How to correctly position the RAM sticks. How to add RAM to a computer: methods and recommendations

How to add RAM?

Decades ago, computers ran on 1-2 MB of RAM. Today, progress has gone so far that sometimes 2-4 GB of RAM is not enough for normal computer operation.

If you do not want to experience inconvenience when watching videos, working with graphic editors, or playing a computer game, you need to know how to add RAM.

When to add RAM

On modern computers, it is better to use at least 4 GB of RAM for normal operation. Only 2 GB of memory will significantly limit the operation of the computer. This amount of memory will not allow you to watch videos comfortably, it will be almost impossible to play, and graphics programs will be very slow. Also, surfing the Internet will be difficult due to the long loading time of sites and files on your hard drive.

The optimal solution would be to install 16-24 GB of RAM on your computer, which will allow you to forget about upgrading the memory for a long time.

How to add RAM to a computer

Before you buy a new memory stick, you need to find out whether you can add RAM to your computer. This can be done by opening the computer unit and examining how many free slots there are.

If there is at least one slot, then you can safely buy the required memory stick and add it. If there is no free slot, then you can change one of the strips for a new one with a larger capacity.

Replacing the strip should be done in the following sequence:

Turn off and unplug the computer by unplugging the power cord from the electrical outlet or the unit itself.
Pull out one of the strips and replace it with a new one. If you want to install it in a free slot, then simply insert the new memory stick into place.
Make sure the bar fits snugly into the socket. After this, assemble the computer unit, plug it into the network and start it up.
Check that new GB of RAM have appeared in the computer properties.

You should also remember that on 32-bit systems it shows a maximum of 3 GB of memory. If you installed more than 3 GB, then you should reinstall Windows with a 64-bit OS.

How to add RAM to a laptop

In a laptop, you can see the amount of memory in the same way as on a computer.

To add or replace a memory stick, you must:

Turn off the power to the laptop.
Remove the battery.
Open the back cover or the cover where the symbol representing RAM is drawn. To do this, unscrew the fastening screw and carefully remove the cover.
We insert a new strip or replace the old one.
We put everything back together the same way it was.
We start the laptop and check for new GB of RAM.

You can also read more about this in our article.

In view of the ever-increasing demands of modern software, after some time the user may reconsider the issue of self-sufficiency in the configuration of his computer. As a rule, the owner of computer equipment makes the initial upgrade by increasing the RAM of his PC. At the same time, in addition to hardware upgrades (installation of additional memory sticks), the user can also use a number of software tools that allow optimizing the operation of the mentioned system component. Which, ultimately, will also have a positive impact on solving the question: “How to add it to a computer?” If you want to achieve the best results in the process of increasing the speed and performance of your OS, but do not quite understand how to do this and how much it may cost you, devote a few minutes of your time to reading this article. You will receive invaluable benefits from free access to the material provided.

So, the top solutions “How to add RAM to a computer?”

The methods covered (software and hardware RAM upgrade) can be used as solutions independent of each other or as correctly interacting solutions. It is worth noting that an integrated approach is preferable to a simple action - adding one or more to a free slot. A little later you will find out why.

Method number 1: Bought, installed, launched

For stable operation, the Windows 7 operating system requires 1.5 GB of RAM. As a rule, a purchased office PC has two gigabytes of RAM. For resource-intensive programs (video editors or computer games), this volume is not always enough. Consequently, the user has a need to expand the capabilities of the RAM. However, before implementing such a hardware upgrade scenario, you need to ask the question: “Is it possible to add RAM?” Since in the case when you use a 32-bit version of Windows, two or more gigabytes added to the current amount of RAM may simply not be used by the system due to some restrictions that are initiated by the BIOS firmware. Another unpleasant moment for the user may be the discrepancy between the purchased memory module and the standard motherboard connector. In other words, before going to the store, you need to know exactly what type of RAM is supported by your PC or laptop, as well as the technical characteristics of the installed memory.

Forced valuable retreat

A question that often interests a beginner: how much RAM costs, needs some specification. Since in modern computing technology there are several types of RAM: DDR, DDR2, DDR3, which, in turn, have a number of significant differences. Depending on the manufacturer and technical characteristics of the memory, the cost of the product varies. However, using the Kingston brand as an example, we can give some price comparison of different types of RAM produced.

DDR2 for 1 GB - about 1400 rubles, and 2 GB will cost 2300 rubles;
DDR3 2 GB will cost 1900 rubles, 4 GB - 3100 rubles, but 8 GB RAM of this type will cost 6400 rubles;
SODIMM DDR2 2 GB - 1800 rubles;
SODIMM DDR3 for 4 GB - 3200 rubles, and for 8 GB the price will be around 6200 rubles.

In addition to information about how much RAM costs, another will also be useful to you: each type of RAM in its segment is divided according to technical characteristics: nominal volume, bus bandwidth and data exchange rate (frequency), which are performance indicators and the effectiveness of one or another modification. Laptop computers use similar memory, but slightly modified and designated SODIMM, which is essentially a type of RAM. By the way, the cost of “minimized” memory is practically no different from the stationary version. True, some modifications of laptop memory modules are still cheaper than their “desktop counterparts”.

Installing an additional memory stick

To equip with another RAM module, follow the recommendations below. As a result, you will receive a practical answer to the question: “How to add RAM to a computer.”

1). Disconnect from electrical power source.

2). Typically, access to the internal components of a PC is achieved by unscrewing a group of retaining screws that hold the protective cover of the device in place. Important: if you personally open the system unit, you will no longer have to rely on the guarantee. Since when opening the lid you will inevitably damage the service seals.

3). Install the new memory module in the appropriate slot. If there are several of them, pay attention to the markings of the connectors. Typically the correct sequence is indicated as a numeric value. In some cases, there is a special order of installed memory sticks. Interacting connectors (for example, 2 modules from one manufacturer and 2 from another) are painted in two different colors.

Please accept our first congratulations! Now you know how to properly add RAM.

Portable solution

Despite the design features of the laptop, the process of installing RAM is, in general, a fairly simple step... if you have a thin Phillips screwdriver.

1). Turn off your laptop and unplug it.

2). Remove the battery from the device.

3). Take a close look at the back of the laptop - the grooved or inscribed designation in the form of “DIMM” or “MEMORY” is where the RAM is located.

4). Unscrew the screws holding the cover and carefully pry up the edge of the protective casing.

5). Install the optional memory module and close the cover.

Method No. 2: flash drive as additional RAM capacity

On Windows 7 and its Ready Boost functional addition, a hybrid option for expanding RAM resources will be considered.

Insert the flash drive into the USB port of your PC or laptop. Format the removable media partition. Place the marker over the flash drive shortcut and, while holding the right mouse button, call up the context menu, from which select “Properties”. In the window that opens, go to the Ready Boost tab. Activate the “Use this device” checkbox, then click “Apply” and “OK”.

As you can see, the question is: “How to add RAM to a computer?” can be resolved using this method.

Method No. 3: Optimizing RAM

By installing a special Memory Booster utility on your PC, you will significantly speed up your OS. Despite its small size and compact interface, the program easily copes with RAM optimization, freeing up PC RAM that is reserved by various software. This significantly improves system performance. The utility always runs in the background. So control over particularly “gluttonous” programs will be organized very vigilantly.

Method No. 4: OS virtual memory

This method is exclusively a software tool for increasing RAM. A standard Windows tool provides for expanding operational resources by allocating a certain disk space for the needs of temporary files. The special virtual OS partition should not be confused; these are fundamentally different services. generated OS has a value equal to the amount of installed RAM. When there is not enough physical memory, the system uses virtual amounts of RAM. The size of the paging file can be either reduced or increased. It all depends on the user's needs.

Practical solution

1). Open the Start menu.

2). Hold the marker on the “Computer” section and right-click to call up the context list, from which select “Properties”.

3). While in the “System” service window, activate the “Advanced parameters” link on the left.

4). In the “Performance” block, click on the button.

5). Once in the Options window, click on the Advanced tab.

If you activate the "Edit" button, you will be given the opportunity to make changes to the default settings.

In conclusion

“So how much RAM can you add?” you ask. The meaning is strictly predetermined. It all depends on the functionality of your motherboard. The BIOS version also has a great influence on the “hardware perception” of the PC. Finally, a 64-bit operating system removes almost all restrictions on the amount of RAM. But, as you understand, in such a situation the OS is a secondary authority. Therefore, only the BIOS determines whether the motherboard is capable of “accepting” the desired amounts of RAM. So before upgrading your PC, study the technical data sheet of the computer.

Random access memory (RAM) is a random access memory device (hereinafter referred to as RAM) designed to store current information while the computer is running. The more RAM a computer has, the faster it works, launches applications, games, videos, downloads files, photos, movies, etc. That is why, often, there is a need to increase the amount of RAM. How to do this and what RAM to choose will be discussed.

The stage of preparation for purchasing memory modules for a home computer

The preparatory stage includes the following steps:

1. First of all, you need to refer to the technical characteristics of the motherboard, which can be found either in the documentation for the motherboard or on the manufacturer’s website. What are we finding out?

The type of RAM installed on this motherboard. There are many types of RAM, but now most often you can find DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4.
The maximum amount of RAM that the motherboard supports. This could be 1, 2, 4 GB, etc.
The clock frequency, measured in MHz, at which data is transmitted.

By the way, on the websites of motherboard manufacturers you can find memory modules recommended for installation.

2. If you already have an installed RAM stick, but the task is to expand it, then the most optimal way is to find out the characteristics of the already installed memory module and purchase the same one.

It would be best to purchase and install a bar from the same manufacturer and the same clock frequency. The fact is that often memory modules from different manufacturers and brands may not work correctly in combination.

How can you find out which memory module is installed on your computer? To do this, you need to look at the sticker on the memory module, where information about the manufacturer, its type and clock frequency is indicated.

3. The total amount of RAM indicated on the RAM strips should not exceed the maximum amount supported by the motherboard.

4. An important role is played by what operating system is installed on your computer. Thus, the 32-bit version of Windows can work with a maximum of 3.5 GB of memory.

Device installation

The memory installation process includes the following steps:

Disconnect the system unit, monitor and other devices from the power supply.
Open the housing cover.
Find the motherboard, and on it there are connectors for RAM (they are all labeled).

Bend back the latches along the edges of the connectors that secure the strip.
Take the RAM strip (not by the contacts!) and insert it into the connector so that the notch on the strip (the so-called key) coincides with the protrusion on the motherboard slot. Be careful, static electricity from your hands can damage the device.
Secure the OP ruler on the sides with latches. Often, in order to insert the bar, it is necessary to apply considerable force.
Return the housing cover to its original position.

Checking the functionality of the new RAM

To do this, follow the following steps:

The computer turns on. The Windows operating system starts. This is already the first good sign!
Checks the installed memory (RAM).

If the RAM is installed correctly, the amount of RAM that was installed on the motherboard will be displayed.

For a more detailed memory check, you need to run the application

Frequent freezes, blue screens and other manifestations of unstable operation may be signs of unstable RAM.

If your computer runs slowly and freezes when working with programs and playing games, then one of the best ways to increase its performance at the hardware level is to install additional RAM on the computer. In this article we will look at step-by-step the process of adding or replacing RAM.

Selecting the desired type of RAM

Before you go to the store to buy a new memory module, you need to find out what type of RAM your motherboard supports. There are the following types of RAM: DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3 L and the new type DDR4. They They vary in size, so if you buy the wrong type, it simply won't fit into the connector. There is also a division into form factors DIMM (for desktop computers) and SODIMM (for laptops).

To find out the type, you need to carefully read the instructions for the motherboard. If you already have memory modules installed, take one of them and look for the settings sticker. It shows the DDR type. Most modern computers have DDR2 and DDR3 memory installed.

Counting the number of RAM slots on the motherboard

The number of slots for memory modules on a motherboard can be 2,4,6,8, and even more on a server motherboard. Most motherboards have 2-4 connectors. You should pay attention to the maximum amount of memory that your motherboard supports.

Choosing a manufacturer

Many companies are developing RAM. The results of their work differ in both price and quality. We do not recommend purchasing memory from little-known manufacturers.

In recent years, the following manufacturers have become popular:

Corsair;

Kingston;

Hynix;

Crucial;

AMD Radion;

Samsung;

G.Skill;

NoName.

We purchase RAM

When going shopping at a specialized computer store, you need to know exactly what RAM you need and whether it will be compatible with the motherboard.

Preparing to install RAM

Step 1. Turn off the computer's power. Disconnect all cables and cords connected to the back of the case.

(Monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.)

Step 2. Remove the side cover from the housing. Place the computer case in such a way that it is convenient to work with it. It will be most convenient if you lay it on its side. Gain access to the motherboard by carefully moving away the nearby wires.

Step 3. Next, you should get rid of static charges. They can damage installed components on the motherboard. To do this, simply touch the case or battery with your hand. For some, this advice may seem ridiculous, someone will say that nothing will happen and nothing will be damaged, but as they say, “God protects the best,” so it’s better to play it safe and listen to the advice.

Step 4. Locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. In modern boards, manufacturers make 2 or 4 connectors. These are identical in size and parallel to each other. You can see what they look like in the photo below.

Step 5. If you are replacing old memory with new one, then you need to remove the old module. Gently press the two white outer latches. The module will come free and can be easily removed.

Step 6. Take a new memory stick, being careful not to touch the microcircuits and contacts located on it.

Installing RAM

If you have one memory module or several modules of different sizes, then insert them into any slot, skip everything written below and go to step 7.

Modern motherboards are capable of operating in two, three, and four channel modes. The advantage of using multi-channel mode is that two, three or four channels communicate with each other, increasing throughput. This significantly speeds up the system.

Most budget motherboards come with dual-channel mode. The connectors may be the same color, but they are often different and alternate. For example, blue, black, blue black. Yellow, red, yellow, red.

To make RAM work in dual-channel mode, you need to install identical memory modules in slots of the same color.

For example, if you have two 1 GB sticks, then they need to be inserted into connectors of the same color, say blue.

When we talk about installing identical modules, this means that they should not only be of the same volume, but also identical in their technical characteristics (frequency, latency, timing, manufacturer).

To avoid mistakes, it is better to buy a set of two or four planks.

A few days ago I “freaked out” - I was tired of buying parts of the future home “supercomputer” in parts. I took it and bought the remaining parts at once - the motherboard, processor and RAM.

Today I'll tell you how to choose RAM for a computer and even how to install it correctly.

What is RAM

Before choosing RAM for your computer, you need to clearly understand what it is in general.

RAM in a computer is one of the components, along with the central processor and SSD drive, which is responsible for the speed of the system.

The official definition goes something like this: RAM (Random Access Memory) is a volatile part of a computer system that temporarily stores the input, output, and intermediate data of programs and the operating system.

But, as always, I will try to convey this definition to you in simple language...

The processor is the brain of the computer that processes all information. Hard drive ( or SSD drive) stores all the data (programs, photos, movies, music...). RAM is an intermediate link between them. The data that needs to be processed by the processor is “pulled” into it.

Why do they “pull themselves up”? Why not immediately take them from the hard drive? The fact is that RAM works many times faster than even an SSD drive.

What data the processor may soon need is determined by the operating system itself, automatically. She is very smart, no matter what they say about her.

Types of RAM

When mammoths still walked the earth, RAM was divided into SIMM and DIMM - immediately forget about these types of RAM, they have not been produced or used for a long time.

Then DDR was invented (2001). There are also computers with this type of memory. The main difference from DDR2 and DDR3 is the number of contacts on the DDR memory board, there are only 184 of them. This type of RAM is much slower than its modern counterparts (DDR2 and DDR3).

DDR2 (2003) has a larger number of contacts (240 pieces), thanks to which the number of data streams has expanded and the transfer of information to the processor has noticeably accelerated. The maximum DDR2 frequency is 1066 MHz.

DDR3 (2007) is the most common type of RAM in modern computers. Here they left the number of contacts alone (240 pieces), but made them electrically incompatible. Maximum DDR3 frequency – 2400 MHz . This type of memory also has lower power consumption and higher bandwidth.

DDR3 turned out to be 15-20% faster than DDR2.

DDR2 and DDR3 strips have different “key” locations, they are not interchangeable...

Form factor of RAM strips

RAM sticks for laptops (SODIMM) and desktop computers (SDRAM) are different in size and appearance. For laptops they look like this...

...and for stationary home computers, something like this...

This is where their differences (mostly) end. The characteristics that you need to know to choose RAM are absolutely the same for these two types.

RAM capacity

In the last century, the amount of RAM was measured in kilobytes and megabytes (it’s even funny to remember). Today - in gigabytes.

This parameter determines how much temporary information will fit into the RAM chip. Everything is relatively simple here. Windows itself consumes about 1 GB of memory when running, so there should be more of it in the computer.

2 GB - may be enough for a budget computer (movies, photos, Internet)

4 GB – suitable for more demanding programs, games at medium and maximum quality settings

8 GB – will handle heavy games at maximum quality settings or very memory-demanding programs *DANCE*

16 GB - the newest modern and heavy games, as well as special professional monster programs, will “fly”

32 GB - You have nowhere to put your money? Send them to me.

It is very important to consider that regular 32-bit Windows operating systems “do not see” memory more than 3 GB and, accordingly, do not use it. If you buy more than 3 GB of RAM, you MUST install a 64-bit system.

RAM frequency

Inexperienced users are often limited by its size when choosing RAM, but memory frequency is no less important. It determines at what speed data will be exchanged with the processor.

Modern conventional processors operate at 1600 MHz. Accordingly, it is advisable to buy memory with such a frequency, no higher (1866 MHz is possible). The difference between 1333 MHz and 1600 MHz is almost invisible to the eye.

As for memory sticks with a frequency of 2133 MHz and higher - they themselves cost a lot of money, for their full operation you need special motherboards, which cost a lot of money, and most importantly, you need a processor with an unlocked multiplier (supporting overclocking), which costs...

At the same time, all this disgrace will get very hot (you need a powerful cooling system (preferably water), which costs...) and consume a lot of energy. This is the choice of crazy gamers.

By the way, the increase in computer performance with such overclocking will be only from 10 to 30%, and you will spend three times more money. Do you need it?

RAM timing

A “terrible” parameter of RAM that few people know about and which is rarely taken into account when choosing memory, but in vain.

Latency (timing) is the time delay of a signal. It is measured in beats. The timings can take values from 2 to 13. The throughput of the “processor-memory” section and, as a consequence, the performance of the system depend on them, although quite a bit.

The lower the timing value, the faster the RAM works. For example, I purchased memory with timing values 9-9-9-24, but there are faster ones, of course.

RAM timings can be adjusted in the BIOS when overclocking the system (this is not recommended for inexperienced users).

And at the end of the article, as I promised at the beginning, I’ll tell you...

How to properly install RAM in a computer

Before the procedure, be sure to turn off the computer and disconnect the power cord from the system unit.

There is no need to make any settings in the system after installing the memory. The system itself will recognize it and start using it.

The easiest way to install memory is in a laptop (it can be more difficult to open the back cover). In laptops, the RAM is in a horizontal position, lying down.

Simply lift and pull it out of the grooves, insert the new one until it stops. The lock on the bar (slot) will prevent you from making mistakes when installing...

On desktop computers this process is a bit more complicated. The memory stands vertically to the motherboard and is clamped with latches.

To remove the strip, just move these latches to the sides and it will “jump” out of the slot. Installation will also take you 2 seconds - bring the bar to the slot, match the lock (slot) on the bar with the jumper in the slot and insert it all the way (you will hear a click - the latches will clamp the bar).

It is very important not to confuse the click of the clamps with the crunch of a broken motherboard.