Saving new step-by-step photos ←Older revision Revision as of 23:36, 2 July 2019 Line 4: Line 4:   == Steps ==   == Ste...

Increase the RAM on a PC

Saving new step-by-step photos

←Older revision Revision as of 23:36, 2 July 2019
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== Steps ==
 
== Steps ==
 
=== Preparing to Install RAM ===
 
=== Preparing to Install RAM ===
#Find your computer's model information. Specifically, you'll need to know the manufacturer's name, the type of computer, and the model number. To find this information, do the following:
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#Find your computer's model information. Specifically, you'll need to know the manufacturer's name, the type of computer, and the model number. To find this information, do the following:[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 1 Version 3.jpg|center]]
 
#*Open '''Start'''
 
#*Open '''Start'''
 
#*Type in
 
#*Type in
 
#*Click '''System Information'''
 
#*Click '''System Information'''
 
#*Find the "System Manufacturer", "System SKU", and "System Model" values.
 
#*Find the "System Manufacturer", "System SKU", and "System Model" values.
#Open the Crucial Memory Advisor website. Go to https://ift.tt/1tBuM4D in your web browser. This website will provide you with an accurate report on whether or not your RAM can be upgraded, as well as the amount and type of RAM you can use if an upgrade is possible.
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#Open the Crucial Memory Advisor website. Go to https://ift.tt/1tBuM4D in your web browser. This website will provide you with an accurate report on whether or not your RAM can be upgraded, as well as the amount and type of RAM you can use if an upgrade is possible.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 2 Version 3.jpg|center]]
#Search for your computer model. To do so:
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#Search for your computer model. To do so:[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 3 Version 3.jpg|center]]
 
#*Click the '''select manufacturer''' box, then click your computer's manufacturer's name (e.g., '''Toshiba''').
 
#*Click the '''select manufacturer''' box, then click your computer's manufacturer's name (e.g., '''Toshiba''').
 
#*Click the '''select product line''' box, then click your computer's product name (e.g., '''Encore''').
 
#*Click the '''select product line''' box, then click your computer's product name (e.g., '''Encore''').
 
#*Click the '''select model''' box, then click your computer's model number.
 
#*Click the '''select model''' box, then click your computer's model number.
 
#Click . It's a blue button below the model number box.
 
#Click . It's a blue button below the model number box.
#Review the results. On the results page, you should see three important pieces of information:
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#Review the results. On the results page, you should see three important pieces of information:[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 5 Version 3.jpg|center]]
 
#*'''Maximum RAM''' - In the upper-left side of the page, you'll see a "Maximum Memory: # GB" section. The number here is the maximum amount of RAM that you can install.
 
#*'''Maximum RAM''' - In the upper-left side of the page, you'll see a "Maximum Memory: # GB" section. The number here is the maximum amount of RAM that you can install.
 
#*'''Type of RAM''' - Below the "Compatible Memory" heading near the top of the page, you'll see one of the following types of RAM listed in the title of a RAM product: SDRAM, DDR, or RDRAM.  
 
#*'''Type of RAM''' - Below the "Compatible Memory" heading near the top of the page, you'll see one of the following types of RAM listed in the title of a RAM product: SDRAM, DDR, or RDRAM.  
 
#*'''RAM speed''' - You'll see a number to the right of the RAM type (e.g., '''DDR3'''). This is the supported speed for your computer—don't deviate from this number!
 
#*'''RAM speed''' - You'll see a number to the right of the RAM type (e.g., '''DDR3'''). This is the supported speed for your computer—don't deviate from this number!
#Purchase compatible RAM. Once you know the type of RAM, the maximum amount that you can install, and the speed that you'll need for your computer, you can purchase your RAM from any tech department store (e.g., Best Buy) or online store (e.g., Amazon).  
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#Purchase compatible RAM. Once you know the type of RAM, the maximum amount that you can install, and the speed that you'll need for your computer, you can purchase your RAM from any tech department store (e.g., Best Buy) or online store (e.g., Amazon).[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 6 Version 3.jpg|center]]
 
#*It's generally cheaper to buy RAM online than in-store, but tech store employees tend to understand better what kind of RAM you may need for your machine.
 
#*It's generally cheaper to buy RAM online than in-store, but tech store employees tend to understand better what kind of RAM you may need for your machine.
 
#*Most computers require RAM to be installed in pairs. This means that if you want to install 8 GB of RAM, you'll need to buy two 4 GB (or four 2 GB) cards.  
 
#*Most computers require RAM to be installed in pairs. This means that if you want to install 8 GB of RAM, you'll need to buy two 4 GB (or four 2 GB) cards.  
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#*Wait for your computer to stop making noise before proceeding.
 
#*Wait for your computer to stop making noise before proceeding.
 
#Unplug any cables or other attachments. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on.
 
#Unplug any cables or other attachments. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on.
#[[Ground-Yourself-to-Avoid-Destroying-a-Computer-with-Electrostatic-Discharge|Ground yourself]]. This will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 7 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#[[Ground-Yourself-to-Avoid-Destroying-a-Computer-with-Electrostatic-Discharge|Ground yourself]]. This will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity.
#Remove the laptop's bottom panel. Some laptops have a panel specifically for RAM, while others require you to remove the entire bottom from the laptop. Refer to your laptop's manual or online documentation for specific instructions on how to handle this.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 19.jpg|center]]
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#Remove the laptop's bottom panel. Some laptops have a panel specifically for RAM, while others require you to remove the entire bottom from the laptop. Refer to your laptop's manual or online documentation for specific instructions on how to handle this.
#Remove the original RAM cards. Since most laptops only have two RAM slots, you'll most likely have to remove the old RAM. To do so, look for a lever or a button to press, or gently tug the RAM cards away from their slots if no button is present.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 20.jpg|center]]
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#Remove the original RAM cards. Since most laptops only have two RAM slots, you'll most likely have to remove the old RAM. To do so, look for a lever or a button to press, or gently tug the RAM cards away from their slots if no button is present.
#Remove the new RAM cards from their protective bag. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 21.jpg|center]]
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#Remove the new RAM cards from their protective bag. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.
#Install your new RAM. Line the new card up with the notch in the RAM socket, then firmly press the card in and down (if necessary) so that it lies flat. Repeat this process for the other RAM card if applicable.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 22.jpg|center]]
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#Install your new RAM. Line the new card up with the notch in the RAM socket, then firmly press the card in and down (if necessary) so that it lies flat. Repeat this process for the other RAM card if applicable.
 
#*Unlike desktop RAM, laptop RAM doesn't always need to be installed as a matching pair, though it does need to have consistent speed.
 
#*Unlike desktop RAM, laptop RAM doesn't always need to be installed as a matching pair, though it does need to have consistent speed.
#Replace the bottom panel, then turn on your laptop. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by pressing to open the System Properties window; you should see your RAM listed next to the "Physical Memory" heading.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 23.jpg|center]]
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#Replace the bottom panel, then turn on your laptop. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by pressing to open the System Properties window; you should see your RAM listed next to the "Physical Memory" heading.
   
 
=== Installing Desktop RAM ===
 
=== Installing Desktop RAM ===
 
#Turn off your computer. Open '''Start''' , click '''Power''' , and click '''Shut down''' to do so. If your desktop has a master switch on it as well, make sure the switch is set to "Off".
 
#Turn off your computer. Open '''Start''' , click '''Power''' , and click '''Shut down''' to do so. If your desktop has a master switch on it as well, make sure the switch is set to "Off".
 
#Unplug any cables or other attachments. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on.
 
#Unplug any cables or other attachments. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on.
#[[Ground-Yourself-to-Avoid-Destroying-a-Computer-with-Electrostatic-Discharge|Ground yourself]]. This will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 7 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#[[Ground-Yourself-to-Avoid-Destroying-a-Computer-with-Electrostatic-Discharge|Ground yourself]]. This will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity.
#Open your computer case. This will allow you to visually inspect your RAM slots and currently installed modules, which can make choosing your new RAM easier.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 2 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Open your computer case. This will allow you to visually inspect your RAM slots and currently installed modules, which can make choosing your new RAM easier.
 
#*[[Open-a-Computer|Click here for detailed information about opening your computer]].
 
#*[[Open-a-Computer|Click here for detailed information about opening your computer]].
#Remove the existing RAM cards if necessary. If you're removing the old modules to make room for bigger ones or taking them out to upgrade to a faster speed, you can quickly remove them by releasing the latches on each side of the RAM, or by gently tugging on the RAM if there are no latches. Once the latches are released, you can pull the RAM card(s) straight out.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 8 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Remove the existing RAM cards if necessary. If you're removing the old modules to make room for bigger ones or taking them out to upgrade to a faster speed, you can quickly remove them by releasing the latches on each side of the RAM, or by gently tugging on the RAM if there are no latches. Once the latches are released, you can pull the RAM card(s) straight out.
#Remove the new RAM cards from their protective bag. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 21.jpg|center]]
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#Remove the new RAM cards from their protective bag. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.
#Line up the notch on the new card with the break in the RAM slot. RAM can only be inserted in one direction, so make sure that the slot and module line up.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 10 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Line up the notch on the new card with the break in the RAM slot. RAM can only be inserted in one direction, so make sure that the slot and module line up.
#Push the RAM card firmly into the slot. Apply even pressure to the card, but do not force it in. In most cases, there will be latches on either side that will snap into place when the RAM card is correctly installed.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 11 Version 2.jpg|center]]
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#Push the RAM card firmly into the slot. Apply even pressure to the card, but do not force it in. In most cases, there will be latches on either side that will snap into place when the RAM card is correctly installed.
#Install the other matching RAM card. Make sure that the matching card goes into a slot matching the first RAM card that you installed. Most matching pairs of slots are designated by different colors or labeled with printing on the motherboard. Your motherboard's manual should also have a diagram.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 12.jpg|center]]
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#Install the other matching RAM card. Make sure that the matching card goes into a slot matching the first RAM card that you installed. Most matching pairs of slots are designated by different colors or labeled with printing on the motherboard. Your motherboard's manual should also have a diagram.
#Close up your computer. At this point, you can plug back in any cables, USB items, and peripherals that you had plugged in before.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 13.jpg|center]]
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#Close up your computer. At this point, you can plug back in any cables, USB items, and peripherals that you had plugged in before.
#Power on your computer. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by pressing to open the System Properties window; you should see your RAM listed next to the "Physical Memory" heading.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 14.jpg|center]]
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#Power on your computer. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by pressing to open the System Properties window; you should see your RAM listed next to the "Physical Memory" heading.
   
 
=== Using a USB Drive as RAM ===
 
=== Using a USB Drive as RAM ===
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#*On a laptop, USB slots are generally on the sides of the laptop's housing.
 
#*On a laptop, USB slots are generally on the sides of the laptop's housing.
 
#*On a desktop, you'll usually find USB slots in the front or back of the CPU box, or on a peripheral such as the keyboard.
 
#*On a desktop, you'll usually find USB slots in the front or back of the CPU box, or on a peripheral such as the keyboard.
#Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
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#Open Start . Click the Windows logo in the bottom-left corner of the screen.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 28 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#Open File Explorer . Click the folder-shaped icon in the bottom-left side of the Start window.
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#Open File Explorer . Click the folder-shaped icon in the bottom-left side of the Start window.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 29 Version 2.jpg|center]]
#Click . It's on the far-left side of the File Explorer window.
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#Click . It's on the far-left side of the File Explorer window.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 30.jpg|center]]
#Select your USB drive. Click the name of the USB drive that you attached. It will usually have an "F:" designation if it's the only external storage attached.
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#Select your USB drive. Click the name of the USB drive that you attached. It will usually have an "F:" designation if it's the only external storage attached.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 31.jpg|center]]
#Click . It's a tab in the upper-left side of the window. A toolbar will appear just below the '''Computer''' tab.
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#Click . It's a tab in the upper-left side of the window. A toolbar will appear just below the '''Computer''' tab.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 32.jpg|center]]
#Click . This white box with a red checkmark on it is on the far-left side of the toolbar. The flash drive's Properties window will open.
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#Click . This white box with a red checkmark on it is on the far-left side of the toolbar. The flash drive's Properties window will open.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 33.jpg|center]]
#Click the tab. It's at the top of the Properties window.
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#Click the tab. It's at the top of the Properties window.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 34.jpg|center]]
#Check the "Use this device" box. You'll see this in the middle of the page. Doing so will allow Windows to use the maximum space available on your flash drive for RAM.
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#Check the "Use this device" box. You'll see this in the middle of the page. Doing so will allow Windows to use the maximum space available on your flash drive for RAM.[[Image:Increase the RAM on a PC Step 35.jpg|center]]
 
#*You won't be able to use more than your computer's maximum RAM capacity.
 
#*You won't be able to use more than your computer's maximum RAM capacity.
 
#*You may have to wait a few seconds for ReadyBoost to display the flash drive's information.
 
#*You may have to wait a few seconds for ReadyBoost to display the flash drive's information.


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