Installing additional RAM. How to correctly position the RAM sticks. How to add RAM to a computer: methods and recommendations

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 the same 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 a 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 operation.

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 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 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 DIMM form factors (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:

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 view of the ever-increasing demands of modern software, after some time the user may reconsider the issue of self-sufficiency in the configuration of his computer. As a rule, the owner of computer equipment makes the initial upgrade by increasing the RAM of his PC. At the same time, in addition to hardware upgrades (installation of additional memory sticks), the user can also use a number of software tools that allow optimizing the operation of the mentioned system component. Which, ultimately, will also have a positive impact on the solution to the question: “How to add it to a computer?” If you want to achieve best result in the process of improving the speed and performance of your OS, but don’t quite understand how to do it and how much it might cost you, devote a few minutes of your time to reading this article. You will receive invaluable benefits from free access to the material provided.

So, the top solutions “How to add RAM to a computer?”

The methods covered (software and hardware RAM upgrade) can be used as solutions independent of each other or as correctly interacting solutions. It is worth noting that an integrated approach is preferable to a simple action - adding one or more to a free slot. A little later you will find out why.

Method number 1: Bought, installed, launched

For stable operation operating room Windows system 7 requires 1.5 GB of RAM. As a rule, a purchased office PC has two gigabytes of RAM. For resource-intensive programs (video editors or computer games) this volume is not always enough. Consequently, the user has a need to expand the capabilities of the RAM. However, before implementing such a hardware upgrade scenario, you need to ask the question: “Is it possible to add RAM?” Since in the case when you are using 32-bit Windows version, two or more gigabytes added to the current amount of RAM may simply not be used by the system due to some restrictions initiated by the BIOS firmware. Another unpleasant moment for the user may be the discrepancy between the purchased memory module and the standard motherboard connector. In other words, before going to the store, you need to know exactly what type of RAM is supported by your PC or laptop, as well as technical specifications installed memory.

Forced valuable retreat

A question that often interests a beginner: how much RAM costs, needs some specification. Since in modern computer technology There are several types of RAM: DDR, DDR2, DDR3, which, in turn, have a number of significant differences. Depending on the manufacturer and technical characteristics of the memory, the cost of the product varies. However, using the Kingston brand as an example, some price comparison can be made different types produced RAM.

• DDR2 for 1 GB - about 1400 rubles, and 2 GB will cost 2300 rubles;
• DDR3 2 GB will cost 1900 rubles, 4 GB - 3100 rubles, but RAM 8 GB of this type— 6400 rub;
• SODIMM DDR2 2 GB - 1800 rubles;
• SODIMM DDR3 for 4 GB - 3200 rubles, and for 8 GB the price will be around 6200 rubles.

In addition to information about how much RAM costs, another one will also be useful to you: each type of RAM in its segment is divided according to technical characteristics: nominal volume, throughput buses and data exchange speed (frequency), which are indicators of the performance and efficiency of a particular modification. Laptop computers use similar memory, but slightly modified and designated SODIMM, which is essentially a type of RAM. By the way, the cost of “minimized” memory is practically no different from the stationary version. True, some modifications of laptop memory modules are still cheaper than their “desktop counterparts”.

Installing an additional memory stick

To equip with another RAM module, follow the recommendations below. As a result, you will receive a practical answer to the question: “How to add RAM to a computer.”

1). Disconnect from electrical source nutrition.

2). Typically, access to internal components PC operation is accomplished by unscrewing a group of retaining screws that hold the protective cover of the device in place. Important: if you personally open the system unit, you will no longer have to rely on the guarantee. Since when opening the lid you will inevitably damage the service seals.

3). Install the new memory module in the appropriate slot. If there are several of them, pay attention to the markings of the connectors. Typically the correct sequence is indicated as a numeric value. In some cases, there is a special order of installed memory sticks. Interacting connectors (for example, 2 modules from one manufacturer and 2 from another) are painted in two different colors.

Please accept our first congratulations! Now you know how to properly add RAM.

Portable solution

Despite the design features of the laptop, the process of installing RAM is, in general, a fairly simple step... if you have a thin Phillips screwdriver.

1). Turn off your laptop and unplug it.

2). Remove battery from the device.

3). Take a good look back laptop - a corrugated or inscribed designation in the form of “DIMM” or “MEMORY” - this is the place where the RAM is located.

4). Unscrew the screws holding the cover and carefully pry up the edge of the protective casing.

5). Install additional module memory and close the cover.

Method No. 2: flash drive as additional RAM capacity

On Windows 7 and its Ready Boost functional add-on, a hybrid option for expanding RAM resources will be considered.

Insert the flash drive into the USB port of your PC or laptop. Format the removable media partition. Place the marker on the flash drive shortcut and, while holding the right mouse button, call context menu, from which select “Properties”. In the window that opens, go to the Ready Boost tab. Activate the “Use this device” checkbox, then click “Apply” and “OK”.

As you can see, the question is: “How to add RAM to a computer?” can be resolved using this method.

Method No. 3: Optimizing RAM

Installed on your PC special utility Memory Booster, you will significantly speed up your OS. Despite its small size and compact interface, the program easily copes with RAM optimization, freeing up reserved various software PC RAM. This significantly improves system performance. The utility always works in background. So control over particularly “gluttonous” programs will be organized very vigilantly.

Method No. 4: OS virtual memory

This method is exclusively software RAM expansion. A standard Windows tool provides for expanding operational resources by allocating a certain disk space for the needs of temporary files. The special virtual OS partition should not be confused either; these are fundamentally different services. generated OS has a value equal to the amount of installed RAM. When physical memory is not enough, the system uses virtual amounts of RAM. The size of the paging file can be either reduced or increased. It all depends on the user's needs.

Practical solution

1). Open the Start menu.

2). Hold the marker on the “Computer” section and right-click to call up the context list, from which select “Properties”.

3). While in the “System” service window, activate the link on the left “ Additional options».

4). In the “Performance” block, click on the button.

5). Once in the Options window, click on the Advanced tab.

If you activate the "Edit" button, you will be given the opportunity to make changes to the default settings.

In conclusion

“So how much RAM can you add?” you ask. The meaning is strictly predetermined. It all depends on functionality your motherboard. The BIOS version also has a great influence on the “hardware perception” of the PC. Finally, a 64-bit operating system removes almost all restrictions on the amount of RAM. But, as you understand, in such a situation the OS is a secondary authority. Therefore, only the BIOS determines whether the motherboard is capable of “accepting” the desired amounts of RAM. So before upgrading your PC, study the technical data sheet of the computer.

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Daily use personal computer makes users think about how to make their work better, faster, more productive. This is especially true for those who require, for example gamers, or graphic designers, and so on.

You can improve your computer's performance by adding RAM. This can be done in various ways. Let's take a closer look at them. I already wrote an article about how to add power and performance to it. There is an interesting article about... But let's return to our topic.

How to add RAM to your computer yourself

RAM (an abbreviation for Random Access Memory) is a storage unit that contains temporary data about all open programs, applications, games.

It was created in the form of a microcircuit attached to the . RAM stores data when the device is turned on. When the power is turned off, the information will be deleted.

Modern technologies allow users to perform several tasks at once while working on a computer. This is why it is important to know how to add RAM to your computer.

Additional modules

Not every computer can add RAM. Therefore, it is important to know what properties your PC has.

Go to your computer's properties to find out what RAM it has. This is not difficult to do: right-click on the computer icon and select “properties” in the drop-down window. Here you can see what operating system installed.

Find out what motherboard your device has. You can view the information in technical documentation your device. This will allow you to understand how much RAM can be increased. You can find information about any motherboard model on the Internet.

Before installing additional modules, turn off the computer and open the side cover of the system unit. Installing an additional module is easy due to the fact that the slots have convenient clamps. With their help, you can easily remove the old module and install a new one.

Do not assemble the system unit immediately after installing the modules. First, make sure you did everything correctly. To do this, open the computer properties and see if additional RAM appears. If not, reinstall.

Additional features

If for some reason you cannot use the method described above, increase your RAM using other methods.

Ready Boost

This option allows you to add RAM to your computer using. This happens due to the fact that the flash drive stores information on running programs.

Install the flash drive into the device by right-clicking on it and selecting format.

After you have formatted the flash drive, click “properties” again.

Select Refdy Boost, check the box - use this device and set right size memory slider. You can set it to maximum.

You should not buy flash drives with a very large amount of memory - this will not bring results.

Reserves

You can add RAM thanks to your computer's reserves. Practiced this method on old computers.

Open system settings computer and launch Advanced Settings. To configure settings, use the “Performance” item.

Bottom line

As you can see, adding RAM to your computer is not difficult. Study the technical data sheet of your computer and start making improvements.

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The speed of a personal computer directly depends on the correct selection and installation of all its components. Correct selection and installation of RAM memory modules is the most important key to the successful operation of your PC.

In the previous article we looked at . In this article we will look at the issues of selecting RAM and its proper arrangement in the motherboard slots.

Basic recommendations applicable to all types and types of memory:
– it is best to install DIMM modules with the same memory capacity;
– the modules must match in operating frequency (Mhz); if you install modules with different operating frequencies, then in the end they will all operate at the frequency of the slowest memory;
– for installed RAM cards, it is advisable to combine timings and memory latencies (delays);
– it is better to select modules from one manufacturer and one model.

Some enthusiasts try to buy modules from the same batch, but this, it seems to me, is already a perversion!

These tips are not strictly followed; situations vary. If memory modules differ from each other in manufacturer, volume and operating frequency, this does not mean at all that they will not work. In this case, there are no special memory layout secrets - just installing them is enough.

There are also no special features when installing already outdated types of memory such as SDRAM (there is one rule - the more, the better).

But in modern computers, motherboards support special operating memory modes. It is in these modes that the operating speed RAM memory will be the most effective. Therefore, to achieve best performance operating modes should be taken into account DIMM modules and them correct installation. Let's look at the most common RAM operating modes today.

RAM operating modes

SINGLE CHANELL MODE

Single Mode (single channel or asymmetric mode) – this mode is implemented when only one memory module is installed in the system or all DIMMs differ from each other in memory capacity, operating frequency or manufacturer. It doesn’t matter in which slots or what memory to install. All memory will run at the speed of the slowest memory installed.

If there is only one module, then it can be installed in any memory slot:

Two or three different modules Memory can also be installed in any configuration:

DUAL CHANELL MODE

Dual Mode (two-channel or symmetrical mode) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each DIMM channel. Modules are selected according to operating frequency. On motherboards, the DIMM sockets for each channel are different colors. Next to them is written the name of the connector, and sometimes the channel number. The purpose of the connectors and their location along the channels must be indicated in the motherboard manual. The total amount of memory is equal to the total amount of all installed modules. Each channel is served by its own memory controller. System performance increases by 5-10%.

Dual Mode can be implemented using two, three or four DIMMs.

If two identical RAM memory modules are used, they should be connected to the same connectors (the same color) from different channels. For example, install one module in the slot 0 channel A, and the second - into the connector 0 channel B:

Three memory modules are installed in a similar way - the total memory volumes in each channel are equal to each other (memory in the channel A equal in volume in the channel B):

TRIPLE CHANELL MODE

(three-channel mode) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each of the three DIMM channels. Modules are selected according to speed and volume. On motherboards that support three-channel memory mode, 6 memory connectors are usually installed (two for each channel). Sometimes there are motherboards with four connectors - two connectors make up one channel, the other two are connected to the second and third channels, respectively.

With six or three sockets, installation is as simple as with dual-channel mode. If four memory slots are installed, three of which can work in , the memory should be installed in these slots.

(flexible mode) – allows you to increase the performance of RAM when installing two modules of different sizes, but the same operating frequency. As in dual-channel mode, memory cards are installed in the same connectors of different channels. For example, if there are two memory sticks with a capacity of 512Mb and 1Gb, then one of them should be installed in the slot 0 channel A, and the second - into the slot 0 channel B:

That’s basically all the recommendations for combining RAM. Of course, there may be more layout options, it all depends on the amount of RAM, the motherboard model and your financial capabilities. Motherboards with support also appeared on sale four-channel mode memory work - this will give you maximum performance computer!

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. Majority motherboards supports 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 installing 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 stick with a thin object and pull it out a little to the side (the memory stick 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.