Upgrade the Memory in Your PC
Upgrading your memory is the easiest way to modify your computer's speed. Ask a salesperson at a computer store what kind of memory you need for your computer. The sticks range in price from $10.00 to over $600.00 depending on how much memory they have. The individual memory sticks hold from 128 MB RAM up to 8 GB.
Steps
- Get a new memory stick, then turn off the computer and the power supply and unplug your computer.
- Open up your computer by removing the screws in the back. (though some computers have a latch which is pushed)
- Locate the memory cards that are already in your computer. They are usually long and thin, and rectangular in shape.
- Touch the metal computer case with your hand in more than one place to discharge static electricity from your body. This static can damage the memory chips.
- Push the two white tabs down to release the current memory and pull out the chip.
- Line up the a new chip and push it into place.
- Make sure it is in the whole way. A clicking sound can usually be heard when the memory is secure.
- Turn your computer on.
Tips
- If your computer does not recognize your new RAM, check to make sure the ejector clips on each end of the module have snapped around the module.
- There is only one way the memory can go in: on the bottom there are two grooves. Just line them up.
- Be sure that your CPU supports the amount of memory you are putting in.
Warnings
- Be careful of wires and cables inside your computer and make sure you do not accidentally loosen any of them.
- Turn off and unplug your computer first!
Things You'll Need
- New memory
- Screwdriver
- Computer
