How to choose, upgrade computer / pc memory guide

To choose the memory, you need to keep the following in your mind:

1. Consider the Brand: Good memory will save you lots of trouble.

2. Consider cost per megabyte: It's generally less expensive to buy mid-capacity modules rather than the equivalent amount of memory in large- or small-capacity modules. For example, if you need 1 GB, two 512 MB DIMMs will probably cost less than four 256 MB DIMMs. Conversely, one 1 GB DIMM may cost 50% more than two 512 MB DIMMs, and a 2 GB DIMM may cost twice as much as four 512 MB DIMMs.

3. Remove old memory: It's tempting to leave the old memory installed when you are upgrading a system, but it's often a mistake. For example, if you have purchased two 256 MB PC3200 DIMMs for a system that currently has two 64 MB PC1600 SDRAM DIMMs installed, you may be tempted to leave the old DIMMs in place, for a total of 640 MB rather than only 512 MB. After all, you paid good money for those 64 MB DIMMs. The problem is, leaving the old DIMMs installed will cause your new PC3200 DIMMs to run as PC1600 memory, crippling system performance. In general, the best course is to remove old memory rather than retain it.

4. Decide based on total costs: Older types of memory may be very expensive per megabyte. For the same cost as adding more old-style memory, you may be able to purchase a new motherboard, processor, and the same amount of newerstyle memory. In that case, opt for the wholesale upgrade, which effectively gives you an entirely new system.

Guide for upgrading memory

Adding more computer memory is the easiest way to boost your pc overall performance. However, you should be uncomfortable taking a computer apart. If not, you need to ask your friend for help. The following is the guide to upgrade your computer's memory.

1. You will need to know how much RAM is currently in your system. To do this simply click on Start --> My Computer. Right-click on "My Computer" and click "Properties". From there, you can see the information about Installed Memory (RAM).

2. Find the manual for your computer's motherboard. The manual will tell you all the information about memory upgrade, that is, the maximum memory to be used, what type of memory to be used, etc.. If you really could not find the manual, you can contact us and we will help you find a free tool to find the information needed with a little service fee.

3.With the information from the manual, you will know which and how much memory to buy. Let¡¯s say your computer has 2 GB Installed Memory and your computer can handle 4 GB. This means that you can purchase and install additional 2 more GB.

4. It is suggested that you back up your data before adding more memory.

5. Shut down your computer and unplug power cords.

6. Wear an anti-static wrist band or make sure you are properly grounded and simply open the memory slot and slide the new memory stick in. Warning: try not to touch the memory pins. If you do it, you will damage the memory.

Testing and configuring newly installed memory

After you install the new memory modules and verify that all is as it should be, apply power to the system. The memory self-test should increment up to the newly installed amount of memory. (If your system displays a logo splash screen rather than the BIOS boot screen, turn off the splash screen in BIOS Setup so that you can see the BIOS boot screen.) If it instead shows only the original amount of memory, the cause is almost always that you have not seated the new memory module completely. Power down, reseat the module, and try again.

If the memory check shows an amount of memory larger than the original amount but smaller than the expected new amount, the problem is almost always that the BIOS and/or chipset do not support memory modules of the size you've installed. If that occurs, you may need to do one or more of the following things to resolve the problem:

1. Check the Chipset Setup portion of CMOS Setup to determine how memory is configured for the newly installed bank(s). Most recent chipsets and BIOSs automatically determine the correct size and configuration parameters for installed modules. But some chipsets, BIOSs, and memory modules do not implement SPD correctly. If this occurs, you may have to set the correct size manually, if indeed the module size you have installed is an available option.

2. A limitation on maximum module size may be enforced by the chipset, the BIOS, or both. Before deciding you cannot use the larger module, check the motherboard manufacturer's web site for a BIOS update. If the restriction on module size is enforced by the BIOS but not by the chipset, you may find that a later BIOS revision adds support for the larger module.

3. If all else fails, the only alternative may be to return the memory module (you did make sure you had the right to return an incompatible module, didn't you?) and obtain a compatible module.

Tip on getting more memory without physically adding more memory

Minimize each application that you are currently not working on by clicking on the Minimize button; you can increase the amount of available RAM by a substantial margin. Depending upon the number and type of applications you use together, the difference can be as much as 50 percent of extra RAM.

In any multitasking system, minimizing an application means that it won't be utilized by the user right now. Therefore, the OS automatically makes the application use virtual memory; keeps bare minimum amounts of the code in physical RAM.