Computer equipment is the most important helper in solving many problems, so it is not surprising that users place increased demands on it. However, it should be understood that over time, the installed devices become obsolete and computer equipment needs to be upgraded. Quite often, PC owners have an urgent need to increase the RAM, so for many it is important to know how to increase the RAM on the computer.
Many new programs require more computer power.
Increase by installing new modules
The increase in RAM can significantly improve computer performance, so users who are interested in speed, tend to find ways by which such actions will be easy to implement. One of these ways is to purchase additional memory modules and install them on a computer. In order to make a competent increase in RAM, it is useful to get acquainted in advance with information on how to add RAM to a computer, as well as perform a number of preparatory actions.
Determining the type of RAM
Computers were purchased at different times, so their equipment may vary significantly. It is strictly forbidden to acquire RAM at random, because the existing types of RAM, which include DDR 1, DDR 2, DDR 3, are incompatible with each other, and sharing them on the same computer can lead to a sad result.
In addition, the motherboard can also support only a certain type of RAM, so trying to add the wrong type of RAM, the user is able to disable the entire motherboard.
To prevent such undesirable consequences, before acquiring RAM, you should first examine the characteristics of the existing memory, as well as count the number of free slots where new modules can later be added.
Determine the number of free slots in two ways. The first is to install a special program that allows you to diagnose your computer. But the best is the second option, for which it is enough to remove the cover from the system unit, and visually determine the number of free places to install new RAM modules.
Experts recommend to fill all the slots, thereby activating the two-, three- or four-channel memory mode.
At the time of acquisition of RAM modules, it is important to pay attention to their speed, preferring the modules with the maximum speed. In this case, of course, the user will be able to significantly increase the performance of the PC.
One more important circumstance should be taken into account. Each computer has a specific operating system. If a 32-bit OS is installed, then the computer is capable of receiving and displaying only 3.2 GB of memory, so there is no hope of increasing the memory to 4 GB.
If the user has an incredible desire or urgent need to increase the RAM to 4 or more gigabytes, he should initially consider the options for installing a 64-bit operating system.
Installing acquired RAM modules
After the user purchases new modules of RAM, it is necessary to figure out how to increase the RAM on the computer directly, how to add the acquired modules technologically correctly.
Add a new module is quite simple. Each slot is equipped with special clips located on both sides. These clips should be moved to the side, after which it will be easy to add the purchased module and remove the one that has become unusable.
When the module is properly secured, the user will hear a characteristic click, indicating that the module is firmly “seated” in the set location, now it will remain to be fixed with latches, returning them to their original position.
Experienced users do not recommend immediately assembling the system unit, because installation errors are still possible, as a result of which the memory will not be recognized on the computer. For this reason, you will have to make a re-installation, observing all points of the instructions.
To determine the correctness of the installation, right-click on the “My Computer” shortcut, invoking the context menu, and then go to the “Properties” submenu. There will be indicated the total amount of RAM.
Experienced users recommend to take into account another very important detail for those who are trying to figure out how to increase RAM on a computer.
Before proceeding with the removal of the old strip of RAM and the installation of a new one, it is necessary to remove static electricity from the system unit, since all installed internal devices are very sensitive, any part can simply burn out. To remove static electricity, it is enough to de-energize the system unit, remove the plug from the outlet, put one hand on the system unit, and the other on the radiator of the heating battery. All statics that have been accumulated will be completely neutralized.
For the same reason, it is not recommended to add straps of RAM while in silk clothing.
Alternative ways to increase RAM
In those cases where it is not possible to purchase new RAM modules, and the PC owner needs to increase performance, you should familiarize yourself with alternative ways of understanding how to improve the RAM
Improved performance with a flash drive
The well-known company Microsoft, which provides the most interesting resources in the field of computer technology, has provided users with a unique design that allows for an increase in RAM using a USB flash drive. This technology is called ReadyBoost.
The principle of operation of this technology is easy to understand. A flash drive stores the created file, which quickly caches those programs that are most often in use.
This is not the only advantage of using a flash drive. USB-drive is endowed with the highest speed of processing and recording information, due to this, there is an increase in performance.
Also, the speed is ensured by the fact that the system does not need a long search for the files required for the execution on the entire hard disk space, since all the necessary files focus on external media.
Having chosen this method, which allows to increase the speed of the PC, the user must purchase a USB flash drive with the necessary parameters, otherwise all attempts will be simply unsuccessful. A flash drive must have at least 256 MB of free space, the write speed should be 1.75 Mb / s, and the read speed should be 2.5 Mb / s.
After all the important tools are available to the user, you can proceed to a process that allows you to increase the amount of cache and speed up PC performance.
After inserting the USB flash drive into the USB connector, you should wait until it is fully loaded, then click the right mouse button, invoking the context menu. Next, go to "Properties", and then to "ReadyBoost". On this tab, you should check the box, confirming the desire to use ReadyBoost technology, you should also manually set the desired cache size. It remains to click "OK", and wait for the completion of the process.
The PC user must remember that the flash drive, to which ReadyBoost technology was applied, simply cannot be removed from the computer. To remove a USB drive, you must first disable the previously running ReadyBoost technology.
Change BIOS settings
Another way to increase RAM on a computer is overclocking. Using this method, the user manages to overclock the RAM. To achieve this, the user must make changes to the BIOS settings, increasing the frequency and voltage.
With proper changes, computer performance can be increased by almost 10%. However, it is important to understand that when mistakes are made, the user runs the risk of disabling not only the RAM, but also other components. In this regard, the majority of experienced users recommend for the implementation of high-quality and competent overclocking, increase productivity, give the computer to this professional, who is familiar with the detail of the overclocking technique.
If, nevertheless, the user himself wishes to improve the computer by performing overclocking, one should initially enter the BIOS. To do this, at the time of loading the OS, you should press one of the buttons: “Delete”, “F2” or “F8”.
After successful BIOS entry, the user must go to Video Ram or Shared Memory. There on the DRAM Read Timing line you should reduce the number of cycles (timings). Experts say that the lower the timings, the better the PC performance. However, excessive lowering can lead to negative consequences.
Finally, in order for the settings to be successfully saved, you should press “F10”, after which the computer will restart and the changes will take effect.
So, wanting to add RAM to the computer, the user must have not only compelling reasons for this, but also the necessary components, as well as study the available recommendations and acquire the necessary skills. It is laudable to improve its technical capabilities, but the experimental “amateur” activity is completely categorical in the absence of the necessary knowledge.