- Will your operating system allow you to access all the memory your have after installing those sticks? (3GB is a common limit)
Just to build on this, 32bit Windows -usually*- has a limit of 4GB and 64bit is 8, however that's memory in total, so GPU memory and the like takes some of that allowed memory.
*Different OS packages may have slightly differing limits, IE Vista starter 32bit has 1GB. Windows XP Starter is 512MB.
XP
Vista
CPU-Z
Basically to install ram:
-Use CPU-Z or similar to identify your current RAM, go to the 'SPD' tab and note the type (Directly right of the Slot # drop-down) and Max Bandwidth - DDR, PC3200 (200mhz) for me (Yes yes, old ram.)
If it says DDR and 200mhz then it's actual speed is 400,
double data rate
If it says DDR2 and 200mhz, then it's actual speed is 800, double and double again.
If it says DDR3 and 200mhz, then it's actual speed is 1600, double double double!
So I would want a 1GB DDR 400 module
-Find a suitable module/kit to go with it, so same type (DDR, DDR2, DDR3) speed (Going by PCxxxx is the safest and easiest way) and maybe same size - someone confirm whether this actually has any effect?
-Unplug everything from your case, and let it sit for a while if it's been on before hand to cool down and shizzle.
-Ground yourself - If you don't have a wrist strap/matt or something that plugs into the grounding socket with the 3 pronged plugs, then make sure your always touching your case or making contact with a bare radiator pipe (Not sure if those 2 actually work, but I read about them online
), mainly make sure you don't wear a gimp suit or nylon chav suit, they are terrible for static (I hear)!
-Open the case (If you screw up here you're better off getting an expert to install the ram
)
-Put the module into a spare slot and press firmly untill it clicks in, if you have colour-coded slots, put the new ram in the same colour slot as the old ram (Can't remember the name of what it is but it works better, trust me.), if they're all the same just put it in the next along.
The way round it should be is indicated by a groove just off centre in the module, allign it with the 'tooth' on the slot
-Lock the module in place with the arm-locky things, or whatever your mobo uses (Spring loaded plastic pole in the case of my other pc)
-Boot OS (Probably best to do this before putting the side back on, to avoid extra work if there's problems and you gotta take it off again!)
Check you didn't leave any tools or the family pet inside the case before you boot it!
-Memtest or something to check for faults, or if you're lazy just use your pc as normal, anything odd happens that didn't happen before the new RAM was installed, chances are something's wrong with it or you did something wrong
.
PS - it's 3:15AM, so there's bound to be a mistake somewhere here. Point it out instead of mocking me over it kthx. (Also I'm no PC expert, just a gaming enthusiast taking an IT course in college, so yeah...)
