Why add more memory? More megabytes of memory mean more applications can be open at the same time on a desktop. In addition to this boost of the computer's handling capacity, additional memory can make applications run more quickly. More memory allows the CPU to retrieve and retain more data, which means the applications will normally appear to run faster and more efficiently. Many users blame the slow performance of their computer on the processor speed when, in fact, all they often need is simply to add more memory.