In what order is it better to install RAM? How to correctly position RAM sticks

One of the most simple ways increasing computer performance means increasing the volume random access memory installed in it. Every year programs require more and more resources, and even browsers become more voracious. Standard RAM office computer can be spent if you open a dozen tabs in Google Chrome, but there are also other applications, for example, that operate in background. Due to its low cost, anyone can purchase an additional memory module. Having correctly selected a new component for your computer, you need to install it in system unit, which is where problems may arise. If you don’t know how to install RAM correctly, we will tell you about it in this article.

Installing RAM is a matter of a couple of minutes, but before you start, you need to select ports on the motherboard into which new components can be inserted. Here many computer users have a question, why RAM slots different color, and is there a difference where to install it? The answer to this question is very simple - motherboard developers have provided in their model the ability to operate RAM in multiple channel mode.

Example: You bought two 8 GB sticks of RAM and plan to install them in your computer. Both of them operate at the same frequency and, preferably, are produced by the same company. In such a situation, in order for the computer to detect the memory modules as a single 16 GB block, they must be installed in slots of the same color. If memory of different frequencies or with different capacities is installed in a computer, there is no difference in which slots it will be placed in.

If we describe the situation from a technical point of view, we must say that the technology used in motherboards to speed up the parallel operation of identical memory sticks is called Dual DDR. In most home computers, the motherboard can only support dual-channel memory, while there are more on the market professional solutions, designed for 3 or 4 channels.

Connectors of one channel on the motherboard are designated by the same color.

How to install RAM correctly

As we noted at the very beginning, the process of installing memory is quite simple, and even an inexperienced computer user can handle it. Before you begin directly installing the new module, you need to gain access to the corresponding slots on the motherboard. To do this, just remove the cover of the system unit and find the required connectors.

Detailed instructions for installing RAM in a computer:

It should be noted that after installing a new module with RAM, the computer will automatically detect it and begin working with it. The user is not required to install additional drivers, unless we are talking about very specific memory models that are rarely used in home computers.

Most novice users are sure that the more amount of RAM, the higher the speed of the computer. However, the speed of a computer still directly depends on the correct selection and installation of components. Correct selection And installing RAM modules– the most important condition for successful work your computer.

In this article we will look at the issues of choice and ways to install RAM and its competent layout in motherboard connectors .

Recommendations applicable to all types and types of memory:

– install memory modules with the same capacity;
– modules must match the operating frequency (Mhz), otherwise they will all operate at the frequency of the slowest memory;
– combine timings, memory latencies (delays);
– memory modules are better than one manufacturer and one model.

All these tips do not have to be strictly followed; cases vary. Even if memory modules differ from each other in manufacturer, volume and operating frequency, this does not mean that they will not work. In this case, there are no special secrets to memory layout - you just need to install them.

There are also no special features when installing already outdated memory types like SDRAM(the basic rule here is the more, the better).

But in modern computers, motherboards support special RAM operating modes. It is in these modes that the speed of RAM will be most efficient. Therefore, to achieve best performance The operating modes of memory modules and their correct installation should be taken into account.

RAM operating modes

SINGLE CHANELL MODE

Single Mode (single channel or asymmetric mode) – this mode is activated when only one memory module is installed in the system or all modules 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 computer. If you are just about to buy a computer, it is better to avoid installing memory in this way.

DUAL CHANELL MODE

Dual Mode (two-channel or symmetrical mode) – the same amount of RAM is installed in each channel. Modules are selected according to operating frequency. To make installation easier, motherboards have different color DIMM sockets for each channel. And next to them is written the name of the connector, and sometimes the channel number. Also, the purpose of the connectors and their location along the channels must be indicated in the manual. motherboard. 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% compared to single-channel mode.

Dual Mode can be implemented using two, three or four DIMMs.

If two identical 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

Triple 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 RAM slots, installation is as simple as in dual-channel mode. With four memory slots installed, three of which can work in Triple Mode, the memory should be installed in these slots.

FLEX MODE

Flex Mode (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.

These are all recommendations for combining RAM. 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!

This information is for those who want to increase the amount of RAM in their laptop or desktop computer, but at the same time doubt which model to buy and with what characteristics.

There are quite a lot of nuances in this issue; here we will consider the most basic points that will allow you to choose the optimal levels for the upgrade.

Let's start with the question: is it necessary in your case to increase the amount of RAM?

What does increasing RAM in a computer do?

The speed of your computer depends on the bottlenecks of your hardware. For example, if you have a very powerful processor, but at the same time slow HDD, the system will take quite a long time to boot, and programs, for example, even a regular web browser, will launch with a noticeable delay of several seconds. IN in this case the bottleneck is the hard drive - and it is useless to install an even more powerful processor/video card/additional RAM - all this will have virtually no effect on the speed of system loading and application launching until you change your slow hard drive to a fast one (for example, an SSD).

In what cases may you need to increase RAM - when do you need to buy additional sticks to increase the amount of RAM?

A sign of low RAM is when your computer slows down when you open multiple programs that consume a lot of RAM. For example, if after opening large quantity web browser tabs or after launching Photoshop your computer starts to work noticeably slower, it is very likely that this is due to a lack of RAM.

Operating systems use a swap file (partition). The essence of this is that when the system runs out of RAM, it frees it up by writing some of the data to the hard drive. As a result, the system does not stop working and data is not lost - but performance drops, since any hard drive is slower than RAM and writing and reading data also requires additional time.

Another example when a lot of RAM is required is the use virtual machines(in, for example) - especially when several virtual computers are running simultaneously:

How to find out which RAM is suitable for my computer

My own experience suggests that a computer can work normally with RAM sticks from different manufacturers and with different characteristics. But some users experience problems (the system stops booting) if there is incompatibility between modules from two manufacturers. Therefore, the ideal option is to look at what modules you already have installed and buy exactly the same ones. If this is not possible due to the fact that exactly these models have been discontinued, then it is recommended to select those that are as close as possible in terms of characteristics.

A program to determine the manufacturer and model of RAM installed in a laptop/computer

In a desktop computer, finding out the manufacturer and model of RAM is usually not difficult - just open the cover of the system unit and remove one of the modules.

In laptops, as a rule, it is more difficult - it’s good if the engineer designed the empty slots to be easily accessible, but, as a rule, you cannot get to the pre-installed RAM without disassembling the laptop.

In any case, for desktop computers or laptops, you can find out the installed memory model using the program. To do this, go to the tab Motherboard , then SPD and at the very top you will see the manufacturer and model of the RAM:

Next, check the number of free slots - there are motherboards with a total of two slots for RAM, but more often desktop computers And laptops have four slots, usually two of them are already occupied.

You can view the total number of slots and the number of free ones using standard using Windows. To do this, open Task Manager, go to the tab Performance, then select Memory:

As you can see, there are four slots and all of them are already occupied.

RAM characteristics

There are different types of RAM, the most common now are:

It is clear that DDR4 is newer and more quick option, but not all motherboards, especially those released a few years ago, support DDR4.

Sometimes, a hint about the modules that suit you can be seen on the motherboard:

The inscription DDR3 ONLY indicates that in this case only DDR3 is suitable.

RAM form factor:

• SO-DIMM

SO-DIMMs are smaller strips for laptop computers(laptops). DIMMs - strips for desktop computers.

Memory modules have their own frequency. The higher the frequency, the faster memory. But if the system has trims with different frequencies, then the system will use them all at the frequency of the slowest module.

Supply voltage: the voltage of modules varies from 1.2 V to 1.65 V. It is better to take RAM with the same voltage as the ones already in the system, since otherwise one of the modules will start to heat up more.

Timings are numbers that characterize delays.

In principle, in addition to the obvious characteristic - memory size, all technical specifications, which you need to pay attention to when upgrading the system.

Don't chase for more high frequency than the module in your system, as already stated, they will all run at the frequency of the slowest one.

To select modules with the same characteristics as those already installed in your computer, you need to know the characteristics of the installed ones. This information can be found online for your model. Or use specialized programs, which show a variety of information about the installed RAM.

How to find out the characteristics of RAM modules in a computer

The AIDA64 program contains all the necessary information.

In the same window where we looked at the manufacturer, you can find information such as:

• Module type
• Memory type
• Memory speed (frequency)
• Voltage
• Timings

The characteristics considered should be enough to ensure that you don’t have to replace the RAM immediately after purchase because it didn’t fit.

Purchasing with “Thank you from Sberbank” bonuses

The following information does not relate to the technical part. But I got my new RAM modules for half their store price, and since Sberbank cards are very common, I’m sure someone else will be able to take advantage of this opportunity.

In principle, the life hack is very simple. Many owners of Sberbank cards accumulate bonuses, the so-called “Thank you”. There aren’t many stores where you can spend them, so I, like probably many others, simply watched how these “candy wrappers” accumulated (and also burned monthly). There's quite a lot in the store big choice computer components and they accept these “Thank you from Sberbank.” This is not an advertisement for the store or even a referral link - I just saved money there and liked it.

Well, since this store is a partner, where they accept and credit “Thank you from Sberbank”, a certain amount was returned to me:

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. 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.

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 different types will not be able to be inserted into the same slot on the motherboard due to the different location of the cutout on the brackets. Thus, SDRAM memory (unlike DDR modules) has two cutouts on the bottom edge of the board and 144 contacts. The DDR module has 184 contacts, DDR2 and DDR3 have 240, DDR4 has 288 contacts, 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

The type of RAM and its volume depends on which slots for these purposes are implemented within a particular motherboard. Usually located in close proximity to the socket. At...

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Daily use personal computer makes users think about how to make their 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.

Do not assemble the 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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