The amount of RAM you need depends on the operating system you are using. For systems running Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, you should have the minimum recommended amount, but more can be better, depending on your needs. If you just use your PC for surfing the Internet and writing letters, you may need only the minimum amount of RAM required to run the version of Windows you have installed on your computer. But for the best performance—especially if you keep several programs open at the same time while you’re working—consider increasing the RAM on your computer to at least 2 gigabytes (GB).
Quick facts about RAM
RAM = random access memory. RAM is the primary working memory in a computer used for the temporary storage of programs and data and in which the data can be accessed directly and modified.
RAM is measured in bytes: 1 gigabyte (GB) = 1,024 megabytes (MB) = 1,048,576 kilobytes (KB)
How much RAM do I need?
The average Windows XP user should be satisfied with 1GB of RAM. Our tests, which involve working with images and using Nero Express to burn CDs, ran one-third faster when we upgraded from 512MB of RAM to 1GB. Power users who simultaneously run lots of demanding applications, or anyone regularly working with digital video or other large graphics files, will want at least 2GB. If you're planning to upgrade your PC to Windows Vista, you can still get away with 1GB, but for a more comfortable experience we recommend 2GB of RAM.
RAM comes in many flavors, including DDR, DDR2, and DDR3. Newer technologies offer faster performance, but most motherboards accept only one type of RAM. Check your PC's manual to find out what type of RAM modules you need and how they have to be installed. RAM dealers such as
Crucial and Kingston offer handy online tools for identifying the right RAM for many PCs and motherboards. Most PCs being upgraded today use dual-channel memory, which you must install in pairs for maximum performance, so adding two 512MB modules instead of one 1GB module may be better. Again, check your documentation.
Prepration
To determine the maximum amount of RAM your computer can handle along with the speed, consult your PC owner's manual, which should show you the number of slots (the place where you insert the RAM), how much RAM each can take, and the maximum RAM your system can use.
To find out what kind of module you need, you can also open up your computer.
First, turn off the computer, but leave it plugged in so that it's automatically grounded. (Computers that should not remain plugged in will be clearly marked.)
Place the computer on a clean workspace and remove the cover carefully (you may need to use a screwdriver).
Touch the case to ground yourself. When you touch the case, it discharges static electricity that could otherwise damage your computer. (Note that some manuals recommend anti-static wrist straps, but this is not necessary for home users.)
Locate the RAM modules, which are green with black tubes, on the motherboard.
Now determine the type of module you have. You can identify the type by its appearance.
RDRAM is paired up (you have to put in two at a time) and has metal casing on one side.
DDR SDRAM is the most popular and looks like regular RAM but has one notch.
SDRAM (which is being phased out) has two notches.
Also note your RAM speed, which is usually written on the side of the existing chip (either 266 or 333).
If you don't have a free slot, remove one of the memory cards to check the number of notches on it. You will replace the smaller of the two RAM modules.
Bay RAM
Checklist
Amount of memory/RAM you have: __ MB
Amount of memory/RAM you require: __ MB
Amount of memory/RAM on each module: __ MB and __ MB
Maximum amount of RAM your computer can handle: __ MB
Amount of memory/RAM you will buy: __ MB
RAM speed for your computer: ___
SDRAM , DDR SDRAM, DDR2, OR DDR3
Turn off the computer, and touch the metal casing.
Note:
If you have a computer that should not remain plugged in while you work on it, turn off the computer and unplug the power cord. Then, press the button that turns on the power to your computer. This action helps you to be sure that there is no residual power to the memory slots or the computer's motherboard. The board also may have an LED light that is lit, which is another indication that there is residual power.
Open the compartment where your RAM is installed. You may have to remove screws to open the compartment. Note that this example is for a laptop computer. If you have a desktop computer, refer to the user manual to locate the RAM. You will have to remove the computer's cover.
You may need to use a screwdriver to open the compartment where RAM modules are installed.
Locate the RAM modules (RAM cards). Find the empty slot where you plan to add a module, or remove the RAM module you are replacing.
The RAM module has been installed and is snugly in place.
Reconnect all the cables, but leave the casing open until you're sure everything is working right.
Turn your computer back on. If the machine starts to beep, the memory is either incompatible or not correctly in its slot. If you've installed everything correctly, the system will detect the new RAM.
Check your system information to see how much RAM you now have. If you replaced a 512-MB module with a 1-GB one, you should have 1 GB (1,024 MB) minus 512 —or 512 MB more RAM than you did previously. If you added the RAM but didn't remove any, you should have 1 GB more RAM, for a total of 1.5 GB.
Try one of your programs that wasn't working well. If it still isn't working, unplug everything again and get back into the computer to check that the RAM modules are firmly secured.
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