Upgrading memory is oftentimes an easy, cost-effective ticket to a faster desktop PC system. Your computer uses random access memory (RAM), or memory for short, to store data needed to manage open and running applications. With more memory, your desktop PC will have an easier time managing your programs.
Before you can install memory on your PC, you need to have the right type of memory at the right amounts, as well as an extra RAM slot on your motherboard.
* Get the right type of memory.
You have to have the right type of memory for your PC. The memory that you can use is dependent on your motherboard, so make sure that you buy a memory module that your motherboard can support. Old motherboards may only support DDR1 SDRAM. Modern motherboards can support both DDR1 SDRAM and the faster DDR2 SDRAM. The fastest SDRAM on the market is currently DDR3, which only the latest motherboards can support.
* Get the right amount of memory.
If you are running a 32-bit Windows operating system, your computer will not be able to use more than 4GB of memory without the aid of pc computer hardware and software hacks. Thus, installing more than 4GB or RAM on a 32-bit Windows system will simply be a waste of your money.
On the other hand, the modern 64-bit Windows system can theoretically support up to 16TB of memory or roughly 16,000GB. You should have no problem installing a lot of memory on PCs with a 64-bit architecture!
* Reserve a RAM slot.
Memory is installed in RAM slots on the motherboard. Motherboards usually accommodate between two and four RAM modules. If all of your RAM slots are occupied, you have to replace your old RAM modules with ones that have more memory. Typical RAM amounts for memory modules include 512MB, 1GB and 2GB.
Once you have purchased the right memory modules and prepared an extra RAM slot on your motherboard, you can begin installing the additional memory on your desktop PC!
