How can you upgrade your computer’s memory?

Put away that hammer! That’s not what you need to do ? you need to learn how upgrading computer memory will get your computer to work faster.

Why is Upgrading Computer Memory Necessary?

Where does the information get stored once it’s processed by the CPU? The data has to be ready for processing and once it has been processed it needs to be stored somewhere. That is where memory comes in. Think of it like this. If you had a NASCAR available with its powerful engine, how fast would you be able to drive it in a residential neighborhood? Probably no faster than 20 miles per hour. Memory is like the superhighway. You need to have the room available to run the powerful engine.

The CPU is the same way. Without computer memory you’ll just be able to run at a slower speed.

How to Upgrade Memory

How much memory do you have? Here is a quick way to find out. If you have a Windows operating system computer, go to the start button, then go to the control panel.

On the left you’ll see how much memory you have on your system. But you can only upgrade if you have slots available on your motherboard. Most slots come in even numbers. You can fill in the slot with a copy of the same type of memory module in the computer.
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What Memory Module?

This is where you have to be careful. You can remove the memory module by pushing down on the end connectors. This will open the module so it can be removed. DIMMs are a form of memory that almost all computers use.

Once you have determined how many slots you have open, and after you have pulled out the memory module, you can go to your local PC dealer and get a duplicate of that module.

This is important. They will have a variety of computer memory in stock and they will be able to find the one that you need. Now be careful about getting any memory module. Some will not work with your computer. If there is a question, it may be a good idea to simply take your computer to the PC store and have them look at the memory. If that is not feasible, then insist that the module be like the one that you have in hand.

Installing the Memory

1. Ground yourself by touching an unpainted metal object.
2. Carefully pick up the memory module by its edges.
3. Memory modules will only go in one way so decide which slots you are going to use and orient the memory module over it. There is a small notch which matches up with a notch in the pin array of the memory module itself. This will guarantee that the module is in the proper alignment.
4. Insert the memory module. They go straight in ? push down. Make sure the notches in the RAM line up in the slot.
5. Lock the module in place. With DIMMs, all you have to do is continue to press the memory module down until the ejector clips on either side of the memory slot automatically get pushed into the closed position.  
6. Repeat this procedure for any other memory modules you are going to install.
7. If you are using DIMMs, which you probably are, then you are done.