How to Increase Your Computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM)
Many computer owners want to increase their computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM) to improve their PC’s overall performance. This is because RAM is responsible for storing data just like any other storage media like the hard disk. The only difference is that, RAM stores data temporarily and data are accessed at random (but returned at a constant time regardless of its location). In a hard drive, one factor that slows down data access is hard disk fragmentation. The more fragmented your hard disk is, the longer will it take before data is retrieved.
Increasing a computer’s memory is also referred to as “upgrading a computer’s memory”. Upgrading memory is relatively easy (if you know the basic procedures and safety measures to carry out before doing so).
There are many types of RAM for the desktop: EDO (no longer produced and used by modern computers), SDRAM, DDR1 and DDR2. These four types are generally the ones being used by modern computers like mine and most probably yours too. At present, I have installed in my desktop two pieces of 512MB DDR PC2700 Memory modules. They are relatively cheaper than their DDR2 counterpart although my motherboard allows the use of DDR1 (or simply DDR) and DDR2 memory types. To verify what memory type is allowed to be installed in your motherboard, check your manual so that before upgrading your memory, you’re assured of doing the right thing.
In terms of operating systems, you can also add IMAC memory to your Macintosh computers just like how you do in a Windows-based computer system.
Adding Computer RAM is relatively simple but beware of some pitfalls. I would like to suggest that you follow these simple steps if you want to do it yourself.
- Disconnect all the cables (power cable, mouse, printer, etcetera) from the CPU before attempting to open it. Don’t open or detach the CPU with any wires attached at the back. Any wire at the back can pick up static electricity which may short-circuit the internal components.
- Wear shoes or slippers. Do not allow your feet to touch the ground when touching any part of the CPU. Again, this is to ensure that you won’t short-circuit the components.
- Wear protective gloves. I prefer surgical gloves because they are made of plastic. Any other plastic gloves will do just fine. Just make sure they fit into your hands perfectly. An over-sized pair of gloves might make you feel uncomfortable or damage components without you knowing it. Remember, you are dealing with very small components here.
- Wear an antistatic wrist strap (if you have one). You can use this with an antistatic mat to further prevent electrostatic discharge.
- In removing the memory module, don’t press too hard on the clips supporting it because it might crack the motherboard. Avoid touching any part of the circuit board. Some parts may loosen and this could render your motherboard non-functional sooner or later.
- Check if there is any corrosion or damage in the pins of your memory module before installing it in the memory slots of your motherboard. Also, you may clean the memory slots using a soft-bristled brush to remove dirt and dust.
- Put the power cables back (and other cables you have removed prior to adding your memory modules) to your CPU. Do a power-on check before covering the CPU to make sure the new memory is working fine.
- If something goes wrong and you’re not sure what is wrong, call a qualified technician. Don’t try to experiment on computer parts if you’re not ready to accept the fact that you might damage the parts or components. Doing so could save you a lot money. As they say, “Curiosity killed the cat”.
:-)
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Tags: computer tips, computers, how to add memory to a desktop computer, how to add RAM, how to increase RAM, personal, Technology, upgrading computer memory
I won’t try to do that coz I don’t have knowledge lol! Risky..pero may prob na talaga performance ng unit ko..
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jessie reply on July 2nd, 2008:
Joy,
Yup. Don’t attempt to do it yourself because your memory module is somewhat sensitive. If you upgrade your computer’s memory yourself, you might short circuit the motherboard. Proper handling of memory modules and motherboards is extremely necessary when upgrading.
jessie’s last blog post..Taking a Short Break From Blogging
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I must admit kuya, gumagapang na ang aking lappy…
humihingal na nga eh sa sobrang hina..hahaha
pero scared akong kulikutin baka eh dedo na..waaaa…
i’ll call a qualified technician na lang..or di kaya bili bago..pautang naman! hehehe…
oi kuya, question po.. meron kayo kilala mga simbulan sa bukidnon? meron sila simbulan hospital dun eh… chika minute! hehehe
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[Reply]
jessie reply on July 6th, 2008:
Twinks,
True! Don’t touch your motherboard components especially your memory modules to avoid damage. Sige pauutaingin kita ng pang-upgrade mo sa memory mo. Magkano ba? lol!
jessie’s last blog post..Sexy Photo of Roxanne Guinoo for Maxim Philippines’ July 2008 Edition
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hi,
thanks for the great tip.
I use vista in my laptop. Previously, my laptop was preinstalled with 512 Mb RAM.
You just can imagine how slow it was to start my laptop running Vista with 512Mb. Hence, I upgrade to 1.5gig with DDR2..it works fine but it will smoother if I use 2G
lankapo
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[Reply]
lankapo,
yes that will be the best move. if your motherboard allows you to install 2GB (or even 4GB) of memory, then do it. More memory for your laptop can dramatically increase loading speed of programs if you will buy the most suitable memory type for your motherboard.
jessie’s last blog post..Before I Knew How to Make Money Online
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[...] every other day. What better way to guide others in these technical areas like in my post “How to Increase Your Computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM)” than to post simple yet easy-to-understand [...]
Great tips. Very helpful instruction on how to increase computer memory.
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