How to Upgrade your PC RAM (Concise Tutorial)

Folks, do you know that you can assist your computer keep up with the times by upgrading its RAM (Random Access Memory)?. It’s one of the many simple modifications you can make to your computer that wouldn’t void your warranty.

Also, you can access any cell within the RAM if you know the row and column it’s in.

The information within the RAM memory cells can be overwritten or erased. That’s one of the many differences it has with the ROM (Read Only Memory). Your PC’s ROM is hardwired into the machine’s spine. It possesses the information that enables your computer perform basic functions like starting the operating system.

Advantages of a Higher RAM

A higher RAM enables your computer run applications better. Your PC also saves temporary information within the memory cells and uses the data to run applications. If the data isn’t in your PC’s RAM, the machine has to refer to its hard drive. Meanwhile, this is way slower than retrieving information from the RAM. So if your PC doesn’t have enough RAM to handle multiple applications, it may feel like it’s slower than a snail.

In addition, every PC has a maximum size of RAM it can handle. When you hit that limit, then you’ve gone as far as you can go with your hardware. But unless you tampered with your PC, chances are your PC still has plenty of capacity for more RAM.

Important Note Before You Upgrade Your RAM

Before you upgrade your RAM, you need to know how much RAM your PC has already.

If you make use of Windows XP, firstly, click the Start button on the taskbar. Then, click on My Computer in the menu. Next, Click “View System Information” (sometimes written as Properties). Or you can select Control Panel and click the System icon. This will display a box with different tabs. Under the General tab you’ll find information about your PC and OS, including how much RAM is available.

Meanwhile, if you make use of Windows Vista, follow these instructions:

Firstly, click the Start button and select Control Panel from the menu. Then click on System and Maintenance followed by System once again. There you’ll find a category called Memory (RAM), which shows you your PC’s RAM.

Finally, if you make use of Mac, Apple made it easy to discover how much RAM you have in your PC. Firstly, click the Apple icon on the top left corner of the screen. Select the option “About This Computer”. You’ll find a line that says Total Memory. That’s how much RAM your Mac currently possesses.

After you’ve known how much memory your PC has, you have to find out how much more it can take. There are many computers in the market and not all possess the same features and limitations. Fortunately, there are some websites on the Internet that keep track of this data. I’ll recommend:

These websites will not only tell you how much RAM your PC can take. You’ll be told what kind of RAM would be better to install. There are many different kinds of RAM chips as there are PC models. You need to match the right RAM to your PC.

Dual-channel Memory?

If your PC uses dual-channel memory, you may need to install two different modules of RAM rather than just one. Hence, if you want to upgrade to 1Gb of RAM, you may need to install two 512Mb RAM modules. Ensure both modules have similar specifications or else the dual-channel feature won’t work.

Upgrading the RAM in Your PC

So, you’ve known how much RAM your PC has, and the amount your PC can take. Also, you now know the kind of RAM chip you have to buy for your PC. Next, you’ll have to buy the RAM module and grab some tools. In this case, you’ll just need a screwdriver.

Before you start, ensure your PC is powered off and unplugged. If you want to upgrade a laptop, it’s a better idea to eject the battery before getting started.

Now, open your Computer’s case with the screwdriver and locate the segment of your PC’s motherboard that contains the RAM. Consult your PC’s manual in case you need help you locate it. Some PC’s have a specific panel you can remove to change RAM modules.

Now, before touching any part inside your PC, you need to disconnect any electricity you’ve built up. The components inside your PC are very sensitive to electricity. You just have to touch something metal before beginning, to avoid any static electricity related issues.

In addition, to replace RAM modules, you’ll need to remove the ones already in your Computer. Most Computer’s use clips to hold their RAM into place. If this is the case, slowly and carefully lift the clips and retrieve the RAM modules, then set them aside.

Next, take your newly acquired RAM out of its holding. Be very careful not to touch any of its metal connectors on the module. Position the module with the slot in your PC. Most Computer’s have a notch that will assist you so that you won’t install the module incorrectly.

Carefully press the module into place. After you’ve seated the module, you can then close the clips. Now, replace the cover of the Computer and you’re good to go. Make sure you replace the battery if you’re working with a laptop. Plug in the Computer, turn it on then check the system’s RAM. Provided the new RAM information is correct, you’re good to go.

Or else, you may have to restart again. If you still encounter problems, turn off the Computer, unplug it, open it up and confirm the module is properly seated.

That’s all there is to it folks. Now with more RAM, your Computer will be able to run more applications at the same time without lagging. Meanwhile you haven’t increased your computer’s processing speed, but you’ve reduced the amount of time it needs to check for a particular type of data it needs.

If you have any questions, don’t fail to use the comment box.