How To Upgrade PC Memory Modules

Today's PCs can accept up to 16 GB of RAM, and even the older machines can take up to 1 GB. This was not very useful information back in the Stone Age of, say, 1997, because back then, a RAM installation of any substance cost at least $200. But today you can get some incredible deals. It's not hard to find 256 MB or even 512 MB of RAM for as little as $29! With rebates from CompUSA, BestBuy, and other stores, you can get even additional savings.

I estimate that at least 95% of all PCs in service today need a RAM memory upgrade. Here's a simple rule of thumb: Any PC that has less than 512 MB of installed RAM can benefit from the addition of more. (Of course, some older PCs only have a maximum capacity of 512 MB or even less. Check the system's user manual or online specs for this information.)

My favorite candidate for additional memory is the PC with 128 MB of RAM. This was by far the most popular configuration for PCs installed circa 1997 to 2001. Many of these systems are still in use. But 128 MB of RAM produces what I call a shortfall of available memory, causing system freezes and sluggishness. Upgrading one of these older PCs to 512 MB of RAM produces an impressive performance increase.

Here's what you'll need to get started.

Ingredients

1. Fresh Diagnose software. This freeware program will tell you everything there is to know about the RAM modules inside a PC, without having to remove the cover or any RAM modules. (On the download page, scroll down to "Fresh Diagnose," which is choice #2, and click on "download here.")

2. Memory module, either SDRAM or DDR RAM. This is the actual memory component you will install into the computer. Note: SDRAM (synchronous dynamic RAM) boards cannot be mixed and matched with DDR (double data rate) boards. The system being worked on will use one or the other. You can't install the wrong type of memory on a motherboard, however, as DDR memory modules have one notch on the bottom side of the board, and SDRAM have two notches. The motherboard memory slots will be 'footprinted' the same way, depending on which type of memory modules they were designed for. By the way, the FreshDiagnose freeware will tell you which type of memory the system uses.

3. "Good Fingers." You'll be opening up the CPU case, possibly removing existing RAM, and certainly inserting new RAM modules on the motherboard. "Good fingers" means dexterity and experience. Just like a surgeon, a technician who handles RAM must be good with his or her hands.

4. Screwdriver and anti-static wrist strap. Whether you'll need a Phillips, plain, or Torx screwdriver depends on which type of screw is used to attach the PC's exterior case. The anti-static wrist strap helps protect the system; at less than $10, it's a good investment.

5. Compressed air. You'll use this to clean dust and other debris from the opened PC.

Getting Started

First, download the FreshDiagnose software utility. You'll use this tool to identify which RAM you need, and how much RAM the PC can accept. FreshDiagnose produces a simple report that you can print out and bring to a retail store, or do a product lookup on the Web or eBay. Either way, you are assured of buying the correct RAM chips for your customer's PC. You will also avoid the need to remove the PC's cover and disassemble the system, at least for now.

FreshDiagnose will also identify empty RAM slots, which are valuable to PC owners. Empty RAM slots provide the capacity to allow you to add more memory to your customer's PC systems.

Note: Please remember that this download is freeware; it will expire after 10 days. So it's a good idea to check your RAM memory before the 10 days are up. After that time, you will have the option to renew the free registration or purchase FreshDiagnose for $39.95. Also, FreshDiagnose supports Windows and NT only.

Once you get FreshDiagnose up and running, you'll see the home screen, shown below. Double-click on the icon called Hardware System -- it looks like a little PC.

Next, you will see the Hardware System page, shown below in the next screen shot. Double-click on the Memory icon in the middle of the page.

You will next see the Memory page, shown below.

If the PC has empty RAM slots, they will be marked empty on this report. Use those empty slots for extra RAM capacity!

For the sake of ease, click File, then Save Result. This will save the output as a text file. This will be the easiest form to print out. A screen shot of this text form is shown below. This is also what your printed report should look like:

It is important to analyze this printout correctly. Look at each grouping of data, with the header Memory Device. This header defines a memory module slot on the motherboard. In this example, we are looking at the contents of two RAM slots on the computer's motherboard.

Next, look at the field called Memory Size. This field tells you, in megabytes, the size of the installed module. In this example we have two modules of different size: one is 64 MB, the other is 256 MB. If any of these memory slots are empty, this field will say 0MB.

The next important field is Memory Type. It tells you exactly that, the memory type that is appropriate within this computer, be it SDRAM or DDR. This field will always have the same value. Again, you cannot mix and match memory types inside of a single computer.

Memory Speed is the last important field. This number, measured in megahertz or MHz, can vary greatly. I have seen 66, 100, 133, 166, 266 or higher in some cases. Be sure to match the memory speed of the existing RAM to any new RAM you may buy. Mixing and matching memory speeds sometimes works, but not always. Check with the PC's manufacturer to be sure.

RAM Installation, Step-by Step

Now that we know what kind of memory the PC can handle, it's time to install the new memory. (We'll assume that you've already taken the intermediate step of buying the appropriate memory card and assembling your tools, as listed above.)

Remember, your PC must be powered off for this procedure!

1. Unwrap your memory module. This can be tricky if you purchase the popular PNY brand memory. The plastic is very difficult to cut. Use a heavy-duty pair of scissors.

2. Create a mini-performance benchmark. Using a stopwatch or the second-hand of your wristwatch, measure, in seconds, how long the system needs to fully boot up. Write it down -- you will use this again in Step 10 to determine whether the upgrade improved performance.

3. Isolate the CPU case, identify which type of screwdriver you'll need, and remove the cover. Give yourself plenty of elbow room.

4. Blow out the inside of the case with the compressed air. It's likely to be full of dust. Be sure to blow the dust away from the rest of the PC!

5. Locate the PC's RAM modules, and verify that they match the printout from FreshDiagnose.

6. Remove the module you've decided to replace. The replace it with the new board. Make sure you're wearing your anti-static wristband!

7. Double-check that the RAM modules are clipped tight in their slots. Use a flashlight if you cannot see well into the case.

8. Boot up the computer. Verify that the new RAM is recognized properly. You may have to go into the BIOS routine of the computer to do this. Unfortunately, there are over 100 BIOS modules in existence, all with their own keystroke routine for access. The most popular is the Delete key, which is used on some of the more popular systems. It is worth the time and effort to access the BIOS routine of any PC that you are adding memory too. If you cannot access the BIOS, it's likely that you will have to abandon the upgrade and recommend a new system to your customer.

9. Once you determine that the new RAM is fully recognized by the system, replace the cover on the CPU case, and put all system components, cables, and peripherals back as they should be.

10. Re-measure the boot-up time of the computer with the new memory, and compare it with the time you measured in Step 2. It should be running much faster now. For example, I have done upgrades that improved the boot-up time of a PC from 70 seconds to just 25 seconds. Your mileage may vary. If you feel that there is NO performance improvement, don't worry. "More is better" as it relates to RAM, even if that benefit is not visible to the naked eye.

DAVID KARY is the founder and CEO of Rippt.com.

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