Upgrading the Memory (RAM) in your Desktop or Laptop computer
When do you decide to upgrade the system memory (RAM)?
That is up to the individual. However, if your computer is running slowly, freezes
randomly or you see the "Low virtual memory" warning message, then it is probably
time you considered the possibility that you need more RAM.
How much RAM do I need?
This
varies between the different Operating Systems (OS). When Windows XP was introduced
to the world, Microsoft told the user that the OS would require a minimum of 256
MB of RAM to work and recommended 512 MB RAM. In practice, many users discovered
that it was better to ignore the minimum specification and install at least 512 MB
RAM. The same scenario happened when Vista was launched. Minimum RAM specs were 512
MB with a recommended 1 GB of memory. This is because Vista has the Aero Glass theme
enabled by default and that is a hungry little beast using around 400 MB of memory
alone.
Windows 7 has a minimum memory specification of 512 MB for Home Basic and 1
GB for the other versions.
So, is more RAM better?
The short answer is yes. Though
there are a few things to remember when you are considering upgrading your system
memory.
Windows 32 Bit systems will only recognise between 3 and 3.5 GB RAM. A 64
Bit system will recognise more and we have seen many systems running up to 8 GB RAM;
though 4 GB would be a reasonable amount to have installed given the menial tasks
that these systems were performing.
How much RAM and which TYPE depends on your Motherboard.
Refer to the Motherboard manual to find out the type of RAM used (there are many)
and how much RAM your Motherboard (MOBO) will support.
Recommendations?
There seems
to be a hot debate on how much RAM a user requires to ensure that their OS works
as it should and without straining any unnecessary resources. We would recommend
installing system memory as follows:
Windows XP 32 Bit: 1 GB -
How do I upgrade my system memory?
First, find out how much RAM your MOBO can support
and of what type. This is specially important for both Desktop and Laptop computers.
If you install the wrong type of memory the system may act erratically or simply
refuse to start at all. Armed with that information purchase your new memory sticks.
Turn the computer off and remove all the cables from the rear of the tower (Desktop).
Laptop
memory upgrade
Tools required:
Small X head screwdriver
Small flat head screwdriver
(for lifting the cover/s)
Small screwdrivers
Memory card comparisons
Gently turn over the laptop. There will be a couple of "covers"
that are fixed with small screws. There should be at least two covers. One will house
the Hard Drive Disc (HDD) and the other will house the RAM and, possibly, a Wireless
Network Card. More powerful Laptop computers may also have a Graphics Card under
one of these covers. Locate the largest of the covers as this "should" have what
you are looking for underneath.
Remove the screws that hold the cover in place
Take
the cover off
You should see something like this:
Laptop memory housing
The memory stick is held in place by two plastic, or metal,
retaining clips (see image below)
Memory module retaining clips
Gently prise the clips away from the edge of the memory
stick
The memory stick should "pop" away from the clips
Remove the memory stick and
make a mental note of where the notch fitted
Take the new memory stick from the box
it came in -
Gently slide the memory card into the slot with the notch in the correct position
When it seems like the card has gone in all the way, put slight pressure on the card
to push it a little further to seat the card fully
You should hear a click and the
retaining clips should slip back into the end notches
Replace the cover and screws
Test
the computer. If the system fails to start or you have problems when using the computer,
return to the memory card that you just installed and check that it is seated correctly.
Desktop
memory upgrade
Tools required:
Medium X head screwdriver
Place the computer tower on
a stable surface
Using the screwdriver, remove the screws that hold the side panel
in place -
Motherboard image
You will see the memory modules installed in the DIMMS sockets (highlighted
below)..
System memory slots
Each memory card is held in place by two retaining clips -
Gently prise both clips away from the edges of the card
The card should "pop" up so
you can remove it
Take the new memory stick from the box it came in -
Gently slide the memory card
into the slot with the notch in the correct position
When it seems like the card has gone in all the way, put slight pressure on the card
to push it a little further to seat the card fully
You should hear a click and the
retaining clips should slip back into the end notches
Replace the side panel on the
tower
Test the computer. If the system fails to start or you have problems when using
the computer, return to the memory card that you just installed and check that it
is seated correctly.
End of tutorial