How to install more ram in a pc

Step 10 - Plug the Power Cable in. Your Memory is now Installed! Helpful Hints and Installation Troubleshooting Tips. If your system does not boot up, check the following items: If you receive an error message or hear a series of beeps, your system might not be recognizing the new memory modules. Remove and reinstall the modules. Push down hard on the modules until the clips fold back up. If your system won't boot, check all the connections inside your computer. It is easy to bump a cable and pull it out of its connector, which will disable devices such as your hard drive or CD-ROM.

When restarting your system, you might get a message prompting you to update the configuration settings. Refer to your owner's manual for information. If you are still unsure, please call Crucial Technical Support for assistance. If you get a memory mismatch message, follow the prompts to enter the Setup menu, and then select Save and Exit.

This is not an error—some systems must do this to update the system settings. If the groove on the memory module and the ridge in the computer do not match up, do not force the module into the slot. You might have the wrong type of memory. RAM comes in a variety of models, sizes, and speeds. The type you'll need to buy depends on your motherboard.

Your motherboard has a limit to the number of RAM sticks you can install. Some motherboards support only two, while others support four, six, or even more. Most motherboards have a limit to the amount of memory that they support, regardless of the number of slots.

It's also important to note that not all PCs are upgradeable, so if you're not sure, check with your PC's manufacturer. This is often the case with laptops There's no guarantee that unmatching RAM will work together. So if you're buying multiple sticks of RAM, buy it in a set of two or more that are identical. Shut down the computer. Once you have your RAM, unplug your PC's power plug and any peripherals connected to the computer, such monitors, keyboards, and mice.

Open your computer case. Lay your computer tower on its side, so that you can access the motherboard when the side panel is removed.

You may need a Phillips-head screwdriver to remove the panel, or you may be able to unscrew it by hand. Discharge any static. Ensure that you do not have static build-up on your body. Static can damage computer parts, and can be imperceptible to a human. Ground yourself before starting, or use an antistatic wrist strap.

You can ground yourself by touching a metal part on your computer case while it is unplugged from the wall. Simply being turned off does not remove any standby voltages, so make sure it's unplugged. Locate your RAM slots. Most motherboards have 2 or 4 RAM slots. RAM slots are typically located near the CPU, though their location may vary depending on the manufacturer or model.

Look for narrow slots about 4. At least one of the slots already has a stick of RAM in it. Remove old RAM if upgrading. If you are replacing old RAM, remove it by pressing the clamps downward on either side of the slot. If you're having to pull too hard, the clamps are likely not down far enough. You may need to use one hand to push the clamps down while using the other hand to remove the RAM. Take your new RAM out of its protective packaging.

Carefully remove the RAM from the shielded packaging. Grip it from the sides to avoid touching the contacts on the bottom or the circuitry on the board. Line up the notch in the stick of RAM to the break in the slot.

Set the stick into the slot and then apply equal pressure onto the stick until the clamps on the side click and lock the RAM in. It'll only fit in one way, so if it's not lining up properly, just flip it around.

You may have to apply a fair amount of pressure, but never force it in. Make sure matching pairs are inserted into their matching sockets. Some are labeled on the board or by color, though you may need to refer to your motherboard layout diagram. Repeat the process for each stick of RAM you want to install. While you have the PC open, remove dust using a bottle of compressed air.

This can be a quick fix for general overheating and performance issues. Compressed air cans are available at any office supply store.

Put the case back on the PC. Avoid running your computer while the panel is off, as this will actually reduce the cooling power of your fans. Plug your peripherals and monitor back in. Power on the computer. Your computer should start normally. If your computer displays the self-test during the startup, then you can verify that the RAM has been installed correctly. If not, you can verify that the RAM was installed once Windows starts.

Power down your PC and re-open it. Then, remove and reseat the RAM. Make sure it clicks firmly into place and then try again. Check the RAM in Windows. Your RAM will be listed in the System section or at the bottom of the window.

Operating systems calculate memory differently and some computers dedicate a certain amount of RAM to specific functions e. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Run a RAM test if there are problems. Placing RAM in the incorrect slots could result in some performance degradation. Make sure the notch in the bottom edge of your RAM modules match up with the rises in the memory channel on your motherboard.

Finally, close up your computer case, plug everything back in, and turn on your computer. Let it run for a few minutes, then restart it and everything will be back to normal.

Mentioned in this article. Once you click Scan my computer , the scanning tool will download to your default download location. You may have to click Save to start the download. Double-click the downloaded file. It is the file called CrucialScan. Click Yes to allow the app to run.

This causes the application to scan your PC and report its findings in a new web browser tab. Scroll down to the "About your model number section. The "slots" tell you the size of the RAM stick in each of the slots. The speed of the RAM is also listed here e. You can click the amount in each slot to see the exact model and speed of the RAM. It'll also show you the product number of the exact RAM you have now.

Your computer's memory capability: This is where you'll find the maximum amount of RAM your computer can handle, as well as the total amount of RAM slots in the system. This shows you exactly what you can replace the current amount of RAM with, and what the maximum amount of RAM would look like. You don't have to add the maximum amount of RAM.

Purchase compatible RAM. Crucial has been where large companies and individual users alike have purchased RAM for decades, so it's a totally safe place to get what you need. To see Crucial's recommendations and pricing, just scroll down. However, you do need to make sure your DIMMs have the same number of pins. It's generally cheaper to buy RAM online than in-store, but going to a store gives you the opportunity to speak with someone and make sure you're getting the right thing.

If you use more advanced software for 3D modeling, consider getting up to 32 GB instead. Consider having a tech department install the RAM for you. Once you've purchased the RAM, you might want to have a technician install it for you since they likely have more experience. If not, proceed to installing your laptop or desktop RAM. Method 2. Turn off your computer. Unplug any cables or other attachments. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on.

Ground yourself. This will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity. Remove the laptop's bottom panel. Some laptops have a panel specifically for RAM, while others require you to remove the entire bottom from the laptop. Refer to your laptop's manual or online documentation for specific instructions on how to handle this.

Remove the original RAM cards. To do so, look for a lever or a button to press, or gently tug the RAM cards away from their slots if no button is present. Remove the new RAM cards from their protective bag. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.

Install your new RAM. Line the new card up with the notch in the RAM socket, then firmly press the card in and down if necessary so that it lies flat. Repeat this process for the other RAM card if applicable. Unlike desktop RAM, laptop RAM doesn't always need to be installed as a matching pair, though it does need to have consistent speed. Replace the bottom panel, then turn on your laptop. Method 3. Open your computer case. This will allow you to visually inspect your RAM slots and currently installed modules, which can make choosing your new RAM easier.

Click here for detailed information about opening your computer. Remove the existing RAM cards if necessary. If you're removing the old modules to make room for bigger ones or taking them out to upgrade to a faster speed, you can quickly remove them by releasing the latches on each side of the RAM, or by gently tugging on the RAM if there are no latches.

Once the latches are released, you can pull the RAM card s straight out.