How to install additional RAM. How to add RAM to your computer yourself

All tips

Instructions

I would immediately like to draw your attention to the fact that replacing or adding RAM carries a certain danger - working with electrical devices. Therefore, any operation to integrate devices into the housing system unit computer or should you start with complete blackout.

Before choosing RAM in a store or on the radio market, you need to find out the type and its characteristics. In the case of a laptop, it is enough to use a testing program that will show all the characteristics of this device. Laptops are designed in such a way that the technical parameters of the new memory stick should not differ greatly from the same parameters of the new memory stick.

When replacing memory sticks for a desktop computer, you should rely on specifications system board. Each generation of motherboards supports all types of memory created before the release of the motherboard itself. To determine the characteristics of the motherboard and RAM, use Everest program Ultimate Edition.

Install the utility and run it by double-clicking the left mouse button on the program shortcut. In the window that opens, go to the “Menu” section and select “Motherboard”. In the list of devices, select "Running memory" The right side of the window will display information about the installed memory. Print this information or write it to Blank sheet paper frequency of operation system bus(memory) and manufacturer's name.

In a computer store they will be able to pick you up the desired model. Majority motherboards supports dual-channel memory function, so the best option would be to purchase two smaller sticks rather than one larger stick.

Before installing RAM sticks, you must turn off the power to the computer or. It is advisable to unplug the wire from the system unit from the socket or turn off the power only to the pilot. If there is a switch on the power supply, use it - it also allows you to stop the current flow.

Open the side cover of the system unit. If necessary, use a “+” screwdriver to unscrew the mounting screws. Remove the existing memory stick and install a new one. Close the cover of the system unit, connect the power and press Power button on the system unit to turn on the computer.

Unscrew the mounting screws and remove the bottom cover. Carefully press the RAM stick with a thin object and pull it out a little to the side (the memory stick should automatically rise under the action of a spring). Replace the old operating system memory new bar.

Cover the laptop with the bottom cover and tighten the mounting screws. Insert the battery, connect the power and turn on the laptop to check the functionality of the installed memory.

After loading the operating system, call the System Properties applet: click right click on the “My Computer” icon and select “Properties”. At the bottom of the window that opens, view information about installed equipment. Compare the amount of RAM indicated in this window and the actual amount you installed. If everything matches, then the installation went without problems and everything was done correctly.

If you have successfully selected and purchased the RAM module you need, let's install it correctly in our computer. All the parts 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. 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.

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.

RAM is used to temporarily store data necessary for the operation of the operating system and all programs. There should be enough RAM; if there is not enough, the computer starts to slow down.

The board with memory chips is called a memory module (or stick). Memory for a laptop, except for the size of the slots, is no different from memory for a computer, so when choosing, follow the same recommendations.

For office computer One 4 GB DDR4 stick with a frequency of 2400 or 2666 MHz is enough (costs almost the same).
RAM Crucial CT4G4DFS824A

For multimedia computer(movies, simple games) it is better to take two 4 GB DDR4 sticks with a frequency of 2666 MHz, then the memory will work in a faster dual-channel mode.
RAM Ballistix BLS2C4G4D240FSB

For gaming computer In the middle class, you can take one 8 GB DDR4 stick with a frequency of 2666 MHz so that in the future you can add another one, and it would be better if it is a simpler running model.
RAM Crucial CT8G4DFS824A

And for a powerful gaming or professional PC, you need to immediately take a set of 2 DDR4 8 GB sticks, and a frequency of 2666 MHz will be quite sufficient.

2. How much memory is needed

For an office computer designed for working with documents and accessing the Internet, one 4 GB memory stick is sufficient.

For a multimedia computer that can be used to watch high-quality videos and undemanding games, 8 GB of memory is sufficient.

For a mid-range gaming computer, the minimum option is 8 GB of RAM.

A powerful gaming or professional computer requires 16 GB of memory.

A larger amount of memory may only be needed for very demanding professional programs And ordinary users not needed.

Memory capacity for older PCs

If you decide to increase the memory on your old computer, be aware that 32-bit versions of Windows do not support more than 3 GB of RAM. That is, if you install 4 GB of RAM, the operating system will see and use only 3 GB.

As for 64-bit versions of Windows, they will be able to use all installed memory, but if you old computer or there is old printer, then they may not have drivers for these operating systems. In this case, before purchasing memory, install 64 bit version Windows and check if everything works for you. I also recommend looking at the website of the motherboard manufacturer and seeing what volume of modules and total amount of memory it supports.

Please also note that 64-bit operating systems consume 2 times more memory, for example, Windows 7 x64 takes about 800 MB for its needs. Therefore, 2 GB of memory for such a system will not be enough, preferably at least 4 GB.

Practice shows that modern operating rooms Windows systems 7,8,10 are fully expanded with a memory capacity of 8 GB. The system becomes more responsive, programs open faster, and jerks (freezes) disappear in games.

3. Memory types

Modern memory is of the DDR SDRAM type and is constantly being improved. So DDR and DDR2 memory is already obsolete and can only be used on older computers. DDR3 memory is no longer advisable to use on new PCs; it has been replaced by the faster and more promising DDR4.

Please note that the selected memory type must be supported by the processor and motherboard.

Also, new processors, for compatibility reasons, can support DDR3L memory, which differs from regular DDR3 by a reduced voltage from 1.5 to 1.35 V. Such processors will be able to work with regular DDR memory 3 if you already have it, but processor manufacturers do not recommend this due to increased degradation of memory controllers designed for DDR4 with an even lower voltage of 1.2 V.

Memory type for older PCs

Outdated DDR2 memory costs several times more than modern memory. A 2 GB DDR2 stick costs 2 times more, and a 4 GB DDR2 stick costs 4 times more than a DDR3 or DDR4 stick of the same size.

Therefore, if you want to significantly increase the memory on an old computer, then perhaps more the best option there will be a transition to a more modern platform with a replacement of the motherboard and, if necessary, a processor that will support DDR4 memory.

Calculate how much it will cost you; perhaps a profitable solution would be to sell the old motherboard with old memory and purchase new, albeit not the most expensive, but more modern components.

The motherboard connectors for installing memory are called slots.

Each memory type (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4) has its own slot. DDR3 memory can only be installed in a motherboard with DDR3 slots, DDR4 - with DDR4 slots. Motherboards supporting old memory DDR2 is no longer produced.

5. Memory characteristics

The main characteristics of memory on which its performance depends are frequency and timings. Memory speed does not have as strong an impact on the overall performance of the computer as the processor. However, you can often get faster memory for not much more. Fast memory needed primarily for powerful professional computers.

5.1. Memory frequency

Frequency has highest value on memory speed. But before purchasing it, you need to make sure that the processor and motherboard also support the required frequency. Otherwise, the actual memory operating frequency will be lower and you will simply overpay for something that will not be used.

Inexpensive motherboards support lower maximum memory frequencies, for example for DDR4 it is 2400 MHz. Medium and high class can support memory with more high frequency(3400-3600 MHz).

But with processors the situation is different. Older processors with DDR3 memory support may support memory with a maximum frequency of 1333, 1600, or 1866 MHz (depending on the model). For modern processors that support DDR4 memory, the maximum supported memory frequency may be 2400 MHz or higher.

Intel 6th generation and higher processors and AMD Ryzen processors support DDR4 memory at 2400 MHz or higher. At the same time, in their model range there are not only powerful expensive processors, but also mid-range and budget-class processors. Thus, you can build a computer on the most modern platform with an inexpensive processor and DDR4 memory, and in the future change the processor and get the highest performance.

The main memory today is DDR4 2400 MHz, which is supported by the most modern processors, motherboards and costs the same as DDR4 2133 MHz. Therefore, purchasing DDR4 memory with a frequency of 2133 MHz today does not make sense.

You can find out what memory frequency a particular processor supports on the manufacturers’ websites:

By model number or serial number it is very easy to find all the characteristics of any processor on the website:

Or just enter the model number in the search engine Google system or Yandex (for example, “Ryzen 7 1800X”).

5.2. High Frequency Memory

Now I want to touch on another interesting point. On sale you can find RAM at a much higher frequency than can be supported by any modern processor(3000-3600 MHz and above). Accordingly, many users are wondering how this can be?

It's all about a technology developed by Intel, eXtreme Memory Profile (XMP). XMP allows memory to run at a higher frequency than the processor officially supports. XMP must be supported by both the memory itself and the motherboard. High frequency memory simply cannot exist without support for this technology, but not all motherboards can boast of its support. These are mainly more expensive models above the middle class.

The essence of XMP technology is that the motherboard automatically increases the frequency of the memory bus, due to which the memory begins to operate at its higher frequency.

AMD has similar technology called AMD Memory Profile (AMP), which was supported by older motherboards for AMD processors. These motherboards usually also supported XMP modules.

Purchasing more expensive memory with a very high frequency and a motherboard with XMP support makes sense for very powerful professional computers equipped with a top-end processor. In a middle-class computer, this will be wasted money, since everything will depend on the performance of other components.

In games, the memory frequency has a small impact and there is no point in overpaying; it will be enough to go for 2400 MHz, or 2666 MHz if the difference in price is small.

For professional applications, you can take memory with a higher frequency - 2666 MHz or, if you want and have funds, 3000 MHz. The difference in performance here is greater than in games, but not dramatic, so there is no particular point in pushing the memory frequency.

Let me remind you once again that your motherboard must support memory at the required frequency. In addition, sometimes Intel processors become unstable at memory frequencies above 3000 MHz, and for Ryzen this limit is around 2900 MHz.

Timings are the delays between read/write/copy operations of data in RAM. Accordingly, the fewer these delays, the better. But timings have a much smaller impact on memory speed than its frequency.

There are only 4 main timings that are indicated in the characteristics of memory modules.

Of these, the most important is the first number, which is called latency (CL).

Typical latency for DDR3 1333 MHz memory is CL 9, for higher frequency DDR3 memory is CL 11.

Typical latency for DDR4 2133 MHz memory is CL 15, for DDR4 memory with higher frequencies is CL 16.

You should not purchase memory with a latency higher than specified, as this indicates an overall low level of its technical characteristics.

Typically, memory with lower timings is more expensive, but if the price difference is not significant, then memory with lower latency should be preferred.

5.4. Supply voltage

Memory may have different supply voltages. It can be either standard (generally accepted for a certain type of memory), or increased (for enthusiasts) or, conversely, decreased.

This is especially important if you want to add memory to your computer or laptop. In this case, the voltage of the new strips should be the same as the existing ones. Otherwise, problems are possible, since most motherboards cannot set different voltages for different modules.

If the voltage is set to a level with a lower voltage, then others may not have enough power and the system will not work stably. If the voltage is set to a level with a higher voltage, then the memory designed for a lower voltage may fail.

If you are collecting new computer, then this is not so important, but to avoid possible problems compatibility with motherboard and replacing or expanding memory in the future, it is better to choose sticks with a standard supply voltage.

The memory, depending on the type, has the following standard supply voltages:

DDR - 2.5 V
DDR2 - 1.8 V
DDR3 - 1.5 V
DDR3L - 1.35 V
DDR4 - 1.2 V

I think you noticed that there is DDR3L memory in the list. Is not new type memory, but regular DDR3, but with a reduced supply voltage (Low). This is the kind of memory needed for Intel processors 6th generation and above, which support both DDR4 and DDR3 memory. But in this case, it is better to build the system on new DDR4 memory.

6. Marking of memory modules

Memory modules are marked depending on the type of memory and its frequency. The marking of DDR memory modules begins with PC, followed by a number indicating the generation and speed in megabytes per second (MB/s).

Such markings are inconvenient to navigate; it is enough to know the type of memory (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4), its frequency and latency. But sometimes, for example on ad sites, you can see markings copied from the strip. Therefore, so that you can get your bearings in this case, I will give the markings in classic form, indicating the memory type, its frequency and typical latency.

DDR - obsolete

PC-2100 (DDR 266 MHz) - CL 2.5
PC-2700 (DDR 333 MHz) - CL 2.5
PC-3200 (DDR 400 MHz) - CL 2.5

DDR2 - obsolete

PC2-4200 (DDR2 533 MHz) - CL 5
PC2-5300 (DDR2 667 MHz) - CL 5
PC2-6400 (DDR2 800 MHz) - CL 5
PC2-8500 (DDR2 1066 MHz) - CL 5

DDR3 - obsolete

PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333 MHz) - CL 9
PC3-12800 (DDR3 1600 MHz) - CL 11
PC3-14400 (DDR3 1866 MHz) - CL 11
PC3-16000 (DDR3 2000 MHz) - CL 11

PC4-17000 (DDR4 2133 MHz) - CL 15
PC4-19200 (DDR4 2400 MHz) - CL 16
PC4-21300 (DDR4 2666 MHz) - CL 16
PC4-24000 (DDR4 3000 MHz) - CL 16
PC4-25600 (DDR4 3200 MHz) - CL 16

DDR3 and DDR4 memory may have a higher frequency, but only top processors and more expensive motherboards can work with it.

7. Design of memory modules

Memory sticks can be single-sided, double-sided, with or without radiators.

7.1. Chip placement

Chips on memory modules can be placed on one side of the board (single-sided) or on both sides (double-sided).

This doesn't matter if you are purchasing memory for a new computer. If you want to add memory to an old PC, then it is advisable that the arrangement of chips on the new stick be the same as on the old one. This will help avoid compatibility issues and increase the likelihood of memory operating in dual-channel mode, which we will talk about later in this article.

Nowadays you can find many memory modules with aluminum radiators various colors and shapes.

The presence of heatsinks can be justified on DDR3 memory with a high frequency (1866 MHz or more), since it heats up more. At the same time, ventilation must be well organized in the housing.

Modern DDR4 RAM with a frequency of 2400, 2666 MHz practically does not heat up and the radiators on it will be purely decorative. They can even get in the way, because after a while they become clogged with dust, which is difficult to clean out of them. In addition, such memory will cost slightly more. So, if you want, you can save on this, for example, by taking excellent memory Crucial at 2400 MHz without heatsinks.

Memory with a frequency of 3000 MHz or more also has an increased supply voltage, but it also does not heat up very much and in any case there will be heatsinks on it.

8. Memory for laptops

Memory for laptops is different from memory for desktop computers only by the size of the memory module and is marked SO-DIMM DDR. Just like for desktop computers, memory for laptops has DDR types, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4.

In terms of frequency, timings and supply voltage, memory for laptops does not differ from memory for computers. But laptops only come with 1 or 2 memory slots and have stricter maximum capacity limits. Be sure to check these parameters before choosing memory for specific model laptop.

9. Memory operating modes

The memory can operate in Single Channel, Dual Channel, Triple Channel or Quad Channel mode.

In single-channel mode, data is written sequentially to each module. In multi-channel modes, data is written in parallel to all modules, which leads to a significant increase in the speed of the memory subsystem.

Single-channel memory mode is limited only to hopelessly outdated motherboards with DDR memory and the first models with DDR2.

All modern motherboards support dual-channel memory mode, while three-channel and quad-channel modes are supported only by a few models of very expensive motherboards.

The main condition for dual-channel mode operation is the presence of 2 or 4 memory sticks. Three-channel mode requires 3 or 6 memory sticks, and four-channel mode requires 4 or 8 memory sticks.

It is desirable that all memory modules are the same. Otherwise, dual-channel operation is not guaranteed.

If you want to add memory to an old computer and your motherboard supports dual-channel mode, try to choose a stick that is as identical in all respects as possible. It is best to sell the old one and buy 2 new identical strips.

In modern computers, memory controllers have been moved from the motherboard to the processor. Now it is not so important that the memory modules are the same, since the processor will still be able to activate dual-channel mode in most cases. This means that if you want to add more memory in the future modern computer, then you won’t have to look for exactly the same module; it’s enough to choose the one with the most similar characteristics. But I still recommend that the memory modules be the same. This will give you a guarantee of its fast and stable operation.

With the transfer of memory controllers to the processor, 2 more modes of dual-channel memory operation appeared - Ganged (paired) and Unganged (unpaired). If the memory modules are the same, the processor can work with them in Ganged mode, as before. If the modules differ in characteristics, the processor can activate the Unganged mode to eliminate distortions in working with memory. In general, the memory speed in these modes is almost the same and makes no difference.

The only downside to dual-channel mode is that multiple memory modules are more expensive than one of the same size. But if you are not very strapped for money, then buy 2 sticks, the memory speed will be much higher.

If you need, say, 16 GB of RAM, but you can’t afford it yet, then you can buy one 8 GB stick so that you can add another one of the same kind in the future. But it is still better to purchase two identical strips at once, since later you may not be able to find the same one and you will encounter a compatibility problem.

10. Memory module manufacturers

One of best ratios price/quality today is the memory of the impeccably proven Crucial brand, which has modules from budget to gaming (Ballistix).

Competing with it is the well-deserved Corsair brand, whose memory is somewhat more expensive.

As an inexpensive but high-quality alternative, I especially recommend the Polish brand Goodram, which has bars with low timings for low price(Play line).

For an inexpensive office computer, simple and reliable memory made by AMD or Transcend will be sufficient. They have proven themselves to be excellent and there are practically no problems with them.

In general, the Korean companies Hynix and Samsung are considered leaders in memory production. But now modules of these brands are mass-produced in cheap Chinese factories, and among them there are a lot of fakes. Therefore, I do not recommend purchasing memory from these brands.

An exception may be Hynix Original and Samsung Original memory modules, which are manufactured in Korea. These strips are usually blue, their quality is considered better than those made in China and the guarantee for them is slightly higher. But in terms of speed characteristics, they are inferior to memory with lower timings from other quality brands.

Well, for enthusiasts and fans of modding there are affordable overclocking brands GeIL, G.Skill, Team. Their memory is distinguished by low timings, high overclocking potential, unusual appearance and costs a little less than the popular Corsair brand.

There is also a wide range of memory modules on sale from the very popular manufacturer Kingston. Memory sold under the budget Kingston brand has never been of high quality. But they have a top-end HyperX series, which is deservedly popular, which can be recommended for purchase, but is often overpriced.

11. Memory packaging

It is better to purchase memory in individual packaging.

Usually she is more High Quality and the likelihood of damage during transportation is significantly lower than with memory that comes unpackaged.

12. Increase memory

If you are planning to add memory to an existing computer or laptop, then first find out what the maximum memory capacity and total memory capacity is supported by your motherboard or laptop.

Also check how many memory slots are on the motherboard or laptop, how many of them are occupied and what kind of memory sticks are installed in them. It's better to do it visually. Open the case, take out the memory sticks, examine them and write down all the characteristics (or take a photo).

If for some reason you don’t want to get into the case, you can view the memory parameters in the program on the SPD tab. This way you won't know if the stick is single-sided or double-sided, but you can find out the memory characteristics if there is no sticker on the stick.

There is a base and effective memory frequency. The CPU-Z program and many similar ones show base frequency, it must be multiplied by 2.

Once you know how much memory you can increase, how many free slots are available, and what kind of memory you have installed, you can begin to explore the possibilities of increasing memory.

If all memory slots are occupied, then the only way to increase memory is to replace existing memory sticks with new ones of larger capacity. And old planks can be sold on an advertisement site or exchanged at a computer store when purchasing new ones.

If there are free slots, then you can add new memory sticks to the existing ones. In this case, it is desirable that the new strips be as close as possible to the characteristics of those already installed. In this case, you can avoid various problems compatibility and increase the chances that the memory will work in dual-channel mode. To do this, the following conditions must be met, in order of importance.

The memory type must match (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4).
The supply voltage for all strips must be the same.
All planks must be single-sided or double-sided.
The frequency of all bars must match.
All strips must be of the same volume (for dual-channel mode).
The number of strips must be even: 2, 4 (for dual-channel mode).
It is desirable that the latency (CL) matches.
It is desirable that the strips are from the same manufacturer.

The easiest place to start choosing is with the manufacturer. Choose in the online store catalog strips of the same manufacturer, volume and frequency as installed in yours. Make sure that the supply voltage matches and check with your consultant whether they are single-sided or double-sided. If the latency also matches, then generally good.

If you were unable to find strips from the same manufacturer with similar characteristics, then choose all the others from the list of recommended ones. Then again look for strips of the required volume and frequency, check the supply voltage and check whether they are single-sided or double-sided. If you are unable to find similar planks, then look in another store, catalog or ad site.

Always the best option This means selling all the old memory and buying 2 new identical sticks. If the motherboard does not support the brackets of the required volume, you may have to buy 4 identical brackets.

13. Setting up filters in the online store

Go to the “RAM” section on the seller’s website.
Select recommended manufacturers.
Select the form factor (DIMM - PC, SO-DIMM - laptop).
Select the memory type (DDR3, DDR3L, DDR4).
Select the required volume of slats (2, 4, 8 GB).
Select the maximum frequency supported by the processor (1600, 1866, 2133, 2400 MHz).
If your motherboard supports XMP, add higher frequency memory (2666, 3000 MHz) to the selection.
Sort the selection by price.
Consistently look through all items, starting with the cheapest ones.
Select several strips that match the frequency.
If the price difference is acceptable to you, take sticks with a higher frequency and lower latency (CL).

Thus, you will get the optimal price/quality/speed ratio of memory at the lowest possible cost.

14. Links

RAM Corsair CMK16GX4M2A2400C16
RAM Corsair CMK8GX4M2A2400C16
RAM Crucial CT2K4G4DFS824A

Let's look at options for increasing your computer's RAM in various ways.

4 Ways to Increase PC RAM

Let's look at all the ways to increase RAM. Surely one of them will be useful to you.

Add an additional stick of RAM

The most convenient and easy way– purchase of an additional RAM module. If you choose this option and decide not to bother with others, be prepared for the fact that to install the module you will have to “climb” into the system unit. But before that, several important criteria need to be taken into account.

When purchasing, be sure to pay attention to:

How to install an additional RAM stick in a computer

So, if you have purchased an additional RAM module, you can begin installing it. For this:

Open the “Start” menu, click “Computer” and right-click to open “Properties”. This will display all the information about your computer, including how much memory it has. If the volume has increased, it means we did everything correctly, but if not, most likely the module is simply not fixed. In this case, you need to disconnect again external devices from the system unit, open it and check the module.
Open the “Start” menu, select “Task Manager” and go to the “Performance” section. The amount of memory should also be displayed here. If there is more of it, then everything has been done correctly.

If you are still unable to increase your PC’s RAM on your own using an additional module, you should first make sure that the module itself is working properly and only then contact a specialist for help with the installation.
New module- quite expensive, especially for some PC models, so don’t rush to buy it. Perhaps the problem can be solved free methods.

Add RAM using a flash drive

This method It has been used recently, but it has already become one of the most effective and simple ones. Adding memory in this way became possible thanks to the introduction of ReadyBoost technology into operating systems. It is designed to connect a flash drive to a PC and use its memory for work. But in order for everything to work out, you need a flash drive with the following characteristics:

volume between 1 and 32 GB;
speed not lower than 2.5 MB/s.

Using Readyboost technology, you can connect multiple devices to your computer at once additional memory, but the capacity of the flash drive must be larger than the capacity of the PC’s RAM.

To add more memory on your computer using a flash drive:

We connect it to the computer and go to the menu.
Click on the connected device and click “Properties”.
Find the item called “ReadyBoost” and click “provide this device for ReadyBoost technology.”
Set the required volume and click “OK”.

Now there will be more memory, and you can use it immediately.

Increasing memory through the Windows page file

During its operation, the computer uses the so-called virtual memory, consisting of random access memory (RAM) and a page file. Windows uses this file for storing information necessary for programs to operate, similar to RAM. This method of working with files is of course slower than loading into RAM, but if there is a shortage of the latter, this will help relieve it. The size of such a file is determined automatically operating system, but you can increase it if desired. This operation on Windows 7 it looks like this:

Open the Start menu.
Click “Computer” and select “Properties”.
A page with information about your computer will open. Here in the menu on the left side there will be a section “ Extra options systems." Let's open it.
In the window that appears, first click the “Advanced” button, and then “Options” in the “Performance” section.
A new window appears, where we select “Advanced” again, and then “Change” in the “Virtual memory” section.
Uncheck the box next to “Automatically select paging file size” and select the disk.
Check the box next to “Specify size” and write a size larger than indicated.
Click "OK"

Now there will be as much memory as you specified.

The operation of increasing memory using the page file on Windows 8 and 10 is almost identical to Windows 7, but here you need to enter search bar Computer "Performance Options", then click "Advanced". Then everything is done exactly the same as on the “seven”.

Using BIOS to increase PC memory

This method is not difficult, but you should not resort to it if you are not confident in your abilities.

So, to have more memory on your computer:

We go into the BIOS. On different models this is done in different ways. The most commonly used buttons are F2 or Delete. If they don't work, try searching online to find out which button is for entering the BIOS for your PC.
Find the item Video Ram or Shared Memory and click.
Now we need to reduce the number of cycles in RAM. To do this, find the Dram Read Timing item. Keep in mind that reducing cycles to a minimum will not affect the performance of your PC. in the best possible way, so try to choose the optimal bar.
Save the settings by pressing F10 and exit the BIOS.

If done correctly, your PC memory will increase.

Thus, you can increase your PC’s RAM yourself, in several paid and free ways. Choose the one that suits you best and forget about running out of memory for a long time.

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 :)