Adding RAM is one of the easiest and cheapest ways (although a few years ago it was more) to increase the performance of any PC, whether desktop or laptop. Before, however, to update the RAM of the computer you have to check which type of RAM can be mounted and, above all, if the PC in use supports this increase and is able to benefit from the increase in memory.
We have talked several times about how important RAM is for any computer, because it is fast memory, the one in which the processed data that was loaded from the disk is temporarily saved (until the computer is turned off), which instead it is permanent memory.
In essence, the more RAM there is in a device, the more it is able to manage more programs open simultaneously at the same time.
In this article we make a general summary of everything you need to know about RAM, to understand how to update it, how to add or replace parts inside the computer, what types of RAM to choose and buy .
READ ALSO: What is the RAM of your computer for and what is it
How to choose RAM
As with most PC hardware parts, there are various models and various RAM sizes, so there are a few things to consider before making any purchases.How much RAM do we need more than today "> Speccy, which is free and only to download and launch.
In the RAM section you can see all the technical information on the RAM mounted in the computer, for each module that occupies a slot.
RAM modules are the chip cards that you buy and that have a certain amount of memory.
Slots are the spaces provided on the computer motherboard where RAM can be inserted.
If we have two out of four slots occupied, we can insert two more RAM modules to add memory.
On the other hand, if we only had two slots, we can only increase the memory by replacing the old modules with two new ones that have more capacity.
How much RAM can the PC handle ?
Wanting to pay no attention and add as much RAM as possible, however, one must check that the computer used can manage it, because it is not said that it is possible to go beyond a certain limit.
On PCs there are two limits to consider when it comes to RAM: the maximum memory that Windows can manage and the maximum amount of RAM supported by the motherboard.
As for the Windows limit, the story is very simple: with 32-bit Windows (whatever the version) you can use a maximum of 4 GB of RAM.
With 64-bit Windows it is possible to reach up to 128 GB in the Home version of Windows 10 and even 2 TB of RAM for Windows 10 Professional and Enterprise.
On Windows 7 64 bit, the Home Basic version can manage up to 8 GB, Home Premium up to 16 GB while Windows 7 Professional manages up to 192 GB of RAM.
As for the motherboard, let's say that usually the amount of RAM supported will never be less than 8GB and, almost certainly, it can even reach 16 GB.
To install more RAM you will need to check the motherboard datasheet looking for the model name on Google (the model can tell us Speccy).
What type of RAM does the PC require ?
The RAM that the PC can support also depends on the type.
First, RAM for desktop PCs is usually supplied with DIMMs .
RAM for laptops, laptops and some ultra-compact desktops are available in smaller, shorter SODIMM modules.
In addition to the size, you must also check the generation of RAM accepted by the computer motherboard, which is presented as a DDR version.
DDR2 : introduced in 2003, no longer in use for years and supported only by very old PCs.
DDR3 : the most widespread version of RAM on PCs of the last 6-8 years, introduced in 2007 and still used by cheaper computer motherboards.
DDR4 : The most recent version of RAM, introduced in 2014, which is found on newer computers.
The motherboards are designed for a single specific generation of RAM, so if you buy a DDR3 for a PC that supports DDR4, this will not be compatible and will not even enter its slot because of a different shape.
You can also check Speccy in the RAM category to find out which type of RAM is compatible with your computer
Other features of RAM memories (which can be found on Speccy and on purchase labels) are the speed and latency of RAM (also called timing ).
RAM speed is expressed in MhZ
Latency, which means the speed with which the RAM module can access its hardware, is presented with a series of 4 numbers. Low latency means faster data access. Latency times are presented as a series of four numbers such as 5-5-5-15.
These two characteristics are not, in reality, so important, because they are not too influential on performance.
It should also be taken into account that the motherboard or PC could limit the speed of the RAM if it does not support the maximum speed of the RAM used.
Other features such as heat sinks and RGB LEDs are only expensive, but not too influential in most cases.
To buy the RAM at good prices and have as much choice as possible, you can look at Amazon and look for the one compatible with your PC or motherboard.
Install RAM
Can you upgrade the laptop's RAM?
Updating RAM in a laptop always depends on how it was built.
Some laptops have an access panel that you just need to open to easily replace RAM modules.
In other notebook models, however, it may be that there is no way of detaching the RAM modules present or that they are soldered to the motherboard without the possibility of updating.
For laptops it is therefore necessary to do a search on Google to find out if and how that particular model can be improved by replacing the RAM.
Most laptops allow RAM memory updates via a small access panel on the back or by performing some disassembly (sometimes removing the entire bottom, sometimes removing the keyboard, sometimes a combination).
You will therefore have to consult the user manual of the laptop or do some research on the internet to find information about it for your model.
How to upgrade the Desktop PC memory?
Replacing RAM or adding a new module is fairly simple on desktop PCs.
After opening the case, it is easy to locate the RAM slots on the motherboard, which have their interlocking levers in which to insert the modules.
Obviously, you have to remove all cables and external accessories from the computer and, before opening it, put it on a table or desk, being careful not to take the shock by touching the metal parts.
Remove the screws on the back while holding the access panel in place. You are about to remove the access panel from the left side of the PC (assuming you are looking at the foreground). In some cases, it is necessary to remove the entire cover. Then set the case on the side with the interior exposed.
To remove the existing RAM, look for the plastic tabs on the ends of the RAM slots, then press these levers down (away from the RAM) until they click. The form should move slightly upwards, ready to be pulled out.
Before connecting the new RAM, the only thing to check is the composition of the slots.
In some PCs the slots are all black, in others they are colored in pairs representing the dual channel mode to optimize the performance of the pair of modules.
If there are these pairs, it is better to put the RAM of the same amount of memory in the slots with the same color, two by two.
To install the new RAM, align the electrical contacts with the memory slot by placing it obliquely, inserting the pin and then moving it vertically, making sure that the notch in the connector is correctly positioned (the modules can only be inserted in one direction).
Once the modules are inserted and gently pushed downwards, they can be locked by moving the two levers at the ends upwards, which fit perfectly if the RAM has been inserted correctly.
At this point you can close the case and turn on the computer-
Checking RAM installation
After installing the new RAM, make sure that it works properly, you can look in the BIOS, or start Windows and check the amount of RAM recognized in Speccy or in the task manager.
If the PC shows less RAM than it should, one or more modules may not be fully inserted into the slots and the installation will have to be repeated.
It may also be that the RAM is not compatible with the motherboard (perhaps the wrong generation), or that a module has been installed that has a capacity greater than that allowed by the slot.
READ ALSO: How to increase RAM and add new memory to the PC
