Upgrading system memory is generally the cheapest and easiest way to improve program performance. Nevertheless, not each and every program can be upgraded and it’s feasible that you might already have the optimal quantity of program memory for your hardware/software configuration. The first thing to do is figure out just how much memory is presently installed inside your system and just how much total memory your program is capable of utilizing. Depending on the operating system that you’re using the amount of optimal memory varies. As a general rule of thumb Windows XP users will wish to have three gigs for optimal performance and Windows Vista 3 gigs for the 32 bit version and 4 to 8 gigs for the 64 bit version. Windows 7 ought to also use three gigs for the 32 bit version and four or more for 64 bit. (Windows 7 will really run quicker than Vista with the exact same amount of memory installed.) To discover just how much memory your system currently has installed use among the following techniques:
Right-click on the ‘My Computer’ icon, and choose Properties from the drop-down menu.
Look under the ‘General’ tab to find the amount or RAM in megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). Remember 1000 MB’s is equal to 1 GB.
Another method to find system memory is to Click Start- All Programs; Accessories- Program Tools- Program Information. Then look for ‘Total Physical Memory’ within the panel on the right.
One of the easiest ways I have found to figure out the maximum quantity of memory a system is capable of utilizing would be to use the ‘memory advisor’ tool that is situated on the Crucial website. To make use of the tool merely enter the manufacturer and model number of your PC. After entering your PC manufacturer and model number you’ll be given detailed info concerning the maximum memory capacity for your specific program, and also the type of memory and maximum size of memory boards and configurations that are available for your program. An additional option to determine maximum memory capacity would be to consult the web site of the manufacturer of your PC for details concerning your specific system. Note: If you have a custom built machine you will need the specification sheet that accompanied the motherboard that is presently in your program to discover the details concerning maximum memory capacity, memory type, speed, etc. or consult a computer support technician. In the event that you don’t have this info you’ll need to open the computer case and find the model number of your motherboard. The model number is usually printed on the face of the motherboard but can be difficult to find. Assuming you’re able to find the model number, use it to search the manufacturers website for details about the memory specifications for that motherboard. Before buying new memory be careful to ensure that the memory kind that you’re purchasing is right for your program. You will find very a few different kinds of memory obtainable, you will wish to be completely sure that the memory you purchase will work in your system. If your computer requires DDR or DDR2 you’ll have to buy two matching memory boards to perform an upgrade. With DDR3 you will more than likely need 3 matching boards. (These details can vary however, depending on the motherboard.) You will find also numerous different memory speeds available for every type of memory. If you are planning on totally replacing the old memory you need to have the ability to use faster memory for your particular memory type, if it’s available. If you’re planning to add new memory to existing memory you need to try to discover memory that’s the same speed as the existing memory. Installing Memory Upgrades Installing memory could be tricky so take your time and do not try to force a memory stick into your program if it is not easily snapping into location. There are slots on the memory which will only allow it to be inserted in one direction so be sure to line them up when installing. If the memory board doesn’t appear like it’s fitting in the socket correctly attempt turning it around. If the slots in the memory do not match the breaks on the motherboard memory socket then you have the wrong type of memory for your program.
Removing the old RAM Memory Boards
Make sure your pc is completely shut down.
Unplug the power cord from the back of the pc.
Unplug any other cables which are connected to the pc such as telephone lines or networking cables.
Eliminate the access panel or pc cover. You might need to eliminate some screws on the rear of the pc or on some systems press a release button (generally on the bottom of the case).
Locate the old memory on the motherboard. You are able to identify the memory by examining your new memory and searching for similar memory boards installed on the motherboard, usually near the CPU.
Prior to attempting to remove the old memory, be sure to release the latches that are utilized to hold the memory firmly in place. You will discover these at both ends of each memory board.
Grasping the memory firmly in the middle, carefully pull the memory board in a perpendicular direction, away from the motherboard until it slides out. IF THE MEMORY Isn’t Easily SLIDING OUT CHECK THE LATCHES TO Be sure THAT They are Completely OPEN.
Installing New RAM Memory Boards
Depending on the type of memory you are installing make sure that you’re installing the memory within the correct slots.
DDR and DDR2 will usually be installed in slots 1 and three or slots 2 and four. (Many times these slots will be a various color, either blue or possibly yellow.)
DDR3 will probably be installed in slots 1, three and 5 or slots 2, 4 and 6.
If you are installing new memory but plan to add your new memory to the existing memory and do not strategy to eliminate the old memory then make sure that the Bigger memory modules are installed within the initial slot that is closest to the CPU. (for DDR, DDR2, DDR3 make sure the first memory stick of the largest set of memory boards is installed closest to the CPU and the matching ones are installed accordingly).
Be sure to line up the slot in each memory board with the break within the memory slot.
Press every board down until it snaps into location. (Both latches on the ends of the memory board ought to lock into location.)
Close Your Computer Case or Cover
Replace the cover or panel that you removed earlier.
Replace any screws that you might have removed or loosened.
Plug any cables you removed earlier back in to the computer.
Power up your pc and pay careful attention to the boot screens to make sure that there are no error messages throughout the boot-up procedure.
You may see a message indicating that the quantity of system memory has changed. This is normal.
Troubleshooting – If you’re Experiencing Problems with the Program not Powering Back up Properly or Locking Up.
Make sure that all of the your memory boards are fully seated within the sockets and that they are latched firmly on both ends.
Make sure that you’ve the boards within the right slots. (If you will find any boards of different sizes then the largest memory board should be within the slot closest to the CPU.)
If you are utilizing DDR, DDR2, or DD3, you need to use matching memory boards and they must be installed in groups and within the right slots.
If you have added new memory to older existing memory your new memory may be a different speed than the old memory. Some motherboards won’t permit using memory of various speeds. Attempt utilizing only the new memory.
