Installing RAM

Installing or Upgrading your RAM

Why Install More RAM? It's one of the most economical ways to boost your PC's performance. It's really very simple, and adding RAM is one of the few things vendors will allow customers to modify, and still support the device under a maintenance contract. Check your contract if you're uncertain.

Make certain the RAM you purchase is compatible. Go to your motherboard manufacturer's website and look up your motherboard model specifications. If you don't know what type of motherboard you have, try Belarc. It's a free utility that will tell you what your motherboard (and many other) specifications are. Make certain the memory you wish to install doesn't exceed what the motherboard can handle. You'll have to check with the manufacturer for this information.

Plan your purchase. Power off your computer and open the case; find your existing stick(s) of RAM. If you desire 512 megabytes of RAM, and have only 2 slots, you'll need 2 sticks of 256 or a single stick of 512. Keep in mind some Pentium processors require matched modules, meaning 2 sticks of 64 and 64, or 2 sticks of 128, etc. A stick of 128 might not work with a stick of 256. If you're not certain, call a local computer shop and check with someone there's who's knowledgeable about installing and upgrading RAM.

Once you've made your purchase, here's how to install more RAM. Keep in mind installing new sticks of ram should never be forced. They should fit snugly; but can easily become damaged if you attempt to force them in.

486 motherboards use either 30pin simms or 72 pin simms. Pentium motherboards require at least 72pin simms or 168pin Dimm SDram modules.

30pin SIMM

72pin SIMM

168pin DIMM

The ram slots are easy to insert and uninstall. Memory modules fit in only one direction, with the Simms note the small cut on one side of the module, it corresponds with a tab in the memory holder. In using DIMMs, 168pin ram, they have a distinctive pattern of three areas on the bottom of the module that must be aligned in order for the module to fit into the holder. Once a DIMM is in place the side clamps lock into place. This is the same with SIMM modules, the small clips that hold them in place will lock once the module is properly installed.

Occasionally, the bottom of the module doesn't make good contact with the holder. You can remove any tarnish or other coatings that infringe upon good contact with the eraser of a pencil or rub them with a small amount of alcohol. Also be certain there's not wiring or cabling nested between sticks of ram. If there is, gently move it if possible.

Most SIMM manufacturers require the module to be inserted at a 45 degree angle, then "snapped" forward to the correct position. Most Pentium systems require matched pairs of modules -- meaning 2 sticks of 128 or 2 sticks of 64. A stick of 64 might not play nice with a stick of 128, etc.

DIMMs are almost always "snapped" directly into the socket. Some DIMM sockets have minor physical differences. If your module doesn't seem to fit, do not force it into the socket. Instead, return it and obtain one that fits your motherboard.

Occasionally the memory holders themselves become damaged or unable to properly seat memory. Often the only recourse is to replace the motherboard.