RAM is one of the parts of the computer that can be upgraded and increased easily and with minimal expense. As seen in other articles, RAM is one of the 5 main parts of the PC that can be updated to give new life even to an old computer and is one of the things to consider when going to buy a new computer.
It is not uncommon for those who buy a new PC and, after a short time, they realize they have little memory that could be bought immediately to have a fast system.
Fortunately, the installation of additional memory is quite simple and anyone can do it alone without risking any problems.
READ ALSO: What is the RAM of your computer for and what is it
RAM is the computer memory in which data is stored when they are used: the desktop background remains visible because it is loaded in RAM, a Word document remains saved in RAM until the program is closed and so on .
RAM is fast compared to the physical memory made up of the hard disk, but has a limited capacity and is emptied when the computer is turned off.
The more RAM you have installed (within certain limits), the faster your computer is .
To increase the RAM of the computer you can buy the memory chip in a computer store (also online) and change the one you have, or you can mount the RAM of an old computer (never throw the memory card if you get rid of it of a pc) and add it.
All computers have up to 2, 4 or 6 RAM slots so there should always be free space.
To be sure, you can open the case by unscrewing the screws and check that it is available or, better, use a program that checks (read on).
RAM is probably installed in slots on the motherboard, called DIMM slots .
Each motherboard has specific RAM requirements .
Sometimes it is possible to install different types of RAM, but this could result in a decrease in performance or, worse, in a short life of the new memory.
If possible, you need to install the most suitable RAM memory card for your motherboard .
The requirements to check are: Timing, speed / data rate, Voltage, Number of pins, Maximum supported memory, maximum supported memory for a DIMM slot and if the card requires memory pairs.
Among these features, the most important is the number of pins because, if you buy a different RAM, it will not even be possible to mount it.
So if installing memory is easy for everyone, the real problem for a novice geek is the purchase phase .
The brand is not important but the model.
You can then disconnect the already installed RAM, go to the computer shop and ask for one of the same type, leaving the seller (who should be an expert) to find the right piece, or you can go to the shop knowing what to buy.
Help comes SIW, a free program to check pc hardware .
Once SIW is opened, on the left side you can read all the information relating to the RAM (memory), how much you can add and how much is already installed .
Another excellent program to check all the technical specifications of the installed RAM is CPU-Z, mentioned in the article on Test RAM, temperature, CPU overclocking, video cards and peripheral established verification.
When installing these free tools, be careful not to install sponsors as well (such as the ASK toolbar).
CPU-Z, in the SPD card, also shows the detail for each slot, therefore, it can be used before opening the computer, to see if there are slots available, as well as to see what type of RAM you need and how much you can increase.
With SIW, you can also see if it is possible to install faster memory than the one already installed by checking the Speed value
Another tool that you can use to know which RAM you have, what type and how much memory is the Crucial website that provides a free online service to know all the details on the memory already installed.
You can select the system from the dropdown menu and see if you can get better.
After understanding what to buy and after making the purchase, you will have the memory to mount inside your computer (I can assure you that this is the easiest part!).
Then open the PC and look carefully inside (obviously it must be disconnected and turned off).
Each motherboard can be different from another but in almost every machine the RAM is installed in the same way.
You will see the empty DIMM slots next to each other and are easily recognizable.
In the empty slots there are slots made especially to insert the additional RAM memory.
This becomes the only delicate task to carry out because you have to be careful, when doing strength, not to overdo breaking one of the pins.
No tools are needed except perhaps a screwdriver to better secure the memory after installation.
It is better to work on the ground, on the floor, to avoid current passages that can damage the computer.
If you need to change the RAM memory, you must remove the one already mounted by gently pushing down on the tabs on both sides together (if there was a screw, unscrew it first).
Without forcing, the memory should begin to free itself and you can pull it slowly, first on one side and then on the other, until it is completely extracted.
Avoid touching the electronic components so you have to push with your fingers on the sides.
To insert the RAM, open the slot by moving the tabs and push the RAM gently but firmly, until it slips into the dedicated space.
Once finished, close everything, turn on the computer, reopen SIW or CPU-Z and verify that Windows recognizes the installed RAM.
In a laptop, the space to insert the additional RAM should be at the bottom, inside one of the doors closed with a screw.
On laptops, changing the RAM is much easier because, in most cases, they are already set up to increase memory.
Important note : Windows 10 and 32-bit Windows 7, take advantage of maximum 4 GB of RAM.
If you have a 64bit computer and you install Windows 64bit then you can add as much RAM as you want, depending on the version.
In general, 8 GB of RAM is enough to do anything, including the most modern video games and the most powerful video editing programs, while 4 GB is insufficient today.
In another article: How to add or replace PC RAM
