The Most Effective PC Performance Booster: A Simple RAM Upgrade
Jul 08 '00
Let’s clear up the leading misconception among computers users first. If you want to add more memory to your PC so that you can install more programs, you are in the wrong place. You’re thinking about storage space, which means you need an extra hard drive. If you would like your computer to run faster, or if you would like to be able to run more programs at once then you are in need of a RAM upgrade.
Increasing the amount of installed RAM in your PC will, dollar-for-dollar, give you a bigger performance increase than any other upgrade you can perform. Many technical people will tell you that this is an upgrade that even a novice can perform. This is true in some cases but in many others, it isn’t.
Installing RAM is a multi-step process:
1. Determine the maximum RAM capacity for your PC by checking either the owner’s manual for the system or the motherboard manual if you have a custom built machine. Naturally, if you are already running at maximum RAM capacity, then you will not be able to ad more RAM.
2. Determine what type of RAM you need by consulting one of the previously mentioned manuals. If you can’t find the information, you may need to open the case, remove one of the installed RAM chips and take it to the local computer shop where you’ll say “Give me one of these, only bigger”. I can’t stress how important this step is. Many vendors will not accept RAM returns. If you purchase the wrong kind, you’re stuck.
3. Before purchasing the RAM look at you motherboard to determine how many empty slots you have. On older Pentiums using 72 pin SIMM chips, you have to install the chips in identical pairs. So, if you want to add 64mb of RAM, you’ll need to purchase two 32MB SIMMS. If all of you SIMM slots are full, then you’ll have to remove two of the installed SIMM chips to add new RAM. Most new computers use 168 pin DIMM chips. These can be added singly.
4. The last thing to check before making your purchase is the system bus speed. You can use 100mhz RAM on a 66mhz system bus, but you cannot use 66mhz RAM on a 100mhz board. Be careful, system bus speeds are increasing with every generation of motherboards. 133mhz system bus speeds are common now.
5. When you install the RAM on the motherboard be very careful to avoid the possibility of static electricity, which will fry a chip in an instant. Use a wrist strap or make an anti-static solution of fabric softener and water to spray on the floor in the area where you will be working if it is carpeted. It may be necessary to remove some of the PC cards in order to get to the RAM slots. 72 pin SIMMS must be inserted at an angle before locking them into place. DIMMs are pushed straight down. Make sure you remove the power cable before beginning.
6. After installing the RAM, turn your PC on before you replace the case. Your computer will display the amount of RAM it recognizes at the beginning of the boot process. If it doesn’t see the new RAM, try reseating it. The next step would be to try moving the RAM to another slot. Then you should remove the old RAM and try just the new chip(s). If the system won’t see the new RAM at this point, then you’ve either got a bad chip or you’ve purchased the wrong type of chip.
As I said earlier, no other upgrade will give you a better performance increase. If you aren’t comfortable with the process I described, then get your local PC shop to do this for you. Many places will install RAM for free if you purchase it from them.
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