[dariober]

I just wanted to add that if you are confused, you can ask your IT support for help in finding the right RAM and in installing it. I mean, I would consider it a very reasonable request for IT...

Answer 1

[ATpoint]

Is there a way to expand the RAM or the CPU?

Yes, buy more or larger RAM sticks and put them into the slots at the mainboard. More CPU would require a different processor, so it all comes down to purchasing new hardware.

Edit: Indeed, as Mensur Dlakic says, make sure your workstation is actually capable to carry more RAM than it currently does.

[Mensur Dlakic]

This should be amended. Most motherboards have a RAM limit they accommodate. If they already have the maximum amount of RAM, buying larger memory sticks won't do anything.

A more general answer to the original question is that it is usually more cost-effective to buy a new computer with more RAM and faster CPU than to upgrade an old computer, especially if older than 5-6 years.

[Giulia.cosenza]

Someone suggested me to use colab, do you know what is it about?

[ATpoint]

See also my comment here. Which companies/institutions allow you to use their servers for bioinformatics analysis?

[Joe]

Co-lab is an online coding environment where the code is executed on the fly by virtual machines (usually). This means it doesn't run on your hardware, however you have little control over how much virtual resource is allocated to your task unless you pay for specific resources.