How to Upgrade RAM

United States
December 17, 2006 12:50pm CST
This is a simple overview of a how to guide for upgrading RAM in a desktop. This is not intended for someone who doesn't know what RAM is, just something to make them feel a little more comfortable about what they are doing. Enjoy and please leave feedback. How to Upgrade RAM. 1. Locate any manuals you might have that came with your computer. 2. Look through the manuals, or search the internet, and determine what kind of RAM your computer takes. ex. PC3200, PC2700, etc. Also determine what the maximum amount of RAM is that your computer can take 3. Open up your computer case, WHILE YOUR COMPUTER IS OFF, and look for a long skinny circuit board plugged into your motherboard, this is your RAM. It should be near the big metal thing that is your heat sink for your processor. Most computers have two slots, newer computers might have 4. Determine how many open slots you have, if any. If you have an open slot skip ahead to step 5. 4. If you do not have an open slot determine which of the pieces of RAM is smallest as you will be replacing that one with a larger one. If they are equal you will be replacing the piece in DIMM, what the slot is called, 1. 5. Go onto the internet, or your local computer store but the internet will be cheaper, and purchase a piece of RAM that matches the kind of RAM that your computer uses and make sure that the total amount of RAM that will be in your computer does not exceed the total amount of RAM it can take after you install the new RAM. 6. To install the RAM you simply press it down into the slot with even pressure, careful not to bend it or force it to hard. Your COMPUTER MUST BE OFF. If you attempt to do this with your computer on you could very seriously damage something. If you need to remove a piece of RAM that is already there simply push outward on the two clips that are holding it in place on either side and the DIMM will pop up. 7. Turn your computer back on and you should be all set. NOTE: When it says your computer should be off, make sure you unplug the power cord just in case so that you do not accidentally turn it on. Also before you touch anything inside your computer make sure to touch a metal part of the case frame. This will prevent static electricity from you damaging your computer.
1 response
huanghaozi
@huanghaozi (1472)
• Egypt
12 Feb 07
Difficulty: Challenging To increase the random-access memory (RAM) of your computer, you must know the type of RAM it uses, how the RAM is presently configured and how many open RAM slots are available. Instructions * STEP 1: Check the owner's manual or motherboard manual to determine if RAM is parity or non-parity. * STEP 2: Find out the speed of RAM (for example, 60 nanoseconds). * STEP 3: Determine whether the computer uses single in-line memory modules (SIMMs) or dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs). * STEP 4: Find out whether the computer uses regular, FPM, EDO, or Synch DRAM. * STEP 5: Determine the number of pins on the motherboard: 30, 72 or 168. * STEP 6: Remove the cover from the machine to find the number of open RAM slots. Look for between two and eight same-sized parallel sockets on the main circuit board. Usually at least two of those sockets will contain RAM - ruler-shaped circuit boards with chips on one or both sides. * STEP 7: Purchase additional RAM that matches existing memory specifications. * STEP 8: See the Related eHow "How to Install RAM" to learn how to put in RAM yourself; you can also get it installed (recommended if you don't feel comfortable opening up your computer case). Tips & Warnings * Expect difficulty finding new RAM if your computer uses an early 486 Intel processor or a Macintosh 68040 processor, or older. * If you have a newer 486 or an early Pentium or PowerPC (roughly 1994 to 1996), your computer probably has 72-pin, non-parity SIMMs. * Newer Pentium processors probably have extended data output (EDO) RAM. * Pentium II, Pentium III and post-1996 PowerPCs use DIMMs. * You usually have to install SIMMs in pairs. * If you don't know how much RAM you have installed currently, check your My Computer properties in Windows or choose About This Macintosh from the Apple menu. * Most RAM is installed in SIMM or DIMM sockets, but in some computers some RAM may be soldered to the motherboard.