Upgrade Your Computer Memory in Five Easy Steps

Upgrading the memory on your desktop or laptop computer is a quick and relatively painless way to improve performance. With more RAM your computer will be able to run software efficiently, providing more functionality for you – the all important user.

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of upgrading the memory on your computer yourself.  In terms of computer DIY jobs, this is one almost anyone can do.  Follow these simple steps carefully and you will be happily using your faster, more efficient computer in no time.

Step 1) Research Your Own System

You’ll need to know three things about your current computer before going shopping for new memory.  How much memory does the machine currently have?  How much is the allowable memory limit?  And what type of RAM will the machine take?

Check the owner’s manual to track down the answers to this question.  Let’s say you have a maximum limit of 512 MB of RAM and your system is currently running on 256 MB of RAM.  Note that it is DDR SDRAM, as opposed to the newer DDR2 SDRAM.  All of this info means you can buy an additional 256 MB of DDR SDRAM and upgrade your memory to the limit.  The DDR2 is not compatible.

Step 2) Check the Warranty

While you’re in the owner’s manual make sure your warranty will still be valid if you install the memory yourself. Some machines will not allow this and may even have the back of your computer sealed, requiring the service of a professional technician to upgrade your memory. Most computers are made for self-upgrades, but it pays to check first.

Step 3) Get to the Store

Pick up the desired amount of RAM in the proper type.  Shop at a computer store, an electronics retailer or online.  Even big box department stores carry a few basic memory upgrades for a very reasonable price.  Expect to pay somewhere between $40 and $100 for an average memory upgrade, although that can vary widely. 

Most systems will require unbuffered, non-parity memory.  You may also see the term registered memory, although that is mainly used for larger computers and servers.

Step 4) Avoid Static

An important thing to remember when installing your new RAM is that you do not want to shock your machine with static electricity.  If by chance you have a pair of wrist straps designed to prevent shocks in these cases, wear them for the entire process.  If you don’t (which is true for most people), follow this fast procedure to make your memory installation shock-free.

Turn off and unplug all of the components of your computer, from the printer to the monitor and tower.  Just after doing so, touch an unpainted part of the computer tower case, keeping your feet planted firmly on the ground.  This will release the static.  Then, with your feet in the same position, you can perform the memory upgrade with little chance of shock.  If you walk around during the installation, you’ll need to repeat the static release process again before touching any component on the inside of your machine.

Step 5) Installing the Memory

Once the case is open, you will see the open memory slot (likely directly beside or near the existing memory). It’s most often a matter of inserting the memory and locking it in with a click. Follow the specific instructions that you received with the memory. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it goes in.

You can check the installation by turning the computer on while the case is still open.  If everything seems to working well, screw the case shut again and begin enjoying the speed and improved performance of your machine.