How to Install Memory on a Desktop
Random access memory, or RAM, is one of the primary components that a computer needs to run applications and system processes. While a central processing unit, or CPU, can be expensive and somewhat difficult to replace, adding additional RAM to a computer is a very common and fairly simple way to increase computing speed.
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Instructions
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Open your computer case with a screwdriver and set the case down on its side. This will allow you to look down at the motherboard and press the RAM in place.
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Locate the RAM banks on your motherboard. They will usually look like two to four parallel slits, with a clip at either end. Depending on how much RAM you had initially, the slots might already contain memory chips.
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Unclip the RAM banks you are going to use, and remove any old memory chips. Whether you are replacing outdated memory sticks or adding extra memory, you must undo the clips at either side of each RAM bank that you are going to use. To do this, simply press down firmly on both clips at the same time. If there is a memory stick in place, it should pop loose, allowing it to be set aside.
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Push the new memory down into the banks, causing the clips to snap into place. Your sticks of RAM will have a small notch at the bottom along the part the plugs into the motherboard. Align the memory so that this notch lines up with the notch in the RAM bank, then press the RAM stick down firmly. This will cause the RAM to sink into the bank and clips to clamp in place. Note that you must sometimes press down with more force than it seems like you should apply to a computer part. Install all other memory sticks in the same fashion.
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Close your computer case and power on your computer. If the computer starts up properly, chances are your RAM is working properly. (A computer cannot run without functional RAM.) Running a RAM scan program like the MEM test (a free-to-download program) can definitively tell whether you RAM is functioning properly. For a more simple test, press "Control," "Alt," "Delete" to call up the task manager and check your memory usage when running several memory-intensive programs. If the memory usage reading approaches the maximum amount you have installed, it indicates that all sticks are being utilized.
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