How to Install RAM in a Desktop Computer

Installing RAM is usually the most effortless and cost-effective means of improving your desktop PC’s performance. Even if you build a computer brand new, all too often, your PC will become sluggish in time. Soon, it will start struggling to keep up with the latest memory-devouring operating systems and applications.

Use our below guide, How to Install RAM, to help regain your PC’s speed and decrease ‘low on memory’ errors. We will teach you how to determine how much RAM memory to install, tools used, and specific how-to instructions.

Determine How Much RAM You Need

The amount of RAM required to operate a typical desktop PC has risen dramatically with every new version of an operating system, most specifically Windows. You may even recall Bill Gates mentioning this talk computers will only be requiring 56 Kilobytes of memory. Boy, times have sure changed.

If you are utilizing Windows 2000 through XP, you should be odor get by with 1 GB of RAM. For Windows Vista, you should have at least 2 GB of RAM, and for Windows 7 that has doubled to 4 GB, with 8 GB of memory providing the best performance.

These numbers can vary depending upon what you utilize your computer for. If you are utilizing it for a locks of video production or editing, or this is a gaming PC, you may opt to go with the most RAM your computer’s motherboard can handle.

Determine Type of RAM Required

Your next step will be to determine the type of RAM modules your motherboard will accept. Review your motherboard’s user manual and look for either DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR5, or some derivative thereof. It is also possible that your motherboard will accept more than one type of memory module, however, you will not be able to utilize both types at the same time. If you do not have your user manual accessible, you should be able to go to the manufacturers website and utilize their guide to identifying what type of RAM you will be able to purchase.

On the subject of manufacturers, it is always a best bet to go with a brand that is reputable and reliable, even though you may pay $5-$10 more for each RAM module.

Tools Required for Installing RAM

Really the only tool that you will most likely need is I anti-static wrist strap. This will help you prevent static electricity from damaging computer hardware.

How to Add RAM Instructions

1. Unplug the power cord from its electrical source and turn off the power button on the computer’s power supply.
2. Remove the side panel from your computer case and laity it down with the interior facing up.
3. Make certain to unplug any cables or wiring that would impact the removal of old memory or the installation of your new computer memory.
4. Reference the memory section of your motherboard user manual to identify the appropriate RAM module sockets.
5. If this is an upgrade of your memory and it requires you to remove your existing modules, turn down the clips on either side of the modules, allowing the module to slightly pop up. Gently remove the modules from their respective sockets.
6. Remove your new RAM memory modules from their anti–static packaging. It is best to handle RAM modules by holding them by the edges. This prevents any contamination or the introduction of any oils from your fingers onto the RAM chips.
7. With the latches, or clips, down each RAM module and gently push them into place. Note that each module only fit a certain way, once again, refer to your user manual. After the module has been placed securely in the slot no push the clips back up until they snap onto either side of the module, and double check to make sure that each module has been properly seated.
8. Reconnect any cables or wiring that you had to disconnect prior to, and if this was an upgrade, you can simply no stand the computer back up, replaced the side panel of your computer case, plug back in your power cable, turn on the power supply, and boot.

Once all computer hardware has been installed and you have your computer fully assembled, follow any on-screen prompts which may need your attention. To check your memory has been properly installed, it is best to go into your computer’s set up area, the BIOS and double check that the amount of RAM you installed is indicated.