UPGRADING MEMORY

BY : tuan mohd fariz

Choosing and Installing Memory

How to Choose and Install an Extra Memory Into Desktop Computer

• When you feel your computer system responds slowly and sluggishly as you run more software or play games, then you may need to upgrade your computer by adding extra RAM (Random Access Memory). It is an easy and inexpensive way to make a noticeable difference in your computer. Usually, large programs need large amounts of RAM. When you just buy a new computer, it may run very fast. But as time passes one or two years, and you add more and more application software, chances are your computer system responds a lot slower. Fortunately, the computer manufacturer had already left extra memory slots for you, and the RAM stick gets cheaper too at this time.

• The procedure will take about 12 steps and can be easily operated by following this visual document

Step 1• Determine the mode

and the amount of RAM your computer need. Before you buy the new RAM, you must know how many RAM and what kind of RAM you need since the new RAM should match the existing RAM’s specifications and configuration. You can either check the computer menu or look the existing RAM late.

Step 2• Disconnect cables.

Shut down the computer and unplug the AC power cord. Disconnect all peripheral devices, such as the mouse, keyboard, monitor and etc. from the computer.

Step 3• Open the computer.

You can remove the computer cover by a screw driver or your fingers.

Step 4• Ground yourself.

Before touching any electronic components in the computer, make sure you first touch an unpainted, grounded metal object to discharge any static electricity stored on your clothing or body.

Step 5• Check the expansion

sockets. Locating the existing memory and expansion sockets on the mother board, if no extra sockets are available, you will need to remove the old smaller capacity memory to allow room for the new higher capacity memory.

Step 6• Uninstall the old

memory. Finding out the old RAM and remove it by pushing outward on the white ejector tabs. The memory stick will pop up from the socket and then it can be removed.

Step 7• Get the new memory

sticks. Check the mode of the memory and go to the computer store to get the matched RAM you want or if you already have it you can just start right away

Step 8• Insert the new

memory. Pick up the memory stick by the ends without touching pins or chips. Insert the memory stick straight into the available expansion socket so that it is perpendicular to the motherboard.

Step 9• Lock the memory

stick. Use slight pressure to the back of the stick and make sure the small holes on each side of the stick fit into holders. Fell or hear retaining clips lock the stick into the socket and then close the side clips on the stick. Gently try to pull the stick out to ensure it is locked in the position

Step 10• Install all the

memories. Repeat step 8 and 9 for any additional memory sticks are installing

Step 11• Test and check the new

memory. Leave the cover open and reconnect all the peripheral devices and AC power cord. Turn on the computer and it should automatically detect the new memory. Check the amount of the new installing memory by right-clicking the My Computer icon in Windows and choosing Properties. You can see the right amount of RAM.

Step 12• Replace the cover.

Turn off the computer and disconnect the peripheral devices again; Replace the cover back and reconnect all the peripheral devices.

Determining Speed

Determining how much RAM is installed and available….

To check how much RAM is available on your computer follow the steps below.• Memory (RAM) and hard drive space are two completely different things.

If you want to know how much information you can store on your computer see the  how to determine how much hard drive space page.

• See our  determining the type of memory my computer has page if you're trying to find memory specifications for upgrading your computer  memory.

Windows Vista and 7 users

1. From the Desktop right-click on My Computer

2. Click Properties. In the System Properties Window the system will list "Installed memory (RAM)" with the total amount detected. For example, in the below picture there is 6 GB of memory installed in the computer.

 

MEMORY TYPE

SDRAM / DDR2 / DDR3

What is SDRAM ?

• Short for Synchronous DRAM, a type of DRAM

that can run at much higher clock speed than conventional memory.

SDRAM actually synchronizes itself with

the CPU bus and is capable of running at 133MHz, about three

times faster than conventional FPM RAM,

and about twice as fast EDO RAM and BEDO

RAM. SDRAM is replacing EDO DRAM in many newer computers.

What is DDR2?

• Stands for "Double Data Rate 2." DDR2 RAM is an improved version of DDR memory that is faster and more efficient. Like standard DDR memory, DDR2 memory can send data on both the rising and falling edges of the processor's clock cycles. This nearly doubles the amount of work the RAM can do in a given amount of time. DDR and DDR2 are also both types of SDRAM, which allows them to run faster than conventional memory.

What is DDR3 ?

• Short for double data rate, type three, DDR3 is the successor of DDR and DDR2 memory and is a type of memory (RAM) for a computer. DDR3 has bus clock speed of 400 MHz up to 1066 MHz, and memory chips range in size from 1 GB to 24 GB. DDR 3 memory chips are nearly 30% more efficient in power usage than its predecessor, having a 1.5V supply voltage (DDR2 - 1.8V). The first motherboard to support DDR3 memory began showing up on the market in June 2007. DDR3 SDRAM is the most current type of memory used in the majority of computers systems around the world.

• DDR3 memory chips can only be used in a motherboard that supports DDR3 memory. It is not backward compatible with DDR2 memory slots. It provides 30% reduced power consumption over DDR2, as well as improved performance and speeds.

THE END