How do I add more memory to my computer?

Question

I dont know how. Any advice will help. thank you.

Answer 1

First determine how much you need. If all you use the computer for is Word Processing and printing than you probably don't even need to add memory. But if you're convinced you need 512mb or 1gb (video editing, game playing, etc) read on.

At any electronics store, you can purchase "RAM". "RAM" is computer lingo for memory. If you're confused and you need help in the store, ask where they keep the ram sticks (they come in stick format).

After you've made your purchase, usually the store will install it for a small fee. The actual process is they open up the side of the computer, take out your old ram stick, put in the new one, and give you the old one back in the new box. You should be good to go afterwards!

As for pricing, it can go anywhere from 50 dollars to 150 dollars depending on where you shop and how much ram you want. The most ram I've ever seen in a computer that's readily available is 2gb, which is really overkill unless you're super multi tasking (video editing and processing along with playing a graphics intense game).

Answer 2

I wouldn't recommend doing this yourself if your computer still has any warranties left on it. Opening your computer case yourself will void those warranties.

The information below is soley for a PC (I know very little about Mac's). Be sure to wear a static bracelet whenever dealing with internal electronics.

Anyway, to add physical memory (RAM, HDRAM, "working memory," etc), you'll have to first identify which type of memory you have and if you have any available slots to add more. This isn't too difficult. Just open your case and your motherboard (the big futuristic looking thing that everything is connected to) will have a long 1" tall card sticking out of it... sometimes 2. This is your memory card. You can remove it by flipping the end clips and pulling it firmly (but carefully not to damage it). Record all of the information listed on it to identify the type of memory and be sure that it is similar to the memory you already have. (This is the information you could use to purchase new memory if you haven't already.) Once the old memory is out, push the new memory into the slot, flip the clips and that's it!

If you're changing your hard drive, it's a different process. When looking in your open case you'll see the back of your CD/DVD drives and floppy drive (if you have) towards the front of the case. You should see one drive among them that does not have a place to put a CD or disk... this is your Hard Drive (HDD). If you have only one HDD beware that swapping it for a new one will require you to reinstall a new operating system. Adding a new one is fine, but you need to have the space available. If you see some space among the drives, slide your new one in the empty spot and plug in the cables that all of the other drives have plugged into them. As long as you don't unplug anything existing, the available cables should make it work fine.

To avoid all of this work for a new HDD, just buy an external one. They use the USB ports on the back or front of your computer.

Answer 3

Unless by memory you mean hard-drive space.
Memory in the sense of ram is very short term storage used for processing the insturctions you give the computer. The more "memory" the more commands you can throw at the machine at the same time w/out lag or lockup.
Often novices will misnomer memory as long term storage space - such as your C:\ drive. This is the long term area that files and folders and such are kept.
On the off chance you meant the second thing, you will need to add another harddive. The simplest way to do this is to buy an external drive. USB 2.0 is best as it is very fast and ubiquitous (backwards compatible w/ 1.0).
You could simple plug it in and if this is Windows XP viola it's detected and ready to store data on.
Additional benefits to an external device include it's mobility.

Now then if you actually did mean memory or RAM - its as easy as described above. The most difficult part is simply buying the right type of RAM that your motherboard will support.
It's best to check the motherboard manual before going to the store. Or if not possible contacting the pc manufacturer and asking just to be sure.
Buying the wrong type can prevent the system from booting or cause other unexpected results.
Actually installing it is simple.
The sticks are keyed so they only go in one way.
Typically there are little plastic arms that snap into these grooves holding the ram secure.
2 safety things to consider.
UNPLUG the machine before doing anything else!
Also place your hands on a metal surface before working with delicate electronics. This will discharge static buildup you may be carrying in your body. While the charge is low - it can be enough to damage hardware such as memory sticks.
Try not to touch the transistors themselves as the oils from your fingers can cause unnessecary heat.
I advice buying as much RAM as possible always.
Windows Vista is recommending 2 gb or memory for optimal performance. My work system has 4 gb in it - but i push this thing like a madman.

adue.

Answer 4

it depends what kind of memory. It can be RAM or Hard Drive memory.

First of all why do you think you need memory? How much do you currently have? If you are a novice at computer hardware it is best you ask a professional or someone with good experience. Doing it yourself can cause great damage to your computer and maybe even void warranty. My best advice is to find out what type of memory you need and what speed. Depending on age and speed of computer you really have to find your manual or go to your manufacturers website.

All this aside installing it is pretty simple. You open up your computer's side panel and look at the slots directly to the top or right of the processor(thing with heatsink and fan on top). Youll see a long rectangular chip with many small black blocks on it. If there is a space for another one put it in. AS LONG AS YOU DO RESEARCH! and find out the maximum amount of ram you actually need. Overdoing it can actually waste your money depending on what you do with your computer. Again if your a novice do research or get a professional or experienced person or friend do it for you and give you a few pointers.

Answer 5

You can buy extra RAM which is what you use while working on the computer. It's pretty simple to open your unit and either replace the memory card that you have or add extra cards to go with what you already have.

You can also buy a new higher capacity hard drive which the memory here is for that information that you always want to have saved and available.

Good luck and happy computing!

Answer 6

This can get a little time consuming, but hang in there you can do it.
First, find out what kind of memory the motherboard in your computer accepts: SIMM, DIMM - SDRAM, EDO, SGRAM, DDR ect.
Second, find out the max amount of RAM your motherboard can take. There are as far as I know two way to do this (one much easier than the other) Here's the first one: go to your motherboards manufaturers web site or the web site of your COMPUTERS manufacturer and locate the "Support and Driver Download/Download" link when the next page come up type the model number of you computer or motherboard in the "Search" field and press enter. Here's the second and Easy choice: Take to your nearest computer repair shop and let them do all the work for you, now that's what I call EASY.
LOL.

Answer 7

If you really don't know get a reputable computer store toupgrade you. If you lived in SW arkansas I would do it for ya, you buy the ram and I put it in, my fee 5 bucks only. Do tons of them here at the local college for students.

http:www.tigerdirect.com

these guys can give you a good deal and make sure you get the right memory.

Answer 8

You need to purchase the memory dims. They are small memory module or chip that you can buy in a computer store. Put them to the memory slots.

Answer 9

Take your computer details to the computer shop and buy proper memory for it. there are slots in your computer where the other memories cards inserted, insert it beside them.

good luck!

Answer 10

I have directed many people to Crucial.com for almost every question regarding computer memory. They sell memory (RAM), but more importantly, they help determine the correct RAM for your system. : http://www.crucial.com/index.asp

The specifics about how to physically add more RAM to your computer, they have that also! : http://www.crucial.com/install/dimm.asp

I am sure you can find your answers about RAM there.