How to install RAM sticks correctly. How to install additional RAM? For this purpose, we will install an additional RAM stick; this is a small board, like in the picture, which will add the desired memory to us. Choice mo
If you have successfully selected and purchased the module you need random access memory, let's install it correctly on our computer. All parts inside system unit, do not require significant physical effort for their treatment, so relax a little. Before starting work, it would be a good idea to read the manual included with your motherboard, it must have its own instructions for installing RAM.
- Note: If you have a laptop, then read the article -.
First of all, we remove static electricity from ourselves by touching the unpainted parts of your system unit with our hands.
We perform all actions with the computer turned off. Disconnect the power cord from electrical outlet. We remove the side cover of the system unit and find the slots for RAM on the motherboard. Usually there are from two to four. Each RAM slot has special latches on the edges on both sides; they must be carefully pressed to the sides.
Now look carefully at any slot for installing RAM, it has a special protrusion.
Now take out the RAM module and you will see a special slot or recess on it.
So, we pressed the two latches of the RAM slot to the sides, and carefully insert our RAM module into the slot.
If you bought the RAM module correctly, then when installing the module into the slot intended for it on the motherboard, this cutout should definitely fit into the protrusion. If the cutout and protrusion do not match, then the RAM module is not designed to work on this motherboard.
The module should fall into the guides without any distortions, now the most crucial moment, lightly and carefully press the module from above on both sides with your thumbs, it should fall into place, and the latches should click into place.
If the latches do not click into place, look carefully to see if the module is fully seated in the slot; if it is fully seated, then fix the latch yourself. I think everything is clearly visible in the screenshots.
Let me remind you that if you have two RAM modules with the same capacity and identical characteristics, and the motherboard supports dual-channel RAM mode, insert the modules into the same colored slots.
We put the cover of the system unit back, connect all the cables and turn on the computer.
How to remove RAM
If you need to remove RAM from the slot, it is very simple to do so, just unlatch the latches and remove the RAM module.
For some reason among the majority computer users There is an opinion that diving into the depths of your pet with a screwdriver in your hands is the lot of exclusively unfriendly bearded men in frayed sweaters, and there is nothing for a mere mortal to do there. Today we will try to at least partially debunk this myth.
Computer RAM modules are components of a modern desktop computer that are both important and vulnerable. They are very sensitive to overheating and voltage surges. Dust that accidentally gets into a memory slot can cause or even make its further operation impossible. As a result, the user (including the most ordinary person who does not have special knowledge and skills) may well be faced with the need for such a thing as replacing RAM.
Installing RAM on the motherboard may also be necessary if the user wanted to give himself and the computer a gift and a little. Still, the rule that there is never too much memory has not become obsolete since the advent of computers.
In both described cases, they often resort to the help of acquaintances whose knowledge in the computer field is above average. Sometimes, if you don’t mind spending money, they call some familiar acquaintances who, for a fee, will help carry out all the necessary manipulations. And then they are surprised that they demand money from them for 5 minutes of work.
Well, we - frugal users, so let’s try to figure out for ourselves such an issue as installing RAM.
Stage one - you need to decide which one you need. There are several ways to do this. The first (if the computer is still working) is to use special utilities that allow you to determine, without opening the case. To determine the type of memory, absolutely free utility CPU‑Z, which will give you a lot of useful information about the processor and motherboard. What is important is that this utility is absolutely free.
If installing RAM is necessary due to the untimely “death” of old modules, you can use the documentation for the motherboard that came with the computer. If you cannot find the documentation, you will have to open the case and remove the modules yourself. To do this, you just need to gently press on the two clamps that hold each memory module at the ends. The memory stick will come out of the slot on its own. After this, you can either read the exact characteristics (frequency, capacity and type of memory) on the sticker, which is located on the bar itself, or take it to the store and show it to the seller - he is no stranger to this.
Well, you bought what you wanted, and now the most important step is installing RAM in the computer. We open the case and find the RAM slots. As a rule, they are on the motherboard to the right of the processor, much less often - on top.
In most modern computers, it is better to install memory modules in pairs, and the modules must be from the same manufacturer and based on the same chips. That is, it is better to immediately purchase a pair of planks. In this case, you will achieve memory performance that will slightly increase its performance. Much less common are computers with three- and four-channel RAM, but this is still rare. Slots into which memory must be installed at the same time are usually marked with a certain color. Therefore, if you are replacing memory, you must remove two modules from slots of the same color. If you add, insert new modules into the same slots.
Carefully insert the memory module into the empty slot. After making sure that the cutouts on the module coincide with the protrusions in the connector itself, carefully press on the bar. It should fit into the slot without excessive effort, and the latches on the sides should automatically snap into place and securely fix the memory module in the slot. If this does not happen, do not try to latch them yourself. Better remove the bar and try again.
Yes, it goes without saying that both the installation of RAM and its removal should take place on a computer completely disconnected from the power supply.
When the modules are installed, put on the case cover, connect the power and turn on the computer. If you did everything correctly, at the stage BIOS boot You will be able to enjoy the RAM counter, which will show the new amount of RAM.
Two 4 GB sticks in most cases work faster than one 8 GB stick - this is just an example.
If you have successfully selected and purchased the RAM module you need, let's install it correctly in our computer. All parts located inside the system unit do not require significant physical effort to handle, so relax a little. Before work, it would be a good idea to read the manual that came with your motherboard; it must have its own instructions for installing RAM.
- Note: If you have a laptop, then read the article -.
First of all, we remove static electricity from ourselves by touching the unpainted parts of your system unit with our hands.
We perform all actions with the computer turned off. Unplug the power cord from the electrical outlet. We remove the side cover of the system unit and find the slots for RAM on the motherboard. Usually there are from two to four. Each RAM slot has special latches on the edges on both sides; they must be carefully pressed to the sides.
Note: Some motherboards are designed in such a way that install RAM the video card will interfere with you, then remove it.
Now look carefully at any slot for installing RAM, it has a special protrusion.
Now take out the RAM module and you will see a special slot or recess on it.
So, we pressed the two latches of the RAM slot to the sides, and carefully insert our RAM module into the slot.
If you bought the RAM module correctly, then when installing the module into the slot intended for it on the motherboard, this cutout should definitely fit into the protrusion. If the cutout and protrusion do not match, then the RAM module is not designed to work on this motherboard.
The module should fall into the guides without any distortions, now the most crucial moment, lightly and carefully press the module from above on both sides with your thumbs, it should fall into place, and the latches should click into place.
If the latches do not click into place, look carefully to see if the module is fully seated in the slot; if it is fully seated, then fix the latch yourself. I think everything is clearly visible in the screenshots.
Let me remind you that if you have two RAM modules with the same capacity and identical characteristics, and the motherboard supports dual-channel RAM mode, insert the modules into the same colored slots.
We put the cover of the system unit back, connect all the cables and turn on the computer.
How to remove RAM
If you need to remove RAM from the slot, it is very simple to do so, just unlatch the latches and remove the RAM module.
Instructions
Determine how much memory is already installed. Go to the Start menu and select Settings, then Control Panel and System. Select the General tab. The amount of memory installed on your computer will be shown at the bottom of the page.
Determine what type and amount of memory you need to purchase. Consult your user manual to find out the maximum amount of memory your computer can handle. The guide will also help you choose required type and memory speed. Buy an operational one memory online or at your local computer store.
Open the case computer. Refer to the instruction manual if necessary. Remove any metal rings, watches or bracelets. Turn off your computer, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and then touch the metal chassis to eliminate any static electricity. An antistatic wrist strap can also be used for this purpose.
Locate the memory slots on the motherboard computer. If necessary, refer to the instruction manual. If there are no free slots, you will have to remove one or more of the installed cards memory to be able to add a new one memory.
Install a new one memory. To do this, open the holders in the free slot and carefully insert the memory card into it. Make sure the memory card module is securely inserted into the slot and secure the holders.
Test the installed memory. Close the case and turn on the computer. If the computer starts beeping, it means memory installed incorrectly. Then repeat step 5 to make sure that memory securely inserted into the slot. If the installation was successful, check that the system has detected the new amount of memory (step 1).
Increasing random access memory (RAM) significantly improves computer performance. Moreover, it does not require knowledge of the hardware; you just need to carefully install the module into the motherboard slot.
You will need
- - memory module;
- - screwdriver.
Instructions
Purchase a suitable RAM module. Modern computers use DDR, DDRII and DDRIII sticks, which differ in connectors and operating speed. You can find out what type of memory is used in your PC in the passport that was issued upon purchase.
Users often find themselves faced with the need to increase the amount of RAM when they start working with more demanding software. “RAM” is responsible for temporary storage of data necessary to perform current processor operations. Read more about how to increase RAM in our material.
The amount of RAM determines how easily and quickly the PC copes with work, performing several tasks at the same time.
The procedure for increasing the amount of RAM may involve purchasing additional memory cards or replacing the already installed memory with a larger module. In this case, it is necessary to take into account such characteristics of RAM as type, clock frequency, and, of course, volume.
If you decide to install an additional RAM stick in your PC, it must be of the same type as the one already installed in the device. In addition, you need to find out the maximum amount of RAM that the motherboard and processor supports.
The characteristics of the RAM installed in the PC can be found using special utilities, for example, Speccy or Everest. Or you can remove the cover of your PC case and visual inspection. If only the name of the module is indicated on the RAM stick, then by searching on the Internet you can find all the characteristics you need.
RAM type
Memory differs in speed: newer types of modules can transfer more bits of information at each clock cycle of the memory bus. Also different strips memories differ visually.
Modern PCs use DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4 RAM boards. SDRAM and DDR types are older. And when upgrading your PC, it makes sense not to buy more additional bar of the same type, but should be replaced with a module of more new technology. In terms of money, it will not be much more expensive, but in terms of performance, the advantage will be noticeable.
DDR3 is different from DDR2, for example, reduced energy consumption. There is also a variety of DDR3L modules - with even lower power consumption.
Read the motherboard specifications carefully before purchasing new module RAM, since memory of different types cannot be inserted into the same slot on the motherboard due to different cutout locations on the strips. Thus, SDRAM memory (unlike DDR modules) has two cutouts on the bottom edge of the board and 144 contacts. The DDR module has 184 pins, DDR2 and DDR3 have 240, DDR4 has 288 pins, but the key is shifted from the center to the left edge of the bar.
Frequency and timing
Frequency. This parameter determines the amount of data that can be transferred per certain time, that is, the speed of RAM. The frequency of the RAM must match that supported by the computer's motherboard.
Another important parameter, which characterizes the speed of RAM, is timing. The delay in processing the operation inside the RAM depends on its value. In the name of the RAM module, it can be written as a sequence of four numbers, for example, 9-9-9-24, or CL and a numerical value - the first digit of a 4-digit sequence, that is, CL9 for the example above. Minimum value timing is good for gaming PCs and computers for video editing. For PCs designed for simple everyday tasks, timing has little effect on performance.
RAM slots
Before purchasing an additional RAM board, you need to find out if there is somewhere to put it. And this depends on the number of free slots in your computer.
If your motherboard supports dual-channel RAM, you can use this to improve performance. To do this, you need to purchase not one larger board, but two modules with identical characteristics. Manufacturers often offer such sets (Kits). For example, not one 8 GB module, but two 4 GB modules operating in dual-channel mode. For users who increase memory to play games or use heavy programs, this is important. If the PC is used to work with office software, a browser and to watch movies, then you can safely buy one stick of RAM.
Also today there are motherboards and RAM kits (Kits) that support three-channel operating mode.
What else to consider
When choosing RAM, you also need to take into account the operating system on which you will work, since the minimum amount of required RAM depends on it. Windows 7 and 8 32-bit requires at least 1 GB of RAM, Windows 7 and 8 64-bit requires at least 2 GB (GB), and Windows XP requires at least 64 MB of RAM.
What else should you pay attention to when choosing RAM? To the manufacturer. It is better to choose boards from trusted manufacturers, for example, Corsair, Kingston, Hynix, Transcend, OCZ.
Installation
After you have opened the case of the switched off PC and removed the static charge from your hands, you can begin installing an additional or new RAM module/modules.
1. If you bought a set of two boards to operate in dual-channel mode, check the specifications of the motherboard in which slots they need to be installed.
2. If you are completely replacing the RAM, then remove the memory: open the slot latches on both sides of the module, carefully holding the module by the side edges, and remove it from the slot.
3. Insert the new module into the desired slot, aligning the cutout on the memory board with the protrusion of the connector. Lightly press the module until the clips secure it into place.
4. Repeat the last operation with the remaining memory modules, if any.
5. Close the PC case.
If your computer works slowly, freezes when working with programs and playing games, then one of the optimal ways To increase its performance at the hardware level is to install additional RAM on the computer. In this article we will look at step by step the process of adding or replacing RAM.
Selecting the desired type of RAM
Before you go to the store to buy a new memory module, you need to find out what type of RAM your motherboard supports. The following types of RAM are available: DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3 L and new type DDR4. They They vary in size, so if you buy the wrong type, it simply won't fit into the connector. There is also a division into DIMM form factors (for desktop computers) and SODIMM (for laptops).
To find out the type, you need to carefully read the instructions for the motherboard. If you already have memory modules installed, take one of them and look for the settings sticker. It indicates DDR type. In the majority modern computers DDR2 and DDR3 memory is installed.
Counting the number of RAM slots on the motherboard
The number of slots for memory modules on the motherboard can be 2,4,6,8, and on the server system board and even more. Most motherboards have 2-4 connectors. You should pay attention to the maximum amount of memory that your motherboard supports.
Choosing a manufacturer
Many companies are developing RAM. The results of their work differ in both price and quality. We do not recommend purchasing memory from little-known manufacturers.
IN last years The following manufacturers are popular:
We purchase RAM
When going shopping at a specialized computer store, you need to know exactly what RAM you need and whether it will be compatible with the motherboard.
Preparing to install RAM
Step 1. Turn off the computer's power. Disconnect all cables and cords connected to the back of the case.
(Monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.)
Step 2. Remove the side cover from the housing. Place the computer case in such a way that it is convenient to work with it. It will be most convenient if you lay it on its side. Gain access to the motherboard by carefully moving away the nearby wires.
Step 3. Next, you should get rid of static charges. They can damage installed components on the motherboard. To do this, simply touch the case or battery with your hand. For some, this advice may seem ridiculous, someone will say that nothing will happen and nothing will be damaged, but as they say, “God protects the best,” so it’s better to play it safe and listen to the advice.
Step 4. Locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. IN modern boards Manufacturers make 2 or 4 connectors. These are identical in size and parallel to each other. You can see what they look like in the photo below.
Step 5. If you change old memory to a new one, then you need to remove the old module. Gently press the two white outer latches. The module will come free and can be easily removed.
Step 6. Take a new memory stick, being careful not to touch the microcircuits and contacts located on it.
Operation speed 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 operating memory modes. It is in these modes that the operating speed RAM memory will be the most effective. 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 slowest speed installed memory.
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 performance - this will give you maximum computer performance!
The type of RAM, which also applies to its capacity, depends on the connectors available on the motherboard. Usually located in close proximity to the socket. Quantity seats This type can be different - from two on simple motherboards to six, and sometimes more, on powerful motherboards.
Visually slots intended for installing RAM are a set of contacts. Along the edges there are latches designed to secure the RAM strips. There is also a special protrusion that ensures correct installation of RAM.
The memory itself is a board small size with microcircuits placed on it. There are also contacts and a cutout that, when installing memory, must be aligned with the protrusion on the slot.
Types of RAM slots
The slot type determines the availability of RAM for installation. Mostly on motherboards you can find slots for the following types of RAM:
- DDR4;
- DDR3;
- DDR2;
- SDRAM DIMM.
Also, the type of memory in question can be designated as PC, PC2, PC3 and PC4, which corresponds to the list provided above.
Important! Memory different types are incompatible with each other, for example, you cannot install a DDR2 stick in a slot intended for DDR3.
At the same time, some motherboards are equipped with slots for different types of memory. True, simultaneous installation of different types of memory in such “motherboards” is impossible, so you have to choose one thing.
RAM characteristics
- Operating frequency (MHz).
- Bandwidth (MB/s).
The second parameter determines the performance of memory modules. For example, the designation DDR3-1600 indicates that this memory is of the DDR3 type, and its operating frequency is 1600 MHz. Wherein throughput This level is determined by the parameter 12800 MB/s. It is calculated by multiplying the operating frequency, in our case it is 1600 MHz, by the number 8 (bit).
Multi-channel RAM architecture
RAM is designed in such a way that maximum performance memory is provided in cases where several sticks of RAM are installed on the computer. It is customary to distinguish two operating modes:
- Dual-channel – the number of slots on the motherboard is a multiple of 2.
- Three-channel – the number of slots installed on the motherboard is a multiple of 3.
The memory operating mode can be determined depending on the number of RAM slots. If there are 2 or 4 slots, then this is exclusively a two-channel mode, and if there are 6 of them, then the mode can be both two-channel and three-channel. This will depend on the processor and the number of memory sticks installed.
Info! Two 4 GB sticks in most cases work faster than one 8 GB stick - this is just an example.