How to add a RAM stick. Installing memory modules
Computer RAM is designed to temporarily store data that needs to be processed. central processor. RAM modules are small boards with chips and a set of contacts soldered onto them and are installed in the corresponding slots on the motherboard. We'll talk about how to do this in today's article.
At self-installation or replacing RAM, you need to focus your attention on several nuances. This is the type or standard of the strips, the multi-channel operating mode, and directly during installation - the types of locks and the location of the keys. Next, we will analyze all the working aspects in more detail and show the process itself in practice.
Standards
Before installing the strips, you need to make sure that they match the standard of the available connectors. If the motherboard has DDR4 connectors, then the modules must be of the same type. You can find out what memory your motherboard supports by visiting the manufacturer's website or reading the included instructions.
Multi-channel mode
By multi-channel mode we mean an increase in memory bandwidth due to the parallel operation of several modules. In consumer computers, two channels are most often included, on server platforms or “enthusiast” motherboards have four-channel controllers, and newer processors and chips can already work with six channels. As you might guess, throughput increases in proportion to the number of channels.
In most cases, we use conventional desktop platforms that can work in dual-channel mode. In order to enable it, you need to install an even number of modules with the same frequency and volume. True, in some cases, unsuited bars are launched in a “two-channel”, but this rarely happens.
If there are only two slots for RAM on the motherboard, then there is no need to invent or figure out anything here. We simply install two strips, filling all available slots. If there are more places, for example four, then the modules should be installed according to a certain pattern. Usually channels are marked with different colored connectors, which helps the user make the right choice.
For example, you have two sticks, and the motherboard has four slots - two black and two blue. In order to use dual-channel mode, you need to install them in slots of the same color.
Some manufacturers do not separate slots by color. In this case, you will have to refer to the user manual. Usually it says that the connectors must be alternated, that is, insert modules into the first and third or into the second and fourth.
Armed with the information above and the required number of strips, you can begin installation.
Installation of modules
After installing the memory, the computer can be assembled, turned on and used.
Installation in a laptop
Before replacing the memory in a laptop, it must be disassembled. How to do this, read the article available at the link below.
Laptops use SODIMM type brackets, which differ from desktop ones in size. You can read about the possibility of using dual-channel mode in the instructions or on the manufacturer’s website.
Examination
In order to make sure that we did everything correctly, you can use special software such as. You need to launch the program and go to the tab "Memory" or in English version, "Memory". Here we will see in what mode the strips operate (Dual - two-channel), the total volume of installed random access memory and its frequency.
On the tab "SPD" You can get information about each module separately.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is nothing complicated about installing RAM in a computer. It is only important to pay attention to the type of modules, keys and which slots they need to be included in.
Random access memory (RAM) or random access memory is a component personal computer or a laptop that stores information (machine code, program) needed for immediate execution. Due to the small amount of this memory, the computer’s performance may drop significantly; in this case, users have a reasonable question - how to increase RAM on a computer with Windows 7, 8 or 10.
RAM can be added in two ways: installing an additional stick or using a Flash drive. It’s worth saying right away that the second option does not have such a significant effect on improving the performance of the computer, since the transfer speed USB port not big enough, but still it's simple and good way increasing the amount of RAM.
Method 1: Installing new RAM modules
First, let's look at installing RAM sticks in a computer, since this method is the most effective and frequently used.
Determining the type of RAM
First you need to decide on the type of RAM you have, since their different versions are incompatible with each other. Currently there are only four types:
- DDR2;
- DDR3;
- DDR4.
The first one is practically no longer used, as it is considered outdated, so if you bought a computer relatively recently, then you may have DDR2, but most likely DDR3 or DDR4. You can find out for sure in three ways: by the form factor, by reading the specification, or by using a special program.
Each type of RAM has its own design feature. This is necessary so that it is impossible to use, for example, DDR2 type RAM in computers with DDR3. This fact will help us determine the type. The picture below schematically shows four types of RAM, but it’s worth saying right away that this method is only applicable to personal computers; in laptops, the chips have a different design.
As you can see, there is a gap at the bottom of the board, and it is in a different place in each one. The table shows the distance from the left edge to the gap.
| RAM type | Distance to gap, cm |
|---|---|
| DDR | 7,25 |
| DDR2 | 7 |
| DDR3 | 5,5 |
| DDR4 | 7,1 |
If you don’t have a ruler at hand or you definitely can’t tell the difference between DDR, DDR2 and DDR4, since the difference between them is small, it will be much easier to recognize the type by looking at the specification sticker, which is located on the RAM chip itself. There are two options: it will indicate the device type itself or the peak throughput value. In the first case, everything is simple. The image below shows an example of such a specification.
If you do not find such a designation on your sticker, then pay attention to the throughput value. It also comes in four different types:
As you might guess, they are fully DDR compliant. So, if you see the inscription PC3, this means that your RAM type is DDR3, and if PC2, then DDR2. An example is shown in the image below.
Both of these methods involve disassembling the system unit or laptop and, in some cases, removing the RAM from the slots. If you don’t want to do this or are afraid, you can find out the type of RAM using the program. By the way, this method is recommended for laptop users, since its analysis is much more difficult than a personal computer. So, download the application on your computer and follow these steps:
After this, the type of RAM you have will be indicated in the field to the right of the drop-down list. By the way, it is the same for each slot, so it doesn’t matter which one you choose.
Choosing RAM
If you decide to replace your RAM completely, then you need to understand its choice, since there are currently great amount manufacturers who offer a variety of RAM versions. They all differ in many respects: frequency, time between operations, multichannel, availability additional elements and so on. Now let's talk about everything separately
With RAM frequency, everything is simple - the more, the better. But there are also nuances. The point is that the maximum mark will not be reached if the motherboard has less bandwidth than the RAM. Therefore, before purchasing RAM, pay attention to this indicator. The same applies to memory sticks with frequencies above 2400 MHz. This great importance is achieved through eXtreme Memory Profile technology, but if the motherboard does not support it, then the RAM will not produce the specified value. By the way, the time between operations is directly proportional to the frequency, so when choosing, focus on one thing.
Multichannel is the parameter that is responsible for the possibility simultaneous connection several memory sticks. This will not only increase the total amount of RAM, but will also speed up data processing, since the information will go to two devices at once. But there are several nuances to consider:
A heat exchanger can only be found in memory last generations, having a high frequency, in other cases it is only a decorative element, so be careful when purchasing if you do not want to overpay.
If you do not completely replace the RAM, but only want to expand it by inserting it into the free slots additional strips, then it is highly advisable to buy RAM of the same model that you have installed.
Installing RAM into slots
Once you have decided on the type of RAM and purchased it, you can proceed directly to installation. Owners of a personal computer need to do the following:
After this, the installation of RAM can be considered complete. By the way, you can find out its quantity in operating system, on our website there is an article devoted to this topic.
If you have a laptop, then you cannot offer universal method installation of RAM, since different models are quite different from each other design features. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that some models do not support expandable RAM. In general, it is highly undesirable to disassemble a laptop yourself without any experience; it is better to entrust this task to a qualified specialist at a service center.
Method 2: ReadyBoost
ReadyBoost is a special technology that allows you to convert a Flash drive into RAM. This process is quite simple to implement, but it is worth considering that the bandwidth of a flash drive is an order of magnitude lower than RAM, so do not count on a significant improvement in the performance of your computer.
It is recommended to use a flash drive only as a last resort, when you need to increase the memory capacity for a short time. The fact is that any flash drive has a limit on the number of records it can perform, and if the limit is reached, it will simply fail.
Conclusion
As a result, we have two ways to increase the computer's RAM. Of course, it is better to purchase additional memory sticks, as this guarantees a huge increase in performance, but if you want to temporarily increase this parameter, you can use ReadyBoost technology.
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Daily use of a personal computer forces users to think about how to make it work better, faster, more productive. This is especially true for those who require, for example gamers, or graphic designers, and so on.
You can improve your computer's performance by adding RAM. This can be done different ways. Let's take a closer look at them. I already wrote an article about how to add power and performance to it. Eat interesting article and about that. But let's return to our topic.
How to add RAM to your computer yourself
RAM (an abbreviation for Random Access Memory) is a storage unit that contains temporary data about all open programs, applications, games.
It was created in the form of a microcircuit attached to the . RAM stores data when the device is turned on. When the power is turned off, the information will be deleted.
Modern technologies allow users to perform several tasks at once while working on a computer. This is why it is important to know how to add RAM to your computer.
Additional modules
Not every computer can add RAM. Therefore, it is important to know what properties your PC has.
Go to your computer's properties to find out what RAM it has. It’s not difficult to do: click right click mouse over the computer icon and select “properties” in the drop-down window. Here you can see what operating system installed.
Find out what motherboard your device has. You can view the information in technical documentation your device. This will allow you to understand how much RAM can be increased. You can find information about any motherboard model on the Internet.
Before installing additional modules, turn off the computer and open the side cover of the system unit. Installing an additional module is easy due to the fact that the slots have convenient clamps. With their help, you can easily remove the old module and install a new one.
Don't collect system unit immediately after installing the modules. First, make sure you did everything correctly. To do this, open the computer properties and see if additional RAM appears. If not, reinstall.
Additional features
If for some reason you cannot use the method described above, increase your RAM in other ways.
Ready Boost
This option allows you to add RAM to your computer using. This happens due to the fact that the flash drive stores information on running programs.
Install the flash drive into the device by right-clicking on it and selecting format.
After you have formatted the flash drive, click “properties” again.
Select Refdy Boost, check the box - use this device and set right size memory slider. You can set it to maximum.
You should not buy flash drives with a very large amount of memory - this will not bring results.
Reserves
You can add RAM thanks to your computer's reserves. Practiced this method on old computers.
Open system settings computer and run " Extra options" To configure settings, use the “Performance” item.
Bottom line
As you can see, adding RAM to your computer is not difficult. Study the technical data sheet of your computer and start making improvements.
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Must be manufactured in a case that already houses the motherboard and processor attached. Something like this:
In the photo above we see that the RAM has already been installed. We also see the installed motherboard and power supply (indicated by an arrow).
In general, it must be said that if you buy a computer case, then, often, it comes already complete with a power supply and does not need to be installed. But in any case, the procedure for installing the power supply into the case is not complicated: you place it in the designated place (usually at the top of the system unit)
and securely fix it with four bolts on the rear wall.
But we won’t connect the power for now, but will install RAM. In the figure below we see how this is done correctly. You need to snap the plastic clips on the connector to the sides, carefully insert the RAM module into the groove that runs through the entire connector and gently but firmly press it downwards perpendicularly until it clicks and fits tightly into the slot. In this case, the plastic clips on the sides will snap into place on their own; if not, look carefully to see if the memory stick is seated as needed and snap them in place yourself.
In the figure, the power connector for the “CPU_FAN” fan is also circled.
Attention! You may damage your computer! Installing RAM is a responsible matter. Therefore, before installing it, it is very important to make sure that you are installing a memory module in the slot that is suitable for its physical characteristics. For example, the DDR2 connector is installed only memory standard DDR2, in DDR3 connectors - only DDR3 form factor memory, etc.
If, when installing RAM, you discover that there is no sticker (special sticker) on it indicating the type of memory, you can navigate purely visually using the “key”. A key is a special “cut” that divides the lower part of the RAM into several parts. Accordingly, each memory slot has a protrusion in the same place. The “key” serves as a kind of protection against attempts to install RAM in a slot that is not suitable for it due to its physical characteristics.
Here's what the two “keys” look like on the old SD-RAM standard:
If you do not want to open the computer, then to determine what type of RAM is installed in it, I recommend using the “CPU-Z” program. It will show what type of components your PC consists of. We analyzed the work of this wonderful utility.
So, we install all the memory chips at our disposal into the slots. On modern motherboards they are often marked different colors(two yellow slots, two red). This is a dual-channel mode for using RAM, which slightly increases its throughput.
To activate the two-channel (or three-channel) mode of RAM, we need to insert the strips in pairs: two identical modules are installed in connectors of the same color, then the other two are installed in connectors of a different color. For getting maximum effect memory chips must be really identical according to their frequency performance characteristics, timings, “CAS” and “RAS” delays. Ideally, they should be purchased from a computer company at one point in time :)
Moreover, the colors of the memory slots do not alternate, for example: yellow, red, yellow, red.
We snap all the clamps, check that all memory modules “sit” evenly in the connectors (memory chips should be on the same height line, without raised edges or “protruding” latches).
This is the simplest way to install RAM. As you can see, everything is simple :)
The speed of a personal computer directly depends on the correct selection and installation of all its components. Correct selection and installation of RAM memory modules is the most important guarantee successful work your PC.
In the previous article we looked at . In this article we will look at the issues of selecting RAM and its proper arrangement in the motherboard connectors.
Basic recommendations applicable to all types and types of memory:
– it is best to install DIMM modules with the same memory capacity;
– the modules must match the operating frequency (Mhz), if you install modules with different frequencies work, then in the end they will all work at the frequency of the slowest memory;
– for installed RAM cards, it is advisable to combine timings and memory latencies (delays);
– it is better to select modules from one manufacturer and one model.
Some enthusiasts try to buy modules from the same batch, but this, it seems to me, is already a perversion!
These tips are not strictly followed; situations vary. If memory modules differ from each other in manufacturer, volume and operating frequency, this does not mean at all that they will not work. In this case, there are no special memory layout secrets - just installing them is enough.
There are also no special features when installing already outdated types of memory such as SDRAM (there is one rule - the more, the better).
But in modern computers, motherboards support special modes of RAM operation. It is in these modes that the speed RAM operation memory will be the most efficient. Therefore, to achieve best performance you should take into account the operating modes of DIMMs and their correct installation. Let's look at the most common RAM operating modes today.
RAM operating modes
SINGLE CHANELL MODE
Single Mode (single channel or asymmetric mode) – this mode is implemented when only one memory module is installed in the system or all DIMMs differ from each other in memory capacity, operating frequency or manufacturer. It doesn’t matter in which slots or what memory to install. All memory will run at the speed of the slowest memory installed.
If there is only one module, then it can be installed in any memory slot:
Two or three different memory modules can also be installed in any configuration:
This mode is more of a necessity when you already have RAM, and the first place is to increase the amount of memory and save money, and not to achieve best performance PC. If you are just buying a computer, of course, it is better to avoid such a memory installation.
DUAL CHANELL MODE
Dual Mode (two-channel or symmetrical mode) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each DIMM channel. Modules are selected according to operating frequency. On motherboards, the DIMM sockets for each channel are different colors. Next to them is written the name of the connector, and sometimes the channel number. The purpose of the connectors and their location along the channels must be indicated in the motherboard manual. The total amount of memory is equal to the total amount of all installed modules. Each channel is served by its own memory controller. System performance increases by 5-10%.
Dual Mode can be implemented using two, three or four DIMMs.
If two identical RAM memory modules are used, they should be connected to the same connectors (the same color) from different channels. For example, install one module in the slot 0 channel A, and the second - into the connector 0 channel B:
That is, to enable the mode Dual Channel(interleaved mode) should be done the necessary conditions:
– the same configuration of DIMM modules is installed on each memory channel;
– memory is inserted into symmetrical channel connectors ( Slot 0 or Slot 1) .
Three memory modules are installed in a similar way - the total memory volumes in each channel are equal to each other (memory in the channel A equal in volume in the channel B):
And for four modules the same condition is satisfied. There are two parallel dual modes at work here:
TRIPLE CHANELL MODE
(three-channel mode) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each of the three DIMM channels. Modules are selected according to speed and volume. On motherboards that support three-channel memory mode, 6 memory connectors are usually installed (two for each channel). Sometimes there are motherboards with four connectors - two connectors make up one channel, the other two are connected to the second and third channels, respectively.
With six or three sockets, installation is as simple as with dual-channel mode. If four memory slots are installed, three of which can work in , the memory should be installed in these slots.
(flexible mode ) – allows you to increase the performance of RAM when installing two modules of different sizes, but identical in operating frequency. As in dual-channel mode, memory cards are installed in the same connectors of different channels. For example, if there are two memory sticks with a capacity of 512Mb and 1Gb, then one of them should be installed in the slot 0 channel A, and the second - into the slot 0 channel B:
In this case, the 512 MB module will work in dual mode with the 512 MB memory capacity of the second module, and the remaining 512 MB of the 1 GB module will work in single-channel mode.
That’s basically all the recommendations for combining RAM. Of course, there may be more layout options, it all depends on the amount of RAM, the motherboard model and your financial capabilities. Motherboards with support also appeared on sale four-channel mode memory work - this will give you maximum performance computer!