Hardware Repair

Upgrading Your PCs RAM – A Beginners Guide

February 15, 2024

Upgrading Your PCs RAM – A Beginners Guide

Introduction

Upgrading the RAM (random access memory) in your PC is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to significantly improve its performance. As a PC beginner, this straightforward upgrade can seem daunting, but with some basic knowledge about RAM and a bit of guidance, anyone can do it. This article will provide you with a comprehensive beginner’s guide to upgrading your PC’s RAM, so you can give your computer a speed boost.

What is RAM and Why Upgrade It?

RAM is the short-term memory of your computer, where data and programs are stored when in use. When your PC doesn’t have enough RAM, it has to frequently swap data from RAM to your hard drive. This slows down the system considerably. Upgrading RAM lessens this bottleneck by giving applications more memory to work with.

The main benefits of adding more RAM include:

Faster performance – More RAM enhances overall system responsiveness and speeds up data processing/transfer times.
Ability to multitask – With more RAM, you can comfortably have multiple applications open simultaneously.
Enhanced gaming – RAM upgrades allow games to load faster and run more smoothly.
Future-proofing – Upgrading RAM prepares your PC for more demanding apps/OS versions down the line.

As a rule of thumb, 8GB of RAM is the minimum recommendation for most users today, with 16GB being ideal for gaming rigs and power users.

Choosing the Right RAM

When selecting a RAM upgrade, you need to get the right type and specs for your specific system. Here are the key factors to consider:

RAM Type

There are many types of RAM, but PCs typically use either DDR3 or the newer DDR4 standard. Most modern PCs use DDR4. You can check your motherboard documentation to confirm which type your PC needs.

RAM Speed

RAM speed is measured in MHz. Faster RAM can improve performance, but your motherboard also needs to support the speed. For DDR4 RAM, common speeds are 2666MHz, 3000MHz or 3200MHz for most PCs.

RAM Capacity

Decide how much total RAM you need. For example, upgrading from 4GB to 8GB or 8GB to 16GB. Just ensure your motherboard has enough RAM slots and can support the total capacity.

Physical Dimensions

RAM comes as DIMMs (dual in-line memory modules) in various physical sizes. Your motherboard manual will specify which DIMM sizes fit your PC (e.g. DDR4 SO-DIMM).

Checking Your Current RAM

Before purchasing an upgrade, you should check how much RAM is currently in your system. Here are two easy ways to do this on Windows 10:

Task Manager – Open the task manager and go to the Performance tab which shows your total RAM capacity.
System Information – Type “system information” into the Windows search bar and open the System Information app. The RAM quantity will be listed under the Components > Memory category.

This will tell you how many RAM slots are occupied, their capacity and speed. With this information, you can determine the most suitable upgrade.

Purchasing Your RAM

When buying RAM, I recommend purchasing from reputable brands like Corsair, Kingston or Crucial, who manufacture quality modules that are widely compatible.

Refer to your motherboard manual and choose a module with matching specifications in terms of type, speed, capacity and dimensions. It’s worth comparing prices online to find the best deals.

If unsure about compatibility, most retailer websites have configurators which let you enter your PC model and confirm which RAM will work. Purchasing a kit with 2 matching RAM modules is ideal as they are tested to work smoothly in dual-channel mode.

Installing the New RAM

Once you have your new RAM, it’s time for installation. Here is an overview of the process:

1. Open the PC Case

Power down, unplug and open up your computer’s case to access the motherboard. Locate the RAM slots, which are normally color-coded.

2. Remove Old RAM

If slots are occupied, release the clips at either end to pop out the old RAM sticks. Ground yourself regularly by touching the metal case to avoid static discharge.

3. Insert New RAM

Line up the notch on the gold contacts of your new RAM with the ridge in the slot. Firmly push down until both clips at the ends lock into place. Make sure the installation feels secure.

4. Replace Cables, Panels and Power On

Carefully replace any cables, case panels and reconnect power. Switch your PC back on and it should automatically detect the new memory.

Verifying the Upgrade

Once back in Windows, you can check the RAM upgrade was successful:

Re-open Task Manager or System Information to validate your new total RAM capacity.
Run some intensive programs and games while monitoring task manager. Check overall system responsiveness and game performance for improvements.

If you don’t see the expected RAM amount or experience issues, carefully re-seat the RAM and try again. If problems persist, confirm you purchased compatible RAM as per your motherboard requirements.

Conclusion

Upgrading RAM is an easy and affordable way to boost your PC’s speed and capabilities. By understanding RAM basics, checking system compatibility, purchasing quality modules and carefully installing them, anyone can successfully upgrade their computer’s memory. Just take it slow and follow the steps outlined in this beginner’s guide. In an hour or less, you’ll have a faster, smoother and more powerful PC.