How to Increase RAM in a Desktop Computer

Increase RAM in your desktop computer.

RAM is probably the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to your home computer. Increasing RAM assists in running multiple programs at one time. With an increase in RAM, you can watch a video while playing a game and surfing the Internet. If you are experiencing escalating slowdowns or discover programs running sluggishly, upgrading your RAM is vital.

Things You'll Need

• Motherboard manual
• Phillips screwdriver

Instructions

Preparation

1. View your motherboard manual. You must know the capabilities of your motherboard regarding the type of RAM as well as size. For instance, some motherboards require DDR2 400 MHz supporting up to 1GB. Other motherboard may necessitate DDR266 that supports up to 8GBs. If you do not have your motherboard manual, check the manufacturer's Web site for details.

2. Purchase the correct RAM. Various stores, such as Best Buy or Wal-Mart, have RAM available. In addition, online stores Newegg and Computer Geeks supply RAM at a lower cost. If you do not buy the correct RAM for your motherboard, it can cause damage to the RAM chip as well as the board.

3. Unplug all cords and devices from your computer tower. Unscrew the right panel and slide off. Set the panel and screws to the side for safekeeping.

4. Lay the tower down on the left side panel. Use a flat, hard surface such as a table or hardwood floor. Avoid placing the tower on carpet.

Installing

1. Locate the memory slots. Typically, they are positioned near the hard drive and DVD Rom drives; however, they may be anywhere on the right side of the motherboard. The RAM slots are long ports, usually with a small lever on each side. Normally, they are different colors, such as off-white or blue. The description may vary for your motherboard. View the manual for the exact location.

2. Remove the current RAM chip. Press down on both levers on each side of the slot. The chip will pop up and loosen for removal. Pull up gently on the RAM stick and place in a box or hard surface. This is to avoid static electricity.

3. Line up the metal connection tab on the RAM stick with the RAM port on the motherboard. Any holes in the metal connector should line up with the tabs in the port. Once you have lined up the connections, push down firmly. If levers are on the RAM port, they will close automatically, keeping the RAM in place.

4. Replace the right tower panel and plug in all components. Complete this step before booting up the desktop computer.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to use the RAM chips currently in your computer, you may. However, you must buy the exact size of the RAM you currently own. For instance, if you have one 512MB RAM stick, you must buy another 512MB RAM stick. The computer will only run memory at the lowest RAM chip installed on the PC.

References

• Increasing RAM -- Microsoft

Resources

• Computer Geeks
• Newegg