Operating modes of RAM and installation rules. Proper installation of RAM in a computer (boards, frequency brackets, connectors, slots)

garden equipment 21.10.2019
garden equipment

If your computer is slow, freezes when working with programs and games, then one of the best ways to increase its performance at the hardware level is to install additional RAM on your computer. In this article, we will look at step by step the process of adding, replacing RAM.




Choose the right type of RAM


Before heading to the store to buy a new memory module, you need to find out what type of RAM your motherboard supports. There are the following types of RAM: DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR3 L and the new type DDR4. They differ in size, so if you buy the wrong type, it just won't fit in the connector. There is also a division into DIMM form factors (for desktop computers) and SODIMM (for laptops).


To find out the type, you need to carefully read the instructions for the motherboard. If you already have memory modules installed, take one of them and look for the options sticker. It indicates the type of DDR. Most modern computers have DDR2 and DDR3 memory types.

We count the number of slots for RAM on the motherboard

The number of slots for memory modules on the motherboard can be 2,4,6,8, and even more on the server motherboard. Most motherboards have 2-4 connectors. You should pay attention to the maximum amount of memory that your motherboard supports.


Choose a manufacturer

There are many companies involved in the development of RAM. The results of their work differ both in price and quality. We do not recommend purchasing memory from little-known manufacturers.

In recent years, the following manufacturers have been popular:

Corsair;

Kingston;

Hynix;

Crucial;

AMD Radion;

Samsung;

G. Skill;

Name.

Buying RAM

Going shopping in a specialized computer store, you need to know exactly what kind of RAM is needed and whether it will be compatible with the motherboard.


Preparing to install RAM

Step 1. Power off your computer. Disconnect all cables and cords connected to the back of the case.

(Monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc.)


Step 2. Remove the side cover from the case. Position the computer case so that it is convenient to work with it. It will be most convenient if you put it on its side. Free access to the motherboard by gently pushing away the nearby wires.


Step 3. Next, you should get rid of static charges. They can damage the installed components on the motherboard. To do this, simply touch the case or battery with your hand. For some, this advice may seem ridiculous, someone will say that nothing will happen and nothing will be damaged, but as they say, "God saves the safe," so it's better to play it safe and listen to advice.


Step 4. Locate the RAM slots on the motherboard. In modern boards, manufacturers make 2, 4 connectors. These are identical in size and parallel to each other connectors. How they look, you can see in the photo below.


Step 5. If you are replacing the old memory with a new one, you will need to remove the old module. Gently press on the two white end tabs. The module will release and can be easily removed.


Step 6. Take a new memory bar, while trying not to touch the chips and contacts located on it.

Installing RAM

If you have one memory module or several modules of different sizes, then insert them into any slot, skip everything that is written below and go to step 7.

Modern motherboards are capable of operating in two, three, four channel modes. The advantage of using multi-channel mode is that two, three or four channels interact with each other, increasing throughput. This greatly speeds up the system.

Most budget motherboards are equipped with dual channel mode. Connectors can be the same color, but often they are different and interleaved. For example, blue, black, blue black. Yellow, red, yellow, red.

To make the RAM work in dual-channel mode, you must install the same memory modules in the slots of the same color.

For example, if you have two 1 GB sticks, then they need to be inserted into the connectors of the same color, let's say blue.

When it comes to installing identical modules, this means that they should not only be of the same size, but also identical in their technical characteristics (frequency, delay, timing, manufacturer).

In order not to be mistaken, it is better to buy a set of two or four planks.

RAM is one of the most important components that affect the performance of a computer. Therefore, adding it is one of the most common "upgrades". The first sign that there is not enough RAM is the slow operation of a personal computer. The PC ceases to cope with many tasks that the installed software sets for it, cannot ensure the correct and good operation of new games.

The most budgetary way to solve this problem is to install additional RAM. This can be done both on a desktop computer and on most laptop models. Before jumping into the correct steps guide, it's worth mentioning that iMac desktops can only install RAM designed for laptops.

The first thing to do is to determine what type of RAM is installed on the computer in order to install a new one or replace it entirely. This will depend on the type of motherboard. To understand this, you can open the case or look at the attached documentation. If the necessary documents are not available, you should go to the manufacturer's website.

There are only three types of RAM, these are DRR, DDR2 and DDR3. In the vast majority of modern stationary computers, RAM of the last two types is installed. The essence of RAM identification is the speed of its operation and bandwidth. It is very important to make sure that both specifications will fully match the factory settings of the motherboard. These parameters are otherwise called identifiers. The following examples of matching can be given. An identifier such as PC3 12800 means that the maximum bandwidth is equivalent to 12.8 GB. Another identifier, for example, DDR3 1800, tells us that the speed is 1800 MHz.

Slots

The next step in installing memory is to determine the number of slots for RAM modules. Most "motherboards" have a limit on the amount of RAM. And this indicator will not depend on how many connectors it has.

In any case, the best option would be to buy SDRAM RAM. If you choose RAM, you will have to purchase two or four modules. Example: to get an "increase" of 8 GB of RAM, you need to take two 4 GB modules or four 2 GB modules. It is important that all of them have identical parameters that we mentioned above (we are talking about speed and throughput). If you ignore this question, the overall performance of the computer may be significantly reduced, as the system will adjust in accordance with the minimum factory values ​​\u200b\u200bfixed in the PC. It is very important to re-check the capabilities of the motherboard.

Training

Before you install the memory, you must turn off not only the computer, but also all peripheral devices - the monitor, mouse and keyboard. Only after that you can open the case, and then place it on the surface of the table or floor so as to get maximum access to the motherboard.

It is important to completely eliminate the possible occurrence of static charges. This may cause damage to some components of the computer. Charges can be removed in two ways:

  • touch the case of a turned off computer while it is connected to the network;
  • put on an antistatic wrist strap.

Also, do not stand on the surface of the carpet or carpet while working with the components of the PC system unit.

Installation start

You need to find motherboard connectors. In most cases, there will be either two or four such slots. Finding them is easy. They are located next to the processor. If you can’t find the connectors, you can use the documents for the “motherboard”. But the easiest way is to just see exactly where the old RAM modules are located.

We remove the video card

There are some motherboards whose design is such that the correct installation of RAM will be significantly interfered with by the video card. So, before installing the memory, it will need to be removed. One or two power cords can be connected to the video card. You should pay attention to what the mounting scheme is.

Usually there are levers on the cords, after pressing which it is easy to pull the cord out correctly. The next step is to unscrew the screws that connect the video card to the motherboard. Most devices have a latch or latch located on the PCI Express slot. It is to this socket that the video card is attached, and it serves to ensure that the card can be very tightly connected to the connector. This is necessary, as this is the only way to provide support from the front. On the reverse side, screws act as fasteners. The latch will need to be moved far enough so that you can easily remove the video card. It should be remembered that each procedure is carried out as carefully as possible, the card is pulled out, and not pulled out of the slot from the front side. You don't need to apply force.

Now we have access to the RAM. But there is one more thing. If the computer has been in operation for a long time, then removing the video card gives us a chance to clean it. Only a soft brush should be used. It is absolutely not necessary to disassemble the cooling system of the video card, since its design is very fragile. Only the fan can be gently cleaned, but even here, the use of force can lead to breakage.

Inserting the memory module

Let's go back to RAM. Then you need to pull out the RAM module by opening the clips on both sides. The new module is removed from the package, but at the same time it must be held in such a way that it does not touch the contacts on the bottom and the chips located on the sides.

The module is inserted so that its groove clearly matches the protrusion in the motherboard connector. The field of this must be pressed lightly on the module, which, after it enters the connector, must be fixed with the help of connectors.

When performing this procedure, you must make sure that the installation is made in the appropriate slots. The latter are marked on the motherboard, or they are different from each other in color. But it's still worth looking at the documentation again. According to the described scheme, each RAM module is mounted.

We complete the process

Before closing the housing, it is highly desirable to completely clean the surface of the housing and all accessories using a compressed air device. This will increase the air circulation inside the case, which, in turn, will increase the performance of the computer.

After cleaning, you need to close the computer case. You do not need to turn it on if the case is open, this negatively affects the cooling process. Peripherals must be connected to a non-working computer.

Checking the result

Then you need to turn on the PC. Some systems run the component health testing process after a configuration change has been made. This is how you can see that you were able to install the new RAM correctly.

If the computer has not started the scan, you can do it yourself - directly in Windows. Make it simple. You need to press Win + Pause / Break, then the "System" window will open. There is also an alternative option for opening a window through the "Explorer" or the "Start" menu. The System window is located in the Properties section of the My Computer folder. You can get here by right-clicking on the folder. In "Properties" there is detailed information about the RAM that was installed by the user.

Different operating systems will display RAM size differently. Some systems are able to reserve a certain amount of memory for certain needs. For example, if the amount of new RAM was 2 GB, then the PC might display it as 1.99 GB.

If self-testing is not possible, then you can use one of the existing utilities. They are provided free of charge and can be downloaded from the Internet.

Properly installed RAM will increase the performance of your computer several times over. Improvements will be felt already in the first minutes after launching the game or any software.

- one of the main components of any computer. The amount of RAM has a big impact on the overall performance of a computer. If there is not enough memory for current tasks, then the computer will run slowly. In this article, we will talk about how to add RAM to the computer and solve this problem.

Step number 1. Determine the number of free slots for RAM.

If you want to add RAM to your computer, then the first thing to do is determine the number of free memory slots on your motherboard. This can be done using programs, but in this case there is a small risk of getting incorrect information. Therefore, it is better not to be lazy and see for yourself. To do this, completely turn off the power to the computer, put it on its side and remove the side cover.

The RAM slots will be located to the right of the CPU cooler. On budget or compact motherboards, there are usually only two slots. There are usually four slots on mid-range motherboards, and even eight memory slots can be used on the most expensive motherboards (in this case they are located on both sides of the processor cooler).

Slots for RAM

Pay attention to how many slots are free. This is how many RAM modules you can add to your computer. If all the memory slots are already occupied, then in this case you can add RAM to the computer only by replacing the already installed memory.

Step number 2. Determine the current memory configuration.

When adding RAM to a computer, you need to strive to ensure that all memory modules are as similar as possible to each other. They must have the same volume, the same timings and of course the same type (DDR, DDR2, DDR3 or DDR4). Using the same memory modules will avoid potential compatibility issues.

Therefore, since you have already opened the side cover of the computer, then remove one of your memory boards and. Usually there is a sticker on the RAM with all the information you need written on it. You can read about how to remove and install the RAM module at the end of the article.

RAM spec sticker

If there is no sticker, then you can get information about the installed RAM using the CPU-Z program. Run this program on your computer and open the SPD tab. Here you will find the characteristics of each RAM module.

Characteristics of RAM in the CPU-Z program

In the upper left corner of the SPD tab there will be a switch that allows you to switch between the characteristics of different memory modules.

Step number 3. We buy new memory modules.

Based on how many free RAM slots you have, as well as what characteristics of the already installed memory, you can determine what memory modules are needed and how many can be installed. The ideal option is to find on sale exactly the same modules as you have on your computer, from the same manufacturer and with the same characteristics.

If you cannot find exactly the same memory, then buy modules from another manufacturer, the main thing is that their characteristics match those that you already have installed.

If you completely change all memory modules, then it is no longer necessary to maintain compatibility with old modules, the main thing is that the new ones are supported by your motherboard.

Step number 4. Adding RAM to the computer.

After the necessary modules are purchased, you can proceed to them. If you need to remove already installed modules, then for this you need to release the two latches that are located on the sides of the module, and while holding the module by the ends, carefully pull it out of the connector. In this case, you do not need to apply great force, the module should come out of the connector without difficulty.

Installing the RAM module

Installing the module in the slot is carried out in the same way. Open the latches on the sides and carefully insert the module into the slot on the motherboard. It is important to correctly orient the module in the slot. To do this, pay attention to the connector and the module itself. The module will have cutouts that must match the jumpers on the connector (key). Usually the module gets into the right position in two clicks. After the memory module is inserted into the slot, you need to close the latches on the sides of the slot. After that, you can collect the computer.

A computer is a counting device. All processes are transferred to counting functions. Considers, as you know, the processor. It receives portions of data from RAM, where the information is temporarily stored and queued up. Thus, (RAM) is the temporary storage of a set of data. The operating system loads all the files it needs into RAM in order to access them faster, since this will take a long time from the hard disk. Hence one more conclusion - RAM is needed as an intermediate and fast road to the processor.

How to choose a memory

Memory is selected based on the maximum amount. It is measured in megabytes and gigabytes. Outwardly, it looks like a bar, they are called “memory bar”.

The size of the memory bar is 2 to the power of m, where n is a natural number. That is, the allowable volumes are 32, 64, 128, 256, 512, 1024 (this is already 1 gigabyte) and so on. Large memory is not so expensive now, you can afford it. Usually, several brackets, two or three, can be installed in a computer. Their memory will be summed up.
The amount of memory required can always be calculated by simple methods. If the operating system is Windows XP, and the computer is used for office needs and the Internet, then 512 MB and 1024 MB will suffice. If new games are being played on the computer, then 2048 MB (2 GB) is required. It makes no sense to install more, home Windows XP will not see the extra memory. For Windows 7, the minimum allowed is 1 GB, for games you need 2 GB and can be expanded up to 4 GB. More is required for servers, but the server is rarely used at home. A modern memory bar has just 4 GB, it alone is enough for full-fledged work.

Memory is one thing. To connect it to the motherboard, you need to know the characteristics of the RAM slots. This is the connector standard and frequency, you can find out from the manual (characteristics) of the motherboard. There are only three standard connectors. Older motherboards still use the first SDRAM slot, for convenience it is called "First DDR", it's more correct to say DDR400. The second standard is DDR2, and the third is DDR3. It is difficult to determine by eye, it differs in the location of the key.

The photo shows where the key-notch is located. It's DDR3. Accordingly, there will be a tubercle on the motherboard in this place on the slot. Memory and a slot with different DDR will not fit together.
Another indicator is the maximum frequency. According to it, the most profitable memory is selected, based on the characteristics of the motherboard.

Installing RAM sticks.

First, disconnect the system unit from the power supply, remove the side cover. Next, find slots for RAM on it. Most motherboards come with slots with a single DDR design. Less often two. If there are two types of memory on the board, then do not insert several sticks with different DDR, select one type and take RAM for it. Before working with memory sticks, remove all interfering wires.

The figure shows two DDR400 slots with two brackets installed. To remove, lift the top latch and slightly pull the bar towards you. In the fourth picture, you can see that one latch is up, the rest are not.

To install in the memory slot, you need to open the upper latch, put the bar into the lower closed latch to the end, checking the match of the key (slots in the bottom of the bar) and the protrusion in the slot, and insert it all the way with a minimum of effort.

The top latch should close on its own.
The keys on the RAM allow you not only to avoid installing the wrong bar, but also to set the bar in the right position. In the inverted state, the memory is almost impossible to install in the slot.


Nuances

Installing memory is a very important point. Before doing this, you need to turn off the computer and disconnect it from the network. If the computer does not turn on due to memory, then turn it off and slightly push the strips into the slot. Maybe she just walked away.
Another RAM can fail, burn out completely or partially. This will happen when there is a power surge in the motherboard. This bar must be removed or replaced.

Now knowing how to install RAM in a computer, check again if the memory fits your motherboard in terms of characteristics and whether it is worth installing it.

One of the easiest ways to improve the performance of your computer is to increase the amount of RAM installed in it. Every year programs require more and more resources, and even browsers become more “gluttonous”. The RAM of a standard office computer can be used up if you open a dozen tabs in Google Chrome, and there are other applications, for example, that run in the background. Due to the low cost, anyone can purchase an additional memory module. Having correctly selected a new component for the computer, it is necessary to install it in the system unit, which may cause problems. If you do not know how to install RAM correctly, we will tell you about it in this article.

Installing RAM is a matter of a couple of minutes, but before proceeding with it, you need to select the ports on the motherboard into which new components can be inserted. Here, many computer users have a question, why are the slots for RAM of different colors, and is there a difference where to install it? The answer to this question is very simple - motherboard developers have provided in their model the possibility of operating memory in multi-channel mode.

Example: You bought two sticks of 8 GB of RAM and plan to install them in your computer. Both of them operate at the same frequency and, preferably, are released by the same company. In such a situation, in order for the computer to recognize the memory modules as a single 16 GB block, they must be installed in slots of the same color. If memory of different frequencies or with different sizes is installed in the computer, there is no difference in which slots it will be placed.

If we describe the situation from a technical point of view, then it must be said that the technology used in motherboards to speed up the parallel operation of identical memory strips is called Dual DDR. In most home computers, the motherboard can only support dual-channel memory, while there are more professional solutions on the market that are designed for 3 or 4 channels.

The connectors of one channel on the motherboard are indicated by a single color.

How to properly install RAM

As we noted at the very beginning, the process of installing memory is quite simple, and even an inexperienced computer user can handle it. Before proceeding directly with the installation of a new module, you need to gain access to the corresponding slots on the motherboard. To do this, just remove the cover of the system unit and find the required connectors.

Detailed instructions for installing RAM in a computer:


It should be noted that after installing a new module with RAM, the computer will independently detect it and start working with it. The user is not required to install additional drivers, unless we are talking about very specific memory models that are rarely used in home computers.

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