The right memory
Adding RAM (Random Access Memory) to a computer increases its
operating speed. Today's operating systems and applications that
operate with it require much more memory than older programs did. Windows
compensates for a lack of memory by using virtual memory.
Frequently used sets of instructions are kept in a paging or swap
file on your hard drive to store and move data. The more your computer
uses the paging file, the slower your computer operates.
Upgrading the memory in a computer is simple -
if you do a little preparation before actually trying it. The
memory chipset on the small card that is installed in your
computer are called memory sticks. There are two basic types of
sticks:
- SIMM (Single Inline Memory Modules)
- DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Modules)
Determine amount/type of memory
The most difficult part of upgrading your
computer's memory is figuring out the specific kind of memory you
need—and knowing how much memory you can add in what kind of
configuration.
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There are a couple of ways to see how much memory you
have:
- When you first start your computer, you see information flash by on the bootup screen, including how much memory there is.
- Once Windows starts,
right-click the My Computer icon and choose Properties. On the
general tab, just above the system information, the amount of
memory your PC has is displayed in kilobytes of RAM.
Type of Memory
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There are a few ways to see what kind of memory your
PC has:
- Get the model number/serial number off the
case or back of the computer and go on-line to search for the
right type of memory - a great place to start is Viking
Components, Kingston,
or Crucial memory
web sites.
- Check your motherboard documentation that you
received with your system.
- Open the computer case and look inside at the memory
chips bank. SIMMs have either 30 or 72 pins. DIMMs, SDRAM, and Rambus are larger and usually have 168 pins.
Sometimes there are a combination of DIMMs and SDRAM banks.
Note: Although many computers accept
memory chips from a variety of manufacturers, some computers
accept memory only from the manufacturer of the computer.
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Get memory with speed at least as fast as the memory in your
PC. Typically it is rated at 66MHz, 100MHz or 133MHz. Check your system documentation or
go on-line to find out how fast the memory is in your PC.
Your computer has a set of memory slots, and the
motherboard can handle a maximum amount of memory. To find out the
maximum amount, check the manual or the manufacturer's Web site.
Some computers can handle memory modules only in certain
configurations—and because of this, you might have to throw away
your existing memory and buy all new memory. For example, some
computers can use four 4MB SIMMs and three 8MB SIMMs for a grand
total of 64MB. Some computers, however, require eight 8MB SIMMs to
get the job done. However, computers with SDRAM or RIMM memory
usually don't have this problem.
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With the hardest work over, all you have to do
is open the case, take out the old memory, and put in the new
memory sticks.
Locate memory sockets
First turn off your computer, unplug it, ground yourself or wear an antistatic wrist strap, and remove the case.
Most motherboards today come with between 2 and 8 sockets for the insertion of memory.
The motherboard usually labels these sockets "SIMM0" through "SIMM7" or "DIMM1" through "DIMM3", etc. The sockets are almost always filled starting with the lowest numbered socket first. Most Pentium class or higher motherboards require SIMMs to be inserted in pairs, but DIMMs may be inserted individually.
Remove the SIMM
SIMMs hold on to the memory slots by metal holders or plastic tabs on each side of the SIMM. if they're held in place by plastic tabs, gently press both tabs outward and the SIMM is released.
Install the SIMM
Locate the notch on the SIMM; it is keyed like
this so it can be installed in only one way. Match up the notch to the
stick. Tilt the SIMM at a 45-degree angle, push gently until it goes into the slot, and then tilt it upward to an upright position.
Installing DIMMs, SDRAM, and RIMM
DIMMs are easier to remove than SIMMs. DIMMs have
plastic tabs on each side. Push down on the tabs at the same time, and the tabs push the DIMM out of its socket. SDRAM and RIMM modules are removed similarly, except in some instances a RIMM module might have a terminator that attaches to the motherboard. If it does, remove the terminator.
DIMMs have two notches on the bottom that match the DIMM socket. Align the slots properly with the socket. Press down evenly across the top of the DIMM until the tabs on each side of the DIMM slip up into place. SDRAM and DIMM memory is removed similarly, except in some instances
you will have to attach a terminator to the motherboard.
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Different computers behave differently with the
addition of new memory. Replace the case and turn your computer
on. Some computers will boot and the BIOS will automatically
recognize new memory. Some computers will show an error, require a
reboot before the BIOS recognizes new memory. Sometimes you may have to
enter and then exit the CMOS screen for the settings to take
effect before a reboot. After the BIOS recognizes the memory, and
Windows loads, right-click the My Computer
icon and choose Properties. On the general tab, just above the
system information, the amount of memory your PC has is displayed
in kilobytes of RAM.
If your PC fails to recognize the new memory,
chances are the stick is not seated correctly in the slot. Should
you have problems, contact me.
