The fastest upgrade you can do to your system.
Aug 04 '01
The Bottom Line Why overclock or buy a new computer system when you can just add more RAM?
Hello
Why the RAM upgrade?
Why over clock or buy a new computer system when you can just add more RAM? Some people think that gaining a few hundred megahertz to their PC by over clocking it will make allot of difference in performance. Trust me it won't. I over clocked many systems before and the speed and performance I gain was so minimal, it's not worth it. Just add RAM to your PC if you want speed. You can read in my other opinions, me bragging about adding more RAM and faster hard disk instead of over clocking. I truly believe that doubling your system memory will give you an instant 20 to 40 % speed increase.
How much RAM should I install?
In some instances upgrading your memory is not worth it. For example if you are running a Microsoft Windows 95 Operating System PC. Reason: Windows 95 is optimized at 32-Mb. It will use the extra RAM but only if it needs it, instead of utilizing your hard drive as a virtual memory. Virtual memory is your hard drive. Windows tricks your computer and your programs still think that they are in the memory when they are really on the hard drive as Window uses as an extension if it needs more room. This normally happens when you open multiple programs at the same time.
Where am I with my OS?
Here is how different Operating systems use memory, so according to this you can decide how much RAM is the best for your system. Microsoft Windows-95 is optimized at 32-Mb, Windows-98 is optimized at 64-Mb, this applies to Windows-98 SE as well. Windows Millenium will use everything you got and Windows NT or 2000 can address and use up to two gigabyte of memory! Most late model PCs come with memory slots for DIMM modules. These systems use SDRAM Dimms. These modules are allot faster and reliable than the old SIMMs. The other nice thing is that you don't have to use Dimms in pairs, unlike SIMMs.
Do I really need to upgrade?
Here is my chart of memory recommendation for different Operating systems. Depending what you use the system for. Accordingly if you are a basic, simple every day Internet user who does some word processing, play some Solitaire or if you are a power user who plays 3-D games and does graphic design and allot of multitasking which means having many programs/windows open on your system at the same time.
Microsoft Windows-95 = Min 16-Mb Max 64-Mb
Microsoft Windows-98 = Min 32-Mb Max 128-Mb
Microsoft Windows-ME = Min 64-Mb Max 512-Mb
Microsoft Windows-NT = Min 64-Mb Max 256-Mb (Non Server!)
Microsoft Windows-2000 = Min 128-Mb Max 4-Gb
Unix / Linux = Min = 128-Mb Max Infinity
Ok I am upgrading, but how?
Some system boards can handle both type of modules. SIMMs and Dimms as well. If you have a system with such system board, GO with the Dimms instead. Today’s most popular memories are PC-100 and PC-133 SDRAM modules. The PC-100 sticks are hard to find anymore. If your system uses PC-100 RAM, don't worry the PC-133 modules will work just fine. The very latest computer systems depending on the CPU use either DDR RAM or RD-RAM. These are Intel Pentium 4 and AMD Athlon processors. DDR RAM is more expensive and it has to be supported by your mother board to be able to benefit on it's high speed.
Honey Pls get the screw-driver for me!
Replacing SDRAM or DDR RAM in the PC is easy. Open your case while the computer is off. Leave it plugged in so it's grounded. very important for ESD charge. ESD = Electro Static Discharge. Also make sure that you won't avoid your manufacturer's warranty by doing this. Sometimes there is a sticker on the side of the case telling you "Warranty Void if removed" Please contact your system's vendor to make sure you don't void your warranty. Once the case is open, turn your PC to it's side. Sometimes it is good to have a flash light handy if your in a darker room. This way you can see inside the machine, behind all those cables, ribbons, etc.
Hmmm, I can't see it
You will see your memory seating in one of the slots. At both sides of the slots you'll see those white handles that looks like if they are holding the module in place. In reality they are not. The only two purpose they have is to make sure that the module is in place and when you need to take them out, you can just push them down. These levers will lift the module right out of their slot. You normally want to leave your existing module where it is in place the new one right beside it. With SDRAM it makes no difference what order they are in. If you look at the SDRAM module you see in between the 168 pins there are two dents. These dents have to line up with the slot accordingly. There is only one way they fit in the slot. You can't make a mistake because it just simply won't go in the wrong way.
I've got it now, never mind
Once the module is installed, simply turn your computer on.
If everything is ok, you should hear one beep. If you hear two, there is a problem. Either the module is not compatible or it is bad / defective. You also have to make sure that those two handles at the end of the slots are all the way up and the module is seating in the slot nice and firm. With some motherboards, you have to push real hard to get the module in the slot properly. Once the PC is on and you see the desktop, go to the my computer icon, right click on it and than select properties. Your total memory should show on the very bottom line. If it doesn't, than your system can’t see the new module. Usually it is not installed right. Try to make sure it is "in there nice and firm" To re-adjust you module, Turn the computer OFF first. You don't want to be electrocuted!
My PC is the fastest on the World!
Once everything is in order and your system sees the memory, turn the machine off and put the cover back and all the screws at the back. Turn your system on and enjoy the flight! Regards.
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Epinions.com ID:
janika
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Location: North America
Reviews written: 33
Trusted by: 7 members
About Me:
A hardware Gürü who likes computers, cars, travel & digital photography.
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