What is a common indication that more RAM is needed in a computer system?

The indication that more RAM is needed in a computer system is frequently highlighted by application crashes or a noticeable decline in performance when multitasking. When a computer runs multiple applications simultaneously, it requires sufficient RAM to store the active data and program states. If there isn't enough RAM available, the system resorts to using the hard drive for virtual memory, which significantly slows down performance and can lead to applications crashing due to insufficient memory resources.

In contrast, high CPU usage during idle time may point to software issues or malicious activity rather than RAM limitations. Unusual noises from the hard drive are often associated with hardware malfunction or failing drives, which does not directly correlate with RAM availability. Frequent overheating can indicate inadequate cooling or a buildup of dust but does not necessarily connect to the need for additional RAM. Therefore, the symptoms of application crashes and slow performance during multitasking are clear signs that the system is struggling with memory limitations, reinforcing the need for an upgrade in RAM.