Four step instructions for installing more RAM

Below, we show you how to diagnose minimum memory and what to do for RAM upgrade.

How to know how much RAM is needed?

Check your computer's RAM usage by opening the Windows Task Manager. Press Ctrl-Alt-Del (Vista users must click Start Task Manager ) and click Performance tab. If the number next to ' Available ' (or ' Free ' in Vista) under 'Physical Memory' fluctuates near 0, then your computer works very slowly and it needs more RAM.

So how much RAM is enough?

Ordinary Windows XP users will be satisfied with 1GB of RAM. In our test, this computer involves processing images and using Nero Express to burn CDs, one to three times faster when we upgrade from 512KB to 1GB of RAM. Other users, here we are talking about users at the same time many programs or people working with digital videos or other large graphic files will expect at least 2GB of RAM. If you are planning to upgrade your computer to Windows Vista, you also need 1GB but we recommend using up to 2GB of RAM.

Which type of RAM should I choose?

RAM has many types, including DDR, DDR2 and DDR3. New technologies often give better performance, but most motherboards only accept one type of RAM. Check your computer to find out what type of RAM is installed and how they are installed. RAM vendors like Crucial and Kingston often have online tools to help you distinguish the right RAM for many computers and motherboards. Most upgraded computers today are using dual-channel memory, so you have to install them into pairs for high performance. So adding two modules 512MB instead of one 1GB module is better.

It is really important to spend a few more dollars to buy RAM from trusted manufacturers like Crucial or Kingston.

What do you need when adding RAM?

Tools : Local computer stores will have a tool for no more than $ 15 to help you avoid static electricity.

Documents : Many motherboards require module pairs to be located on specific slots or RAM socket pairs. Please refer to your document before upgrading.

How to install a RAM?

1. Remove the computer and open CASE. Set it so that you can feel comfortable to remove things inside CASE. If upgrading RAM for a laptop you should observe the panel on the lower part of the machine protected by one or two screws and carefully remove the panel.

2. Protect delicate small electrical circuits inside the computer from static electricity by grounding. In general, you should wear a pair of sandals to separate yourself from the soil when you touch the CASE or the inner components.

3. Check the computer's documentation to identify the correct RAM sockets to include. Remove any obstructions such as the power cable or radiator fan on the motherboard.

3. If you need to remove an existing RAM on the main, simply push the two clamps on either side of the head. The RAM bar will then pop up and you can easily lift them out.

5. Remove the new RAM sticks from the cover and place them on the cover. One detail when holding the RAM bar is that you should hold it at the edges; Avoid touching chips or circuits on the RAM side.

6. To install a RAM, open two pins on either side of each socket by gently pressing them down. Then you plug your RAM in the right slot, when you plug in, the two external clamps now lift and grip and hold the RAM firmly.

Laptop users should turn to the bottom of the memory socket, taking care of the notch on the RAM with its socket. Carefully push the RAM stick until the holders have positioned it safely.

7. Reassemble the computer, turn on the power and remember to look on the screen during the boot process to confirm that your system has recognized the new RAM. If it doesn't, restart your computer, go into the CMOS program and check if your computer recognizes the new memory. (To do this, press the Del or F1 key during the reboot process.) If the new memory has not yet been received, you should exit the setup program, turn off the computer and open CASE, plug in the RAM memory again. accomplished.