Things You'll Need:
- RAM stick or sticks
- Computer running Windows XP or Vista
- Camera
- Star screwdriver to open the case
- Anti-static wrist strap (optional)
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Step 1
Make sure you have the correct RAM, as installing the wrong type of RAM could damage the motherboard. If you're not sure, see the article in the Resources section to find out.
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Step 2
Turn the computer off, disconnect everything from it, and unplug it. Take the screws out, remove the case, and turn it on its side.
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Step 3
Locate the RAM slots. They should be about 5 1/2" long and about 1/4" tall. On each end is a clip which holds the RAM in place.
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Step 4
Get rid of any static electricity on you. Touch a metal part of the case with each hand to do this. Note that there's still some risk of damaging (read destroying--as in you might as well have stepped on it and broke it in half) the RAM even after you do this, and the risk is increased if the humidity is low. Use an anti-static wrist strap if you want to be 100% sure the RAM won't get damaged. It's common, however, not to use one.
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Step 5
If there are wires, cables, or cards in the way of the RAM slot, locate each obstruction that you need to remove, and take a picture before removing it.
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Step 6
Push down on each of the clips on the RAM slot. If there's RAM in it, the RAM will pop out. Remove it by handling the short edges, and then set it safely on a hard wood or plastic surface. Repeat for any other RAM you want to remove.
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Step 7
Touch a metal part of the case with each hand again to make sure there's no static electricity on you.
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Step 8
Pick up the new RAM by the short edges. Locate the first RAM slot, which is one of the end slots. Look for something like "DIMM1" printed next to it, but if you can't tell which is the first slot, just guess.
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Step 9
Look at the contact edge of the RAM, how it's divided near the middle, and how the length of each side is different. Line the lengths up with the lengths of each side in the RAM slot.
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Step 10
Push the RAM in the slot by applying pressure about 1/6 to 1/3 of the way from each end. It might take a little more pressure than expected, and you'll know you were successful when you hear and/or feel it lock into place. Ensure the RAM is in place by checking that the clips on each side are all the way up and tight. Repeat for any other RAM you want to install, installing it in the open adjacent slot.
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Step 11
Using the pictures you've taken, reconnect or re-install anything you removed to get to the RAM slot.
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Step 12
Put the panel back on, reconnect everything, plug the computer in, and turn it on. If Windows doesn't load, it might be that there's no memory in what the system sees as the first DIMM slot. To fix it, move the RAM stick from one end to the opposite end. Make sure every slot is filled between the first RAM stick and the last RAM stick.
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Step 13
For Windows XP, click "Start," and select "Control Panel." Switch to Classic View if you're not already in it by clicking "Switch to Classic View" in the upper left-hand corner of the window. Double-click on "System." Under the "General" tab, look under the "Computer" section to see if the amount of RAM Windows recognizes matches the amount installed.
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Step 14
For Windows Vista, click "Start," and select "Control Panel." Select "Classic View" in the upper left-hand corner. Double-click on "System." In the middle of the screen under the "System" section, the amount of RAM is displayed, and should be the same as the amount you installed.
Comments
staysik said
on 1/11/2009 This is really helpful and detailed- good idea on taking a picture!!!
cynvela said
on 11/30/2008 Very detailed article! Thanks! 5*
LilBlackDress said
on 11/30/2008 This is excellent! 5 stars for you!