| Increasing system memory is usually the cheapest and | | | | is not easily snapping into place. There are slots on |
| easiest way to increase system performance. | | | | the memory that will only allow it to be inserted in one |
| However, not every system can be upgraded and it is | | | | direction so be sure to line them up when installing. If |
| possible that you may already have the optimal | | | | the memory board does not seem like it is fitting in the |
| amount of system memory for your hardware | | | | socket correctly try turning it around. If the slots in the |
| software configuration. The first thing to do | | | | memory do not match the breaks on the motherboard |
| is determine how much memory is currently installed | | | | memory socket then you have the wrong type of |
| in your system and how much total memory your | | | | memory for your system. |
| system is capable of utilizing. Depending on the | | | | Removing the old RAM Memory Boards |
| operating system that you are using the amount of | | | | - Be sure your computer is completely shut down. |
| optimal memory varies. As a general rule of thumb | | | | - Unplug the power cord from the back of the |
| Windows XP users will want to have 3 gigs for | | | | computer. |
| optimal performance and Windows Vista 3 gigs for | | | | - Unplug any other cables that are connected to the |
| the 32 bit version and 4 to 8 gigs for the 64 bit | | | | computer including telephone lines or networking |
| version. Windows 7 should also use 3 gigs for the 32 | | | | cables. |
| bit version and 4 or more for 64 bit. (Windows 7 | | | | - Remove the access panel or computer cover. You |
| will actually run faster than Vista with the same | | | | may have to remove some screws on the rear of the |
| amount of memory installed.) To find out how much | | | | computer or on some systems press a release button |
| memory your system currently has installed use one | | | | (usually on the bottom of the case). |
| of the following methods: | | | | - Locate the old memory on the motherboard. You |
| - Right-click on the 'My Computer' icon, and select | | | | can identify the memory by examining your new |
| Properties from the drop-down menu. | | | | memory and looking for similar memory boards |
| - Look under the 'General' tab to find the amount or | | | | installed on the motherboard, usually near the CPU. |
| RAM in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). | | | | - Before attempting to remove the old memory, be |
| Remember 1000 MB's is equal to 1 GB. | | | | sure to release the latches that are used to hold the |
| | | | | memory firmly in place. You will find these at both |
| | | | ends of each memory board. |
| | | | | - Grasping the memory firmly in the middle, carefully |
| - Another way to find system memory is to Click | | | | pull the memory board in a perpendicular direction, |
| Start-> All Programs-> Accessories-> System | | | | away from the motherboard until it slides out. IF THE |
| Tools-> System Information. Then look for 'Total | | | | MEMORY IS NOT EASILY SLIDING OUT CHECK |
| Physical Memory' in the panel on the right. | | | | THE LATCHES TO BE SURE THAT THEY ARE |
| | | | | COMPLETELY OPEN. |
| | | | Installing New RAM Memory Boards |
| | | | | - Depending on the type of memory you are installing |
| One of the easiest ways I have found to determine | | | | be sure that you are installing the memory in the |
| the maximum amount of memory a system is capable | | | | correct slots. |
| of utilizing is to use the 'memory advisor' tool that is | | | | - DDR and DDR2 will normally be installed in slots 1 and |
| located on the crucial website. To use the tool | | | | 3 or slots 2 and 4. (Many times these slots will be a |
| simply enter the manufacturer and model number of | | | | different color, either blue or possibly yellow.) |
| your PC. After entering your PC manufacturer and | | | | - DDR3 will be installed in slots 1, 3 and 5 or slots 2, 4 |
| model number you will be given detailed information | | | | and 6. |
| regarding the maximum memory capacity for your | | | | - If you are installing new memory but plan to add your |
| particular system, and the type of memory and | | | | new memory to the existing memory and do not plan |
| maximum size of memory boards and configurations | | | | to remove the old memory then be sure that the |
| that are available for your system. | | | | LARGER memory modules are installed in the |
| Another option to determine maximum memory | | | | first slot that is closest to the CPU. (for DDR, DDR2, |
| capacity would be to consult the website of the | | | | DDR3 be sure the first memory stick of the largest |
| manufacturer of your PC for details regarding your | | | | set of memory boards is installed closest to the CPU |
| particular system. Note: If you have a custom built | | | | and the matching ones are installed accordingly). |
| machine you will need the specification sheet that | | | | - Be sure to line up the slot in each memory board |
| accompanied the motherboard that is currently in | | | | with the break in the memory slot. |
| your system to find out the details | | | | - Press each board down until it snaps into place. |
| concerning maximum memory capacity, memory | | | | (Both latches on the ends of the memory board should |
| type, speed, etc. In the event that you do not have | | | | lock into place.) |
| this information you will have to open the computer | | | | Close Your Computer Case or Cover |
| case and find the model number of your | | | | - Replace the cover or panel that you removed |
| motherboard. The model number is normally printed | | | | earlier. |
| on the face of the motherboard but can be difficult to | | | | - Replace any screws that you may have removed or |
| find. Assuming you are able to find the model | | | | loosened. |
| number, use it to search the manufacturers website | | | | - Plug any cables you removed earlier back in to the |
| for details about the memory specifications for that | | | | computer. |
| motherboard. | | | | - Power up your computer and pay careful attention |
| Before purchasing new memory be careful to ensure | | | | to the boot screens to be sure that there are no |
| that the memory type that you are buying is correct | | | | error messages during the boot-up process. |
| for your system. There are quite a few different | | | | - You may see a message indicating that the amount |
| types of memory available, you will want to be | | | | of system memory has changed. This is normal. |
| absolutely sure that the memory you purchase will | | | | Troubleshooting - If you are Experiencing Problems |
| work in your system. If your system requires DDR or | | | | with the System not Powering Back up Properly or |
| DDR2 you will need to buy two matching memory | | | | Locking Up. |
| boards to perform an upgrade. With DDR3 you will | | | | - Ensure that all of the your memory boards |
| more than likely need three matching boards. (These | | | | are fully seated in the sockets and that they |
| details can vary however, depending on the | | | | are latched firmly on both ends. |
| motherboard.) | | | | - Be sure that you have the boards in the correct |
| There are also many different memory speeds | | | | slots. (If there are any boards of different sizes then |
| available for each type of memory. If you are | | | | the largest memory board must be in the slot closest |
| planning on completely replacing the old memory you | | | | to the CPU.) |
| should be able to use faster memory for your specific | | | | - If you are using DDR, DDR2, or DD3, you must use |
| memory type, if it's available. If you are planning to | | | | matching memory boards and they must be installed in |
| add new memory to existing memory you should try | | | | groups and in the correct slots. |
| to find memory that is the same speed as the existing | | | | - If you have added new memory to older existing |
| memory. | | | | memory your new memory may be a different speed |
| Installing Memory Upgrades | | | | than the old memory. Some motherboards will not |
| Installing memory can be tricky so take your time and | | | | allow using memory of different speeds. Try using |
| don't try to force a memory stick into your system if it | | | | only the new memory. |