Increase the RAM on a PC
Need to give your computer a boost? Upgrading your RAM is one of the cheapest ways to increase performance on your computer, though it's not cure for every slow computer's problems. If you want to install new RAM, you'll need to know what kinds your computer supports. Once it comes time to install, you can have the whole thing done in just a few minutes.
Contents
Steps
Increasing Desktop RAM
- Determine what kind of RAM is compatible with your motherboard. Different motherboards support different speeds of RAM. You must use a type that is supported by your motherboard, or you may experience significant performance problems. Check your computer's documentation or look it up online to see what types of RAM are compatible.
- Consumer desktop RAM comes as DDR (Double Data Rate), DDR2, and DDR3. DDR is extremely uncommon in modern computers; most modern computers use DDR2 or DDR3. You must use the type that your motherboard supports.
- RAM is measured by two different numbers: the PC/PC2/PC3 number and the MHz speed. The PC number (ex. PC3 10600) refers to the maximum "bandwidth", or maximum amount of data that can be transferred at once (e.g. 10600 = 10.6 GB maximum bandwidth). The clock speed of the RAM, which is a measure of how quickly the RAM can perform functions, is signified by the number after the DDR specification (e.g. DDR3 1333 = 1333 MHz).
- Open your computer case. This will allow you to visually inspect your RAM slots and currently installed modules, which can make choosing your new RAM easier.
- Determine how many sockets your motherboard has for RAM. The number of available sockets will impact the amount of RAM you can add. If you are trying to upgrade and all of your sockets are filled, you will need to remove some to add new modules.
- Check your motherboard's documentation to see how much RAM it can support. Beyond the number of physical modules your motherboard can fit, there is typically a limit to the amount of memory your motherboard will support in gigabytes (GB) .
- Your operating system may also put a limit on how much RAM can be used. If you are using a 32-bit version of Windows, you can only use 4 GB of RAM. A 64-bit operating system has no real practical limit.
- Check the specs on your existing RAM. If you're planning on expanding the amount you have installed while keeping your old modules, you'll need to ensure that the speeds match for all of the newly-installed modules.
- If you're planning on replacing your old RAM, ensure that all of your new RAM has matching specifications, and that they are compatible with your motherboard.
- Purchase RAM in pairs. Most motherboards require that RAM be installed in matching pairs, or the performance will be drastically reduced.
- For example, if you wanted to install 16 GB, you would need to purchase either four 4 GB modules or two 8 GB modules.
- Ground yourself. Before you start removing old modules and installing new ones, make sure you are properly grounded. This will help prevent damage from electrostatic discharge. You can ground yourself by using an electrostatic wriststrap attached to your case or by touching a metal water tap.
- Remove the existing modules (if necessary). If you're removing the old modules to make room for bigger ones or taking them out to upgrade to a faster speed, you can quickly remove them by releasing the latches on each side of the module. Once the latches are release, the RAM will pop out a little, and you can pull it straight out.
- Remove the new modules from their protective bag. Make sure that you only touch the RAM along the side edges so that you don't get oils on the contacts or circuitry.
- Line up the notch on the new module with the break in the RAM slot. RAM can only be inserted in one direction, so make sure that the slot and module line up.
- Push the module firmly into the slot. Apply even pressure to the module, but do not force it in. The latches on either side will snap into place when it is correctly installed.
- Install the other matching module. Make sure that the matching pair are installed in the correct pair of slots. Most matching pairs of slots are designated by different colors or labeled with printing on the motherboard. Your motherboard's documentation should also have a diagram.
- Finish installing your RAM and then close up your computer. Install the rest of the modules, ensuring that pairs match, and then close your computer's case. Plug your devices and peripherals back in.
- Power on your computer. If your computer boots normally, chances are everything went fine. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by opening the system properties window:
- Windows - Press ⊞ Win+Pause
- Troubleshoot your RAM. If your computer doesn't boot after you install your RAM, you encounter errors, or experience any other problems, Increase-the-RAM-on-a-PC.
- Speed up your computer without installing new RAM. There are a lot of housekeeping tasks you can perform on your computer that can significantly increase performance without spending a dime. Speed-up-a-Windows-7-Computer.
Increasing Laptop RAM
- Determine the types of RAM that your laptop supports. Laptops are typically much more restrictive than desktops when it comes to upgrading RAM. There are usually stricter limitations on the amount you can install, and most laptops only have one or two slots for memory. You can usually find the types of memory supported in the documentation or on the manufacturer's support site.
- Laptops use SODIMM modules, which are smaller than standard desktop memory.
- RAM is measured by two different numbers: the PC/PC2/PC3 number and the MHz speed. The PC number (ex. PC3 10600) refers to the maximum "bandwidth", or maximum amount of data that can be transferred at once (e.g. 10600 = 10.6 GB maximum bandwidth). The clock speed of the RAM, which is a measure of how quickly the RAM can perform functions, is signified by the number after the DDR specification (e.g. DDR3 1333 = 1333 MHz).
- Power down your laptop and unplug any cables. This includes the power adapter, USB devices, and any other devices.
- Remove the panel that gives you access to the RAM modules. This may be marked by a small image depicting RAM modules, or you may need to refer to your laptop's documentation.
- Not all laptops allow you to access and upgrade the RAM.
- Remove the original modules. Chances are that with the limited space you'll be replacing your original RAM modules. Release the latch on the side of the socket and the module will pop up at a slight angle. Raise the module to about a 45° angle and the pull it directly out of the socket.
- Remove the new modules from their protective bag. Make sure that you only touch the RAM along the side edges so that you don't get oils on the contacts or circuitry.
- Install your new modules. Line the new module up with the notch in the RAM socket. Press it in firmly and then press the RAM down into the bay so that it is flat. The latch will snap into place.
- Unlike desktop RAM, most SODIMMs do not need to be installed as matching pairs. They will need to have matching speeds, however.
- Secure the panel and power your laptop on. If your laptop boots normally, chances are everything went fine. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by opening the system properties window:
- Windows - Press ⊞ Win+Pause
- Troubleshoot your RAM. If your laptop doesn't boot after you install your RAM, you encounter errors, or experience any other problems, Increase-the-RAM-on-a-PC.
- Speed up your computer without installing new RAM. There are a lot of housekeeping tasks you can perform on your computer that can significantly increase performance without spending a dime. Speed-up-a-Windows-7-Computer.
Troubleshooting New RAM
- Ensure that all of your modules are compatible with your motherboard. If you install RAM that isn't compatible with your motherboard, there's a good chance that it won't boot properly. Try removing modules one by one until you find a setup that allows you to boot.
- Ensure that all of your modules are the same speeds. Mismatched speeds can cause performance problems and even boot issues. Try to make sure that all of your RAM is the same speed.
- Check that your operating system is compatible. If you're trying to install more than 4 GB of RAM on a 32-bit version of Windows, nothing over 4 GB will be recognized or used. In order to use more than 4 GB of RAM, you'll need to upgrade to the 64-bit version of Windows, which requires a 64-bit processor.
- Test your RAM with Memtest. Memtest is a program that runs before Windows boot to test your RAM modules. It can let you know if one of them is malfunctioning. Click here for detailed instructions on downloading and running Memtest.
