Each user who wants to "pump" his computer, first of all, must know how to increase RAM. It is not difficult to do this, however, there are nuances that must be taken into account. Let's try to figure this out.
RAM Type
There are different types of RAM: SIMM, DIMM, DDR-1, DDR-2, DDR-3. All these are obsolete types that are installed on older computers. Some more or less modern systems may still have DDR3 RAM slots, however, modern and new computers are necessarily equipped with DDR4 memory. However, this technology hails from 2014, and the introduction of the DDR5 RAM started around 2016 (this information was published at the Intel Forum).
So, before you increase the RAM, we need to know what type is used in the computer. But that's not all.
What do you need to know?
In addition to the type of "RAM", it is also necessary to determine:
- The amount of memory that can generally be installed on the motherboard. For example, if the board supports 8 GB of RAM, then it makes no sense to install 12 or 16 GB of memory.
- Find out how much memory is already in the system.
- Find out the required operating frequency of RAM.
Parameter Definition
Let's start with the simplest. Before you increase RAM, you need to find out the amount that is currently in the system. You can see this in the properties of the computer. Right-click on "My Computer" - "Properties". It will indicate the amount of RAM that is currently in the system. But this is not all the information that we need.
In order to get full information about RAM, you need to download and install Speccy, which is available for free on the network. After installation, run it, and in the "RAM" section you will see all the necessary information: frequency, volume, type, number of available and occupied slots.
Work with data
One of the most important parameters is the type of memory. If it is DDR3, then you need to install only the memory of the same type. DDR2 or DDR4 brackets will not physically fit into the connectors. As for the memory frequency, it is advisable to select a frequency that would correspond to the frequency of the motherboard. It makes no sense to buy an expensive high-frequency memory, for which the motherboard is corny.
Current volume is also important. It happens that on the motherboard all the connectors for the new slots are occupied. What to do in this case and how to increase RAM? It all depends on the specific situation. If there are free slots for new slots, then there should be no problems at all. Just buy the same memory with the same frequency and add it to the system.
Memory sticks of different sizes
If there are only 2 slots on the motherboard, each of which has 4 GB of memory, then one memory slot can be removed and given to someone or sold. Instead, you need to set the bar in volume, for example, 8 GB. The result is 12 GB of memory. Some users believe that the work of two slots with different memory sizes has a bad effect on performance, but in reality this is not so. The main thing is that the operating frequencies of the RAM coincide. But even if the frequencies do not coincide, then both bars will work at the lower frequency of the two.
As for the slots of different sizes, at the moment the memory controllers are quite flexible and without any problems ensure their stable operation.
The process of installing memory slots
Before you increase RAM, the computer must be turned off from the outlet. Now we unscrew the case cover and see the motherboard in front of us - the memory slots are fastened directly to it. These are flat green motherboards with microchips. However, modern models can have special covers-radiators for heat dissipation, so there can be any color.
Pay attention to the presence of additional connectors for connecting new slots. If they are nearby, then the old memory does not need to be removed, you can leave it as it is. But the new slots must be used, and if the motherboard is able to recognize a large amount of RAM, then you can add 1-2 slats. To do this, it is necessary to set the bars so that the hole in the memory itself exactly matches the notch in the slot. This is a special protection that prevents the user from inserting the slot incorrectly. Simply insert the slot correctly and press it in until the side locks snap into place. If you install the memory loose, the system may not recognize it.
Unfortunately, many motherboards have just two RAM slots. Therefore, before you increase RAM, you have to buy more capacious straps and replace them with old ones. The latter will have to be thrown out or sold. Unfortunately, there is no way to use three or four slots with two available connectors on the motherboard. Alternatively, you can advise changing the motherboard with a large number of connectors, but this is too radical. This is also one of the options for increasing RAM on a computer.
Conclusion
Before you increase the RAM memory, you need to think about whether it is rational to do this at all. If the system uses an old and weak central processor, an integrated video card, then one or two gigabytes of RAM will be more than enough. Even increasing the amount of RAM on a weak computer, it will be impossible to notice an increase in performance. After all, a large resource of new memory will not be trite because of the limited processor performance.