If you are not contemplating a memory upgrade for your computer, perhaps you should be. Here’s why:

1.      Memory prices are at their all-time low.

2.      If your computer has less than 256 MB of memory, adding more memory is probably the most cost-effective way to increase speed.

The easiest way to add more memory to your computer is to hire a computer professional. If, however, you want to add the memory yourself, you may be surprised to find that it is a task that can be handled by the average computer user, given the time, patience, and proper instructions.

Assessing What You Have

The first step is to assess what you already have. Don’t know how much memory your computer has? Hold down the ALT key while double-clicking on My Computer and you will see the System Properties screen which tells you exactly how much memory you have installed. Before adding more memory to a really old system, you must assess whether you want to invest any money into the system or would be better off to just purchase a new computer. Most newer computers, however, are sure to benefit from some additional memory. If you have less than 128 MB of memory, taking the computer up to 128 MB or 256 MB should show you a noticeable improvement. Although the improvement from 128 MB to 256 MB is generally not as obvious, usually it is a worthwhile investment.

Purchasing Memory

Actually, purchasing new memory is the hardest part. Not because of the cost, but because of the many different types and configurations of memory that are available. For your computer to perform most efficiently, you need to match new memory with the memory that is already installed in your computer. Once you start looking at memory modules, you will find lingo like SDRAM, DDR, EDO DRAM, and Rambus DRAM thrown around quite flippantly.

The easiest way to find the type of memory that you need is to look at the documentation that came with your computer. Your receipt will tell you the amount already installed. The computer documentation should state the type of memory used and the number of slots that the computer has available for additional memory. If you don’t have the documentation or it doesn’t give you the information that you need, a quick call to the manufacturer with your serial number in hand will usually get you the answer. You can also visit the Web site of a company like Kingston or Crucial who sells memory. The Kingston Memory Configurator will allow you to enter the brand, model, and type of computer and will tell you exactly the type of memory needed.

Don’t be cheap when it comes to memory. Erratic computer behavior caused by poor or mismatched memory modules can be the most difficult problems to troubleshoot. Head off any potential problems by purchasing memory from your computer manufacturer or a reputable source.

While investigating the memory to purchase, be sure to note any additional requirements. Some older SIMMs must be installed in pairs. Some memory slots will accept only a certain capacity memory module.

Installing Additional Memory

1.      Open the case. You can leave all of the plugs in place and components attached.

2.      Get grounded. Before touching the new memory or anything inside the computer, you need to get grounded. The easiest way to be sure that you are grounded is to use an inexpensive antistatic wrist strap that can be purchased at a local electronics or computer store. If you don’t have a wrist strap, touching the inside of the chassis while the PC is still plugged in will ground you. Once you are grounded, unplug the computer from the wall.

3.      Find the place to insert the module. Look for other memory like the memory you have just purchased. You will see empty slots next to the memory that is already in place.

4.      Pick up the memory module by the side edges. Don’t touch the flat surfaces or the contacts along the bottom. Orient the memory to match the memory that is already installed.  Insert the memory module in the first empty slot next to the currently installed memory. Different types of memory install slightly differently.

a.      DIMMs and most newer types of memory are simply inserted into the slot with a gentle downward pressure. The clips on both sides of the module must snap into place for the module to be properly seated.

b.      SIMMs are a slightly older type of memory found in most computers more than three years old. They are inserted at a 45-degree angle, and then rotated to a vertical position. Again, the supporting clips will snap into place.

5.      Replace the cover, plug in the computer, and turn it on. In some computers, you will see the amount of RAM scroll by, confirming that the computer has recognized the new memory.  If the memory has not been installed properly, there may be error messages, or the computer may freeze. If anything seems abnormal, remove and reinstall the new memory. Once everything is running properly, you can hold down the ALT key while double-clicking on My Computer to see the System Properties screen which will confirm the amount of memory that your computer thinks is installed.

Don’t Be Memory Poor

If your computer constantly reminds you that resources are low and performance itself is sluggish, you might be memory poor. Adding more memory is one of the easiest ways to improve your computer’s performance. I hope that the instructions in this How To will be the motivation you need to boost your computing power by beefing up your memory.