If you notice that your computer is running slowly, that is a sign for you to change the RAM. Read this article to know how to go about it.
Things to do Before Installing the RAM
Before you change and install a new RAM into your computer, it is important to consider some compelling points.
Select the Right Chip
The first point is to search for the right memory chip for your motherboard manufacturer. There is an upper limit to the amount of memory that the motherboard can support. Take Gigabyte H310M D3H as an example; It supports four RAM slots for the DDR4 generation, and the maximum supported memory is 64GB.
Also, you need to check which version of memory your motherboard supports. Is it DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4? High version memory sticks are downward-compatible but not fully functional.
Adapt to CPU Frequency
You should match the memory frequency to that of the CPU. For example, if you have a CPU frequency of 2.3GHz but a memory frequency of 2666MHz, you will notice that the CPU frequency is higher than that of the memory. As a result, there is a portion of memory that is not being utilized and wasted.
Installing the Memory Module on the Desktop Computers
After taking the points mentioned above into consideration, you can then start with the install process for the RAM. You can do this by following the steps explained below.
Step 1
Unplug the power cable and long-press the power button for a few seconds to release the residual power of the device
Step 2
Remove the panel. This is usually a simple but delicate task, but if you feel that you cannot handle it, it is safer to allow a professional to handle it for you. To perform this operation, you may require a Phillips head screwdriver.
Step 3
After removing the panel, you need to take precautionary steps before you continue. These precautionary steps include wearing anti-static wristbands to prevent static electricity damage to equipment hardware. Once you have these wristbands on, you can continue.
Also, you need to keep materials such as paper, electrical devices, tape, smartphones, and your pets away from the area where you are working. You should only touch the computer ground's metal surface or chassis and protect yourself against electric shock.
Step 4
Open the memory clips and determine how you want to install them. There are four memory slots present on the motherboard. If you are installing an unbalanced RAM (i.e., a 2GB RAM and a 4GB RAM), you need to pair the RAMs at intervals. This means that you pair the RAMs in slots 1 and 3 or slots 2 and 4. Avoid putting three modules into a four modules slot; it will turn out to be less effective. If there is an old RAM there and you want to keep using it, you need to pair it adequately with the new ones.
Step 5
Install the laptop memory, make sure the socket is on it, apply uniform pressure, and hear the sound of “ka”, install ram successful
Step 6
Install the computer panel, turn on the computer and check whether the memory can be read and used
Tips: We recommend that you install two or four pairs of RAM. This triggers dual-channel mode and double data rate.
Installing a Memory Module on Your Laptop
Step 1
Unplug the battery and cable. Ensuring that the laptop computer is out of electricity is an important step to take before installing a new memory module. You also need to drain the power on the laptop by holding the power button down even after removing the battery.
You need to drain the power because the presence of electric current while installing the RAM can damage the memory module. Also, it can cause a damaging and harmful spark.
Also, you need to disconnect any internet cable, ethernet or telephone wire.
Step 2
Remove the underside. You need to be careful while removing the underside of the laptop, and it is advisable to use a Philip head screwdriver.
Step 3
As with the desktop case, you need to ensure all the necessary precautions, including wearing anti-static wristbands to prevent static damage to equipment hardware and the other ones mentioned above.
Step 4
You then need to locate the memory slot in the laptop computer. Unlike desktop computers, laptops usually have only two memory slots. Find the slot and pull the springs on each side to eject the memory.
Step 5
While picking up the new memory module, avoid touching its connecting plates. Touching these plates could result in damaging the entire memory module. Install the memory by inserting it at a 45-degree angle, apply uniform pressure, and wait until the buckle automatically locks, install ram successful.
Step 6
Install the backplate, power on the machine, and check whether the memory chip can be read and used.
FAQs
Can Apple add memory chips?
Yes, Macs use DDR memory. But we recommend that you ask the apple service store to change it for you. It is also important to state that the Mac Mini 2020 doesn't allow you to upgrade the memory chips.
How do I view the memory information I have installed?
Check it out on your computer system, or use a program like Speccy. To check through your computer system, go to the Start option, type ‘Command prompt. Right-click on the command prompt and run as an administrator. After opening the command prompt, type in the following command:
Does Install RAM affect Systems?
Apart from improving your computer's performance when you increase the RAM size, you should not get any strange reaction from your computer when you install a new RAM. However, if your memory chip is not inserted properly, you may not be able to open the computer.
