How to Upgrade your PC by installing RAM

Installing RAM is the most effective upgrade for increasing PC performance.

Overtime, all PCs slow down; there is not really thing you can to prevent it. After a while, installing new programs, or downloading music, photos and videos and running multiple applications at once takes its toll on your PC's performance. Running clean-up programs and uninstalling unused applications can help. Nevertheless, if you really want to increase the performance of your PC, install more RAM. Adding memory to your PC is the most cost-effective upgrade you can perform, and also provides the biggest increase in performance. Better still, RAM is relatively inexpensive and installing it is something almost anyone can do.

Things You'll Need

• Compatible RAM for your computer
• Phillips #2 screwdriver
• Antistatic wrist strap

Instructions

1. Refer to the user guide for your system or motherboard to determine the type of memory you need to buy for your system. Many newer machines use DDR3 240-pin modules, while many older machines require DDR2 240-pin or DDR1 184-pin memory sticks. If your computer was made in the late 1990s or earlier, the machine might require a different type of memory. Nevertheless, the user guide or owner's manual should list the exact type you need. If for some reason you do not have the user guide, visit the website of the manufacturer and check the "Support" section of the site for particular memory upgrade information for your system.

2. Purchase compatible memory modules for your computer.

3. Shut down the computer, and disconnect the power cord from the outlet and the computer. Unplug the keyboard, monitor and mouse. Disconnect any other attached peripherals.

4. Place the computer on a stable and sturdy work surface. Use the Phillips screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the case cover or access panel. Remove the case cover or panel and set it aside.

5. Slide the looped end of the antistatic wrist strap onto your arm. Clip the other end of the strap to a metal surface inside the case. Touch the metal frame of the case to discharge any static electricity in your body.

6. Locate the memory slots on the motherboard. In most cases, the memory slots are blue or black, and about five and ¼ in. long. On most motherboards, the memory slots are next to the CPU and heatsink. On some high-end gamer motherboards, though, the slots might be yellow, red, green or orange.

7. Push the two clips on the memory slot outward until fully extended. Carefully grasp the new memory module by the two ends and align the notch on the bottom of the module with the notch in the memory slot.

8. Push the module firmly, but gently, into the memory slot after aligning the notches. Push the module into the slot until the clips start to close. Push the locking clips inward into the notches on the sides of the modules until fully locked. Install additional modules into other slots as needed.

9. Unclip the wrist strap from the case. Replace the cover or panel, and secure with the retaining screws. Move the computer back to its original location.

10. Reconnect the power cord, and plug into the electrical socket. Reconnect all other cables and peripherals, then restart the computer. After you restart the computer, Windows recognizes the new RAM automatically. You should notice a significant increase in performance after the upgrade.

References

• PCWorld; How to Upgrade Your PC's RAM; Kirk Steers; Feb. 2007
• HelpWithPCs.com: Install Memory (RAM), Performing a RAM Upgrade, Installing DIMMs
• Microsoft at Home; RAM: Add More Memory to Your Computer; Mara Gulens
• Dell: Desktop Install Guide (DIMM or RIMM)