Lesson 04 - Install a RAM memory upgrade into any desktop or laptop computer

In this lesson we are going to show you how to add memory to another desktop computer and a laptop computer.


Upgrading a Desktop Computer's Memory

For the desktop computer I'll begin by going to Crucial.com and running the System Scanner. The type of memory in this computer is DDR2. The computer can except PC2-5300, 6400 or 8500 memory and is capable of running in Dual Channel mode. The system has 4 memory slots, 2 are occupied by 512MB stick of memory for a total of 1GB. The maximum memory capacity per slot is 2GB and the maximum capacity overall is 8GB.

To get more specifics about the memory in the computer I'll install and run CPU-Z and go to the Memory tab. The type is DDR2, the size is 1GB and the memory is in Dual Channel mode which matches what the System Scanner showed us. The speed is 400MHz which again is doubled do the Double Data Rate of the RAM to DDR-800MHz also known as PC2-6400 and the CAS Latency is 5. I'll go to the SPD tab to get the voltage of the RAM which is 1.8V.

If I get another 2 sticks of memory, 512MB in capacity each, with the same specifications, I can double my system's memory capacity to 2GB. I could instead add 2, 1GB sticks of RAM that would triple it to 3GB, or I can max out the remaining two memory slots with 2, 2GB sticks of memory which will bring the system up to 5GB of memory.

I decided to add 2, 1GB sticks of memory to the system. I took the specs I got from Crucial.com's System Scanner and the CPU-z and went to a local computer store to find compatible RAM. I'll shut down Windows, disconnect the power cable from the back of the case along with all the other connections so I can get to the tower. I'll remove the case cover and lay the tower on it's side. I'll touch an unpainted part of the case to discharge any static electricity in my body. I need to add these 2 DDR2 sticks of memory to the empty memory slots in the system so I'll open the tabs on the slots. Then, one at a time, I'll match up the notches on the memory and the slot, insert the sticks into the guides on each side of the slots and press down at the same time on each side of the memory sticks until they snap into place and the tabs come up to hold them in place. If your system takes DDR or RAMBUS memory you follow the same procedure. It is the same as installing the DDR2 or DDR3 memory we've shown here.




I'll close up the system, reconnect all of the cables to the back of the case and power the computer on. The BIOS information screen is showing the full 3GB of memory in the system. I'll verify this in Windows by going to the Start orb, right clicking on Computer or My Computer in Windows XP and then clicking properties. Remember to make sure the page file is System managed by going to the start orb, right click on Computer, Properties, Advanced System Properties, Settings, Advanced tab and Change. Make sure System managed size is selected and in Windows Vista or 7 that Automatically manage paging file size for all drives is checked and OK out of the dialogs. Let Windows restart if it asks to.


Upgrading a Laptop Computer's Memory

The process for gathering information about the memory in a laptop is the same as with a desktop. I've already run the Crucial.com System Scanner and CPU-z. The memory type is DDR2 and it is running in Dual Channel mode. This laptop currently has PC2-3200 also known as DDR2-400. It has 2 memory slots, both are occupied by 256MB sticks of RAM for a total of 512MB and the maximum capacity per slot is 1GB making the overall maximum capacity 2GB. The CAS Latency is 3 and the voltage is 1.8V.




I've purchased 2, 1GB sticks of RAM with matching features and specs. To upgrade the memory on a laptop computer you first need to shut down the computer. Disconnect the power adapter and turn the laptop over. Next you need to remove the battery. On most laptops there is a locking slider you need to move to the unlocked position and a separate slider to disengage the battery. Then slide the battery out and set it to the side.

On most laptops there will be two covers that are meant to be easily removed. One for the hard drive and the other for the RAM. These are held in place by philips screws. You need a small philips head screw driver to remove the screws. A small flat head screw driver will also work. The screws are very small and easy to loose so keep track of them and put them all in one place. Once they are all out, find a indention around the cover and use your screw driver or finger nail to lift up and remove the cover.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

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• ram
• upgrade
• memory
• how
• to
• computers
• laptop
• technology

[ilandboi78]

@hpcbdvd Sounds cool we can do that, what chat client yahoo, skype, text..im open for whatever will do best.

[hpcbdvd]

@ilandboi78 BIOSs are different from computer to computer. It would have to be done over a chat session or phone call where we get into the BIOS, you tell me what you see and I tell you where to go and what to change.

[ilandboi78]

@hpcbdvd What kind of info do you need from the Bios so you can instruct me to make changes to it?

[hpcbdvd]

@ilandboi78 It won't always show the mode. With all 4 slots full with the same size sticks it should be in dual channel mode unless dual channel has been turned off in the BIOS.

[ilandboi78]

@hpcbdvd This is the Ram I bought: Corsair CMX16GX3M4A1333C9 XMS3 Desktop Memory Kit - 16GB (4x 4GB), PC3-10666, DDR3-1333MHz, 9-9-9-24 CAS Latency, 240-pin DIMM, 1.5V, Unbuffered

[ilandboi78]

@hpcbdvd I have done this and no blue screen yet, the PC is only 2 months old - got it brand new from Best Buy. So the slots seem and should be fine, should the pc show fro cpu-z the mode its in? Mine shows nothing, with all 4x4gb sticks at 16gb.

[hpcbdvd]

@ilandboi78 Sometimes when you have RAM in every slot, the voltage going to the RAM controller needs to be increased. Since I can't locate a manual for your BIOS I can't give you directions on doing this, but it is something to consider.

[hpcbdvd]

@ilandboi78 According to the specs I found you have 4 RAM slots with a maximum of 16GB, so your 4, 4GB sticks will max out your system. I can't find a manual for your specific system. I would try using only 2 sticks of RAM and see if you still get blue screens. If you don't, take those sticks out and put in the other 2 sticks in the same slots. If you still don't get blue screen try 2 of the sticks in the other 2 slots. You can use this technique to see if the RAM or slots are bad.

[ilandboi78]

@hpcbdvd Thanks for any help with this... I am getting the blue screen with the restart. My pc is a Gateway SX 2370-UB30p. It came with 2x2Gb sticks to make 4GB from OEM.

[hpcbdvd]

@ilandboi78 Without knowing your computer's model number or motherboard model number it is difficult to say. Are you getting blue screens with a restart, just restarts, freezes?