For modern operating systems, notably Windows 2000
and XP, more memory is a must have. While any system
with a decent Pentium processor could run Windows 9x easily enough with
256MB of RAM, things are getting more demanding. 512MB of RAM should be considered
the bare minimum for a new computer, and if you are
using XP or 2000, more RAM will increase the performance of your computer.
Don't expect miracles, since CPU upgrades provide
more of a faster feel, but having more RAM will speed up your computing
experience for one essential reason. Think of RAM as the computer's short-term
memory, where it stores things that need immediate attention. When there are too
many things going on to fit into its available RAM, the computer will write the
extra data temporarily to the hard-drive until it can be swapped back into RAM.
This is called 'virtual-memory.'
The trouble is, since RAM can have data written to
and from it many, many times faster than a hard-drive, as soon as you start
using virtual memory it will slow your system down while the data is retrieved.
Hence more RAM equals less slowdown while opening applications, switching
windows, etc. Just about every application will benefit from this. It's also
incredibly easy to install.
Check the website of your mainboard manufacturer
for the correct type and amount of RAM that you can purchase for your upgrade.
Assuming you followed the diagnostic steps above, you should already know how
much physical room you have for RAM on your board.
There are a variety of types of
RAM available on the market, since upgrading memory is the most viable upgrade
for an obsolete PC short of a full facelift. Any Computer store should be able
to sell you the following types:
PC-100 SDRAM
(note that many mainboards that support PC-100 SDRAM can use PC-133 SDRAM
interchangeably, so if you have difficulty finding PC-100 you may have another
option), PC-133 SDRAM, PC2100 DDR, PC2700 DDR, and PC3200 DDR. Please also note that
DDR-SDRAM is not compatible with plain SDRAM, or vice versa. Some mainboards may
have separate slots for both, but they cannot be interchanged or used together
on the same board. Consult the manufacturer of your board for the correct
type.
Install Procedure
Power off and open up your PC
All
modern RAM is keyed so it can only fit into the RAM slots a certain way. With
modern motherboards, it should not matter which slot you use, though if
they are numbered in the manual or on the board, it is always a
good idea to go with slot #1 first. Dual channel DDR motherboards will need memory
installed in identical pairs, consult the motherboard manual if you are unsure. To install memory, hold the stick of
RAM next to the slot so that the indentation(s) on the PCB line up with the
bumps in the slot.
Once you are certain of the
orientation of your RAM, open the levers on either side of the RAM slot and push
the stick of RAM straight down into the slot until both levers snap closed on
either side of it. This will require some force. If it does not seem to be going
in with a moderate amount of force, remove the chip and re-insert it, making
sure that it is exactly lined up with the slots.
Now power on the computer.
Check on the boot up screen and on the properties of 'my computer' in your OS to
verify the RAM was installed correctly.
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