How to install new RAM on a computer. RAM. Operating modes and installation rules

Two 4 GB sticks in most cases work faster than one 8 GB stick - this is just an example.

If you have successfully selected and purchased the module you need RAM, let's install it correctly on our computer. All parts located inside the system unit do not require significant physical effort to handle, so relax a little. Before work, it would be a good idea to read the manual that came with your motherboard; it must have its own instructions for installing RAM.

• Note: If you have a laptop, then read the article -.

First of all, we remove static electricity from ourselves by touching the unpainted parts of your system unit with our hands.

We perform all actions with the computer turned off. Disconnect power cord from electrical outlet. We remove the side cover of the system unit and find the slots for RAM on the motherboard. Usually there are from two to four. Each RAM slot has special latches on the edges on both sides; they must be carefully pressed to the sides.

Note: Some motherboards are designed in such a way that install RAM the video card will interfere with you, then remove it.

Now look carefully at any slot for installing RAM, it has a special protrusion.

Now take out the RAM module and you will see a special slot or recess on it.

So, we pressed the two latches of the RAM slot to the sides, and carefully insert our RAM module into the slot.

If you bought the RAM module correctly, then when installing the module into the slot intended for it on the motherboard, this cutout should definitely fit into the protrusion. If the cutout and protrusion do not match, then the RAM module is not designed to work on this motherboard.

The module should fall into the guides without any distortions, now the most crucial moment, lightly and carefully press the module from above on both sides with your thumbs, it should fall into place, and the latches should click into place.

If the latches do not click into place, look carefully to see if the module is fully seated in the slot; if it is fully seated, then fix the latch yourself. I think everything is clearly visible in the screenshots.

Let me remind you that if you have two RAM modules with the same capacity and identical characteristics, and the motherboard supports dual-channel RAM mode, insert the modules into the same colored slots.

We put the cover of the system unit back, connect all the cables and turn on the computer.

How to remove RAM

If you need to remove RAM from the slot, it is very simple to do so, just unlatch the latches and remove the RAM module.

Instructions

Determine how much memory is already installed. Go to the Start menu and select Settings, then Control Panel and System. Select the General tab. The amount of memory installed on your computer will be shown at the bottom of the page.

Determine what type and amount of memory you need to purchase. Consult your user manual to find out the maximum amount of memory your computer can handle. The guide will also help you select the type and speed of memory you need. Buy an operational one memory online or at your local computer store.

Open the case computer. Refer to the instruction manual if necessary. Remove any metal rings, watches or bracelets. Turn off your computer, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and then touch the metal chassis to eliminate any static electricity. An antistatic wrist strap can also be used for this purpose.

Locate the memory slots on the motherboard computer. If necessary, refer to the instruction manual. If there are no free slots, you will have to remove one or more of the installed cards memory to be able to add a new one memory.

Install a new one memory. To do this, open the holders in the free slot and carefully insert the memory card into it. Make sure the memory card module is securely inserted into the slot and secure the holders.

Test the installed memory. Close the case and turn on the computer. If the computer starts beeping, it means memory installed incorrectly. Then repeat step 5 to make sure that memory securely inserted into the slot. If the installation was successful, check that the system has detected the new amount of memory (step 1).

Increasing random access memory (RAM) significantly improves computer performance. Moreover, it does not require knowledge of the hardware; you just need to carefully install the module into the motherboard slot.

You will need

• - memory module;
• - screwdriver.

Instructions

Purchase a suitable RAM module. Modern computers use DDR, DDRII and DDRIII sticks, which differ in connectors and operating speed. You can find out what type of memory is used in your PC in the passport that was issued upon purchase.

Users often find themselves faced with the need to increase the amount of RAM when they start working with more demanding software. “RAM” is responsible for temporary storage of data necessary to perform current processor operations. Read more about how to increase RAM in our material.

The amount of RAM determines how easily and quickly the PC copes with work, performing several tasks at the same time.

The procedure for increasing the amount of RAM may involve purchasing additional memory cards or replacing the already installed memory with a larger module. In this case, it is necessary to take into account such characteristics of RAM as type, clock frequency, and, of course, volume.

If you decide to install an additional RAM stick in your PC, it must be of the same type as the one already installed in the device. In addition, you need to find out the maximum amount of RAM that the motherboard and processor supports.

The characteristics of the RAM installed in the PC can be found using special utilities, for example, Speccy or Everest. Or you can remove the cover of your PC case and visual inspection. If only the name of the module is indicated on the RAM stick, then by searching on the Internet you can find all the characteristics you need.

RAM type

Memory differs in speed: newer types of modules can transfer more bits of information at each clock cycle of the memory bus. Also, different memory sticks differ visually.

Modern PCs use DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4 RAM boards. SDRAM and DDR types are older. And when upgrading a PC, it makes sense not to buy an additional bracket of the same type, but rather replace it with a module of a better quality. new technology. In terms of money, it will not be much more expensive, but in terms of performance, the advantage will be noticeable.

DDR3 differs from DDR2, for example, in lower power consumption. There is also a variety of DDR3L modules - with even lower power consumption.

Read the motherboard specifications carefully before purchasing new module RAM, since memory different types will not be able to be inserted into the same slot on the motherboard due to different places cutouts on the slats. Thus, SDRAM memory (unlike DDR modules) has two cutouts on the bottom edge of the board and 144 contacts. The DDR module has 184 pins, DDR2 and DDR3 have 240, DDR4 has 288 pins, but the key is shifted from the center to the left edge of the bar.

Frequency and timing

Frequency. This parameter determines the amount of data that can be transferred per certain time, that is, the speed of RAM. The frequency of the RAM must match that supported by the computer's motherboard.

Another important parameter, which characterizes the speed of RAM, is timing. The delay in processing the operation inside the RAM depends on its value. In the name of the RAM module, it can be written as a sequence of four numbers, for example, 9-9-9-24, or CL and a numerical value - the first digit of a 4-digit sequence, that is, CL9 for the example above. The minimum timing value is good for gaming PCs and computers for video editing. For PCs designed for simple everyday tasks, timing has little effect on performance.

RAM slots

Before purchasing an additional RAM board, you need to find out if there is somewhere to put it. And this depends on the number of free slots in your computer.

If your motherboard supports dual-channel RAM, you can use this to improve performance. To do this, you need to purchase not one larger board, but two modules with identical characteristics. Manufacturers often offer such sets (Kits). For example, not one 8 GB module, but two 4 GB modules operating in dual-channel mode. For users who increase memory to play games or use heavy programs, this is important. If the PC is used to work with office software, a browser and to watch movies, then you can safely buy one stick of RAM.

Also today there are motherboards and RAM kits (Kits) that support three-channel operating mode.

What else to consider

When choosing RAM, you also need to take into account the operating system on which you will work, since the minimum amount of required RAM depends on it. Windows 7 and 8 32-bit requires at least 1 GB of RAM, Windows 7 and 8 64-bit requires at least 2 GB (GB), and Windows XP requires at least 64 MB of RAM.

What else should you pay attention to when choosing RAM? To the manufacturer. It is better to choose boards from trusted manufacturers, for example, Corsair, Kingston, Hynix, Transcend, OCZ.

Installation

After you have opened the case of the switched off PC and removed the static charge from your hands, you can begin installing an additional or new RAM module/modules.

1. If you bought a set of two boards to operate in dual-channel mode, check the specifications of the motherboard in which slots they need to be installed.

2. If you are completely replacing the RAM, then remove the memory: open the slot latches on both sides of the module, carefully holding the module by the side edges, and remove it from the slot.

3. Insert the new module into the desired slot, aligning the cutout on the memory board with the protrusion of the connector. Lightly press the module until the clips secure it into place.

4. Repeat the last operation with the remaining memory modules, if any.

5. Close the PC case.

If your computer works slowly, freezes when working with programs and playing games, then one of the optimal ways To increase its performance at the hardware level is to install additional RAM on the computer. In this article we will look at step by step the process of adding or replacing RAM.

Selecting the desired type of RAM

Before you go to the store to buy a new memory module, you need to find out what type of RAM your motherboard supports. There are following types RAM: DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3 L and new DDR type 4. They They vary in size, so if you buy the wrong type, it simply won't fit into the connector. There is also a division into form factors DIMM (for desktop computers) and SODIMM (for laptops).

Counting the number of RAM slots on the motherboard

The number of slots for memory modules on the motherboard can be 2,4,6,8, and on the server system board and even more. Most motherboards have 2-4 connectors. You should pay attention to the maximum amount of memory that your motherboard supports.

Choosing a manufacturer

Many companies are developing RAM. The results of their work differ in both price and quality. We do not recommend purchasing memory from little-known manufacturers.

In recent years, the following manufacturers have become popular:

We purchase RAM

When going shopping at a specialized computer store, you need to know exactly what RAM you need and whether it will be compatible with the motherboard.

Preparing to install RAM

Step 1. Turn off the computer's power. Disconnect all cables and cords connected to the back of the case.

(Monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.)

Step 2. Remove the side cover from the housing. Place the computer case in such a way that it is convenient to work with it. It will be most convenient if you lay it on its side. Gain access to the motherboard by carefully moving away the nearby wires.

Step 3. Next, you should get rid of static charges. They can hurt installed components on the motherboard. To do this, simply touch the case or battery with your hand. For some, this advice may seem ridiculous, someone will say that nothing will happen and nothing will be damaged, but as they say, “God protects the best,” so it’s better to play it safe and listen to the advice.

Step 4. Locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. In modern boards, manufacturers make 2 or 4 connectors. These are identical in size and parallel to each other. You can see what they look like in the photo below.

Step 5. If you are replacing old memory with new one, then you need to remove the old module. Gently press the two white outer latches. The module will come free and can be easily removed.

Step 6. Take a new memory stick, being careful not to touch the microcircuits and contacts located on it.

In modern (and not so modern) systems, many strive to make memory work in dual-channel and triple-channel modes.

In this article we will look at how these modes are implemented and what benefits will be obtained as a result of their implementation.

The principle of operation of two-channel and three-channel memory modes is to use two and three channels for unified access to the memory bank.

In the usual single-channel mode, one channel is used for memory access and there is no parallelism that is present in the modes mentioned above.

To install memory in multi-channel mode (two or three), the following general rules should be observed:

• It is necessary to install memory modules at the same frequency. All sticks will operate at the frequency of the slowest memory module.
• It is advisable to install modules of the same memory capacity.
• It is required to select strips from one manufacturer.
• It is desirable that the memory sticks have the same timings;

I would like to note that, on at the moment, the above points are not prerequisite memory operation in dual-channel or triple-channel mode. But for complete confidence and to reduce the percentage of any failures, it is better to follow them.

Much more important is correct installation memory modules directly into the connectors on motherboard.

Features of installing slats in different modes

Single-channel memory mode (single mode)

This is a basic mode in which memory sticks can be installed in any order and with different parameters (manufacturer, capacity, frequency, etc.)

As for one module:

Same for several:

Dual-channel memory mode

In dual-channel mode, modules 1 and 3 operate in parallel with modules 2 and 4. That is, variations are possible in the installation of two memory modules in dual-channel mode, and four - also in dual-channel mode (2 each).

For convenience, manufacturers of motherboards with multi-channel support paint DIMM connectors in different colors:

To operate two memory modules in dual-channel mode, you need to install them in connectors of different colors (often, but it’s better to check in the instructions for the motherboard). This way we install modules in channel A and channel B:

For four modules everything is exactly the same. This results in “two dual-channel modes”:

Three-channel memory mode (triple mode)

Everything is identical with the dual-channel mode, but there are already variations with three and six memory modules.

The connection is the same as in dual-channel mode, but here you are already connecting 3 or 6 memory sticks per channel:

Also on sale are boards that support four-channel memory mode. These “monsters” have 8 slots for installing memory. An example of such a motherboard:

Benefits of multi-channel mode

The main advantage multi-channel mode is, of course, increasing the resulting performance of the entire system. But what will the real increase be? In games and most everyday tasks, the increase will be no more than 5-10%. If we are talking about more specific tasks (remember our favorite rendering), then here the increase in productivity will be more significant - perhaps 30% or more, especially when calculating complex projects that require extreme throughput RAM.

“How to install (add) RAM to a computer”

Sooner or later there comes a time when there is little RAM. The needs grow, but the memory remains in place, then the game does not start, then the system slows down, or some program has no room to fully develop.

No problem, you can add RAM to your computer. Now let's look at how to add RAM.

First of all, you need to make sure that there are free memory slots.
To do this, remove the housing cover and take a look.

The photo shows that there are 4 memory slots, only one of which is occupied. There are still plenty of excellent places.

The next thing to determine is the type already installed memory.
There are 3 main types of RAM for desktop computers. Let's list: DDR, DDR2, DDR3. In turn, these types of memory are divided by speed.

So, let's look at what specific memory you have. This should be written on the memory line itself. In my case it is Hynix PC2-6400 2Gb, i.e. in simple language 2Gb DDR2-800.

It follows from this that I can only add memory of this type (DDR2-800), but the volume can be different, usually 1, 2 or 4Gb. The added volume directly depends on the characteristics of the motherboard. This can be found in the documentation for it. In any case, in order not to miss, you can safely add the same line that is already installed (if you have a volume of no more than 4GB).
The main thing is that the memory type and frequency must match, but the company may be different (although the same ones are preferable).

To install new line RAM, you need to disconnect the system unit from the network, move the latches on the memory slots to the sides and, turning the memory correctly, insert it all the way into the connector. The latches should close.

I repeat once again: make sure that the cut on the memory line coincides with the protrusion on the motherboard slot.

That's all, the process itself is not complicated, but the main thing is preparation and knowledge.

What to do if not free space for RAM?

Then you need to again look at what memory is installed and how much there is. For example, there are two 512MB slots, i.e. together 1GB. In this case, it would be advisable to install 2 1GB sticks or one 2GB stick instead. Do not forget that it is advisable to know what the maximum allowable volume per connector is.

Instructions

I would immediately like to draw your attention to the fact that replacing or adding RAM carries a certain danger - working with electrical devices. Therefore, any operation to integrate devices into the body of the computer system unit should begin with a complete blackout.

Before choosing RAM in a store or on the radio market, you need to find out the type and its characteristics. In the case of a laptop, it is enough to use a testing program that will show all the characteristics of this device. Laptops are designed in such a way that the technical parameters of the new memory stick should not differ greatly from the same parameters of the new memory stick.

When replacing memory sticks for desktop computer You should rely on the technical characteristics of the motherboard. Each generation of motherboards supports all types of memory created before the release of the motherboard itself. To determine the characteristics of the motherboard and RAM, use the Everest Ultimate Edition program.

Install the utility and run it by double-clicking the left mouse button on the program shortcut. In the window that opens, go to the “Menu” section and select “Motherboard”. In the list of devices, select "Running memory" The right side of the window will display information about the installed memory. Print this information or write it to blank slate paper frequency of the system bus (memory) and the name of the manufacturer.

In a computer store they will be able to pick you up the desired model. Most motherboards support dual-channel memory function, so the best option It will be necessary to purchase two strips of smaller volume rather than one strip of larger volume.

Before mounting the RAM sticks, you must turn off the power to the computer or. It is advisable to unplug the wire from the system unit from the socket or turn off the power only to the pilot. If there is a switch on the power supply, use it - it also allows you to stop the current flow.

Open the side cover of the system unit. If necessary, use a “+” screwdriver to unscrew the mounting screws. Remove the existing memory stick and install a new one. Close the cover of the system unit, connect the power and press Power button on system unit to turn on the computer.

Unscrew the mounting screws and remove the bottom cover. Carefully press the RAM holder bar with a thin object and push it slightly to the side (the memory bar should automatically rise under the action of a spring). Replace the old operating system memory new bar.

Cover the laptop with the bottom cover and tighten the mounting screws. Insert the battery, connect the power and turn on the laptop to check the functionality of the installed memory.

After downloading operating system call the “System Properties” applet: right-click on the “My Computer” icon and select “Properties”. At the bottom of the window that opens, view information about installed equipment. Compare the amount of RAM indicated in this window and the actual amount you installed. If everything matches, then the installation went without problems and everything was done correctly.

If your computer runs slowly and freezes when working with programs and playing games, then one of the best ways to increase its performance at the hardware level is to install additional RAM on the computer. In this article we will look at step-by-step the process of adding or replacing RAM.

Selecting the desired type of RAM

Before you go to the store to buy a new memory module, you need to find out what type of RAM your motherboard supports. The following types of RAM are available: DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3 L and new type DDR4. They They vary in size, so if you buy the wrong type, it simply won't fit into the connector. There is also a division into form factors DIMM (for desktop computers) and SODIMM (for laptops).

Counting the number of RAM slots on the motherboard

The number of slots for memory modules on a motherboard can be 2,4,6,8, and even more on a server motherboard. Most motherboards have 2-4 connectors. You should pay attention to the maximum amount of memory that your motherboard supports.

Choosing a manufacturer

Many companies are developing RAM. The results of their work differ in both price and quality. We do not recommend purchasing memory from little-known manufacturers.

In recent years, the following manufacturers have become popular:

Corsair;

Kingston;

Hynix;

Crucial;

AMD Radion;

Samsung;

G.Skill;

NoName.

We purchase RAM

When going shopping at a specialized computer store, you need to know exactly what RAM you need and whether it will be compatible with the motherboard.

Preparing to install RAM

Step 1. Turn off the computer's power. Disconnect all cables and cords connected to the back of the case.

(Monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.)

Step 2. Remove the side cover from the housing. Place the computer case in such a way that it is convenient to work with it. It will be most convenient if you lay it on its side. Gain access to the motherboard by carefully moving away the nearby wires.

Step 3. Next, you should get rid of static charges. They can damage installed components on the motherboard. To do this, simply touch the case or battery with your hand. For some, this advice may seem ridiculous, someone will say that nothing will happen and nothing will be damaged, but as they say, “God protects the best,” so it’s better to play it safe and listen to the advice.

Step 4. Locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. In modern boards, manufacturers make 2 or 4 connectors. These are identical in size and parallel to each other. You can see what they look like in the photo below.

Step 5. If you are replacing old memory with new one, then you need to remove the old module. Gently press the two white outer latches. The module will come free and can be easily removed.

Step 6. Take a new memory stick, being careful not to touch the microcircuits and contacts located on it.

Installing RAM

If you have one memory module or several modules of different sizes, then insert them into any slot, skip everything written below and go to step 7.

Modern motherboards are capable of operating in two, three, and four channel modes. The advantage of using multi-channel mode is that two, three or four channels communicate with each other, increasing throughput. This significantly speeds up the system.

Most budget motherboards come with dual-channel mode. The connectors may be the same color, but they are often different and alternate. For example, blue, black, blue black. Yellow, red, yellow, red.

To make RAM work in dual-channel mode, you need to install identical memory modules in slots of the same color.

For example, if you have two 1 GB sticks, then they need to be inserted into connectors of the same color, say blue.

When it comes to installing identical modules, this means that they should not only be of the same volume, but also identical in their technical specifications(frequency, delay, timing, manufacturer).

To avoid mistakes, it is better to buy a set of two or four planks.