How to Install RAM

If your computer slows down when you're working with large files or many programs at once, you might be able to improve performance by installing extra RAM (Random Access Memory - your computer's temporary operating memory). These instructions will work for the majority of machines built in the mid 1990s and later.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• RAM
• Anti-static Wrist Band
• Surge Protectors

1. Determine what kind of RAM you need, and whether your computer has enough open slots to hold it. The new RAM should match the existing RAM's specifications and configuration.

2. Shut down the computer and leave it plugged into the surge suppressor.

3. 
    

   Disconnect all peripheral devices, such as the monitor, from the computer.

4. 
    

   Remove the computer cover.

5. Ground yourself to the computer with professional grounding equipment like an anti-static wristband or hold a metal part of the chassis.

6. Remove any cards or internal components necessary to give yourself unobstructed access to RAM sockets.

7. 
    

   Pick up your SIMM (single in-line memory module) or DIMM (dual in-line memory module) by the ends without touching pins or chips.

8. 
    

   If adding a SIMM, find the notched end and turn the SIMM so that it is parallel to the existing RAM card(s). Insert the SIMM into the socket at a 30-degree angle. If adding a DIMM, insert the DIMM straight in so that it is perpendicular to the motherboard.

9. Use slight pressure to keep a SIMM from backing out while rotating the module to an upright position perpendicular to the motherboard.

10. Make sure the small holes on each side of a SIMM fit into holders.

11. 
     

    Feel or hear retaining clips lock a SIMM into the socket; close the side clips on a DIMM.

12. Gently try to pull the module out to ensure it is locked in position.

13. Replace all internal components.

14. Leave the cover off and reconnect the monitor, keyboard and mouse.

15. Turn on the computer.

16. Check the amount of RAM by right-clicking the My Computer icon in Windows and choosing Properties. On a Mac, use the About this Macintosh command in the Apple menu.

17. If you don't see the right amount of RAM, turn off the computer and try "reseating" the SIMM or DIMM (take it out and put is back in) and reboot. If that doesn't work, call a technician.

18. Shut down the computer and disconnect the peripherals again.

19. 
     

    Replace the cover and reconnect all the peripherals.

Tips & Warnings

• Your computer will accept either SIMMs or DIMMs. Check your manual to find out which.
• If you have an older machine, you may need to adjust DIP switches or jumpers. Consult your manual.
• Label any cards or internal components that you remove in order to access RAM sockets - this will ensure that you replace them in their proper places.
• Stand on uncarpeted flooring to reduce static electricity. Touch as little as possible inside your machine and especially avoid touching any computer chips. Static damage, and even oil from fingertips, may cause a failure months later.
• Some recent stub-chassis computers built by Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and others have little or no work space inside. Some units require removing the hard drive and power supply to access the RAM. Do not attempt to do this yourself.
• If your computer is under manufacturer's warranty, modifying the product usually invalidates that warranty.

[canjoe]

on 12/28/2009 Make sure all the pins are clean and actually touch the conectors. A few loose pins might cost you a big loss of ram.

[todayortamara]

on 12/8/2009 I just want to say thanks! I have never seen the inside of a computer and after extensive research into what I needed and buying the correct RAM, I followed your guide and was so pleasantly surprised and so impressed with myself - I am still grinning. My computer is so much faster. The only part that made me nervous was your tip on grounding yourself, so I put on my rubber-soled boots, grabbed the metal part and went for it. No probs! It was very clear and obvious what to do as I followed step-by-step, and now I feel that I have overcome a huge mental-block about trying new things, especially hardware related!!!

[prataprout]

on 11/14/2009 I TRIED WITH ONE 256MB HYNIX RAM 1*16 PC2-5300U-555-12 5 TIMES BUT WITH FAILURE.I HAVE 256(4)DYNET RAM FOR MY P4 533 MACHINE.WHAT TO DO NEXT?

[bulletbutter]

on 10/22/2009 I would like to add that any RAM will not work with your computer. You are going to have to find out which type of ram is compatible with it. Now days it can be a difficult task to know if you have DDR, DDR2 or DDR3 ram. Computers hardly come with motherboard manuals so the only real way to see is to do a google search on your motherboards brand and name...which you can typically find by opening your case and looking directly at your motherboard.

[stubbs29]

on 7/25/2009 It is saying that the memery is low