In the first post of this series I showed you that your computer speed is often tied to your RAM.
In the third post I talked about how to optimize your startup programs and processes to speed things up
This tutorial is going to require you to get a little down and dirty with your laptop or desktop computer but if you’re looking to save money on a whole new system, this is the only thing left you can do. Let’s get started.
Opening up your computer is not nearly as scary as you might think it would be. In either case of laptop or desktop, a RAM upgrade can take as little as 5 minutes of your time. I am going to walk you through two separate processes in this article – one for laptops and one for desktops. The first couple of steps remain the same for both kinds of machines.
Step 1: Find out what shape and speed RAM you have.
If you have the documentation that came with your computer, there is usually a manual that has the hardware specs. You’re looking for the size, kind and speed of your RAM. Something like 1GB of PC2700 DDR or 256Mb SDRAM. If you are still unsure or can’t find your RAM information from your documentation, look up your desktop or laptop specs to find out the information you need. A quick Google search for your computer make and model along with the word “RAM” will often yield correct information. When all else fails, have a tech-savvy person look up the information for you.
Once you figure out the type, size and speed of RAM you have you need to figure out how much your computer can handle. Older computers max out at 1-2GB (Gigabytes) of memory. Most computers – laptops and desktops alike have 2 or more slots for memory. For instance you could have 1GB of ram made up of 2 sticks of 512Mb of ram (I know the math is off, but remember one KB is 1024 bytes).
Step 2: Decide how much RAM you need.
Most people running Windows XP will do fine to have 1GB of ram. Those running Windows Vista and Windows 7 will want 2GB or more. Remember you can’t add more RAM than your computer can handle. If you have a 64-bit operating system like Vista 64 or Windows 7 64 you can have 4 or more gigs of memory, if you’re sporting a 32-bit OS you’ll be limited to just under 4GB. 95% of the people reading this article will never need more than 4 GB of memory anyways so don’t worry.
Step 3: (Laptops only) Find out if both of your RAM ports are easily accessible. When I upgraded the RAM in my HP Pavillion (zv5000) I could only add one stick of RAM because the other one was too difficult for me to get to. Often times, one stick of RAM will be all you need to add anyways.
Step 4: Purchase your RAM
This step is up to you. There are many great online hardware retailers as well as some local retailers that can sell you RAM. I make all my hardware purchases from www.newegg.com. Newegg is great because they have a great selection and nearly unbeatable prices. Make sure you purchase the right speed of RAM for your system and make sure it will fit your computer (desktop vs. laptop).
Step 5a: Open up your desktop computer case (Laptops, move to step 5b)
Unplug your computer from the wall and all attached devices.
Locate the screws that hold your computer case together. You will only need to remove the part of the case that covers up the mother board. There are often 2 phillips-head screws holding the side panel on towers and 3-4 holding the lid on models that set on your desk.
Once you open things up you should see a large circuit board with all kinds of wires and chips on it. Locate the RAM slots with your current RAM installed. Make sure to discharge any static electricity you might be carrying since it can damage sensitive electronics (touch something metal such as a chair or door handle). If you are replacing RAM, remove the old RAM by unclipping the stick of RAM on either end. Pull the sick straight up.
To add RAM, make sure to line up the notches properly (one notch is longer than the other). Open the two clips and press the RAM straight down onto the motherboard. The two clips will move into place, if they don’t clip the RAM in manually on either side.
Close your case and secure it with the screws you removed. Plug everything back in and power up the computer. If you installed the RAM properly (and if it’s the right kind) you should boot right into Windows. If you stay on the boot screen or BIOS screen, you might not have installed your RAM correctly (check to see if the RAM is fully inserted). Once booted you should be able to confirm the new RAM by right-clicking on the My Computer Icon and selecting “Properties.” The RAM amount is displayed in the Windows System window.
Step 5b: Open the RAM slot on the bottom of your laptop.
Unplug your laptop and remove the battery.
Most laptops have an accessible RAM port on the bottom of the computer that is accessible through removing a few small screws. Look for a text label or a picture of a stick of RAM. Make sure you discharge any static electricity by touching something metal (not the laptop).
Most laptops have an accessible RAM port on the bottom of the computer that is accessible through removing a few small screws. Look for a text label or a picture of a stick of RAM. Make sure you discharge any static electricity by touching something metal (not the laptop).
Once you open up the RAM port you should be able to release your RAM by pulling apart the two clamps on either side. Once loose, remove the stick(s) and replace with the new memory. Close everything up, put in your battery and turn it on. Once booted you should be able to confirm the new RAM by right-clicking on the My Computer Icon and selecting “Properties.” The RAM amount is displayed in the Windows System window.
If you did your homework and purchased the right kind of RAM, your computer should be running smoother now that it has plenty of virtual legroom for your programs. Give yourself a high-five and treat yourself to a favorite beverage because you're on your way to becoming a computer wiz.
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