Replacing Memory in a Computer

How do I replace the memory (ram) in my computer?

There are various types of memory modules that are specifically made for different types of computers depending on the manufacturer, Motherboard or make and model of the computer. Let’s face it with all the newer computers and laptops that are out today and all the older computers that have been made its kind of tricky to determine which type of memory will work for you to help fit your needs. The following information below will discuss how you can determine which type of memory you need for your computer and different methods from determining it.

Replacing memory in a Desktop or laptop Computer

Finding and knowing the right stick

1.) First you should determine what the max amount of memory that your computer can support

2.) Second it’s good to know how many memory slots are on your computer/motherboard. **(Your motherboard is an electronic circuit board where your internal devices and components plug into like: your dvd-rom, hard drives, video card and memory as shown in this diagram below)

Method 1:  For determining the max memory supported for your computer you would either have to read your manual that came with your computer. In there are specifications about what it can handle. If you don’t have a manual you can also look up the specs on the web at the manufactures website

For instance if you have a dell or gateway you would go to dell.com or gateway .com  and search the site for the model of your computer.

Method 2:  There is a very cool software tool out there that makes it very easy to determine the type of memory and the slots you have on your motherboard. I have used it in various occasions and it has helped me out a lot by saving me time and giving me quick information.  The software tool is called CrucialScan. You can download this for free by click on this link here: Click here

Here are some pictures I have included in the diagrams below. Not only does it tell you what you need it pulls up the correct memory specs and links to buy the memory now.

Tips:

This tip is intended to not confuse you but to inform you about things you should know when upgrading your memory. When working on a 32bit operating system like Windows xp- windows vista or windows 7 32bit the max memory your operating system will recognize is up to about 3.5gb of ram. Even if your motherboard can handle more than that the type of operating system you have installed will only recognize part of it. This is because of the operating systems coding and how it was written. To get the best performance out of your memory you want to be on a 64bit operating system. If you already know this then you’re on the right track. If not click this link below to read about windows operating systems requirements.

Operating systems and there requirements

I hope this article helped you out and if you have any feedback to leave email me at jonathan@techtips4you.com