There is absolutely NO reason to pay someone $50 to do this for you.
Jun 06 '00
Once you read this article, you will never pay another PC Technician $50 to do something as simple as a memory upgrade. To paraphrase Teddy Roosevelt, The only thing you have to fesr is being overcharge for something simple itself.
How easy is it?
Folks, if you can handle Legos, you can upgrade the RAM in your PC. However, unlike Legos, you do need to know a few things before you go and upgrade your machine. First and most important is what kind of memory your motherboard uses.
All Althlons, Pentium II's, Pentium III's, Celeron's, and some Pentiums use a type of RAM called SDRAM or Synchornous Dynamic RAM. It comes is speed bins rated to 66MHz, 100MHz, and 133MHz. It is safe to use faster memory on a slower computer, but the other way around can cause problems. SDRAM can be installed in single sticks ranging in common sizes of 32, 64, 128, and 256MB.
You will notice that I stated some Pentiums use SDRAM, some as in not all. The same goes for K6-2's, and K6-3's. They could use either the aforementioned SDRAM, or they could used EDO RAM. EDO RAM is getting harder to get these days, and therefore, it is more expensive. Unlike SDRAM, the architecture of EDO RAM requires installation in matched sticks. i.e., if you want to add 32MB of RAM to your machine, you have to buy 2 16's or 4 8's, but not 1 32MB stick.
OK, I know what type of RAM my machine uses, now what?
Well, the next step is to determine if you have expansion room. Typical memory slot configurations vary by the motherboard and range from 2 slots to 8 slots (EDO). If you don't have room in your machine, you can't upgrade, so check first. (You can see guides on build PC's with pictures at www.anandtech.com and www.firingsquad.com )
I have room, and I got my memory
Read the sections on installing memory in the aforementioned articles. EDO and SDRAM are installed differently. SDRAM just slides straight into the RAM slot and clicks when you are done inserting it. EDO RAM requires more of a touch. You have to introduce the RAM at about a 45 degree angle into the memory slot, then "straighten" it up, until it clicks into place. Make sure you discharge any static electricity from your body before touching the RAM or the insides of your PC. (Touch bare metal to discharge yourself. It also helps to not work in a carpeted area.)
Close up your case, and you should be good to go. (Watch the memory check on your PC to make sure the memory is recognized. If it isn't recognized, you may not have seated the memory firmly. Also, if your PC doesn't boot up, remove the new stick of RAM. If it doesn't boot after reseating, you may have defective RAM.
What are the benefits of a RAM upgrade
That depends on your usage, and your machine. Windows uses something called a "swap file". Basically, when you are out of free RAM, your machine uses a piece of your hard drive as if it were RAM. (Virtual memory) This is very slow. If your hard drive groans a lot when you are working, you will probably benefit from a RAM upgrade. Also, as a rule of thumb, Windows 95 & 98 machines should have a minimum of 64MB, but 128MB is preferred. NT 4.0 needs 128MB, and Windows 2000 really needs 256MB to perform adequately.
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Member: Steve Larrison
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