DIY Computer Memory Upgrade
Now days the programs we run on our computers are becoming larger and larger every day. Some games are as big as 500MB or sometimes more. For example, Microsoft recommends at least 128MB of memory for Windows XP; 256MB is better, however, I think you need 512MB at the minimum..
One of the most simple ways to upgrade your computer to cope with these programs is to add more memory. However some computer technicians charge pathetic amounts of money to perform this relatively easy procedure. Don’t waste your hard earned money on a task that a monkey can perform. Just follow the steps below to do it yourself . It’s inexpensive, easy to do, and it can dramatically improve the performance of your pc.
Upgrade your computer memory
- Before you perform any upgrades involving “Do It Yourself “, I recommend you read How To Open a computer case safely
- Follow the instructions closely to safely open a computer case. It is very important for safety!!!Continue at own risk!
- Then you need to determine what kind of RAM your computer takes and whether it has enough open slots to hold it.
- Release the clips on either end of the ram which is holding it in place. Then remove the ram. Take note of which slot it was in so you can replace it there.
- Usually there is a sticker with the ram type and brand on it.
- The new RAM should match the existing RAM’s specifications and configuration to gain the best performance. See Below for different types.
- Insert your ram into a slot. It only goes in one way, so you know its right if it fits in. Gradually push it in evenly and the clips on the sides will snap into place.
- Make sure everything is still in it right place. If you have removed something to get to the memory slots, replace it now. Put the computer case cover back on.
- Plug in your Computer, turn the power on, and see if it recognizes the new RAM. If the computer starts up you have done well.
- Go to Systems Properties to see how much ram is installed now.
The most common types of RAM /memory
It is important to find out what type of ram your computer has in it so you can match the new piece with its specifications. If you have Pc2100 ddr ram in your computer you should put more PC2100 in the other available slots. It doesn’t matter what size it is, but bigger is better.
SD Ram:
Pre- Pentium 1.4ghz computers usually take either PC100 or PC133. You can pick up this ram pretty cheap now. PC133 256mb sd ram is around $20.00.
DDR Ram:
The more modern PC’s take anything from PC2100 (266MHz), PC2700 (333MHz), PC3200 (400-MHz).
You can get PC2100 256mb ddr memory for around $25.00, which is pictured below. See how the notch is in a different place to the sd ram. This is one way to tell them apart. The stickers on the ram have their specifications and serial numbers.
DDR Ram 2:
This is the new ddr dram that all new computers have now. Of course it is v=faster and better than it’s predecessor.
The size of Ram ( Random Access Memory)
Both SD memory and DDR come in various sizes. Starting from 128mb ram, 256mb ram, 512mbram, and now 1gig, 2 gig, and 4 gig ram sticks. In the earlier days they were also available in smaller sizes, however now days the bigger sizes are the most popular.
When you Upgrade your computer memory it increases system performance, lets you run more applications, and improve graphics and video editing. It is always an improvement to your computer when you add ram. But just make sure you research how much ram your operating system will allow and be able to utilize.
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Mitz – who has written 731 posts on Computer Tips.
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi -
How do you know how much ram your operating system will allow and be able to utilize? I have an older computer and just upgraded to Windows 7 (32-bit since I only have two 512MB of RAM) but it’s getting really slow and it just gave me a total black screen on start up! Ugh. Actually, the screen was really dim once when I turned it on, and then the next time I know that it turned on (because it backed up to my external hard drive – yay!) but then the next couple times I turned it on, it was all black – no boot screen, no flashing cursor. And then an hour later, it turned right on! So I’m thinking it might be the RAM… Anyway, how do you figure out how much your computer/OS can handle?
Thanks!
Annie
All 32bit verisions of Windows Xp x32 and Vista x86 supports up to 3gb of ram.
All 32bit verisions of Windows 7 except the starter supports 4gig of ram. The starter supports 2gig.
Vista Basic x64: 8 GB
Vista Home Premium x64: 16 GB
Vista Business/Enterprise/Ultimate x64: 128 GB
Windows 7 Starter x64: 2 GB
Windows 7 Home Basic x64: 8 GB
Windows 7 Home Premium x64: 16 GB
Windows 7 Professional/Enterprise/Ultimate x64: 192GB.
I am trying to upgrade my memory and having a hard time gettng to the memory slot inside my tower pc, which is an HP Pavillon. I have successfully opened taken off the side panel, but when I get there, the memory slot area is underneath all these wiring and contraptions that I can’t seem to move out of the way. How do I get to the memory slot in this case? Any suggestions?
Maria
Have you got the power unplugged..?
then touch the side of the case..the metal part to discharge static electricity from your body.
Then you are ready to touch things.
You can unplug a few things but take note of where they are coming from and make sure you put them back in the same spot. If this is too difficult then I suggest you take it into our computer repair guy and ask first, how much it will be to insert your piece of memory. The job takes about 1 min and surely they can’t rip you off for that?
Upgrading your computer memory really helps it to be fast. Most of old computers are the ones which have a random access memory of about 128MB. This is not so bad but then your computer will be so slow. A RAM of 500MB and above is very good as with this you are assured of a fast computer.
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Hello. I upgrade my netbook Asus 1005PE with a 2GB Crucial RAM which is compatible with my original netbook’s RAM. I follow the guide provided by Crucial step by step. However, my netbook doesn’t boot, it has a black screen but the lights are on and the fan is running. I tried many times to clean the RAM, to reboot,… but nothing works. Please help me! Thank you very much.
So does the netbook start when you take the new ram out and just use the old ram?