Installing additional RAM. Memory modes and installation rules Incorrect installation of memory modules

Instructions

To install on a computer, or RAM, you should first of all choose the memory that matches your motherboard if you have a system unit, or the technical characteristics of the model if you have a laptop. After you have bought the desired RAM bar, you can proceed with the installation.

To install memory in the system unit, you should proceed as follows:
1. Disconnect all wires (keyboard, mouse, monitor, the local network, speakers, power cord, etc.), and remove the left side cover of the system unit. In order to remove the cover, you will need to unscrew a few screws, or loosen the latches.

2. By opening the left side cover, you can access the contents of your computer. On the motherboard, find the RAM modules that match the ones you have, and add a new memory strip, or replace the old one with a new one. As a rule, there are several slots on the motherboard where you can insert memory, however, if one of the old modules is out of order, in no case leave it on the board - the computer will not work!

3. Assemble everything in reverse order, and start the computer.

Increasing the amount of RAM is the most popular type of system upgrade, which adds performance to most tasks and does not require significant costs. With the purchase of new memory strips, the user is left with only one question - how to put them in Right place computer.

Instructions

First, make sure that the modules you purchased match the capabilities of your motherboard (in terms of form factor and frequency), and also that the new volume matches the capabilities the operating system(32-bit Windows versions will not be able to address more than 3.3 GB).

To remove the existing memory modules, simultaneously press the levers on the sides of the slot.

Place the new memory modules into the slots, first sliding the levers on their sides apart. Please note that if you plan to use memory in dual-channel mode (and if the system configuration allows it), then the same memory modules must be placed in slots marked with different colors. Press down evenly on both sides of the memory model until it enters the slot, and the locking levers on the sides are vertical and grasp the memory module.

Assemble your system unit and, if everything is done correctly, already at boot (in the BIOS prompt "a) your computer will show the new amount of RAM.

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Any laptop, as well as a computer, has slots for RAM sticks. It is popularly called "operative". Determining the size of the installed RAM is very easy. If there is not enough RAM, the user buys one or two rails in order to install them in his car. Installing RAM in the case of the system unit is much easier than in the case of a laptop. Read on to learn how to properly add a memory stick to a free slot in your laptop.

You will need

• ASUS laptop, RAM bar.

Instructions

To determine the size of your RAM, just right-click on the "My Computer" icon, and in the window that opens, you can see the system configuration. If your system has 512 MB of RAM, and a little less is displayed, then part of the memory is taken by yours, most likely, it is built into.

To get to the motherboard, and in particular to the RAM slots ASUS laptop, must be removed. Slide the top panel to the left, it will come out of the grooves, then it can be completely removed. Now the keyboard has become free. Fold it back with paper or cloth underneath.

Under the keyboard, you need to unscrew the two bolts that hold the metal shield over the RAM slots. Below the screen, you will see the slots you are looking for. One of them will have one bar. You can add a second plank. The size of the memory size of the new strip does not matter. It is much more important to know that they are of the same type: DDR, DDR2, DIMM, etc.

The goal is achieved, it remains to collect everything that you have disassembled. It is necessary to assemble in the reverse order. After completing the assembly of the laptop, turn it on. After loading the operating system, right-click on the "My Computer" icon. Look at the value at the very bottom line, it should increase. If this happened, you did everything right.

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Sources:

• laptop slots

The process of installing computer components may seem complicated only at first glance. In fact, they are all installed in special interfaces. You don't need to be a computer pro to connect your PC components to your motherboard. For installing memory modules in a service center, you need to pay a certain amount. Meanwhile, this process takes a few minutes and is within the power of almost everyone.

You will need

Instructions

Disconnect completely from the power line. Disconnect all devices from and place it where it will be convenient for you to work with it. Open the cover of the PC case. It is usually secured with two screws. There may also be additional latches or fasteners. Examine your motherboard carefully. If you have technical documentation for your PC, find the Motherboard section. There should be interfaces where you need to find the DDR. Then, based on this diagram, locate those slots directly on the motherboard. If the technical documentation is not available, you will have to find the DDR ports yourself. In principle, this will not be a problem.

After you find the ports for connecting RAM, see if there are any free ones among them. This is necessary if you are going to add RAM. In this case, you do not need to extract the old ones. But in case you need to replace the memory module, you should first remove the old one. There is a latch on each side of the RAM connection slot. Slide these latches down. There should be no problems, since there are only two directions where you can move the latches. When you lower them, you can remove the memory module by pulling it towards you. In this way, you will remove it from the slot.

Installing a RAM module is even easier than removing it. The latches near the connection interface must be down. If you removed the memory, then the latches are already down, if not, lower them, as described above. Now press the contact side of the memory module into the connection port and gently push in. The retaining latches will automatically engage and the memory module will be secured. The RAM is now installed and will be recognized by the system.

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Any part of the computer can be connected by yourself. And it doesn't require any special knowledge of PC architecture. If you decide to upgrade your PC by increasing the size of the RAM, it is not at all necessary to take the system unit to the computer salon. You can install the memory bar yourself. This will save you both time and possibly money. Since not every store installs PC components for free, even if you bought a part from them.

You will need

• Computer, RAM, screwdriver

Instructions

Unplug your computer from the electrical outlet. Unscrew the fastening screws and remove the cover of the system unit. Now locate the RAM module slots on the system board. It is easy to find them, there is a DDR inscription next to the slots for the RAM.

Take a close look at the DDR slots. Each slot is equipped with latches on both sides. Before you start installing the RAM strips, you need to open these latches. To do this, grasp the retainer and gently pull it down. Now that they are open, you can install memory modules.

There is a small ledge in the middle of each RAM slot. In turn, there is a notch on each memory strip. Depending on the type of memory, there may be several such holes. Align it with the protrusion on the DDR slot and insert the memory module into the slot. Press lightly on the memory strips to lock them in place when they are in the slot. If you hear a click, it means that the clips of the memory strips have worked, and the memory is fixed in the DDR slot.

Now you need to check the operation of the RAM. Connect the computer to the power supply, but do not close the lid of the system unit. Turn on your PC. Wait for it to load operating system... Then click on the "My Computer" icon with the right mouse button. Now you can see the number of operational. If the system shows the required amount, then you have connected the memory stick correctly. Now turn off the PC and close the lid of the system unit.

If the amount of total RAM after installing a new strip should be 4 gigabytes, and the system displays 3.25, this is not a malfunction. This means that you have a 32-bit operating system installed. These operating systems support a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. And if just 4GB is installed, then the RAM is shown taking into account the fact that the system is already using it for its needs.

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For a limited user of a personal computer, whose interests are limited to the use of office programs and video games, the process of installing new components into the system unit will seem like a mystical operation. In fact, there is nothing complicated about it. The motherboard has a connector corresponding to each element. By and large, it is much more difficult to rebuild the correct operation of the device than to connect it.

You will need

• - crosshead screwdriver.

Instructions

Disconnect your personal computer from the power supply. Disconnect the system unit from all devices and install it in the place where it will be convenient to install the module. Remove the side panel of the case. To do this, use a screwdriver to unscrew the retaining screws that hold it. As a rule, there are two of them. Examine the motherboard. Find the connector on it that corresponds to the memory module. In other words, find a similar board already installed in the slot. There will certainly be one or two free ports nearby. There shouldn't be any problems with their detection.

Remove the old memory module if necessary. If you decide to add a memory module, install it in the adjacent port. If you still need to remove the old module, locate the latches located on each side of the installed memory module. Take them down. You will not be able to confuse, since these elements are able to move in only two directions, of which only one is available to you at the moment. After the latches are released, pull the memory module out toward you. There should be no problems with the extraction.

Insert the memory module into a free port. Press down on the latches to secure the memory module to the system board. Typically, when installed, the latches are automatically triggered. To do this, lightly press down on the module while installing. After the installation has been successfully completed, attach the side panel of the system unit in place, connect all previously disconnected devices to it and start the computer. The memory module will be detected during the boot process of the operating system. The amount of operating memory will be reflected on the first download page. If you weren't paying attention, there is another way to check it. Right-click on the "My Computer" icon. In the window that appears, the amount of RAM will be displayed among the system parameters. If it hasn't changed, then you have badly fixed the memory module. Do the above operations again.

RAM modules directly affect the performance of your computer. The central processor receives all the information necessary for operation directly from the RAM.

You will need

• Speccy program.

Instructions

To connect new memory modules, certain conditions must be observed. First select the boards themselves. To do this, determine their type by studying the instructions for the motherboard. To do this, use the paper version or visit the website of the manufacturer of this device. Find out the type of RAM cards your motherboard works with. If you cannot find the information you need, then install the Speccy program by downloading it from www.piriform.com.

Most experts in the field of optimization of operating systems of the Windows family call one of the main problems of these operating systems the inability to use the full amount of RAM installed on a computer, regardless of the architecture (32 or 64 bits). The system either does not recognize memory above a certain limit (usually it is 4 GB in 32-bit OS), or it sees memory but cannot work with it. How to use all the RAM will be discussed further. But you should immediately warn all users that you can apply some of the solutions below only at your own peril and risk.

How to find out the used RAM?

And first, let's see how to find out the complete installed and used in this moment amount of RAM. If you look at the section of system properties, called through the RMB menu on the computer icon on the "Desktop" or in the "Explorer", you will immediately notice that the description indicates both the entire volume and the available one. Why is the available size smaller? Yes, only because in any case, the system uses part of the RAM for its own needs (for processes that just ensure the functioning of the OS itself).

Likewise, you can easily access the System Monitor in the "Task Manager" by clicking the performance tab. However, there can be two situations with the impossibility of using the entire volume:

• the system does not see a volume higher than 4 GB;
• the total volume is determined but cannot be used.

Limitations of 32-bit systems

Of course, if an operating system with 32-bit architecture is installed on the computer, all problems could be attributed solely to its bitness, because such Windows modifications with memory sizes above 4 GB are simply "not accustomed" to work from the very beginning. Therefore, the only the right decision to remedy the situation, the most common replacement of the x86 (32-bit) system with a 64-bit one will be.

But sometimes you can find cases when in the same Windows 7 x86 8 GB memory is visible, but up to 4 GB is available. But this is precisely due to the limitations that the 32-bit architecture implies. However, the situation can be even more commonplace, since the motherboard does not always give permission to use the full amount of RAM. In order not to change the hardware, you can turn to some hidden software tools that will help solve such a problem, if not fully, then at least partially.

How to use all RAM in Windows of any version?

So, first of all, you need to run the system configurator, called by the msconfig command, but always with administrator rights. If there is no such item in the Run console, you must first activate the Task Manager, and then, using the file menu, set the execution of a new task, enter the specified command and mark the item for creating a task with administrator rights. How to use all the RAM, regardless of architecture?

To do this, in the configurator, go to the boot tab, click the additional parameters button, and in the settings window that appears, uncheck the box for using the maximum memory, in the field of which a value below the total amount of RAM will most likely be indicated. It is advisable to activate this item only if all processor cores are turned on, when for each core it is indicated maximum size memory.

BIOS Actions

Now let's see how to use all the RAM (remove the limitation limit), using the settings of the primary input / output system BIOS for this. Sometimes this also helps, although, as is probably already clear, the bit depth of the installed operating system is also not taken into account here.

In the partition menu, you need to find a parameter containing something like RAM Remapping (over 4 Gb) or Memory Hole, and activate it by setting it to Enabled. If there is no such item in the settings, most likely, BIOS version changing such options is not supported. However, they can be accessed by installing updated firmware for the primary system itself. But without special knowledge, it is not recommended to do such things on your own, since the consequences can be completely unpredictable.

Patching system files

Finally, consider a solution specifically for x86 systems. Just about its use at your own peril and risk was said at the very beginning. In order to bypass the limitations and use RAM in 32-bit Windows operating systems, you can use the ReadyFor4GB utility, which is suitable both for cases when the system does not see more than 4 GB, and for situations when the full amount of memory is determined, but it does not seem to be used. possible.

After starting the program by running the executable EXE file of the same name from the folder of the portable application as an administrator, press the Check and Apply buttons in sequence. After that, a message will appear in which you need to agree to install the patch for the ntkrnlpa.exe file by clicking the appropriate button (this will save the ntkr128g.exe file). Now, from the same folder, you should run the script file AddBootMenu.cmd (again, as an administrator), and then press the "Y" and "Enter" keys. Upon completion of the script execution, all that remains is to close the command console, perform similar actions with the RemoveWatermarkX86.exe file and restart the computer. If the Boot Manager menu appears during the restart process, select the line for Microsoft Windows in it.

The corresponding entry will appear in the configurator as well. You can check the available and used RAM through the usual section of the computer properties.

Note: if you run into problems with installing the patch in Windows 7, you may first have to remove system update packages (KB) with numbers 3147071, 3146706 and 3153171 in the programs and components section, search for updates again and exclude these updates from the installation list.

Conclusion

How to use all the RAM, I think, is a little clear. It remains to add that the above methods are more focused specifically on 32-bit systems, since such situations are rare in Windows with 64-bit architecture, and the default settings are usually such that you do not need to take any additional actions. For that matter, to free up additional RAM, remove unnecessary items from the startup section or disable unused services and system components.

The speed of a personal computer directly depends on the correct selection and installation of all its components. The correct selection and installation of RAM memory modules is the most important key to the success of your PC.

In the previous article, we looked at. In this article, we will consider the selection of RAM and its competent layout in the motherboard connectors.

Basic recommendations applicable to all types and types of memory:
- It is best to install DIMMs with the same amount of memory;
- modules must match in frequency of operation (Mhz), if you install modules with different operating frequencies, then in the end all of them will operate at the frequency of the slowest memory;
- it is desirable to combine timings, latencies (latencies) of memory for installed memory cards;
- it is better to select modules from one manufacturer and one model.

Some enthusiasts are trying to buy modules from the same batch, but this, it seems to me, is already a perversion!

These tips are not strictly followed, the situations are different. If memory modules differ from each other in manufacturer, size and frequency of operation, this does not mean at all that they will not work. In this case, there are no special memory layout secrets - you just need to install them.

There are also no peculiarities when installing outdated types of SDRAM memory (there is one rule - the more, the better).

But in modern computers, motherboards support special modes of operation of RAM. It is in these modes that the speed of the RAM memory will be most efficient. Therefore, to achieve the best performance, consider the DIMM modes and their correct installation... Let's take a look at the most common modes of operation of RAM today.

Operating memory modes

SINGLE CHANELL MODE

Single Mode (single-channel or asymmetric mode) - this mode is implemented when only one memory module is installed in the system or all DIMMs differ from each other in terms of memory size, operating frequency, or manufacturer. It doesn't matter in which slots and which memory to install. All memory will run at the speed of the slowest memory installed.

If there is only one module, then it can be installed in any memory slot:

Two or three different memory modules can also be installed in any configuration:

Such a mode is more of a necessity when there is already RAM in the presence, and in the first place is increasing the amount of memory and saving money, and not achieving the best PC performance. If you are just buying a computer, it is of course best to avoid this kind of memory installation.

DUAL CHANELL MODE

Dual Mode (two-channel or symmetric mode) - the same amount of RAM is installed in each DIMM channel. Modules are selected according to the frequency of operation. On motherboards, the DIMM slots for each channel are color-coded. Next to them is the name of the connector, and sometimes the channel number. The purpose of the connectors and their location by channel must be indicated in the motherboard manual. The total amount of memory is equal to the total amount of all installed modules. Each channel is served by its own memory controller. System performance is increased by 5-10%.

Dual Mode can be implemented using two, three or four DIMMs.

If two identical RAM modules are used, then they should be connected to the same connectors (in the same color) from different channels. For example, install one module in the slot 0 channel A and the second into the connector 0 channel B:

That is, to enable the mode Dual Channel(alternating mode) the necessary conditions must be met:
- the same configuration of DIMMs is installed on each memory channel;
- memory is inserted into balanced channel connectors ( Slot 0 or Slot 1) .

Three memory modules are installed in the same way - the total amount of memory in each channel is equal to each other (memory in the channel A equal in volume in the channel B):

And for four modules the same condition is met. There are two parallel dual modes working here:

TRIPLE CHANELL MODE

(three-channel mode) - the same amount of RAM is installed in each of the three DIMM channels. Modules are selected in terms of speed and volume. Motherboards supporting three-channel memory operation usually have 6 memory slots (two for each channel). Sometimes there are motherboards with four connectors - two connectors make up one channel, the other two are connected to the second and third channel, respectively.

With six or three sockets, setup is just as easy as with two-channel mode. With four memory slots installed, three of which can work in, the memory should be installed in these slots.

(flexible regime) - allows you to increase the performance of the RAM when installing two modules of different sizes, but the same frequency of operation. As in the dual-channel mode, memory cards are installed in slots of the same name on different channels. For example, if there are two 512Mb and 1Gb memory sticks, then one of them should be installed in the slot 0 channel A, and the second into the slot 0 channel B:

In this case, the 512MB module will operate in dual mode with the 512Mb memory capacity of the second module, and the remaining 512MB from the 1GB module will operate in single-channel mode.

That is, in principle, all the recommendations for combining RAM. Of course, there may be more layout options, it all depends on the amount of RAM, the model of the motherboard and your financial capacity... Also, motherboards with support for four-channel mode work memory - this will give you maximum computer performance!

I will not pour water on why you need additional RAM and what it gives, because if you have already wondered about increasing RAM, then you probably know why you need it.

The main parameters of RAM for which you need to buy additional RAM:
1. First of all, we need to find out the maximum amount of supported memory on our motherboard. To do this, you can go to the official website of the motherboard or to a website where there is a detailed review.
2. The next step is to open our system unit, namely the left side side by first turning off the computer and disconnecting the power cord from the network.
3. On the motherboard, we are looking for the bar of our "old" RAM. As shown in the figure, bend the mount in the opposite direction from the RAM strip itself and remove it.

In order for the compatibility of our new and old RAM to be at a height, it is necessary that all parameters are the same as much as possible. To do this, we carefully look at the next step.

4. The figure below shows the RAM on which there is a sticker with its main parameters:
Memory capacity: 8GB
Clock frequency: 1333MHz
Manufacturer: Corsair XMS3
(It is recommended to buy a "twin" for full compatibility, or at least you can neglect the manufacturer).

Having chosen the RAM we need, we proceed to direct editing:
5. Please note that the slots where to install additional RAM are labeled on the motherboard (see the figure below).

6. Install our first bar in the DDR3_1 slot, and the second, respectively, in DDR3_2 as shown in the picture above.

7. We assemble the system unit and supply power to it, then turn on the computer and wait for the full load. We go to the property "My Computer", a small window of your PC parameters will appear at the bottom of which the amount of RAM will be written - this is the total amount of your RAM.

Interesting facts and tips for expanding your RAM:
1. Before buying a new RAM, check that it will suit you exactly in all respects.
2. Be aware that not every operating system can support more than 4GB of RAM
3. If you have the opportunity, then when buying a new RAM, make preference with an iron case - this will increase heat transfer and extend the service life.
4. If you buy two strips at once, then buy them in a set of one box, even if it is a little more expensive, but of better quality and more reliable.

Now, as I promised, I will present you a program for testing and obtaining information about RAM:
Program name: Everest Ultimate Edition 5.30.1900 Final
This program is designed to collect information about the computer as a whole, and about a specific device. It also allows you to carry out equipment tests, make settings for the optimal configuration and receive complete and detailed reports. The program is shareware, that is, its trial period is 30 days, but all its components are available for work.

General program window

On the left is the navigation menu. We are primarily interested in the motherboard section (it is also the motherboard, since it is into it that our board is connected). Next, there we go to the memory subsection and all information about the memory of our computer appears in the central window. We are interested in physical memory, it is also operational. In this section, we receive data on the total volume, how much is busy, free and how much is loaded as a percentage.

If you go to the test section, then for our physical memory there are already four test options:
Reading from memory;
Memory recording;
Copy to memory;
Memory lag.

This is how you can view information and run tests for free. Good luck with the installation of a new, additional RAM card!

Many users complain that the new programs on their personal computers do not work as efficiently and quickly as the old ones. There is nothing surprising here, new software requires a lot of power, which you may not have, you should think about increasing the amount of RAM, we will look at how to do this today.

The first thing to do is to determine the type of memory we use, you can do this with the employer of various programs available on the Internet or check it in your BIOS (section Main, or Infomation, depending on the manufacturer).
You should determine the type, operating frequency, manufacturer (DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, DIMM, soDIMM).

The next step is to check for additional slots for installing RAM. Some budget versions of laptops have only one slot for installing RAM, so you will have to replace the bracket with a more powerful one.

Installation of operational both on desktop versions and on portable computers looks like one procedure. You need to turn off the computer, open the cover to access the motherboard, wipe the mat slots. Boards and contacts are operational from dust and possible residues, and install. Reboot the system and enter BIOS to check and configure our RAM.

For desktop versions, it should be remembered that the motherboard can have so-called dual channels (dual channel memory), here for the operation of the operating system and the whole PC, you need to install it in the correct slots.

Another recommendation, if you decide to buy and install a RAM, in order to avoid conflicts in work, try to take it to the same manufacturer, and with those technical characteristics, what do you have.

In this article we will consider the issues of choosing and how to install RAM and its competent layout in the motherboard connectors.

- install memory modules with the same size;
- modules must match in frequency (Mhz), otherwise they will all work at the frequency of the slowest memory;
- combine timings, latencies (delays) of memory;
- memory modules are better than one manufacturer and one model.

All these tips do not have to be strictly followed, the cases are different. Even if memory modules differ from each other in terms of manufacturer, volume and frequency of operation, this does not mean that they will not work. In this case, there are no special memory layout secrets - you just need to install them.

There are also no peculiarities when installing outdated types of SDRAM memory (here the basic rule is that the more, the better).

But in modern computers, motherboards support special modes of operation of RAM. It is in these modes that the speed of the RAM will be the most efficient. Therefore, to achieve the best performance, you should take into account the modes of operation of the memory modules and their correct installation.
Next, we will consider the most common operating modes today.

Operating memory modes

SINGLE CHANELL MODE

Single Mode (single-channel or asymmetric mode) - this mode is enabled when only one memory module is installed in the system or all modules differ from each other in terms of memory size, operating frequency or manufacturer. It doesn't matter in which slots and which memory to install. All memory will run at the speed of the slowest memory installed.

If there is only one module, then it can be installed in any memory slot:

Two or three different memory modules can also be installed in any configuration:

Such a mode is more of a necessity when there is already RAM in the presence, and in the first place is increasing the amount of memory and saving money, and not achieving the best computer performance. If you are just about to buy a computer, it is best to avoid this kind of memory installation.

DUAL CHANELL MODE

Dual Mode (two-channel or balanced mode) - the same amount of RAM is installed in each channel. Modules are selected according to the frequency of operation. For ease of installation, on motherboards, the DIMM slots for each channel are color coded. And next to them is the name of the connector, and sometimes the channel number. Also, the purpose of the connectors and their location along the channels must be indicated in the motherboard manual. The total amount of memory is equal to the total amount of all installed modules. Each channel is served by its own memory controller. System performance is increased by 5-10% compared to single-channel mode.

Dual Mode can be implemented using two, three or four DIMMs.

If two identical memory modules are used, they should be connected to the same connectors (in the same color) from different channels. For example, install one module in slot 0 of channel A, and the other in slot 0 of channel B:

That is, to enable the Dual Channel mode (alternating mode), the necessary conditions must be met:
- the same configuration of DIMMs is installed on each memory channel;
- memory is inserted into balanced channel slots (Slot 0 or Slot 1).

Three memory modules are installed in the same way - the total amounts of memory in each channel are equal to each other (the memory in channel A is equal in volume to channel B):

And for four modules the same condition is met. There are two parallel dual modes working here:

TRIPLE CHANELL MODE

Triple Mode - The same amount of RAM is installed in each of the three DIMM channels. Modules are selected in terms of speed and volume. Motherboards supporting three-channel memory operation usually have 6 memory slots (two for each channel). Sometimes there are motherboards with four connectors - two connectors make up one channel, the other two are connected to the second and third channel, respectively.

With six or three RAM slots, setup is as easy as dual-channel mode. With four memory slots installed, three of which can operate in Triple Mode, the memory should be installed in these slots.

FLEX MODE

Flex Mode (flexible mode) - allows you to increase the performance of the RAM, when installing two modules of different sizes, but the same frequency of operation. As in the dual-channel mode, memory cards are installed in slots of the same name on different channels. For example, if there are two memory strips of 512Mb and 1Gb, then one of them should be installed in slot 0 of channel A, and the other in slot 0 of channel B:

In this case, the 512MB module will operate in dual mode with the 512Mb memory capacity of the second module, and the remaining 512MB from the 1GB module will operate in single-channel mode.

These are all recommendations for combining RAM. There may be more layout options, it all depends on the amount of RAM, the model of the motherboard and on your financial capabilities. Also on sale are motherboards with support for four-channel memory operation - this will give you maximum computer performance!
Today, in modern personal computers, two types of RAM DDR 2 and DDR 3 are widely used. What type of RAM to choose?

It all depends on what your computer is intended for. If you are going to work in heavy programs and play sophisticated computer games, feel free to choose the type of DDR 3 - since this type of RAM often ranges from 800 MHz to 1600. Well, if you buy a regular office computer, take DDR 2. the frequency of this type varies from 400 to 800 MHz.

To the question of how much RAM to take, I will answer you this way. In modern computers (and even netbooks), the minimum amount of RAM is 4 gigabytes, this provides high performance and normal conditions work. That is, when you want to install RAM (when buying a computer), take at least 4 GB and all programs (if you choose the other components correctly) will fly with you literally and figuratively (and you will not need to replace the RAM for a long time). We'll talk more about the location of the RAM in the point of installing RAM.

The location of the RAM. RAM compatibility
RAM is always located on the motherboard and is a small elongated rectangular plate that is inserted into special sections (slots) on the motherboard. The number of slots starts from two units, and maybe four or more. In the standard form, each motherboard has 4 slots, into which the RAM is installed. The figure shows four RAM slots, two of which contain memory modules.

RAM location

Usually, motherboard manufacturers give users the ability to use several of the same memory slots in order to avoid various errors in the operation of the PC. But, I warn you, if you buy several RAM slots, they must be of the same type (for example, DDR 3) and frequency.

Since the slots of the RAM different types They will not work together, and if two chips have different frequencies, for example, one has 800 MHz and the other has 1600, then the memory will work at the minimum frequency and you may lose in performance and speed of your PC. In the screenshot, different RAM slots differ in color and are divided into pairs, this is by no means a whim of the developers, but a very deliberate step.

Since many motherboards can operate in a dual-channel mode, in order to enable this mode, modules of the same frequency must be inserted into the memory slots of the same color, that is, the RAM must be installed in accordance with the color of the slot, in orange slot we put memory with a frequency of 800 MHz, and in violet with a frequency of 1600 MHz. Very often, this "play with colors" can increase the overall performance of the RAM by as much as 30 percent, which significantly affects the overall performance of the PC.

Installing RAM
And finally, I suggest you learn how to replace the RAM yourself. Replacing RAM is very simple and does not require any special skills.

In order to replace the RAM, you first need to disconnect your computer from the network, remove the system unit, if you have it in a special section of the desktop, and carefully open it. Most often, system blocks are screwed manually with special bolts that can be easily unscrewed. Or it may happen that you need a screwdriver. Anyway, after that. how you opened the system unit, you will see something like the following screenshot:

Installing RAM

I marked the operative memory in the picture. In order to remove the RAM module (for example, if you need to replace the RAM) from the slot, you need to slightly press on the side holders, after which the memory will come out of the slots and you can remove it.

If the situation is the opposite and you need to install RAM, for this we carefully insert the memory into the slots (taking into account its type and frequency) and click the locks until it clicks. Necessarily until you click, as this means that you have installed the RAM correctly.