Ram Upgrade Guide

[sillybob123]

operating systems and applications are RAM hungry. When software runs out of RAM, Windows starts swapping data to and from your PC's hard disk--which is a slower process than fetching it from and writing it to RAM. Adding RAM to your PC is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to boost its performance.

 

Once 16mb and 32mb where acceptable amounts of ram for a pc but nowdays the MINIMUM amount of recommended ram is 250mb to 512mb some pcs having up to 4GB! to acheive maximum performace in all windows operating systems, people who spend more time using graphics, video etc... will benefit from a higher amount of ram

compared to most other upgrade options, installing additional RAM is a bargain.

 

So What is RAM?

 

RAM is Random Access Memory. It is the part of the computer that processes information. When a program is started, it is loaded into RAM to be run. This also where files are placed by a computer to be worked on. RAM is like a workbench and the larger this workbench the larger the file that can be worked. So in computer terms the more RAM the easier it is to get a big job done.

 

What types of RAM are there?

 

There are many types of RAM: EDO, FPM, SDRAM, SODIMM, RAMBUS, DDR, DDR2 and more. Newer computers use DDR or DDR2

-common definitions of the various types of memory can be found at wikipedia.com

 

 

 

So lets begin:

 

First we need to find out what type of RAM you need the size which your pc can accept etc... so you will need to go HERE to perform a scan\

 

Now its time to start installing the RAM!

 

 

Locating the DIMM slots

 

note: Disconnect the power and remove your PC's cover,

 

After removing the cover the first thing to do is to locate the DIMM slots on your motherboard. the image below gives you an idea of what you are looking for.

 

http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/install-memory-dimm/install-memory-dimm-slots.jpg

 

 

Unless you are installing a new motherboard then your slots will already have at least one RAM module installed already, if this is the case then install the new memory module into the empty slot next to the module that is already installed.

 

If your motherboard does not have any memory installed then refer to your motherboard's manual for details about which slot to use.

 

note: Motherboards vary, although there are three slots in our example your motherboard may have a different amount of slots.

 

 

 

DIMM Installation

 

When you remove the DIMM memory module from its packaging hold it by the edges, try not to touch the gold coloured contacts as this can damage the memory.

 

 

On the images below i have pointed out certain parts of the RAM module and the DIMM slot.

 

A= are used for the ejector clip on the DIMM slot

 

B= are used to align the memory module with the DIMM slot keys C

 

D= using your finger push these into the down position as shown in picture 2 this allows the memory to be inserted

 

1.

http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/install-memory-dimm/install-memory-fig-1-2.jpg

 

2.

http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/install-memory-dimm/install-memory-fig-1-3.jpg

 

 

 

 

DIMM Installation II

 

Now you are ready to install the module, ensuring the notches line up with the keys see picture 1 gently but firmly push the memory into the slot until it is seated fully, the ejector clips should rise to the vertical position as shown in picture 2

 

1.

http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/install-memory-dimm/install-memory-fig-1-4.jpg

 

2.

http://www.helpwithpcs.com/upgrading/install-memory-dimm/install-memory-fig-1-5.jpg

 

Now your memory is installed, ensure you haven't loosened any cables while you have been working and also ensure that the memory module is fully seated and the ejector clips are in the vertical position.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

Replace the cover of your PC, connect your peripherals and boot the machine (turn it on - don't kick it though your bios should recognise the memory instantly, to check this you can go to the control panel of your operating system (windows/unix).

 

If your machine just beeps at you when you turn it on then the chances are that the memory is not inserted correctly, if this is the case disconnect all peripherals and follow the steps again.

 

Enjoy

 

P.S. I underwent this same process and am very happy with the outcome that is why i am extending the same knowledge to you guys so everyone can reak the benifits of a RAM upgrade just like i am.

 

CREDZ TO HELPWITHPCS.COM FOR PICS AND DIMM INSTALLATION GUIDE!

Edited August 22, 2008 by sillybob123♥

[Korupt Data]

I have 1gb of ram ^___^ it says there is no need to upgrade.

[sillybob123]

I have 1gb of ram ^___^ it says there is no need to upgrade.

 

 

1.5GB rofl

[Korupt Data]

1.5GB rofl

OH yeaaa lmao ;]

[sillybob123]

is that meant to mean you think im lying cuz i will take a pic if i have to MR

[Korupt Data]

is that meant to mean you think im lying cuz i will take a pic if i have to MR

HuhhH????? what are you talkin bout

[mickyDrip]

Nice Tut. i have like 4 Gig of RAM and i installed it my self

[Quinn]

My parent comp has 1gb, my s*** comp has like, 256 lol, my computer that i'm (hopefully) getting has 6 or 8 gigs, can't remeber think 8

[mickyDrip]

My parent comp has 1gb, my s*** comp has like, 256 lol, my computer that i'm (hopefully) getting has 6 or 8 gigs, can't remeber think 8

WOW 8 that's immense. you probably wont even need that much.

[SmokiestGrunl]

I'm sure I could use up 6 or 8 gig very easy.

[Decatur]

only reason to use 8gigs is to either 4-screen WoW or run one screen of crysis =D