Do you want  your old computer to become faster? Well,maybe the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to speed up your computer is to add more RAM. But how much RAM do you need and what type it must be? Here I will show you how to make an RAM memory upgrade.

For the average Windows XP user 1GB of RAM should be enough. But users who simultaneously run lots of  applications, or anyone regularly working with digital video or other power graphics software, will want at least 2GB. Also if you’re planning to upgrade your PC to Windows Vista, I recommend at least 2GB of RAM for better performance.

There are many kinds of RAMs including DDR, DDR2, and DDR3 which are most used. Newer technologies offer faster performance, but most motherboards accept only one type of RAM. There are also other types of RAMs  like FPM , EDO and SDR SDRAM but they are almost not in use because are very old.

Let’s see the types of  DDR RAMs.

DDR

data transfer range – 200–400 MHz

supply voltage – 2.5V

184 pins

DDR ; data transfer range - 200–400 MHz ; supply voltage - 2.5V ;184 pins

DDR2

data transfer range – 400–800 MHz

supply voltage – 1.8V

240 pins

DDR2 ; data transfer range - 400–800 MHz ; supply voltage - 1.8V; 240 pins

DDR3

data transfer range – 800–1600 MHz

supply voltage – 1.5V

240 pins

DDR3 ; data transfer range - 800–1600 MHz ; supply voltage - 1.5V ; 240 pins

DDR 3  DIMMs  have 240 pins, the same number as DDR 2, and are the same size, but are electrically incompatible and have a different key notch location.

Before starting the RAM memory upgrade check  your motherboard manual to find out what type of RAM modules you need and how they have to be installed. More information about the different types of RAMs can be found here.

How to install it?

1. Unplug your PC and open its case. Never work inside a computer without unplugging the power cord.

2. RAM is very sensitive to static electricity. Ground yourself before touching RAM by using grounding strap or touch a metal faucet  pipe, or even your computer’s case.

3. At each end of the RAM slot you will find a plastic clips. Press these clips down gently to eject RAM from the slot or to get the slot ready to receive new RAM.

4. Line up the notch at the bottom of the memory stick with the corresponding bump in the memory socket. Press down the RAM stick carefully. If you meet significant resistance and the little clips at the ends do not start to move up, turn the stick around and try again. The clips at either end should rise and lock.

5. Reassemble your PC, power it up. If you hear a series of beeps, and the computer doesn’t boot,then you have a problem. Maybe  you have the wrong RAM, or it is not mounted well. Repeat each of the above steps to be sure that everything is ok. You may also try again the original RAM. If it works then you should change your new RAM.

If after the upgrade your PC boots normaly check the task manager to make sure your system recognizes all the new RAM and enjoy its performance    .