How to Improve Your Computer's Memory

Computers are greedy for memory, and if you give them more, they will reward you with fewer crashes and slowdowns. Fortunately, increasing your RAM is relatively easy and by far the most cost-effective upgrade you can make.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Upgrade RAM Chips
• Information About Your PC's Current RAM
• Grounding Wrist Strap
• Screwdriver

1. If you don't already know, find out how much random-access memory (RAM) you currently have installed: On a Windows PC, check the System control panel in Windows. On a Macintosh, check About This Computer under the Apple menu.
2. Check your PC's documentation, visit the manufacturer's Web site or contact the manufacturer to learn the following: the maximum amount of RAM your PC can handle (in many cases, it will be double or more the amount that came with the machine); what type, speed and category of RAM is installed (so you'll know what kind to buy); and where the new RAM chips should be installed on the motherboard.
3. If the slots for the RAM chips are not easily accessible, or if you aren't comfortable opening your computer case, you may want to hire a technician to do the installation.
4. Purchase your upgrade RAM from a vendor that will give you a money-back guarantee. The vendor should also be willing to help you determine exactly what kind of chips you need for your system.
5. Before starting the upgrade, back up your data files.
6. Turn off the computer and open the case. This will probably involve removing some screws.
7. Before touching anything on the machine, discharge any static electricity built up on your person by touching a grounded piece of metal. Many memory vendors sell an inexpensive grounding wrist strap designed to make this procedure safer (for your PC, not you!).
8. Locate the empty sockets where the upgrade chip(s) will go. Handle the chip(s) carefully and by the edges only. Different types of chips have different sockets. The most common types require that you push the chip straight down with firm but gentle force. Chips are designed to fit only the correct socket, so be careful not to force them.
9. Once the chip(s) are seated, close the PC and restart.

Tips & Warnings

• Memory is so cheap these days that it may make sense to replace some of the chips that came with your PC with higher-capacity ones.
• If your PC fails to recognize new memory after you've installed more than one new chip, try reinstalling the chips in a different order.
• Static electricity is your sworn enemy when it comes to handling and installing chips. Don't perform the upgrade in your favorite wool shirt or on a shag carpet.

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