Desktop Computer Memory Upgrade and Laptop Computer Memory Install how to guide
A computer memory upgrade can give it a huge performance increase.
It’s important these days with memory hungry operating systems and applications that you realistically have a minimum of around 1024mb / 1 Gig, if you want your computer to be able to cope properly with these huge demands.
We have divided this page into two sections, one a desktop computer memory upgrade and one for laptops / notebooks.
Before you begin it’s a good idea to have everything in place and to hand, this list should include.
Clean working environment
Phillips Screwdriver
Small flat bladed screwdriver
Compatible computer Memory
Desktop Computer Memory Upgrade Firstly unplug the computer from the mains socket, you can either remove the power cable from the back of the computer or if you prefer just remove the plug from the wall socket.
This step is a must as most soft boot computers today will still have a small amount of electricity running through them even when they are powered off.
Now is the time to earth yourself to remove any static electricity, which could damage the memory or your computer.
If you’re not sure how to earth yourself checkout our ESD electro static discharge article where we advise on this. Once you’re earthed if you have to leave your computer workspace for any reason , before you’ve finished installing the memory you’ll have to earth yourself again.
Just walking across a carpet will generate a certain amount of static electricity.
The next step is to remove the computers cover, generally this will just have around 6 screws in the rear.
Sometimes the case can be a little stubborn to remove, so if necessary use the flat bladed screw driver to prise the cover off gently from the area where you removed the screws, where the case cover meets the rest of the case.
computer adviser computer memory upgrade article
Once you’ve removed the case , find the memory slots.
Make sure you align the memory the correct way around this can be done be checking to see of the cut out in the middle of the memory stick aligns to the plastic hump in the memory slot of the motherboard.
Make sure both of the locks on the memory port are opened out to allow the memory to fit in. Now press the memory into the slot.
Sometimes it can be a pretty snug fit, so if you need to push the memory in as far as it will easily go and now press one corner down a little and then the other.
Eventually the memory ports guides will move in to lock the memory into place. Once this is done, replace the computers cover and plug the mains cable back in.
Laptop Computer Memory Upgrade Ram If you have memory to install in a laptop computer you’ll need a small Phillips screw driver.
Firstly make sure your earthed , read our guide if your not sure how to do this.
The next step is to make sure the laptop is disconnected from the mains supple.
Also remove the battery. Next remove the panel where the memory goes.
Generally this is located on the bottom of the machine.
If you have to remove any memory to make space for the new , use your thumbs to move back the memory ports locks outwards slightly,
Then pull the top of the memory towards you with your index or fore finger the memory will be free of the locks now .
Now you’ll be able to slide it clear.
To install the new memory, slide the memory down into the port.
Note that the memory is only resting on tops of the memory ports locks at the moment, and the bottom of the memory should be in place.
Now using your forefingers and thumbs move the memory ports locks outwards and push the memory into the locks, now let the locks back into their position, the memory should now be in place. Replace the laptops memory cover and replace the battery.
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Testing and Trouble Shooting Your Desktop or Laptop Computer Memory Upgrade
Power on the desktop or laptop computer and fingers crossed you should now see the new memory when the computer performs it’s POST or power on self test.
Another way of checking the memory is to go to Control Panels and System , here it will tell you how much memory your computer has. If the new memory fails to be recognised , it’s best to remove and re-install it again.
If this still does not work then it may be a problem with the Memory.
