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Adding RAM (Memory)
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The RAM chip is a slim plastic bit of hardware covered in micro-chips, about the same size and shape as a 6" ruler, and fits directly into the motherboard of your desktop computer. The RAM chip for a laptop is considerably smaller (about a third of the length of a desktop RAM chip), but does exactly the same job.
RAM, (short for Random Access Memory) is a temporary information holder, and next to the processor, is probably one of the most essential parts of your computer. Not only does it handle temporary commands and functions, but is arguably one of the principle components required in the constant battle to make a computer work faster! In days of old, the average XP computer left the factory with a 256Mb RAM chip installed, at the time this was considered sufficient to make Windows XP 'work'. Nowadays this is certainly not the case, and 256Mb or even 512Mb of RAM is considered 'starvation diet' for Windows XP. With the arrival of Windows Vista and now Windows 7, even 1000Mb (or 1Gb) or RAM is barely acceptable, with at least 2Gb now the normal requirement. |
The best way to check which memory chip you require is to look at the existing chips already installed in your computer. Nowadays RAM is of the DDR or DDR-2 variety, and many times they have a small label attached to the chip with a 'PC' number shown on the label. In more mature computers, this PC number will be something like PC100 or PC133.
Slightly less mature computers will have a PC number like 2100, 2700, 3200, the most common by far is PC3200. More up to date computers will have dual-channel RAM with numbers like PC2-3200, PC2-6400 and so on. Whichever PC chip you have, you will need to purchase a new RAM chip of exactly the same type to ensure optimum performance.
In an nutshell, the more RAM you have installed the quicker and easier programmes will open, close and carry out the task you set it. Your computer will start-up and close down quicker, and the whole job will be performed with less strain on the computers' resources. As in all things, there are exceptions to the rule, some older Motherboards have a limit as to the amount of RAM that it can carry, but follow these guidelines and you won't go far wrong.
Installing RAM
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Switch off the computer and make sure you earth yourself against the computer case!!
If you are adding a memory chip, simply locate the empty slot on the motherboard, open up the two white catches and align the chip with the slot, it will only go in one way! Put the chip in the slot and gently push the top then the bottom until you see the clips take hold and hear and light 'click' as the catches hold the chip. If you are replacing chips, first remove the old chips by opening up the retaining catches. The chip can then be removed easily. To install the new chip, reverse the removal procedure. You do not have to configure the chips in any way, and BIOS should recognise them straight away when you re-start the computer. Re-check the memory has been installed by clicking 'Start', (right-click) 'My Computer', select 'Properties'. |
Problems
If, when you first boot up the computer, you hear a series of rapid 'beeps' from the motherboard, switch off the computer and remove the new chips - they are faulty or the wrong type!
If the computer starts up but nothing appears on the screen, and you don't get the familiar single BIOS POST (Power On Self Test) beep, again turn off the computer for the same reason.
In both cases, check you have bought the right chip and/or it is not too big for the motherboard (particularly true of older motherboards).
Not Feeling Brave?
If you are unsure what RAM you need, or don't fancy the idea of fitting it yourself (don't worry, this is quite common!), then we can do it all for you. If you know the RAM PC number (PC2100, PC3200 etc), then this will speed up the installation process, if not, then we would be more than happy to visit your home, inspect the computer and advise as to the best way to speed up your computer by adding more RAM, and then installing it for you.