Computer Memory Upgrade
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Computer memory upgrades are needed when your computer operation slows down. Assuming this isn’t the action of a virus or spyware, slowing performance means you’ve outgrown the memory capacity your computer originally came with. It’s time to upgrade and add more memory.
Computer memory upgrade basics
Computer memory chips are actually small circuit boards that contain a group of memory chips available in 32-bit or 64-bit bus widths called a SIMM or Single In-Line Memory Module containing megabyte (MB) or gigabyte (GB) chips. Older machines usually have MB chips and newer ones have larger GB chips installed. To boost available memory, you’ve got to know the exact type of memory chip configuration and the number and type of pins each SIMM chip has.
Is adding computer memory hard to do?
Adding memory isn’t a problem with older PCs, if you know what you’re doing. But it isn’t that difficult even if you’ve never popped open the case of your PC. Adding memory to newer machines is a challenge, mainly because newer machines are much more compact than older models, cramming more stuff in under the hood. With older models, the SIMM chips are easily accessed. All you have to do is snap open the retaining clips, pull out a SIMM and replace it with another. With newer machines, the SIMMs may be buried under other components. Should this be the case, or if you are more than a little fearful of probing the innards of your computer, take it to a shop and have it done.
How to determine your computer memory upgrade needs
You can determine how much memory your machine has now by opening the Control Panel and selecting the “System” icon. Once you open it, you’ll see both the processor speed of your computer and how much resident memory it has. Beyond the amount of memory, check with your owner’s manual to see the type of chip your machine needs and how many chips you’ll need to install to increase memory capacity to the next level. SIMMs are installed in pairs, with each pair split into half of the total memory capacity they represent. What this means is that if you have a computer with only 128 MB of memory, you’ll need two 128 MB SIMMs to kick it up a notch to 256 MB. Same with GB chip sets. Each computer is different, so yours will have a particular SIMM designed for it that contains the exact number of pins fitting eaxctly into a slot on your computer motherboard or the engine of the computer. Each SIMM has a different number and orientation of the pins, so getting an exact match is necessary. There may be some empty slots available that you can add to by installing more SIMMs or you can replace the older SIMMs with newer ones that are more powerful.
If you don‘t have an operator‘s manual, do this
Lacking a manual, you can find this information online at your computer manufacturer's Web site, or ask salespeople at computer shops or retail outlets. They will have a chart handy. Computer memory module manufacturer’s like Kingston and Crucial also have pull-down menus that provide this information, as well as other information regarding your particular computer’s needs.
Where to buy computer memory upgrades online
Where to buy computer memory upgrades at retail outlets
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