Adding RAM Memory

[JohnnyO]

I know there are some real computer wizes out there so how easy is it to add RAM memory to a pc? And how do I figure out what type and amount I already have?

Thanks
John

[arsenal]

Adding memory is pretty easy. First, what type of computer do you have? If it is an out of the box (ie: HP, Dell, IBM, etc) there should be a description of the type of memory that your computer uses in the manual.

There are 2 types of memory that are most common right now:
SDIMM and DDR. If you have a newer computer, there is a good chance that it is DDR memory. If you want to check how much memory you have, if you are running WinXP, you can right-click on the "My Computer" (either on your desktop or in the start menu) and select "Properties" (bottom pop-up menu option).
This will bring up a description of your computer. OS (including Service Pack Level), Processor Speed, and amount of physical memory (RAM).
It will probably be either 256 or 512 MB.

Also, before you are going to add memory, read your computer manual to see how much physical RAM your motherboard can hold. Should be part of the description. If you are at the peak, then you will need to get a new motherboard.
Once you have figured out the type of memory your mother board takes, and if you can add more, you gotta go buy it. It would be a good idea to open the computer and see how many slots you have as well. They are easy to find as they are long and skinny, and usually situated close to the processor.


As far as actually doing the physical work.. there are tabs at either end of the memory holder, you just have to pull one tab on either side away from the memory stick, and it will release the memory stick.

Putting the memory in, is just as easy. Open both tabs at either end, slide one side of the stick in (about a 45% angle), and then put the other side down. If you did everything right, the tabs will close and lock the memory in place.

Done like dinner.

edit: The reason you want to check to see how many slots you have and how much memory you have right now, and how much your motherboard can take. If you have 2 slots and they both are bing filled, and you have 256 total memory. That means you have 2x128MB memory sticks. If your computer can handle 512 or 1024MB of RAM, then you can buy 2x256MB or 2x512 or 1X1024MB sticks. Keep in mind, the larger the amount of memory on one stick, the more it will cost you.
You will have to take out the other memory..I am assuming you knew this though .

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Don't forget to ground yourself first for static electricity. ESD will fry your nice new modules in no time if you're not careful.

Arsenal is right, RAM is an incredibly easy item to install. PutridShop should be ashamed for charging $40 or so to do it. Takes about 3 minutes including opening the case. That's $800 an hour....

[JohnnyO]

Thanks
Dudes

[CaptainCrunch]

They missed some steps

First you have to check the integrity of the ram. The best way to do that is to find a shag carpet and scoot across it in your stocking feet while holding the ram in your hand.

Once you do this there is a installation method that you need to explore.

Open up your PC, don't worry about powering it down as it just adds a step to the intallation at the end

Now tip your computer over, its best to do this on a soft surface like a shag carpet again. Looks for the original ram chip, you should see some open slots beside it, but its optional if you want to do it or not, some people prefer to glue the ram directly to the motherboard using glue, it tends to give a better performance, all you need to do is find the proper space.

If you chose to do things the new fangled way and use the empty ram sockets, there are some steps that you want to take.

you'll want to wet down the metal edge of the ram chip so you can get better conductivity with the main system board. Human or dog saliva works the best.

Now your going to see two white plastic clips at the ends of the ram slot, you'll see a small bump on each of them facing inwards. you'll want to carve that off as its just extra material.

Ok line up the new ram chip with the slot, and gently line the ram up with it metal edge up and facing towards you, I can't emphasize how important that is. don't push the ram into the socket with your pair finger.

Now, take a small household hammer or meat tenderizer, and gently apply 50 psi of pressure in a taping motion to the ram, til it slams down into the slot, if you hear a cracking noise, don't worry it means your doing it right and your mainboard has settled.

Ok, now that the ram is in, you need to take some clear tape, and tape the ram in place. You can never use to much tape since its so cheap.

Now you may notice that your monitor has either gone black, or blue, don't worry thats the normal function of knowing that your computer is doing what it should be doing.

In the event that this installation dosen't work, you might be forced to trouble shoot your system, keep your hammer handy and memorize these helpful colorful metaphors


### #####!!!!!
### ## # #####!!!!!
############!!!!!
#####

And my favorite

###########

Thanks for your time

[HelloHockeyFans]

Originally posted by CaptainCrunch@Dec 22 2004, 07:23 PM
They missed some steps

First you have to check the integrity of the ram. The best way to do that is to find a shag carpet and scoot across it in your stocking feet while holding the ram in your hand.

Once you do this there is a installation method that you need to explore.

Open up your PC, don't worry about powering it down as it just adds a step to the intallation at the end

Now tip your computer over, its best to do this on a soft surface like a shag carpet again. Looks for the original ram chip, you should see some open slots beside it, but its optional if you want to do it or not, some people prefer to glue the ram directly to the motherboard using glue, it tends to give a better performance, all you need to do is find the proper space.

If you chose to do things the new fangled way and use the empty ram sockets, there are some steps that you want to take.

you'll want to wet down the metal edge of the ram chip so you can get better conductivity with the main system board. Human or dog saliva works the best.

Now your going to see two white plastic clips at the ends of the ram slot, you'll see a small bump on each of them facing inwards. you'll want to carve that off as its just extra material.

Ok line up the new ram chip with the slot, and gently line the ram up with it metal edge up and facing towards you, I can't emphasize how important that is. don't push the ram into the socket with your pair finger.

Now, take a small household hammer or meat tenderizer, and gently apply 50 psi of pressure in a taping motion to the ram, til it slams down into the slot, if you hear a cracking noise, don't worry it means your doing it right and your mainboard has settled.

Ok, now that the ram is in, you need to take some clear tape, and tape the ram in place. You can never use to much tape since its so cheap.

Now you may notice that your monitor has either gone black, or blue, don't worry thats the normal function of knowing that your computer is doing what it should be doing.

In the event that this installation dosen't work, you might be forced to trouble shoot your system, keep your hammer handy and memorize these helpful colorful metaphors


### #####!!!!!
### ## # #####!!!!!
############!!!!!
#####

And my favorite

###########

Thanks for your time

:angry:

Okay, I tried that, but I'm having a few additional problems now...