How to Do Computer Memory Upgrade

Increasing the amount of Random Access Memory(RAM) or just "memory" as it is called in a computer will tremendously boost its performance. The computer uses this memory to load the programs and files you work with. More memory you have, faster your applications will run (up to a maximum limit). With ever improving technology it could be hard to find the right memory/model and options you have to upgrade computer memory. The following steps will make your memory upgrade job bit easier.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. First find out how much memory is currency installed in the computer. There are several ways to find this information. Easiest one is to right click on the "My Computer" (in windows XP) or "Computer" (Windows Vista)icon in desktop and then click on "Properties" menu. The page will display computer information which will have memory size in it. It will display something like this:
   Memory (RAM) 3047 MB

2. Next step is to find if you can add more memory to your computer. Each memory module requires one slot. If all the slots are full you can't add any more. Instead you have to replace them with higher capacity ones.
   Then you have to find memory modules that are compatible with the computer. There are several categories of memory modules such as DDR, DDR2 etc. It could be challenging to do the research and find the compatible memory to upgrade your computer. But, there is a free tool that will help you.

3. Download a free tool called system scanner( link is in resource section) and run the tool. This will scan your computer and find the current memory, available free slots, maximum capacity and so on. A typical scan result will look like this:
   
   Memory Scan Result:
   ---------------------------------
   # Maximum Memory Capacity: 4096MB
   # Currently Installed Memory: 3GB
   # Available Memory Slots: 0
   # Total Memory Slots: 2
   # Dual Channel Support: Yes
   # CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
   # CPU Family: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU T8100 @ 2.10GHz Model 7, Stepping 6
   # CPU Speed: 2101 MHz
   ---------------------------------
   
   Right below the scan result you can see the recommendations with compatible memory module. This section will give you the specification of the memory modules to upgrade computer memory.
   
   Some example specifications are as follows:
   
   Part #: CT688315 • DDR2 PC2-5300 •
   
   Part #: CT758769 • DDR2 PC2-6400
   
   You can take this specification and shop for the memory module to get the best price.

4. Once you have the memory module, you are ready to upgrade computer memory . Before you start, completely power off the computer and disconnect the power cable for safety.
   Open the computer case and insert the new modules in the memory slots. For specific instructions on using right combination of slots for best performance you have to refer to computer/motherboard manual.

5. Once installed, close the case, plug-in the power cable and turn on the computer. Follow the instruction in step-1 to check the new memory size. You should see upgraded computer memory size there.

Resources

• System Scanner