ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
12.10.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Computer Memory - When and How to Upgrade

Author: lee jones Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 15-06-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 49 | Rating:  (64) Article Popularity - Blue (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

Since installing computer memory, also known as RAM is a pretty simple and straight forward task; I will first focus on why you might need an upgrade.  RAM stands for random access memory. It is defined as computer memory available to the user for creating, loading, or running programs and for the temporary storage and manipulation of data, in which time of access to each item is independent of the storage sequence.

So what does that mean? Just know this; RAM is one of the most important factor in a computer's performance. Adding memory will enhance your computer's overall performance. But you can't just go to the computer store and purchase a 4GB stick of RAM. There is a bit of research involved.

If you've built your own computer, then you should have the user's manual for the motherboard you installed in your system. The user's manual will list the maximum memory supported for the motherboard. It will also give you the memory standard. If you purchased your computer, you can visit the website of your computer's manufacturer to get this info.

Example:

The DX38BT provides 4 DIMM sockets using Dual Channel 240-pin DDR3 with a total capacity of up to 8GB-64bit. You can install DDR3 800/1066/1333MHz Memory.

This example is from the user's manual of a motherboard. You don't need to know what it means, but you do need to realize that only this type of memory will work in your computer.

4 DIMM sockets means you can put up to (4) memory sticks in your computer and together they cannot exceed 8GB. So, you can have one 8GB stick (but they aren't selling those yet), two 4GB or four GB sticks. They must be 240-pins. This represents the size and configuration of the stick. The DDR3 800/1066/1333MHz deal with processing speeds. The main thing to keep in mind when upgrading your RAM is to get the correct size memory. Make sure the RAM you purchase adheres to the user's manual's or website's recommendations.

Ok, enough technical mumbo, jumbo. Now for the easy stuff; let's install our new memory. If this is a factory computer, you might first have to get over your fear of opening your computer. Trust me, it's not as hard as it may seem. It is more difficult finding the correct memory for your computer than it is installing it. (Remember, static electricity is a CPU killer, so be sure to ground yourself prior to touching any of the inner workings of your computer.)

Once inside, simply locate the RAM, unclamp the retaining clips and remove them from the DIMM. Take the upgraded RAM, align it with the DIMM, and push it straight down into the DIMM until the retaining clamps secure the RAM in place. You may need to fix the retaining clips on the RAM manually. And you are done. Now, wasn’t that easy?

Rate this Article: Current: 5 / 5 stars - 1 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/computer-memory-when-and-how-to-upgrade-450236.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
lee jonesAbout the Author:

Lee Jones is a computer enthusiast who enjoys building computers in his spare time. To get your FREE Computer Build Budget Workbook, FREE tips, advice and suggestions, Check me out at: PC Builders Delight

Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

My usb is not opening and is saying disk in drive ...
By: anisa | 26-09-2008
my usb is not opening and is saying disk in drive E is not formatted and then when i try formatting it, it doesnt let me it says you have insufficent rights to preform this act.

Nuvi memory
By: sswillich | 14-09-2008
I need additional memory (3mb) for my nuvi to download.  Where do I obtain this and how do I add to it?

Is a memory card needed to take pictures with my ...
By: Daniel Night | 10-09-2008
Is a memory card needed to take pictures with my camera? I have a Canon Digital Camera. In the window there is a message; "memory card error." Can I still work with the camera like this? How do I fix this? This is my first digital camera.

Saving to multiple destinations
By: SuedeNym | 07-09-2008
I am writing a thesis and am neurotic about losing four years' worth of work. So every few minutes I'm saving it, not only to my desktop (which is easy with a dedicated Fn key), but to two memory sticks also. Is there any way I can save to the two sticks at the same time, with one click? Can I dedicate and Fn key to that also?

What is the difference between dual and single ...
By: crazytekkie | 03-09-2008
what is the difference between dual and single ranked memory modules

1996 dodge ran roll pan
By: Brad | 24-08-2008
Can anyone recomend a roll pan for my 96 dodge ram spott

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Hardware Articles

Choose the Right DVD Duplication Company
By: Editor-123 | 11/10/2008
DVD duplication is not a difficult process but it can turn into a tricky job if you choose a wrong company to work with. The process is quite simple, taking the data of one DVD and putting it into a large number of DVDs in order to sell them or give them away for promotional purpose.

Digital Hardware
By: Sandra Prior | 10/10/2008
Choosing digital hardware has become rather complicated. You have to compare prices with power, image quality, functionality and versatility, according to your specific needs.

Inkjet Cartridges- Give Shape to Your Imagination
By: Article Manager | 10/10/2008
You can make an online purchase of inkjet cartridges so as to have a cheap deal. These days there are many online companies which provide home as well as office deliveries. The price difference is huge compared to that of an office supply store.

Brother Ink Cartridges
By: Article Manager | 10/10/2008
The ink cartridge for brother printer does not necessarily come from brother not because of their non availability but because of their high price. The compatible OEM products though offer low price but their quality as well as reliability is at times questionable.

Choosing Your Usb Memory Stick Supplier
By: chris proth | 09/10/2008
With so many suppliers of USB Memory Sticks to choose from it can be hard deciding which company is the best one for you to trust with your order. This article goes through the things to consider when making you decision about which supplier to choose.

Template Manager and Oki Printers
By: Miles Richardson | 09/10/2008
Template Manager is a utility that comes free with all OKI, non-impact printers to enable users to easily create and print documents such as banners, business cards, mailers, flyers and newsletters.

The Grass is Greener With Oki Printers in the Nursery
By: Miles Richardson | 09/10/2008
Greenfield Software Limited are market leading software developers and system suppliers to Garden Centres and Nurseries throughout the United Kingdom. Their products include the Horticultural Labelling System (HLS) range of labelling packages along with the Growmaster stock control and order processing system.

Industrial Computer Motherboards
By: thompson | 09/10/2008
Industrial computer motherboards are very important for fast growing companies that need to manage a lot of information and multi-task many programs at the same time. Many companies that do not operate their systems

More from lee jones

Building Your Computer From the Barebones
By: lee jones | 15/06/2008 | Hardware
This article explains the benefits of building a computer using the Barebones Kit.

5 Tools Needed When Building or Working on Your Pc
By: lee jones | 15/06/2008 | Hardware
This article suggests the tools needed when working on or building a computer.

Build a Pc - 4 Ways to Reduce the Cost of Your Pc Build
By: lee jones | 15/06/2008 | Hardware
This article gives four suggestions on how to save some money by building your own computer

Oem Parts - a Great Way to Save Money With Your Pc Build
By: lee jones | 15/06/2008 | Hardware
This article explains how purchasing OEM parts can help reduce the cost on your computer build.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below