Upgrading your ram is one of the easiest major component upgrades you can do to your computer. The straight forward part is installing the module but where most inexperienced users fail is selecting the right type of ram module that suits their system. Here is the complete guide from selecting your ram module to the process of installing it into your PC.

Selecting Your RAM

In today’s market there are three major types of ram modules, SDRAM, DDR and DDR2:
•    SDRAM (synchronous dynamic random access memory) introduced in 1995 and is most commonly used in computers pre-year 2000.
•    DDRRAM (double-data rate random access memory) the next performance step up from SDRAM and is the most common RAM that would be found in most computers.
•    DDR2RAM (double-data rate two random access memory) the newest generation of ram to hit today’s marketplace and would be found in every new computer sold today.

Steps to take when selecting your RAM

1.    Check the motherboards specification on what type and size is required
•    If your computer has been custom built with various components you should have a manual that came with the particular motherboard that was installed. In the specifications of the manual it will specify the type of ram (SDRAM, DDRRAM or DDR2RAM) that is required and how many megabytes or gigabytes of memory the board supports (4Gb Max memory).

•    If your computer is a branded system (HP, Dell, Acer) checking the manufactures website and typing in your systems model number will provide the system specification and the particulars on what ram it supports. Otherwise you can ring the manufacturers support lines and ask a technical support operator about the ram used in your system.

2.    What brand of RAM should I buy? There are so many brands to choose from
•    Buying a quality RAM module is so important to reduce any future problems that might result from a cheap low quality RAM module. One of the major signs of a quality ram manufacturer is a Lifetime Warranty attached to the RAM; this covers any malfunctions in the lifetime use of the ram. Many people opt out and buy the cheaper “OEM” RAM modules that are so prominent for their appealing price but spending the extra twenty dollars on a quality module will make a world of difference in performance and overall life of the product. Recommended quality manufacturers include Corsair, Kingmax, Kingston and Legend, but most manufacturers that offer the Lifetime warranty are usually acceptable choices.

3.    Now I have my correct RAM module how do I install it?
•    Installing a RAM module is quite an easy process and should take about a couple of minutes even for the novice user.

•    Open the side of your computer case to expose the components of the computer. At first this can look daunting for a novice computer user with so much going on inside. On the main system board you will see at least two or four slots approximately 15cm long (pictured below) located at the top right corner of the board, these are the RAM slots in which the modules are inserted.

•     Once these slots are located find an empty slot that the module can be inserted into. In the event that all the RAM slots have been taken removing an old module is required for the upgrade. Pick one of the old modules to remove and push the clips outwards at each end of the module (as shown below), this will pop the module up and then it can be removed.

•    Make sure the clips on each end of the ram slot are pushed to the outwards position. (as shown below)

•    Now pickup the module at each end and line up the RAM connection points with the one in the RAM slot. (as shown below)

•    Lower the module into the slot and lightly push down on top of the module (as shown below) until the clips on each side clip into place securing the RAM in place.