Adding memory (up to your machine's specific limit) is generally the most cost-efficient way to increase its speed. Fortunately, installing memory is one of the most basic operations you can perform inside the case of your computer. You just have to pay close attention to details and take care not to damage your computer while you try to make it better.
Nearly all memory vendors provide instructions for installing their modules. Many also answer questions over the phone or through a chat feature on their Web sites.
Check the specifications for your computer to find the maximum amount of RAM it's capable of managing. Most modern computers sold to consumers can handle no more than 4GB; paying for and installing more than the maximum is a waste of money and may even cause problems in some machines.
To find out what kind of memory modules you already have installed in your PC (and need to purchase), choose Start→All Programs→Accessories→System Tools→System Information. The System Information window opens, displaying a report on memory.
Place the computer on a sturdy, well-lighted surface, and open its case.
Most motherboards have two or four such slots, usually black, with a set of plastic lockdown/ejector clips at each end.
If you've already run a scanning program, you should know how many DIMM slots to look for and how many of them are already filled. In general, you should have two or four identical modules. If you're installing larger or faster modules as a pair, they should go in the first two slots. In most designs, the slots closest to the microprocessor are considered to be slots 0 and 1 (and are marked that way on the motherboard in tiny letters).
Place the removed module on a nonconductive surface such as a cardboard box or plastic bag.
Avoid touching the metallic connectors on each side of the bottom of the module to keep oils from your fingers from interfering with the module's contact with the motherboard.
In most situations, you'll be asked to put the largest-capacity modules in the first slots and the smaller ones in the higher-numbered slots.
It needs to line up with a matching pin or key in the DIMM slot on your motherboard. The location of the notch depends on the type of module your computer uses. If the notch and pin don't line up, turn the module 180 degrees and try that way.
Don't attempt to force the module into the slot if it seems to be a complete mismatch. Contact the provider of the memory module to make sure that you received the proper type for your PC.
See Step 1 if you're not sure how to do so.
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