Adding More Memory - Step By Step
Dec 01 '00
Adding Ram to a PC isn’t as tricky as you might think. The hardest part is figuring out exactly what type of memory you need.
RAM (Random Access Memory) is the part of your PC that processes the functions that need to be done. The more memory you have the more programs you can use at once and the faster they will operate. It’s a little more complicated than that, but who wants to get all technical and stuff here.
First you need to determine how much ram you have to begin with. This is simply done by booting up your PC and watching the memory test (66744 **roughly** = 64 megs ram ). If you are already in windows than go to…
Start Button > Settings > Control Panel > System > Performance Tab
Under “Performance Status” it should list your total memory. It should also show you how much you are using up in a %.
Who Needs It?
Well let’s put it this way, more memory can’t hurt you.
If you just surf the web and don’t use and games or applications than 32-64 megs should be plenty. If you use light applications like, Word, Excel, QuickBooks Etc. than 64 – 96 megs should be fine. For people who use, Photoshop, Autocad, High Performance Games, Multiple programs at once, video editing, than 128 + is best.
Of course there are exceptions to every rule. I know people who run games and Photoshop, Autocad etc with only 64 megs, but it may run choppy or it may stall your entire system. Not too mention if you run something like Photoshop and then decide to listen to some MP3s, you could be in trouble.
Elementary my Dear Watson
Before I go any further let me add in a little disclaimer:
If you bought your PC from a wholesaler there is a 95% chance that opening up your PC will void your warranty. Please check with your PC vendor before opening up the cover.
Now that that’s out of the way lets move on.
Now that you know how much memory you have and how much you need now you need to find out what type of memory you have.
Older PC’s (12mhz to 66mhz **roughly** don’t laugh people still use them) used the old SIMM memory modules. These ram modules where 72 pins and used in the 66mhz motherboards. You have to add these in pairs not singly. So if you wanted to add 64 megs you would have to add 2 – 32 meg sticks.
Newer PCs (100mhz – current) use SIMMs and DIMMs. DIMMs are 168 pin modules and work on 100 – 200 mhz boards. They are a lot faster than the old SIMMs, so if you can use them then I strongly urge that you do. Another great thing about the DIMMs if you do not have to add them in pairs like you do with the SIMMs.
New memory – There are new memory modules out there that work even better than DIMMs, although they are very new and very expensive. And unless you are running a 800mhz to 1.1 ghz chip you don’t need to worry about it. So lets stick to the 2 most common ones.
What you need to do is check your motherboard (or motherboard manual). The SIMM slots will be about an inch shorter than the DIMM slots. It will also mention in your book what type you need. Most newer motherboards will support either one and usually have slots for both sticks (3 DIMM and 2 SIMM).
Now to the hard part
Now lets say that you have 64 megs of Ram in your machine and you need DIMMs. You open up the case and see 3 slots with only one stick of memory. That means you have one 64 meg stick and 2 empty slots for expansion for a total of 3 sticks of memory. You have numerous choices in which to choose.
32 meg DIMM
64 meg DIMM
128 meg DIMM
256 meg DIMM
and so on and so on
Of course with SIMMs you have anywhere from 1meg to 64 meg, but please what’s the point in buying a 1 meg SIMM nowadays. Buy at least a 32 or 64 meg SIMM or if possible get rid of the SIMMs and put in all DIMMs.
Ah that brings up a good point. SIMMs and DIMMs do not like each other. Do not attempt to put SIMM and DIMM modules in the same PC. Some people say it can be done, but I have never seen it work right. All you get is error after error.
Go to your favorite computer place or retailer or warehouse or website and order what you need/want. Also while you are ordering it find out if they have a booklet that shows how to install it. Some places make up little leaflets that have pictures that show exactly how to do it.
Once you have the memory go ahead and disconnect your PC and put it on a workbench or table or whatever and make sure you have plenty of light to see into the machine. Also remember that one simple little static shock can destroy PCs so make sure you are static free.
Now most PCs will allow you to change memory out without having to remove anything beyond the cover. Look inside and see if you can find the slots as noted in the manual. Most of the time they are near the top left of the motherboard, but not always. Also if there are 4 slots and you only want to use up 2 then make sure to put the memory into slot 1 and 2, check the manual for the correct numbers. They are usually numbered bottom to top 1-??.
Be very careful when poking around inside of your PC, some of the cables are very loosely fitted on and can come out easily. Try and take a mental note of where everything fits in just in case.
When you find the memory you need to determine if you can put it in easily enough to avoid complications (or take it out). If it is out in the open then proceed on, if not than carefully remove whatever cables need to be removed, but note where each one goes so you can put it back later.
If you look in the left and right side of the memory slot you may see a couple of tabs that are used to lock the memory into place. Carefully pull each tab away from the memory slot and the if there is any memory in the slot it should lift away slightly.
Once the tabs are open then take you new memory stick and place it into the slot so the the nick in the memory module lines up with the memory slot (otherwise it will not go in), now here comes the hard part, you have to insert the memory card at an angle. Fit the module over the slot straight and when it lines up and you are sure it is positioned properly, lean the memory module back slightly and insert it into the slot. Once it is in the slot the tilt it back up so it is perfectly vertical and push down on it until it snaps in place (this may take a little bit of force, but be careful!!!) Once it is in place then push the two tabs back up to lock it into place and you are done.
For SIMMs it is almost exactly the same procedure except there are no tabs and you may not have to tilt the module in order to get it into the slot. Ask the retailer when you are buying it in order to find out.
Now before you replace the cover hook it back up and reboot. Make sure it shows the right amount of ram. If it does than you are all set to replace the cover and enjoy your new found speed.
If it refuses to boot up or displays the wrong amount of ram then check all your connections and try again.
If it still gives you errors remove the RAM you put in and reboot with just your old ram and see what happens. Anything beyond this may require a trip to the repair shop if you are not experienced with troubleshooting.
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