How to Increase Computer RAM
Level of difficulty: Intermediate
Random Access Memory or RAM is one of the computer components responsible for the computer’s overall performance. RAM stores data similar to how other storage devices do, but the pieces of data stored here are only limited to temporary data randomly used by various computer programs. The more RAM your computer has, the more and bigger programs it can run.
Materials Needed:- Computer RAM card
- screw driver
- protective gloves
- anti-static wrist strap and mat
- computer manual
- slippers or shoes
Step 1
Check your computer’s warranty first. Removing the cover of your computer or separating some of its parts might revoke your warranty. You can either check the computer’s documents or call the hardware manufacturer to know if you are allowed to open your computer without revoking its warranty.
Step 2
Determine if you really need to add RAM to your computer. You should add more RAM if your computer has a hard time opening many applications. Adding RAM is also advisable if you are planning to add more memory-consuming applications to your computer.
Step 3
Know the number of memory slots available on your motherboard to know how many RAM cards you can add.
Step 4
Wear slippers or shoes and gloves. Bare feet touching the ground can cause electrical issues and can destroy some of the computer’s important internal components. Using gloves will help you prevent grounding. You can wear gloves made from any material but plastic is more preferable since it is easier to use when dealing with small components.
Step 5
Add further electrostatic discharge protection by wearing an anti-static wrist strap. Also, use an antistatic mat if you have one.
Step 6
Ensure that the CPU is unplugged. This can prevent electrical problems.
Step 7
Disconnect all the connected cables from your CPU like the mouse, printer, monitor, and power cable.
Step 8
Remove the CPU’s cover. Using a screwdriver can help you loosen the connected screws.
Step 9
Check if there is corrosion or any other damage on the memory module’s pins before you insert it into the motherboard’s memory slot.
Step 10
Clean the memory slot before inserting the memory card. Remember that your board might have stayed in your CPU casing for several months. Dust and other dirt might prevent the memory card from functioning properly.
Step 11
Insert the RAM card into one of its memory slots. Be gentle when pressing the card on the board because too much pressure might crack your board. Do not touch any circuit board. Avoid loosening some motherboard parts because doing this might destroy your motherboard.
Step 12
Connect all cables back to your computer, but do not place the CPU cover back to its place yet because you may need to reinsert the RAM card and check the computer again in case of problems.