Computer Memory Upgrade and
Install Guide
A computer memory upgrade can give 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.
computer adviser computer memory upgrade article
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.
If you need to check the memory is compatible with your system
checkout our memory guide
Once the memory is happily working it’s worth configuring your
computers page file to make the most of it,
checkout our computer optimizing guide.
For more on computer memory upgrade information
checkout our computer health check articles
computer adviser computer memory upgrade article |
