How to install/upgrade random access memory (RAM) into your computer

this article is about how to successfully upgrade the RAM/memory in a desktop PC

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• computer
• RAM/memory
• screwdriver
• basic computer knowledge

1. 
   shutdown

   Make sure your computer is fully shutdown (not in hibernation or in standby)

2. turn the PC on and quickly press the key, which may or may not be displayed on the screen, to enter the BIOS setup utility. the key varies on the Motherboard chipset(Intel motherboards generally use the F2 key)

3. look for the text that says SYSTEM MEMORY, the number after this will be the amount of memory in your PC. in my PC it says SYSTEM MEMORY 256 MB, yours may be different. DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING IN THIS UTILITY IT MAY BADLY EFFECT YOUR COMPUTER, unless you know what you are doing.

4. write down the amount of memory currently installed in your PC and then turn the power off.

5. unplug all cables from the back of your PC.

6. open the case of your PC, your case may be different depending on the manufacturer and model. some screws and/or clips may need to be removed or unfastened.

7. 
   motherboard

   looking at the exposed motherboard locate the RAM/memory.
   
   here is a picture of a basic motherboard

8. to remove the memory modules press both clips on either side, the memory will be ejected. (may come out hard)

9. with your new memory in hand, and making sure that the notch/es match the socket firmly press the new memory module down into the socket. (may go in the socket hard)

10. put the cover back on your PC. close and reattach all screws and clips.

11. plug all of your cables back in to their original ports.

12. turn the power back on and press the key to go to the BIOS setup again. read the current SYSTEM MEMORY. if successfully completed the number will be higher.

13. now press the esc key to exit and wait for your computer to boot.

Tips & Warnings

• make sure the new memory module is the correct type for your motherboard.
• make sure the new memory module is larger in capacity (1024MB = 1GB)
• to minimize the risk of ESD (electrostatic discharge) damage where an ESD bracelet, use a grounding mat.

[Haunted]

on 11/18/2008 Great instructions, thanks for sharing your know how with the rest of us!

[Shayleia]

on 11/2/2008 Great article! You make it sound so easy! Thanks for sharing your knowledge~!