How to properly install an additional RAM stick. Installing RAM yourself

“How to install (add) RAM to a computer”

Sooner or later there comes a time when there is little RAM. The needs grow and the memory remains in place, then the game does not start, then the system slows down, or some program has no room to fully develop.

No problem, you can add RAM to your computer. Now let's look at how to add RAM.

First of all, you need to make sure that there are free memory slots.
To do this, remove the housing cover and take a look.

The photo shows that there are 4 memory slots, only one of which is occupied. There are still plenty of excellent places.

The next thing to determine is the type of memory already installed.
There are 3 main types of RAM for desktop computers. Let's list: DDR, DDR2, DDR3. In turn, these types of memory are divided by speed.

So, let's look at what specific memory you have. This should be written on the memory line itself. In my case it is Hynix PC2-6400 2Gb, i.e. in simple terms 2Gb DDR2-800.

It follows from this that I can only add memory of this type (DDR2-800), but the volume can be different, usually 1, 2 or 4Gb. The added volume directly depends on the characteristics of the motherboard. This can be found in the documentation for it. In any case, in order not to miss, you can safely add the same line that is already installed (if you have a volume of no more than 4GB).
The main thing is that the memory type and frequency must match, but the company may be different (although the same ones are preferable).

In order to install a new line of RAM, you need to disconnect the system unit from the network, move the latches on the memory slots to the sides and, turning the memory correctly, insert it all the way into the connector. The latches should close.

I repeat once again: make sure that the cut on the memory line coincides with the protrusion on the motherboard slot.

That's all, the process itself is not complicated, but the main thing is preparation and knowledge.

What to do if there is no free space for RAM?

Then you need to again look at what memory is installed and how much there is. For example, there are two 512MB slots, i.e. together 1GB. In this case, it would be advisable to install 2 1GB sticks or one 2GB stick instead. Do not forget that it is advisable to know what the maximum allowable volume per connector is.

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 easiest way is to purchase 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. To do this:

1. Open the “Start” menu, click “Computer” and right-click to open “Properties”. All information about the computer will be displayed here, 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 the external devices from the system unit again, open it and check the module.
2. 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 still haven’t been able to increase your PC’s RAM using an additional module yourself, you should first make sure that the module itself is working properly and only then contact a specialist for help with the installation.
A new module is quite expensive, especially for some PC models, so you shouldn’t rush to buy it. Perhaps the problem can be solved using free methods.

Add RAM using a flash drive

This method has been used recently, but it has already become one of the most effective and simplest. 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 several additional memory devices to your computer at once, but the capacity of the flash drive must be larger than the amount of RAM on the PC.

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

When operating, the computer uses so-called virtual memory, which consists of random access memory (RAM) and a page file. Windows uses this file to store information necessary for programs to operate, just like 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 by the operating system, but it can be increased if desired. This operation on Windows 7 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 “Advanced system parameters”. 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 “Performance Options” into the computer’s search bar, then click “Advanced”. Then everything is done exactly the same as on the “seven”.

Using BIOS to increase PC memory

This method is not complicated, 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. This is done differently on different models. 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 have the best effect on PC performance, so try to choose the optimal level.
• 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.

Updated – 2017-02-05

How to add RAM to a computer? Without memory, a computer cannot work. But even with a small memory, it will not be work, but pure torment. Any file will take half an hour to open, and some may not open at all. And there’s nothing to say about games. They simply won’t load for you. What to do? How to add RAM to a computer? Is it really necessary to buy a new computer just for memory alone? I can reassure you. There is no need to buy a new computer. Just add memory. It's easy to say, you answer. And I’ll answer you - it’s easy to do.

Nothing could be simpler. Try it once, and this operation will no longer be a problem for you.
More often than not, memory has to be added rather than changed. By itself, it is reliable and rarely fails. I have computers that are already 12-13 years old, and their memory has never failed. And so, we add memory to the computer.

First we need to figure out what kind of memory we need ( DDR, DDR 2 or DDR 3), and what is the maximum amount of memory your motherboard supports. If you have documentation for the motherboard, then look at what memory slots (connectors) are on your motherboard. If you don’t have documentation, you can look it up on the Internet. Well, if you cannot determine what kind of motherboard you have, then the easiest way is to remove the memory from your unit and show it to the seller.

Before touching the memory, be sure to remove it from yourself, otherwise you risk not adding, but changing the memory completely.

And so, you have found the necessary memory. Now let's see how to add memory to a computer:

• Disconnect the computer from the electrical outlet. Completely disconnect all cables from the processor unit (keyboard, mouse, speakers, monitor, and other devices connected to it).

• Remove the left cover from the system unit.
• Locate an empty memory slot on the motherboard. They look like this (their color can be bright yellow or red and blue):

• Blow dust out of slots. Grab the memory carefully by the edges. Try not to touch microcircuits and other parts. Look where the key notch is on the slot and rotate the memory card so that the key on it aligns with this jumper when you insert the card into the slot.

The speed of a personal computer directly depends on the correct selection and installation of all its components. Correct selection and installation of RAM memory modules is the most important key to the successful operation of 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 slots.

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 in operating frequency (Mhz); if you install modules with different operating frequencies, then in the end they will all operate 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 speed of RAM memory will be most efficient. Therefore, to achieve the best performance, you should consider the operating modes of the DIMMs and their correct installation. Let's look at the most common RAM operating modes today.

RAM operating modes

SINGLE CHANELL MODE

Single Mode (single channel or asymmetric mode) – this mode is implemented when only one memory module is installed in the system or all DIMMs differ from each other in memory capacity, operating frequency or manufacturer. It doesn’t matter in which slots or what memory to install. All memory will run at the speed of the slowest memory installed.

If there is only one module, then it can be installed in any memory slot:

Two or three different memory modules can also be installed in any configuration:

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 memory volume is equal to the total volume 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:

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):

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 the same 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:

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!

Not everyone knows that simply installing RAM into a computer is not enough. It’s useful to set it up and overclock it. Otherwise, it will provide the minimum efficiency specified in the parameters. Here it is important to consider how many strips to install, how to distribute them among slots, and how to set parameters in the BIOS. Below you will find tips on installing RAM, learn how to properly install, configure, etc.

The first question that arises when users want to increase the performance and speed of RAM is whether it is possible to install memory modules from different manufacturers that differ in frequency into a computer? When deciding how to install RAM in a computer, it is better to purchase modules from the same manufacturer, with the same frequency.

Theoretically, if you install modules of different frequencies, the RAM works, but at the characteristics of the slowest module. Practice shows that incompatibility problems often arise: the PC does not turn on, the OS crashes.

Therefore, if you plan to install several strips, buy a set of 2 or 4 modules. The same chips have the same overclocking potential parameters.

The usefulness of multi-channel mode

A modern computer supports multi-channel RAM operation, with a minimum of 2 channels equipped. There are processor platforms with three-channel mode, and others with eight memory slots for four-channel mode.

When dual-channel mode is enabled, the processor's performance is increased by 5–10%, and the graphics accelerator's performance is increased by up to 50%. Therefore, when assembling even an inexpensive gaming device, it is recommended to install at least two memory modules.

If you are connecting two RAM modules, and the board installed in the computer is equipped with 4 DIMM slots, follow the installation order. To enable dual-channel mode, install modules in the computer, alternating the board connectors through one, i.e. place them in 1 and 3, or use connectors 2 and 4. The second option is often convenient, because often the first RAM slot is blocked by the processor cooler. If the radiators are low profile, this problem will not arise.

You can check whether the dual-channel mode is connected through the AIDA64 application. Go to the “Test cache and memory” item. The utility will also help you calculate the performance of RAM before overclocking, observe how the memory and its characteristics have changed after the overclocking procedure.

Setting frequency and timings

To overclock RAM, you need to know how. When you just install RAM in your computer, the RAM will most likely operate at the lowest possible frequency available in the processor’s technical parameters. The maximum frequency must be set, configured through the motherboard BIOS, or manually; for acceleration there is Intel XMP technology, supported by almost all boards, even AMD.

When you manually set it to 2400 MHz, the memory will operate at standard timings for this frequency, which are 11-14-14-33. But HyperX Savage modules cope with stable operation at lower timings at a high frequency of 2400 MHz; this ratio (low timings with high frequencies) is a guarantee of high RAM performance.

A useful technology developed by Intel - Extreme Memory Profile - allows you to avoid manually setting each timing; in two clicks you select the optimal profile from those prepared by the manufacturer.

Memory overclocking

We said above that installing, even correctly, the RAM strips is not enough. Having turned on the two-channel, or better yet, four-channel mode, select the optimal frequency settings that correlate with the timing. Remember, first of all, that no one will give you a guarantee of overclocking; you will be able to overclock one memory perfectly, but not successfully overclock another memory. But don’t be afraid that the memory may fail when you overclock it: if it’s turned up too high, it will simply not start.

What to do if overclocking is unsuccessful? Typically, motherboards are equipped with an auto-reset function, which you can use when the computer does not start several times after overclocking. You can also do it manually by using the Clear CMOS jumper (aka JBAT).

The frequency is selected experimentally, and the supply voltage and timings are also set. Of course, there is no guarantee that the selected ratio will be better than the maximum XMP profile. Often, with maximum frequency overclocking, you have to increase the timings.

Be sure to test your result using the AIDA64 Cache & Memory Benchmark utility. Overclocking can lead to a drop in speed, becoming almost useless. Typically, low-frequency versions have higher potential than high-end ones.

Installing memory and overclocking it are simple processes, especially when the RAM supports ready-made XMP profiles. Remember that it is more practical to buy RAM for your computer as a kit in order to get a performance boost from dual-channel mode, not only from overclocking. We recommend purchasing a low-profile RAM for your computer to avoid incompatibility when using a large-sized processor cooler. Follow the tips, then you can overclock the RAM to maximum speed.