How to Upgrade Pentium III Memory Configuration
Upgrading the memory in a computer can give it a significant performance boost, especially in an older system. Although the steps to upgrade are the same with most computers, a Pentium III system requires special consideration when identifying the right type of memory.
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Instructions
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Buying the Right Memory
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Turn your computer off and unplug its power cable. Open your computer case using a screwdriver to remove the screws along the outside edge of the back of your computer. If the case is made up of multiple panels, you will only need to remove the right panel (when looking at the computer from behind).
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An example of a computer motherboard Find the motherboard manufacturer and model. That information will generally be the largest text printed on the motherboard. Use a flashlight if the text is difficult to read.
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A close up of typical memory banks Count the number of memory banks your motherboard has. The memory banks are the long, thin slots found on the side of the motherboard nearest the front of the computer. Write down how many banks are unfilled and how many banks there are total.
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Look up your motherboard model on the board manufacturer's website, or enter the motherboard information into your preferred search engine. Find a result that gives you the technical specifications of the board. Read the section detailing the motherboard's supported memory or memory standard. Look for the key words "SDRAM" or "DDR," and write down which of the two is supported. If there is a number included alongside one of those keywords, write that down, too. That number indicates the supported memory speed.
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Purchase the required type of memory sticks from a local or online retail store. SDRAM and DDR memory sticks are not compatible with each other, so take care to select memory sticks that match the type you wrote down. Buy memory sticks with the largest capacity you can afford, and purchase as many sticks as the number of memory banks on your motherboard.
Pay attention to the speed of the memory sticks. Faster memory will help your computer run better, but memory that is faster than what your motherboard supports may be a waste of money. If you cannot find memory sticks of exactly the right speed, purchase the closest you can find; it will still be compatible and your system will adjust as necessary.
Installing the Memory
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Discharge any static electricity by first touching something metal, then remove any old memory sticks if you are going to replace them with newer sticks. Unlock the clamps first, and then tug up on the old stick until it is lifted from the slot.
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Install the new memory sticks in your computer by inserting each stick into an empty memory bank. Notice the notches in the bottom of the sticks and align them with the notches in each slot. Move the clamps at the sides of the memory banks out of the way as you insert the sticks. Press down firmly on each stick until the clamps are able to fit into the notches on the sides of each stick. Press the clamps firmly into those side notches to lock the sticks into place.
If you have more open banks than you have sticks of memory, fill the ones nearest the back of the computer first, leaving the banks nearest the front empty.
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Plug in and turn on your computer to confirm that it boots correctly. If your computer is not working properly, turn it off and double check that all memory sticks are seated firmly and clamped in place. If the computer still does not work, return the new memory sticks to the retailer to confirm that they are not defective.
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Tips & Warnings
There are several free programs available on the Internet that can easily identify your motherboard manufacturer and model if you are unable to find that information printed on the side of the motherboard. Some of those programs can also identify the memory type your motherboard requires. Refer to the "Resources" section for links to a few of those tools.
Some computers can be cramped on the inside, making the memory banks difficult to access. Accidentally pulling a wire or bumping a component might cause the computer to no longer work properly, so use extreme caution when working inside the computer to avoid causing any accidental damage.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit barrettes de mémoire image by Melisback from Fotolia.com computer motherboard image by Christopher Meder from Fotolia.com motherboard, close-up image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
