A few years ago, I took my computer in for a RAM speed memory upgrade. I paid nearly 150.00 for this and realize how much cheaper it is to do it yourself. This is an article on how to install your memory chip yourself.
There are two types of memory in your computer. Your hard drive memory, which is how many files you can store. Last, your RAM Memory, which is how fast your computer can work or think.
The first thing to know is these green circuit chips can be made with tin or gold on the bottom. Gold is the better conductor and will last longer. I recommend you by this part instead of the tin part. Before your install, turn off the computer and remove the power plug from the pc. Also be careful not to let static from your body enter the chip. This could short it out. There are static control devices out there you may use, or otherwise touch metal first before handling the chip.
Next you should remove the side panel from your pc, so you may see the inside. I am aware some computer manufacturers make it hard to take the panel off, where some are as easy as unscrewing the screws. On my dell computer, I ruined the panel to the point I can not put it back on, in order to look inside the pc. I had no problem however with my gateway.
Most computers have at least two slots for your RAM memory chip, and there is one slot already used. To find out how much RAM memory you have, go to the my computer icon, and right click for properties. You will see general info such as computer name registry, and below this how many megabytes of RAM. If it is nearly 1000 Megabytes you probably cannot upgrade any farther. If you are at about 250 or 500 megabytes, you can do an upgrade. There are 250 and 500 megabyte upgrade chips for purchase. You should buy whatever equals no greater than 1000 megabytes and no less than 550 megabytes of memory chips as a total. I paid about 30.00 for a 550 chip last week on the web with the gold lining.
The slots to put the circuit chips in; have two white lock tabs on the mother board. You will see your original RAM chip in one of them already installed. If the chip is only 250 megabytes and you want 1000 megabytes, then remove the original so you may put both new 550 chips in.
For final installation, push the white tabs back to unlock the slots. Then put the chip in the slot with its label info facing you. Gently push down from one end to the other to snap the circuit into place. If the chip is in properly, the tabs will usually lock back up on their own. Put the power chord back in your pc and turn the computer on. It will automatically adjust the new hardware settings. If you are unsure, go back to right click on the my computer icon. Next, choose properties and see if the RAM has increased. If it hasn't changed, the chip may not be snapped down all the way.
If all is well, close up your PC tower and you are finished. The better your RAM memory is, the faster web pages change for you. The only other pc component that affects how fast your computer moves is the unit processor. This item allows how many files or web pages you multitask at the same time. Another words, how fast multi programs run when using them all at the same time. I believe it is called a dual processor.
