how do i perform my computer memory upgrade

The common idea regarding computer is that the performance of computer should be perfect. But to have improved computer performance the memory in computer should be upgraded.

But due to lack of knowledge some people fear that they may ruin the system. And some think that upgrading process is complicated, most people have little idea about RAM, Motherboards, Graphic cards etc.

They are satisfied by there computers when they turn it on and it helps them to there accomplishment. But it’s not this much, if you really want your system to work fast and better just afford little time and money on your computer. It’s like fix deposit in bank which will benefit you through out your life and it will not only save your time but also you will enjoy working out on your computer with lot of happiness and satisfaction.

But for that you will have to take little trouble to fight with this problem by collecting some information regarding upgradation of your computer. Well just check out with following points to help you.

Type of RAM
Random access memory (RAM) it is used by computer to run data and applications on your system. It is needed to run your pc’s OS operating system, even for handling files graphics, web-browsing, e-mail and multi-tasking. If the amount of RAM is higher your computer will run faster.

There are many types of RAM but it depends upon the manufacture year of your computer. Most of the older systems contained or used SDR(single data rate)SDRAM, fast page mode(FPM),or extended data out(EDO).From mid-2004 many computers have DDR2(double data rate, second generation) SDRAM(Synchronous Dynamic RAM). Do you know that most of the RAM comes with different speed level.

Day by day technically improvement is increasing and  it is providing more facilities .DDR2 SDRAM is a new  standard that can increase SDRAM memory upto speeds more than 200MHz. Latest IBM ThinkPad T43 has 533MHz DDR2 SDRAM.

DDR SDRAM which begins at 200MHz goes up to 400MHz, and the standard SDRAM moves around 150-166 MHz ,which is much better.DRAMmeans Dynamic Random Access Memory and SDRAM means Synchronous  Dynamic  RAM.

Let me tell you one thing having a faster RAM speed does not mean it will make your computer go faster for that you have to upgrade or increase the amount of RAM in your system to increase the performance. Also remember one thing that computer has certain limit to accept memory speed and it is of no use going beyond that limit.

Know your machine
     
As we always expect our machine to have a good speed and as we are talking about the up gradation of your system, first see that buying a memory upgrade is compatible to your computer otherwise it is of no use. It is better to check your owner’s manual for consistency of RAM in your system, it can inform you what type of RAM and how much amount of RAM your system is having or can store.

Just check out the maximum memory of your computer .Suppose if it can take 512 MB of RAM and your system has less than that add the remaining amount.

How much RAM does your computer need

As you are being told before that speed or efficiency of your computer depends upon RAM installed in your system .Only installation of RAM will not increase the speed of system but for that you have to increase the amount of RAM you have on your system. Generally you need 256 MB for windows XP and Mac OS X.Mostly in offices and where there is heavy work load requires 512 MB of RAM. To gain the benefit of memory upgrade you have to upgrade other elements also. Other wise it is wastage of time and, money. Also memory of your Video or Graphics Card is of consideration in your system. More powerful and faster upgrade in Graphic Card will increase a good performance.

How to select RAM

As for common user it is difficult to choose right RAM for his pc as there are 110,000 different memory upgrades. If you are ordering from online sites then I will suggest you Crucial.com, they are a part of Micron, one of the largest DRAM makers in the world. They have Crucial Memory Advisor tool which will scan your system and tell you what memory upgrades are available.

Some system use “non parity” memory which means it does not need ECC (error correction code) or parity module.

Precaution while installing new memory or RAM
 
If you are installing new RAM online you will get it in anti-static bag, with instructions on how to install RAM .To prevent your computer from static electricity it is safer to ground yourself .Take precaution by wearing wrist straps designed to prevent shocks. Or if you don’t have wrist strap here’s the simple way to ground yourself. Turn off your computer and other related accessories, touch unpainted part of your pc case and keep your feet planted in one position. Open up the back of pc or laptop with the help of screw drivers. It is better to check the manual for the location of laptop’s memory. It is possible that you have to replace your RAM with NEW one or in some cases you have to add one or any extra module. Just follow the instruction given with your RAM upgrade.

As the process is complete turn the system on before closing the case to check that RAM is installed. You can see it on the startup screens or by going to My Computer under properties, if you use windows.

Before doing any installation it is advisable to follow the guidelines and instructions which come with RAM modules.