How to Install More RAM on Your Computer
Every year technological advancements encourage you to enhance your computer's efficiency. You must install more RAM and continually upgrade it so you can work with memory intensive programs that are rich in graphics. Size matters, especially when you are using several applications simultaneously. Here is how to install as much RAM as you need.
Instructions
Difficulty: Easy
Things You’ll Need:
- RAM chips
- Screwdriver
- Anti-static wristband or other grounding device
Find Out the Existing RAM
Step1
Start your computer. Wait for Windows to load.
Step2
Click on ‘'My Computer" and right click ‘'Properties." ‘'Systems Properties" should open
Step3
Click on the ‘'General'’ tab. View the physical memory to ascertain the total RAM installed on your computer. RAM is usually 32 MB, 64 MB or 128 MB in older computers. Newer PCs usually carry 256 MB, 512 MB or even higher RAM.
Step4
Check the usage. Open the taskbar or press Ctrl + Alt + Del to open a pop-up window. Click on '‘Task Manager."
Step5
Press the '‘Performance'’ tab. Check the amount of memory each program on your PC uses.
Install More RAM
Step1
Evaluate how much more RAM your computer needs. Check whether your computer has enough open slots to hold the additions. The new RAM should match the existing RAM's specifications and configuration.
Step2
Shut down the computer but leave it plugged in to its power source.
Step3
Disconnect all peripheral devices, such as the monitor, from the computer.
Step4
Remove the computer cover.
Step5
Ground yourself to the computer with professional grounding equipment like an antistatic wristband.
Step6
Remove any cards or internal components to provide unobstructed access to RAM sockets. Your computer may have a 72-pin or 164-pin RAM socket depending on the year of manufacture.
Step7
Refer to the documentation that came with the new RAM. Depending on the type of RAM you bought, you will need to install either the SIMM (single in-line memory module) chips or the DIMM (dual in-line memory module) chips. You may have a single 1GB chip or a pair of 512 MB chips.
Step8
Pick up your SIMM or DIMM by the ends without touching the pins or chips.
Step9
Find the notched end for adding SIMM. Turn the SIMM until it is parallel to the RAM card (or cards). Insert the SIMM into the socket at a 30-degree angle. If adding a DIMM, insert the DIMM straight in so it is perpendicular to the motherboard.
Step10
Use slight pressure to keep a SIMM from backing out while rotating the module to an upright position, perpendicular to the motherboard.
Step11
Make sure the small holes on each side of the SIMM fit into its holders.
Step12
Feel the retaining clips lock the SIMM into the socket; close the side clips on a DIMM. Gently pull the module to ensure it is locked in position.
Step13
Replace all internal components. Leave off the cover and reconnect the monitor, keyboard and mouse.
Step14
Turn on the computer. Check the amount of RAM. Right-click the "My Computer" icon in Windows and choose "Properties." On a Mac, use the "About This Macintosh" command in the Apple menu. If the correct amount of RAM doesn't appear, turn off the computer, remove the SIMM or DIMM and reinstall. Reboot. This should verify the newly installed RAM.
Step15
Shut down the computer and disconnect the peripherals again.
Step16
Replace the cover and reconnect the peripherals. Your computer should now run smoother and faster with the added RAM.
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