One of the simplest hardware upgrades you can do to make your computer feel snappier is to upgrade your memory. Over the years, operating systems like Windows, software like Photoshop, and now even web browsers like Chrome, have built reputations for being unabashed memory hogs. Loading too many tabs in Chrome or keeping to many programs open on your desktop could use up all of the memory your system has to offer, slowing your system to a crawl.
Gamers with an eye towards future-proofing might even want to consider 32GB—the downside being increased cost, of course. There are different types of RAM. For now, DDR4 is king. Opt for a RAM kit that comes in two modules rather than single-stick or quad-channel offerings if you can. Press down on the clips on the sides of each module, the clip mechanism will push the memory module up. You can then pull the module completely out. Holding the modules along the edges, align the notches on the module with the ridge in the slot, then apply even pressure and firmly press the module in.
It usually takes about 30 pounds of pressure to fully install the module. Note Some desktops require you to install modules in matched pairs memory banks. If this is the case, the slots will likely be labelled for how the memory should be installed. Trusted for over 24 years by millions of customers to offer compatible memory and storage upgrades. Find out how to build a gaming PC with Crucial. From the parts you need, to building a gaming PC on a budget, check it out now on our website.
Shop now at Crucial. Find a product Part no. Your search did not match any active Crucial part numbers or configuration IDs. Find articles and site content Enter keywords. Back to memory articles. Precautions Before Installation! Step 1 - Gathering Supplies. Memory installation supplies. Step 3 - Unplug the Power Cable. This includes any cables and accessories plugged into the computer. This discharges any residual electricity still in the system. And moving beyond 16 GB is going to be a smaller boost still.
Of course, some of that depends on what you use your PC for. That only tells part of the story, though. We now need to know some additional information. How many total memory slots does the PC have? How many RAM modules are installed? Are there free slots? For that, you could open up your case and count the number of modules and slots inside, or you could turn to another tool. There are several hardware information tools out there, but our favorite is the free version Speccy made by Piriform, the makers of CCleaner.
After installing and running Speccy, we just switch to the RAM category on the left, and the right panel shows us gives us the info we need. Unfortunately, we can now see that we have four total slots available and that all four are taken up with memory modules. There are two factors here: the maximum RAM your version of Windows can handle, and the maximum that your motherboard can handle.
The second part of the equation how much your motherboard can handle depends entirely on the manufacturer, though most modern computers will support at least 8 GB, and more likely 16 GB or more. And there are a few parts to that puzzle, as well. This information is presented as a DDR version:. Note the different position of the notches at the bottom of the memory below. So, the next obvious question. How do you know which generation you need?
Switch back on the RAM category on the left. And right there, you can see the generation, size, manufacturer, and model number of each RAM module you have installed. Your motherboard or PC might limit the speed of the RAM it supports, mostly because it was designed for the RAM that was out at the time the motherboard was manufactured.
Check your system specs to see what it can handle. Upgrading RAM in a laptops is a trickier subject than with desktops. Some laptops have an access panel that lets you swap out RAM modules easily. Some laptops require that you pretty much disassemble the whole thing to change the RAM. Check your user manual, hit up the manufacturer web site, or do some quick Googling—odds are pretty good that the question has been answered for your specific model.
Replacing the memory in your desktop is usually pretty straightforward. Note that these instructions are for a standard ATX tower-style case—if you have a more exotic case design, you may need to work a little harder or position the computer oddly to open it and access its internal components. Remove all the cables and external accessories from your computer, then move it to a table or desk.
If your home is particularly susceptible to static shocks, you might want an anti-static bracelet as well. Remove the screws on the back holding the access panel in place. At this point you should be looking down at the motherboard. The RAM should be easy to spot. It will be two or more modules sticking up from slots that are usually near the CPU, but more toward the front of the computer. Simply press these tabs down away from the RAM until they click.
Repeat this step with all the modules you want to remove. Before you plug the new RAM in, take a look at the slots. Remember how we said RAM is installed in pairs? Where you install it matters.
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