Correct connection of RAM. How to add RAM to your computer

When faced with the problem of optimizing the operation of a computer and increasing its performance, the first step to solving the problem, which is easiest to do, is to increase amount of RAM or optimize it by increasing performance. The best option among those proposed is to purchase an additional memory stick (RAM) or replace existing memory sticks with those that have a large capacity.

The difficulty of choosing when replacing a Windows RAM module lies in the particular influence of its parameters on the performance of the computer. It is worth remembering that RAM exchanges data with the central processor. The stronger the relationship between these components, the faster the necessary calculations are carried out in the system. Therefore, the choice of memory must be approached based on the above, and then the RAM will work with maximum efficiency.

But before you go to the store for new trims, you need to install:

• What amount of memory is currently installed and what is the maximum amount supported by the board?
• What type of memory is supported by the motherboard and processor?
• How many memory slots are there and in what mode do they operate?
• What is the memory frequency supported by the processor?

Let's start in order. In general, what is RAM needed for? To temporarily store data to perform ongoing processor operations. The larger it is, the easier it is for the processor to simultaneously perform several tasks.

RAM is volatile, which means that after the computer is turned off, all data on it will be deleted, unlike data stored on the hard drive.

How to find out the current amount of RAM?

To do this, it is not even necessary to open the computer lid - we launch the Speccy utility we already know and find the current characteristics in the corresponding section. In principle, all the main characteristics are already presented here, which we will consider in detail below.

At the moment we are interested in capacity - I have 2 slots on my laptop, both of which are occupied. The total size is 2000 MB (2GB), that is, there are 2 1 GB sticks on the laptop.

This is quite enough for normal daily operation of Windows, but if you plan to play games with complex graphics or use heavy graphics or video programs, then it is advisable to install more.

By the way, each version of the operating system has minimum RAM requirements, without which it simply will not work.

• For Windows XP— At least 64 MB of RAM (at least 128 MB recommended)
• Windows 10, 7 and 8- 1 gigabyte (GB) (for a 32-bit system) or 2 GB (for a 64-bit system) of random access memory (RAM).

Even when planning for expansion, you should check the motherboard or processor specifications to see what the maximum size is supported. This is indicated in the detailed description in the memory section. So, in the Intel Core i54430 model the maximum size is 32 GB.

For an office PC on which you will only work with office documents, 1 GB of memory is sufficient.
For home viewing of videos, photos, and using various applications, it is recommended to use 2 GB or more.
For a powerful gaming computer - 8GB and above.

However, keep in mind that 4 GB or more will only work fully on a 64-bit OS; Windows 32 and up will see no more than 3 GB.

Supported RAM type

The next indicator characterizing the RAM is its type. We list them as technologies develop - SDRAMM DIMM, DDR (or PC), DDR2 (PC-2) and DDR3 (PC-3).

As you can see from the above screenshot from the Speccy program, my laptop supports DDR3 memory, although today the latest modern standard is DDR4.

All modern processors work with this standard, however, older standards can also be found on older boards. If your computer is many years old, then it is likely that it uses an outdated type and the memory module must be selected of this particular standard. Memory modules of different types are incompatible with “foreign” slots on the motherboard.

You can also find out the type of supported RAM from the characteristics of the processor (CPU) or motherboard model on the manufacturer's official website - you can also easily find out these models in the Speccy program or its analogues.

If you have spare sticks of RAM, it can also sometimes be difficult to determine what type it is. Usually they have a sticker indicating the type - PC, PC-2, PC-3 or DDR, DDR2, DDR3. But if there is no sticker, then we will determine it as follows.

The DDR and DDR2 strips are very similar in appearance and have 1 key (cutout) located almost in the center. But DDR has 180 contacts - 92 on each side. And on DDR2 - 240 - 120 on each side, and they are visually narrower than DDR2. It's easy to count them because they are numbered.

DDR3 modules have the same number of pins as PC-2, but the key is not in the middle, but shifted to the edge.

The memory module of the very old SDRAM standard is distinguished by the presence of two keys.

Number of slots for memory sticks and their operating mode

We also saw the number of slots intended for installing brackets in the program - I have 2 of them. If you open the lid of the computer case, you can see several characteristic one- or multi-colored connectors on the board. This is the place where the memory sticks are placed. There are 4 of them in the picture below.

The multicolored color tells us that the memory on this board can operate in dual-channel mode - that is, data is simultaneously transmitted to the controller to the processor or northbridge (depending on) via two channels, which increases the speed of data processing.

To activate this mode, you should purchase at least 2 strips and, as a rule, insert them into two same-color connectors. Which ones exactly? This is written in the instructions for the board and colors may differ in different models. If you buy 4 modules at once, then use all the slots at once.

You also need to take into account that if you currently have a total memory of 2 GB, like me, and you plan to increase it to 4 GB, then it is optimal to purchase 2 modules of 2 GB each rather than one 4 GB, since you can use them to the maximum in in two-channel mode.

It should also be noted here that when purchasing several modules, it is advisable to choose one manufacturer, or even better, take a ready-made kit (KIT) consisting of several strips at once - such a kit is guaranteed to work without problems.

Clock frequency

Another important indicator of memory is its clock speed, which is measured in megahertz (MHz). The speed of information processing depends on it. When choosing a module, be sure to look at what frequency your processor officially supports. The model that was shown in the screenshot above works with PC3-12800 (DDR3 1600 MHz), PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333 MHz), PC3-8500 (DDR3 1066 MHz) memory. The same characteristics can be seen on online store websites in the detailed description of memory modules. For example, let's look at a gaming kit of 4 4 GB sticks Corsair XMS3 DDR-III DIMM 32Gb KIT 4*8Gb:

RAM Bandwidth

A parameter such as throughput, which shows how much data can be transferred as much as possible in a certain time, also depends on the frequency. It is measured in megabytes per second (MB/s) and is calculated by multiplying the frequency by 8. That is, in our example, the memory has a frequency of 1333 MHz * 8 = 10667 MB/s, which is also visible in the description.

The higher the bandwidth, the higher the speed of the RAM module. However, we take into account the fact that

modern processors support memory with a maximum frequency of 1600 MHz.

If you buy an expensive stick with a higher frequency, it will work the same as a cheaper one at 1600 MHz.

Timing

Here we can also talk about such a characteristic as timing. This is the delay time when processing operations inside the RAM module chips themselves. The timing is recorded as a sequence of several numbers - in our example it is 9-9-9-24. The last 4th two-digit parameter characterizes the performance of the entire microcircuit as a whole.

Timing can also be indicated by the letters CL and a number, which indicates the first value in the detailed sequence. In our example, the short version would be designated as CL9.

The lower the timings, the better, but such modules also cost more. However, this only matters for high-performance, high-speed PCs—for home and office use, you can ignore this parameter.

Gamers can use the BIOS settings and manually play with changing the timings downwards, but this must be done carefully, otherwise you risk damaging the modules.

RAM for a laptop or desktop computer?

In theory, this is the first question that we should ask ourselves, but essentially it is not the most important, since it is simply impossible to confuse the form factor. For a laptop, the modules are wide and short, for a PC they are long and narrow.

On the websites in the characteristics they are indicated as follows:

• DIMM- for PC,
• SODIMM- for laptop.

Type of cooling of memory strips

If you are purchasing a RAM module for a powerful gaming computer, then you should pay attention to the type of cooling. During intensive work or “overclocking” by decreasing the timings, they can heat up, so the work of the internal case fans may not be enough to cool them.

On simple strips there is no cooling at all - you will see open soldered microcircuit chips. On more expensive models, the most common type of cooling is installed - a metal radiator.

For the most avid gamers, they even came up with such a thing as water cooling - such modules, together with the system, can significantly exceed the cost of both the motherboard and processor combined.

Decoding the RAM module

Now let's decipher the name of the memory module presented in one of the popular online stores:

Crucial Ballistix Sport XT BLS2C4G3D18ADS3CEU DDR-III DIMM 8Gb KIT 2*4Gb PC3-14900 CL10

• So, manufacturer Cruisal, the kit consists of 2 modules of 4 Gb each.
• Memory standard DDR-III and form factor DIMM, that is, for a desktop PC.
• Bandwidth - 14900 Mb/s
• Timing - CL10
• In this case, you need to look at the frequency in the detailed characteristics of the product, or calculate it yourself by dividing the bandwidth (14900) by 8.

Tips to follow when buying RAM

• It is worth buying RAM from trusted manufacturers. The price of branded brands is much higher, but the quality guarantee and stable operation of the computer are worth it. Here is a list of verified companies: Corsair, Kingston, Kingmax, Transcend, OCZ, Hynix, Hyundai, Samsung.
• RAM paired with a good quality chipset is the key to maximum performance, considering that the former has a maximum operating frequency.
• Remember that RAM should always be paired. It is necessary that the modules match in operating frequency; modules installed with different frequencies work at the memory frequency, which is the slowest of those that you installed, or do not work together at all. For example, if you have two channels for RAM and one of the slots has a 2GB stick, then you need to purchase another module with the same capacity, timings and from the same manufacturer.
  And the best option is to buy a set of modules (Kit), which is guaranteed by the manufacturer that these strips are compatible
• For gaming computers, preference should be given to RAM with the lowest time delays. Even at low frequencies, the memory always works at maximum efficiency.
• Remember to make sure your motherboard, processor, and operating system are compatible with the amount of memory you choose. If your computer system is 32-bit, then you should purchase a stick of no more than 4GB, since a 32-bit system sees up to 3GB of RAM.
• When purchasing memory to increase existing RAM, it would be better to purchase a model whose characteristics are similar to those installed in your computer. Purchasing a better or worse specification bar will lead to deterioration in computer performance.

In conclusion, here is a detailed video on installing a memory module in a computer.

Hi all! In today's article we will tell you how to install RAM correctly. Those who decided to add RAM to their computer have probably already chosen RAM for themselves. However, we recommend that you read our other publication, from which you will learn how to increase the RAM of a computer or laptop.

From the link above, you will learn that RAM is different and how much RAM you can install, and also that everything may not be so trivial in installing RAM for laptops. In addition, this article will be useful if you want to install additional RAM.

How to install RAM in a regular computer

So, you have already purchased and are holding the required RAM module in your hands. The generation of this RAM module is suitable for your motherboard. Also, do not forget that the amount of RAM must be such that the RAM module or modules can be supported by your motherboard.

In other words, before installation, make sure that the motherboard of your computer not only supports the available amount of memory modules, but also this specific generation, since RAM can be different: DDR, DDR2, DDR3, EDO, MicroDIMM, SDRAM And SODIMM. This is especially true when you need to install additional RAM. When installing or replacing RAM, some “experts” claim that the user may encounter the following problems:

1. With electrostatic charges.
2. Incorrect parameters in the BIOS.
3. Incorrect installation of DIMMs.

On this basis, you can find stupid advice about adding RAM:

• To prevent the build-up of static electricity when working with sensitive chips, do not wear synthetic clothing or shoes with leather soles (or stand on a rubber mat).
• Remove accumulated electrostatic charge by grasping the system unit case.
• You can also use a special grounding bracelet on your wrist, which can be purchased at an electronics store.

Just think about this nonsense! Shouldn't you wear a tin foil hat? Know that these problems are just made up by people who are far from reality. Of course, there are problems with statics and grounding of the computer case, but they happen rarely and have practically nothing to do with installing RAM.

However, it is worth noting here that if you want to install additional RAM, then the issue of module incompatibility may arise. But this has an indirect relation to the installation process itself.

The main thing before installation is to turn off the power to the computer and let it stand for about five minutes. Typically, installing RAM of the correct form factor takes about five minutes. To replace RAM memory in standard PCs, you should rely on the following tips:

1. Turn off your PC and disconnect the network cable. Wait a while until the residual charge on the board disappears.
2. Open the system unit. Usually the cover is held on by two or less often four screws.
3. Carefully move away any cables that may be blocking the memory connectors from being easily accessible. Before disconnecting the wire, remember where it was connected, but it is better not to disconnect anything - in most cases, you can install RAM without any problems.
4. If you need to remove a module in order to install RAM of a larger capacity or frequency in its place, then simply move the side clamps that hold the module apart.
5. Most modern motherboards support dual-channel RAM. Its advantage is that memory modules work by cooperating with each other. You need to determine which connectors should be used for the board to operate correctly in dual-channel mode. These connectors have different colors (in pairs). That is, when installing two identical memory modules, they should be placed in connectors of the same color.

There are special keys on the RIMM and DIMM strips that help ensure the correct orientation of the strip in the corresponding slot. That is, any form factor or generation of memory has its own key, according to which you need to set the RAM bar. Before inserting the module, you must make sure that the plastic latches located on the sides are moved apart:

After installing the RAM into the motherboard slot, just gently press on the module and the latches will snap into place.

If the interfering wires were disconnected before installation, return them to their place and close the cover of the system unit, connecting the power cable. After installing additional RAM, you may need to launch the BIOS setup application to save the new settings, but usually the computer understands everything itself and the operating system will simply begin loading normally. The vast majority of modern systems automatically detect the new memory size and make the necessary changes to the BIOS.

So we got to laptops. Installing RAM in a laptop is almost a lottery, since you first need to find out whether installation is possible in your specific laptop model. At the beginning of the article, we already provided a link to a publication that describes the selection of memory. Therefore, we will not focus on this.

The first thing you need to find out before adding RAM to a laptop is whether the laptop has an additional slot and whether it is occupied. This does not apply to the case when you want to replace RAM. Laptops are all different, so an additional memory slot may be missing or located in a hard-to-reach place. For example, like this:

Therefore, for many models, adding RAM to a laptop can be a problem. But more often, you just need to unscrew the lid on the bottom of the laptop:

Pull out the memory module, freeing it from special fasteners, if necessary, replace it:

And install the new SODIMM RAM in place:

After adding RAM, you can use a special diagnostic utility and make sure that the memory is functioning correctly, but it is better to just go to the system properties and look at the amount of RAM used. We hope our article was useful and you managed to install the RAM correctly. Read smartronix.ru!

Please tell me why suddenly the availability of space on drive C began to be displayed in red instead of blue?

There is not enough space on the disk, perhaps the TEMP folder is clogged, located in the system directory.

hi, I have such a problem with the old RAM, it had 256 and it was very little for him, everything was lagging, I decided to buy a 1 GB DDR 1 stick, I installed it and turned it on, suddenly there was some kind of noise, like a clicking sound of some kind, the boot light is on and the black monitor on it does not go out at all no signal is coming in, I tried everything and installed everything as before, it still didn’t matter, just the noise is there and tell me how to solve this problem, thanks in advance :)

Check what frequency the new memory has and whether it is supported by the motherboard.
It is advisable to check the memory stick on another PC, it may not be working.
If I return the old bracket, does the PC work?

Exactly, I restored everything to the old way and it still doesn’t work, so it’s not clear what the problem is :(

Remove all components from the case, place the motherboard separately, rearrange the memory module, connect the power supply and monitor (if the video is not integrated, then insert the video card), do not connect anything else. Try to start by closing the Power contacts on the board.

A squeak means there is no RAM. Connect correctly, or change the positions of the strips, they may have different frequencies. I think that's the only problem.

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Daily use of a personal computer forces users to think about how to make it work better, faster, and more productive. This is especially true for those who need it, such as gamers, or graphic designers, and so on.

You can improve your computer's performance by adding RAM. This can be done in various ways. Let's take a closer look at them. I already wrote an article about how to add power and performance to it. There is an interesting article about... But let's return to our topic.

How to add RAM to your computer yourself

RAM (an abbreviation for “Random Access Memory”) is a storage that contains temporary data about all open programs, applications, and games.

It was created in the form of a microcircuit attached to the . RAM stores data when the device is turned on. When the power is turned off, the information will be deleted.

Modern technologies allow users to perform several tasks at once while working on a computer. This is why it is important to know how to add RAM to your computer.

Additional modules

Not every computer can add RAM. Therefore, it is important to know what properties your PC has.

Go to your computer's properties to find out what RAM it has. This is not difficult to do: right-click on the computer icon and select “properties” in the drop-down window. Here you can see what operating system is installed.

Find out what motherboard your device has. You can view the information in the technical documentation of your device. This will allow you to understand how much RAM can be increased. You can find information about any motherboard model on the Internet.

Before installing additional modules, turn off the computer and open the side cover of the system unit. Installing an additional module is easy due to the fact that the slots have convenient clamps. With their help, you can easily remove the old module and install a new one.

Do not assemble the system unit immediately after installing the modules. First, make sure you did everything correctly. To do this, open the computer properties and see if additional RAM appears. If not, reinstall.

Additional features

If for some reason you cannot use the method described above, increase your RAM in other ways.

Ready Boost

This option allows you to add RAM to your computer using. This happens due to the fact that the flash drive stores information on running programs.

Install the flash drive into the device by right-clicking on it and selecting format.

After you have formatted the flash drive, click “properties” again.

Select Refdy Boost, check the box - use this device and set the desired memory size with the slider. You can set it to maximum.

You should not buy flash drives with a very large amount of memory - this will not bring results.

Reserves

You can add RAM thanks to your computer's reserves. This method is used on old computers.

Open your computer's system settings and launch Advanced Settings. To configure settings, use the “Performance” item.

Bottom line

As you can see, adding RAM to your computer is not difficult. Study the technical data sheet of your computer and start making improvements.

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How to add RAM?

Decades ago, computers ran on 1-2 MB of RAM. Today, progress has gone so far that sometimes 2-4 GB of RAM is not enough for normal computer operation.

If you do not want to experience inconvenience when watching videos, working with graphic editors, or playing a computer game, you need to know how to add RAM.

When to add RAM

On modern computers, it is better to use at least 4 GB of RAM for normal operation. Only 2 GB of memory will significantly limit the operation of the computer. This amount of memory will not allow you to watch videos comfortably, it will be almost impossible to play, and graphics programs will be very slow. Also, surfing the Internet will be difficult due to the long loading time of sites and files on your hard drive.

The optimal solution would be to install 16-24 GB of RAM on your computer, which will allow you to forget about upgrading the memory for a long time.

How to add RAM to a computer

Before you buy a new memory stick, you need to find out whether you can add RAM to your computer. This can be done by opening the computer unit and examining how many free slots there are.

If there is at least one slot, then you can safely buy the required memory stick and add it. If there is no free slot, then you can change one of the strips for a new one with a larger capacity.

Replacing the strip should be done in the following sequence:

1. Turn off and unplug the computer by unplugging the power cord from the electrical outlet or the unit itself.
2. Pull out one of the strips and replace it with a new one. If you want to install it in a free slot, then simply insert the new memory stick into place.
3. Make sure the bar fits snugly into the socket. After this, assemble the computer unit, plug it into the network and start it up.
4. Check that new GB of RAM have appeared in the computer properties.

You should also remember that on 32-bit systems it shows a maximum of 3 GB of memory. If you installed more than 3 GB, then you should reinstall Windows with a 64-bit OS.

How to add RAM to a laptop

In a laptop, you can see the amount of memory in the same way as on a computer.

To add or replace a memory stick, you must:

1. Turn off the power to the laptop.
2. Remove the battery.
3. Open the back cover or the cover where the symbol representing RAM is drawn. To do this, unscrew the fastening screw and carefully remove the cover.
4. We insert a new strip or replace the old one.
5. We put everything back together the same way it was.
6. We start the laptop and check for new GB of RAM.

You can also read more about this in our article.

Instructions

Determine how much memory is already installed. Go to the Start menu and select Settings, then Control Panel and System. Select the General tab. The amount of memory installed on your computer will be shown at the bottom of the page.

Determine what type and amount of memory you need to purchase. Consult your user manual to find out the maximum amount of memory your computer can handle. The guide will also help you select the type and speed of memory you need. Buy an operational one memory online or at your local computer store.

Open the case computer. Refer to the instruction manual if necessary. Remove any metal rings, watches or. Turn off your computer, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and then touch the metal chassis to eliminate any static electricity. An antistatic wrist strap can also be used for this purpose.

Locate the memory slots on the motherboard computer. If necessary, refer to the instruction manual. If there are no free slots, you will have to remove one or more of the installed memory cards to be able to add a new one memory.

Install a new one memory. To do this, open the holders in the free slot and carefully insert the memory card into it. Make sure the memory card module is securely inserted into the slot and secure the holders.

Test the installed memory. Close the case and turn on the computer. If the computer starts beeping, it means memory installed incorrectly. Then repeat step 5 to make sure that memory securely inserted into the slot. If the installation was successful, check that the system has detected the new amount of memory (step 1).

Video on the topic

Increasing random access memory (RAM) significantly improves computer performance. Moreover, it does not require knowledge of the hardware; you just need to carefully install the module into the motherboard slot.

You will need

• - memory module;
• - screwdriver.

Instructions

Purchase a suitable RAM module. Modern computers use DDR, DDRII and DDRIII sticks, which differ in connectors and operating speed. You can find out what type of memory is used in your PC in the passport that was issued upon purchase.

Completely turn off the computer's power and absolutely all wires going to the back of the case. Place the system unit on a stable surface and unscrew the side cover using a screwdriver. Some blocks are equipped with special fasteners instead of screws, and to remove the cover it is enough to unfasten only them.

Find the block for installing RAM. It includes several slots with latches into which the RAM stick should be installed.

Bend down the special fasteners on the edges of the free slot. Take the strip that you are going to install into the system unit by the edges and insert it, aligning the slot in the bottom of the module with the slot in the RAM slot. As soon as the bar is clearly fixed, install the latches in their previous position, thereby securing the installed module. When positioned correctly, the fasteners will tightly press the installed RAM.

Close the computer lid, connect power, and test the computer. To make sure that the memory was correctly detected by the system, right-click on the “My Computer” shortcut. The line “Installed memory” will indicate the total amount of RAM. If this indicator increases, then the installation was carried out absolutely correctly.