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How To Add Memory To Your Computer

First, there are two types of memory in a computer: RAM and your Hard Drive. Your Hard Drive (HD) is a mechanical device that stores data even when the power is turned off. Your computer will boot from the data stored on the HD when you first turn it on. After it boots, programs are loaded into the RAM memory because it's much faster and speed is what you want. A lack of RAM makes your computer slower, and you'll hear your HD clicking away when you try to load something.

This "How-To" will instruct you on how to add more RAM to your computer.

RAM memory devices are "sticks" of memory chips that plug into the Motherboard in your computer. Adding more RAM is as simple as plugging in another stick.

But first, A BIG FAT WARNING!!!!

RAM memory sticks are very, very static sensitive. You can blow one up just by touching it incorrectly. So, here's what you'll need to do.

  1. Start by turning off your computer.
  2. On the back of the computer, un-plug the AC power cord.
  3. Open the side of the computer. Each computer is different, and they may be closed up with screws, or a latch or some other mechanism. It's usually not too hard to open them up.
  4. Inside your computer, on the Motherboard, you'll see a number of places where circuit boards plug onto the Motherboard. The PCI slots - these are the ones that are screwed into the back of the computer, where you have speakers and such plugged in - we're not interested in these. Look elsewhere for 2 or more long sockets, at least one of which has a very short circuit board plugged into it. On the ends of that circuit board are little "wings" that hold the board in. They are often white in color. By pressing down on those wings, they snap to the side and the RAM stick will pop out.
  5. NOTE: To add more memory, there should be at least one open slot. If not, you can buy a bigger stick and replace one of the ones you now have in there.
  6. Here's where you need to be careful. Do not allow the RAM stick to touch anything but you and the computer without you first touching that other object. You want to discharge any static first by holding the RAM stick in one hand, and touching the other object (like a table) with the other.
  7. On the back of the RAM stick will be at least one label with numbers. Write down everything you see on the label(s).
  8. Touch the case of the computer, and then put the RAM stick back into the same slot it came out of. As you insert it, the wings should snap back upright and into their locked position. The stick only goes in one way, so look at where the slot is on the gold pin edge and line it up with the slot in the socket on the Motherboard.
  9. Write down the Make and Model of your computer.
  10. Go to your favorite Computer Repair shop and ask them for a RAM memory stick like the one you have in your computer already. If you don't have an open slot (see 5 above) then ask them for a bigger stick.
  11. Make sure your computer is Off and the AC power cord is un-plugged.
  12. When you're ready to install the new RAM stick, un-pack it and hold it in one hand, and then touch the computer with the other hand. Now it's safe to plug it in.
  13. Plug the RAM stick into the open slot, or, replace one of the sticks with the new, larger one. Remember, the wings should snap into place when the stick is seated properly.
  14. Re-install the computer's cover, plug the AC cord back in and turn it on.
  15. You should notice less HD clicking, and things should now run faster.