Anyone Can: Perform a RAM Upgrade

In this the first of the Anyone Can series, we will be looking at the simplest and probably one of the most effective upgrades you can perform on your PC, Laptop or Mac.




So, why would anyone upgrade their system's RAM? Well, RAM is short for Random Access Memory and is one of the key components within any computer. RAM is basically the memory the system has to work with at any one time.

Think of it like this, the RAM holds a massive number of temporary files while you work, allowing the programs to run etc. When you turn of the system, anything left in the RAM will be lost unless it is saved to a non-volatile memory device such as the hard drive (HDD).


Therefore, the more RAM a system has, the faster it can deal with requests from the user. It also allows to faster data transfer speeds between the CPU and other onboard devices. This is the simplest and most cost effective way of improving a systems speed.

RAM comes in the form of a circuit board containing a string of memory modules. These act like relays, passing data along connected pathways to other devices in the system. These "CHIPS" as they are called connect directly to the MOTHERBOARD via DIMM CHANNELS.

Two Pairs of DDR3 DIMM Channels

It is important to note that there are many different types of RAM CHIP available on the market and not all of them are compatible with every MOTHERBOARD. The type of RAM CHIP your MOTHERBOARD is compatible with will be listed as part of your system's technical specification. If you do not have a copy of this then you will be able to find it by searching either your MOTHERBOARD or system name in google.

There are currently 5 major chip sizes available, these are:

• 512MB
• 1GB
• 2GB
• 4GB
• 8GB

Each size represents the amount of data that chip can hold at any one time, the higher the capacity or size of the chip, the more data it can hold and the faster your system will work. (NOTE: Every motherboard will have a maximum amount of RAM it can handle. Make sure you know your motherboards max before purchasing and installing RAM your system can't use!)

RAM CHIP

So, you have decided what size RAM you want, you've found a compatible chip or set of chips and you've splashed some cash. Now, on to the fun part, installing your new RAM CHIPS!

1. First of all open up your system case and ground yourself by maintaining contact with the metal side panel. (You could also use an anti-static wrist band connected to something metal.)
2. Second, locate your DIMM CHANNELS, these are usually at a 90 degree angle to the CPU.
3. Third, un-clip the small white/grey holding pegs on either end of the chip or chips your are replacing and gently remove the chips from the sockets.
4. Fourth, align the new chips with the DIMM CHANNELS and press them firmly into the socket until the holding pegs snap back into place, locking the chips into the socket.
5. Finally, boot the system in BIOS, go to the installed memory tab and check the amount of installed memory the system currently has. The amount given should be the same as the amount you have just installed.

That's it, sounds to easy? Well that's because it is! This is the fastest, cheapest and by far the easiest way to improve a systems speed. If anyone has any questions or suggestions, please comment or email me.

Logging Off,
Tom McDowall