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How To Do Your Own Computer or Laptop Memory Upgrade-Part 1.
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Upgrading the memory in your computer or laptop is one of the
easiest and most cost-effective ways of improving your computer's
performance. Still many computer owners shy away from any memory
upgrade for a number of reasons: lack of knowledge, warranty issues,
fear of ruining their computers, compatibility concerns, or just an
innate feeling that the inside of their computer is just some alien
territory they must never venture.
Like a lot of things in life, a computer memory upgrade seems
more complicated than it actually is. Most of the apprehension
comes from a lack of knowledge. Let's face it, the average computer
user may only have a vague idea about RAM, Motherboards, Graphics
Cards and the like.
They know their computer works when they turn it on and that's all
that really matters to them. However, what most people don't realize is
that with a little investment of time and a few dollars, they can make
their computer work better and faster. It's an investment that will quickly
pay for itself; not only will you save time when doing your daily computer chores,
but the overall enjoyment of your computer or laptop will greatly increase.
It's best to tackle this problem or task with some good information
concerning all the factors involved in the upgrading of your computer's
memory. Let's start with the basics and work from there.
Get Out Of Jail Free Card!
(*Shortcut! Don't have the time or desire to read all the 'ins and
outs' of a RAM or memory upgrade but still want to upgrade your
system. Go to the author's resource box below and click the link.
Or click here:Crucial.com . It will take you to a page where you can
find a Memory Advisor tool which can scan your system and
tell you which memory upgrades are possible with your particular
computer or laptop.)
First Step - Know Your RAM
RAM or random access memory. This is what the computer uses to run
applications and data on your computer. You need it to run your
computer's OS operating system, your need it for handling graphics,
files, web-browsing, e-mail and multi-tasking. RAM is vital to the
operation of your computer. As a general rule, the higher the amount
of RAM you have - the faster your computer will work or run.
To complicate things somewhat, there are many types of RAM. The type
of RAM in your computer or laptop may depend on the year it was
made.
From mid-2004 a lot of the computers have DDR2 (double data rate,
second generation) SDRAM (Synchronous Dynamic RAM). Before that time
many computers had DDR (double data rate, first generation) SDRAM.
Most older systems use SDR (single data rate) SDRAM, fast page mode
(FPM), or extended data out (EDO).
To complicate things even further, most of the types of RAM comes
in different speeds!
DDR2 SDRAM - is a new standard that can boost conventional SDRAM
memory up to speeds well over 200MHz and beyond. For example, the
new IBM ThinkPad T43, thanks to the Sonoma Chipset or platform has
533MHz DDR 2 SDRAM.
This is much better than standard SDRAM which tops out around 150-166MHz
and DDR SDRAM which starts at 200MHz and goes up to around 400MHz.
Keep in mind, DRAM means Dynamic Random Access Memory and SDRAM means
Synchronous Dynamic RAM.
And to really confuse you, having a faster RAM speed does not (by itself)
make your computer go faster, you must upgrade or increase the AMOUNT of
RAM in your computer system to increase performance. Also keep in mind
your computer was made to accept a specific memory speed and there's no
benefit from going beyond that limit.
It's usually recommended that you get the fastest speeds for your
system, this will permit for better compatibility and make it easier
for future upgrades.
Second Step - Know Your Machine
Without a doubt, compatibility is the most important factor in
buying a memory upgrade for your laptop or computer. It's essential
that any upgrade be compatible with your computer or machine, i.e.
otherwise it just won't work.
Therefore, you have to know the amount and kind of RAM you have
in your computer or laptop. The best way to find this is to check
your owner's manual. It should tell you the type of RAM your system
is using, it should also tell you the maximum amount of RAM your
system can take.
Obviously, an easy way to make sure you don't exceed the maximum
memory on your computer, just subtract your current memory from
the allowed limit listed in your system specifications. For instance,
if your computer takes a maximum of 512MB of RAM and you have 256MB
installed - then you can upgrade to an additional 256MB of RAM
(512MB - 256MB = 256MB).
You should also be aware that DDR is not backward/forward-compatible,
which means that if you're upgrading a computer that doesn't have
DDR technology, it won't take a DDR upgrade.
Likewise, DDR2 is not backward-compatible, which means if your system
doesn't have DDR2 technology, it won't accept a DDR2 upgrade.
So check your system very carefully and see what kind of RAM it has and
the maximum amount of RAM it will take. You must also check to see if
your computer's warranty will be null and void if you install the RAM
yourself! Some manufacturers actually seal your computer case and you
must have an authorized technician to install your RAM.
NEXT Part 2 - How Much RAM Do You Need?
If you're unsure of what memory upgrades you need - just use:
The Crucial System Scanner takes the guesswork out of upgrading your memory.
Still haven't found the Memory Upgrade you need? Just use the
Crucial Product Search .
Click The Logo to check out Crucial:
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