Here’s how to install RAM to increase your computer’s speed and efficency.
If your computer doesn’t have a sufficient amount of RAM, an area of your hard drive will be set aside as “virtual memory”, so that information needed can be more easily accessed. The problem is that sending data from hard drive to RAM to CPU is a lot slower than just sending it from RAM to CPU.
The obvious fix is to add more RAM. If you’ve never done this, it’s probably the easiest of all computer upgrades. The RAM modules are simply inserted into slots on the motherboard. It will be automatically detected when you boot up.
What type of RAM does your system require? The best way is to open up the case, and just read the label on the RAM that’s there. This way, there’s no doubt, and no fumbling around at the store with sales people, who always try to get you to leave your computer at their shop.
To install RAM, (we’ll use DDR PC3200 in our photos) first open the plastic levers that are located at each end of the slot (photo 1). You will notice a small partition in the slot, not quite in the middle. This will correspond to a notch in the RAM module (photo 2). Place this notch above the partition, and press the RAM module into the slot (photo 3). The levers will click into place by themselves.
An earlier generation of RAM, SDR, had two notches.
RIMM, used with Pentium 4s, have two notches side by side.
If you would like to know more about building your own computer, consider our book, available from Amazon.com, listed below.
Installing the CPU
Parts of the Motherboard
Selecting Parts, first page
Booting Up 1st Time
Table of Contents
Install Case Fan
Install AGP Video Card
Articles
Computer Cooling Problems
Dream Machine or Basic PC
How To Build A Computer
Computer Definitions
Computer Power Supply: How Much Is Enough?
