Tech Geek

A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that the best way to speed up your computer was to add Random Access Memory (RAM). RAM is the short-term storage of the computer. It is the space that it uses to hang onto things that are being worked on. RAM is analogous to our short-term memory. To keep something around for a long time, we have to write it down or move it to long-term memory. For a computer, that's putting it onto the Hard Drive. Some of you may have been left wondering how you would go about actually adding memory to your system.

If you're queasy about these sorts of things, find a local geek to do it for you. You should not have to pay much because it really is a five-minute job for someone who knows what they're doing. It might be a bit longer the first time you try something like this, but it's not much more difficult than putting a cartridge into a video game system was, back when they used cartridges!

First, don't touch anything. You need to know what kind of RAM your system takes. This is often the most difficult part. If you saved the manual, that's a good place to look. If you can get onto the manufacturer's website, that's a good place to look. If neither of those options work, I recommend a tool like System Information for Windows (SIW), which will tell you all sorts of interesting things. Once you download and install it, run SIW and click Hardware and then click Memory. You will get a screen with a lot of information. Here's what's important and the values on my desktop:

• Memory Slots    2 - This is how many physical slots you have in which to install memory.
• Maximum Memory Module Size    4096 MBytes - This is the largest any one memory module can be.
• Memory Type    SDRAM DDR - Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory (Double Data Rate) - just write it down!
• Speed    PC3200 (200 MHz) - Write this down as well.

The other details really aren't that critical. If you're really unsure, print out the whole sheet and take it to the computer store with you. Also, if you have 2 slots and you have memory in each of them, you'll need to remove one of your memory modules in order to install a larger one. My system has a 512MB module and a 256MB module. If I wanted to add a 1024MB (also known as 1GB) module, I would remove the 256MB one. Then, after installation, I would have 1.5GB of memory.

For my system, I need a PC3200 SDRAM DDR memory module. You may find that some stores stock "backwards compatible" modules. These are ones that are designed to run at a higher speed but will automatically "throttle back" to a lower speed if that's what your system needs. Not all modules do this, however, so don't just buy something because the numbers are close!

Once you find the right memory module, installing it is actually pretty easy. Of course, it's good to backup all your data just in case something goes horribly wrong. Once you've done that, disconnect all the cords (or at a minimum, the power cord) that connect to your computer and ground yourself by touching something that's grounded. (Real techs would use a grounding strap on their wrist, but I don't have one of those!) Remove the cover from your computer. Generally, this is the one on the left side, and on most newer systems, it's only held on by a simple thumb screw or latch. Peer inside and look for some strips of computer chips that are about 1 inch by 4 inches and are in a slot. (See the Wikipedia article I linked to above for some pictures of RAM.)

If you've got a blank slot, fit the memory module that you purchased into that slot. Make sure that the notch is lined up with the nib on the slot. If there are clips at the end, they should also click into place to hold the memory module firmly. If you need to remove one of your modules, it's a bit hit and miss. You may find a sticker on the module that tells you which one it is or you may be able to find some silk screened lettering on your motherboard that tells you which slot is slot 0 and slot 1. You can take one module out and then power your system back up and see how much memory it has left.

Once you've got the memory modules in place, put the case back together, taking care not to pinch any of the cables on the inside. Hook up all the cords again and power up. Your computer may report an 'error' because the amount of memory has been changed, but that will go away. Enjoy your faster computer!

Howstuffworks.com has a good article on memory and how to replace it here. They also have some information on how to upgrade a computer that requires Dual Channel RAM. This is a requirement on G-5 Macs and some Intel Pentium 4 based systems.

I'd recommend upgrading to 1 or 2 GB of RAM for Windows XP and at least 2 GB for Windows Vista. Unfortunately, memory pricing is based on supply and demand and it doesn't always make sense. I always think of it like car tires. If you buy a new car with a new tire size, at first the tires are really expensive because no one else is using them. Then, over the next few years, lots of manufacturers make cars that use those tires, and the price comes down. But if you keep the car for 25 years, the tires get expensive again because they're not manufactured as much anymore. Memory works the same way. The newest, highest-speed, memory can be quite pricey. But after a year or two, it will be much more reasonable. But if you wait too long, it will get expensive again! You should be able to get a 1GB memory module for about $50-$75, depending on the specifics. If you're patient, you can watch the rebates at the big box stores and maybe even get something for $20 after rebate!

Again, if this is all over your head, ask your resident high school geek to do it for you.