In which ways to increase computer performance were considered, we have already briefly touched on the issue of increasing random access memory (RAM).
The purpose of this article is to tell you in as much detail as possible how to choose and replace RAM.
RAM Selection Criteria
So, you have decided that you need to increase RAM. What criteria should be used to select RAM modules?
Before you go to the store and place an order, we recommend that you carefully read the material below, which will save not only your time, but also money.
Manufacturer. The first thing you need to start choosing is with the choice of a RAM manufacturer.
Many here are guided by the principle that the longer a manufacturer spends on the memory module production market, the better the quality of its products.
From personal experience, we can say that the products of Corsair, Hynix, Kingston are of good quality.
Form Factor Desktops and laptops are different in size, and so are the sizes of the RAM modules and their connectors.
Modules for desktop PCs are called DIMMs, for laptops SO-DIMMs.
Memory. One of the parameters responsible for the speed of the module.
When choosing the amount of memory, keep in mind that at the moment most office tasks require 2 GB of RAM.
memory frequency. Performance also depends on this parameter, the higher the frequency, the better.
If you plan to purchase and install a module next to the existing ones, then, as in the previous paragraph, you need to study which modules are already installed and choose a new module with the same frequency.
If you decide to completely replace the RAM, you need to find out what maximum frequencies the laptop or computer motherboard supports.
Frequency characteristics for DDR2 modules are 667, 800 and 1066 MHz, and for DDR3 - 1333, 1600, 1866, 2000, 2133, 2400, 2666, 2800 MHz.
For most modern tasks, the RAM frequency of 1333 or 1600 MHz is optimal.
To install a RAM module, turn off the computer, install the module into the slot, and while pressing it, wait for the side latches to click.
Helpful information:
We also recommend using the program - a small utility designed to manage the RAM on the computer and clean it up. The program can work with unprotected system functions to clear the cache and allows you to select areas for its release.
Increasing RAM using a flash drive
If you're on a budget, there's a way to increase your RAM using flash memory and using ReadyBoost technology.
The ReadyBoost software technology is implemented in Windows 7 and higher and allows the use of free memory of any external Flash drive (SSD drive, USB flash drive, SD card) as additional virtual RAM.
The principle of operation is to create a special cache file on an external flash drive, into which the files that are most often accessed by the user or the system are cached (written).
The speed of accessing such files is slightly higher than the speed of reading them from the hard disk and, according to some estimates, can increase system performance by a third.
In order to take advantage of ReadyBoost technology, the Flash drive must have a memory capacity of 1 to 32 GB, and the speed must be greater than 3 MB / s.
If the drive you are connecting is larger than 4 GB, you should format it to the NTFS file system.
The optimal amount of Flash storage when using ReadyBoost technology should be equal to double or triple the amount of RAM on your computer.
To enable ReadyBoost technology, you need to install a Flash drive in your computer. In the autorun window, select the "Speed up the system" item.
In the case when autorun is disabled, you must select the flash drive in the Computer menu with the right mouse button and select "Properties".
In the “ReadyBoost” tab, it is necessary to check the item “Provide this device for ReadyBoost technology”, and below specify the size that will be reserved for creating the ReadyBoost.sfcache caching file, click “OK”.
After activating ReadyBoost technology, the USB flash drive cannot be removed from the computer.
To remove the flash drive, you must disable ReadyBoost technology by following the previous steps in the instructions, selecting the "Do not use this device" item.
If your computer is suffering from low RAM, then the only way to fix this problem is to increase the RAM. This operation is extremely simple - like changing a cartridge in a game console in the mid-90s. So, let's see how to increase the RAM on the computer. Before proceeding with the process of expanding the RAM itself, you need to choose the right one.
Types of RAM and their classification
You can increase the computer's RAM by adding additional modules. To accurately determine what memory is installed in your PC, you need to remove the case cover and look at it with your own eyes. There are 3 main types of RAM:
1. DDR clocked at up to 400 megahertz;
2. DDR2 with a frequency of 533 to 1066 MHz;
3. DDR3 with a frequency of 1066 or more.
New computers began to be massively equipped with DDR3 memory back in 2008. Therefore, if your computer is younger, then it definitely has DDR3 memory. If you are not sure about this, remove the memory from the seat and attach a ruler to it. The notch on the contact strip should be located 5.3 cm from the left edge. For DDR2, this notch is located almost in the center, 7 centimeters from the edge of the memory module. The old DDR is primarily distinguished by huge rectangular chips that can be seen without removing it from the computer.
Types of RAM for PC
Notebook RAM can also be recognized by the same notches, as shown in the picture.
Types of RAM for laptops
Once you have decided on the type of memory you have, think about how much you want to increase it. However, there are limitations here. For example, your computer may have a maximum of 4 memory slots. The capacity limit for a single DDR module is 1 GB, for DDR2 it is 2 GB, and for DDR3 it is 8 GB.
Now you can safely go to the store and buy a RAM compatible with yours. It makes no sense to look for exactly the same, it may simply not be on sale. Also buying the same modules will not add too much performance. The speed of work will increase, but only as much as the measurement error is allowed. You shouldn't think too much about it.
How to increase RAM on a computer?
Before installing the RAM, it is recommended to de-energize the motherboard. Simply pull out the power connector from it. Then you need to select and prepare a place to install the memory. If you already have one module in the first slot, and there are 3 or 4 of them in total, then install the second one in the third slot. That is, the memory must be either in even or odd slots. So the modules will be provided with good ventilation. After pushing the latches, simply insert the memory into the slot and press firmly until it clicks. Next, turn on the computer and check if it sees the purchased RAM. After starting, press the DEL key to go to the BIOS, where all PC parameters will be displayed, including the amount of RAM. If everything went well, you will immediately notice an increase in speed. To be sure, download and run any utility to check the RAM.
Adding another memory module to a laptop is a 5-minute matter. But before interfering with its hardware, it is MANDATORY to remove the battery. Otherwise, a short circuit is possible, after which the laptop may fail.
With the computer turned upside down, locate the cover covering the memory replacement bay. Usually it is indicated by a characteristic icon. After unscrewing the cover, find a free slot and insert the purchased memory into it, holding it at an angle of 30 degrees to the laptop. Usually it effortlessly enters the slot. After that, press it against the laptop until the metal latches work. Check the performance of the new memory through the BIOS or using special utilities.
Be careful!
Older operating systems have some limitations in working with RAM. For example, Windows XP does not support more than 4 gigabytes of RAM. However, this figure is the limit for all 32-bit systems. This problem can only be solved by installing the 64-bit version of Windows.
In which ways to increase computer performance were considered, we have already briefly touched on the issue of increasing random access memory (RAM).
The purpose of this article is to tell you in as much detail as possible how to choose and replace RAM.
RAM Selection Criteria
So, you have decided that you need to increase the RAM. What criteria should be used to select RAM modules?
Before you go to the store and place an order, we recommend that you carefully read the material below, which will save not only your time, but also money.
Manufacturer. The first thing you need to start choosing is with the choice of a RAM manufacturer. Many here are guided by the principle that the longer a manufacturer spends on the memory module production market, the better the quality of its products.
How to increase computer RAM.Currently, progress is progressing by leaps and bounds, and computers, laptops and other equipment tend to become outdated faster. Several factors affect the performance of a computer. Among them is the amount of RAM. But how to increase the computer's RAM on your own? This question often begins to worry PC users. In this article, we will look at all the ways to increase RAM. Three of them do not require any money from you at all!
How to increase RAM. The easiest option
There are several options on how to increase the RAM of your computer. The first one is the simplest, buying new RAM, the volume of which will significantly exceed the previous model. This method is not cheap, so if there is no extra money to buy RAM, we move on to the next one.
Determine the type of RAM you need
It is impossible to acquire RAM just like that, indiscriminately, since there is a high chance of failing. The memory may not be compatible with other computer components. In addition, the motherboard is also only capable of supporting a certain kind of RAM. With the wrong selection, you will simply disable it.
But in order to avoid such unpleasant consequences, you need to find out the characteristics of the component that is installed in your computer now. You also need to calculate the number of additional places for RAM.
There are several ways to determine the characteristics and number of seats. The first of them is the installation of an additional program that will help you diagnose components. The second is to remove the cover of the computer block and independently count the slots for RAM.
Some repair and tuning wizards advise filling all the places for RAM, as this will help to achieve maximum performance from the device. At the time of purchase, it is worth looking at the memory with the highest speed, this will also help in increasing the speed of the PC.
You should also take into account the fact that the computer has a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. Therefore, it makes no sense to increase the memory to 4-6 GB in a 32-bit OS. Therefore, if you want to install more RAM, then change the system.
Installing memory in a computer
After buying a new RAM, you need to figure out how to properly install it on your computer. Adding modules is easy enough. Each RAM slot has clips on both sides. They need to be moved to the side, then the old module will pop out. Instead, you can install a new one. When you pin the memory, you will hear a click to let you know that you have pinned the RAM correctly. It remains only to close it with latches so that it does not fall out of the nest.
It is better not to assemble a computer block right away, because there is a high probability of difficulties when reading new RAM. After some time - about 10 minutes, you can collect the block. To check the correct recognition of the new RAM on the computer, you must click on the "my computer" icon and click on the "properties" section. The "installed memory" category will show the amount of memory you have installed. If the numbers match, then you did everything right.
Important! Before installing RAM, it is necessary to de-energize the power supply and remove static voltage. If this is not done, any part may burn out during removal or installation. To remove static voltage, you need to put your palm on the computer unit, and the second on the heatsink of the storage battery. So you can neutralize static electricity and work with a disassembled computer safely.
So, we figured out the easiest way to increase the RAM on your computer. However, if the financial situation at the moment does not allow this, then we manage on our own. There are some more simple ways that do not require any financial resources.
The second way is to increase the virtual memory of the computer
Our PC is designed so that those files that do not fit into storage in RAM remain on the hard drive in a certain place. Windows OS, as a rule, independently sets the amount of virtual memory, but if necessary, the user himself can change these settings. To do this, it is not necessary to be a programmer, everything is quite simple.
The instructions for expanding virtual memory on Windows XP and 7 are very similar, since the menu and device of the system are almost the same.
There is a start button in the lower left corner of the screen. We go there and select the line "computer". Click on it with the left mouse button and go to "properties" in the menu.
computer propertiesWhen you open a new window on the left, you will see the lines "advanced system settings".
advanced system settings
additionallyYou will also be transferred to a new window, in which there will be an "additional" section. In the "virtual memory" section, click on the "change" button.
speed settingsAgain, a new window will pop up with options that you will have to configure yourself. First, uncheck the box next to "automatically select the size of the paging file." After that, choose any drive that has enough space and look at the optimal amount of RAM expansion. It is this number that can be entered in the “indicate size” column - the initial and maximum. After the done actions, confirm all changes with the "OK" button.
virtual memoryFor Windows 8, increasing the amount of virtual memory is different. In the main menu, find the "search" item. In the search bar, enter the following query "system properties performance". Press the Enter key, then the "Performance Options" window will appear. In it, select the "advanced" tab. There is also a "virtual memory" column, where you can make an increase in virtual memory. This is done in the same way as on Windows 7/Xp.
Attention! Changing virtual memory does not provide the same benefits as installing new RAM. This will only slightly speed up your PC.
The third way is to increase the RAM using external drives
This is a very effective method for making room for RAM in your PC. This method appeared relatively recently, and it became available using the Ready Boost technology, which was invented by Microsoft. However, not every user uses this method due to ignorance.
The Ready Boost program allows you to increase the amount of RAM using any external drive. The simplest and most common of these are flash drives or flash drives. Now almost every person has them, and sometimes several pieces. So why not use one of them to increase the RAM on your personal computer?
The main requirements for a flash drive will be a read speed of at least 2.5 MB / s, free space from 256 MB and a write speed of 1.75 MB / s.
This method will not only change the amount of memory for the better, but also speed up the PC.
So, let's begin:
First, insert the USB flash drive and go to the menu. Select the external drive and right-click on it. In the new window we find the item "properties", wait until it opens. When the "properties" open, find the Ready Boost item and tick it. Move the slider of the reserved space to speed up the work to the maximum. This will mean that you are using the full capacity of the flash drive. After completing the actions, click "ok" and wait for the system to apply the new settings.
Now you also know how to increase the computer's RAM using a flash drive.
And the last, fourth way - we increase the memory using Bios
Most BIOS versions allow you to change the RAM settings manually, so you can use this method. It also does not require any financial investment from you. However, after such a setting, it is necessary to check the system to eliminate malfunctions.
How to change the amount of memory and not change the basic BIOS settings?
How to increase RAM through BIOS. First, we enter the BIOS. To do this, you must turn off your computer. Then start its launch and while the OS is loading, hold down the delete, f2 keys or the ctrl / alt / esc combination.
how to increase RAM through BIOSSecond, in the BIOS menu, look for the Performance section.
Memory sectionThirdly, here we find the Memory tab and reduce the numerical value of the timings in the CAS Latency category. With a decrease in their number, the performance of the cache increases. The fewer of them, the better. However, it should be taken into account that reducing the number of timings to the minimum value will affect the operation of the equipment. Do not be zealous!
CAS LatencyAnd fourth, save all the changes and exit the BIOS. After all, you need to restart your computer and check its operation.
Attention! Changing the RAM in BIOS can change other system settings. Be careful!
All the methods described above will help you increase your computer's RAM. Three of them do not require any financial investment from you at all. It is not forbidden to improve the technical capabilities of your PC, but watch your actions and follow the instructions provided. Then the whole process will go smoothly and you will enjoy a faster version of your computer. Now you have an answer to the question - how to increase RAM.
Outcome:
It was about how to increase your computer's RAM. All methods are described in as much detail as possible, with pictures if possible.
In this article, we will talk about how to expand RAM due to the hard drive, since the answer to this question is of interest to many users of computer devices. It often happens that such manipulation becomes a necessity and helps in cases where the computer starts to slow down and freeze, does not respond to commands, or crashes completely.
System disk and RAM
RAM, or, as the people say, RAM, is the random access memory of a computer device. In fact, the RAM is a volatile component of the entire computer memory system, where commands and various data are stored for a certain period of time - those that the processor needs to be able to perform all kinds of operations.
It should be understood that system disk and RAM are different things. To increase the RAM, you need to have enough free space on the disk, at least 10 or 15 GB. If there is not enough free space on the hard drive, the RAM, along with its commands and files, does not “fit” on the disk, and the processor stops working efficiently. To correct the situation, it is required to provide the required space for the RAM by “clearing” the hard drive and thereby expanding the memory and increasing the speed of the computer.
How to expand RAM with hard drive
To expand RAM with HDD, the following steps are required:
- Find the My Computer icon on your desktop and right-click on it.
- A context menu will appear in front of you, from which select the "Properties" item and click on it.
- After clicking on "Properties", a window with the name "System Properties" will open. Here you will see a lot of different tabs, but don't let their abundance scare you, because you only need one - "Additional". Click on it with the mouse once.
- You will see several additional items, from which you need to select the "Performance" option, and in it - the "Settings" item.
- In the "Parameters" a new window will open with the name "Performance Options", in which you will be asked to choose your next actions. Here you also need to select the "Advanced" item.
- Take a look at what the tab has to offer you. You will see three items, from which select the line "Virtual memory" - and click on the "Change" button.
- After that, a new (third in a row) window with the name "Virtual Memory" will open again in front of you.
Disk memory expansion
Further, it is recommended to proceed with extreme caution. You will see a list of disks of a computer device, due to which you will expand the RAM. You need to determine how much free space is on each of the drives. Usually, RAM expansion is carried out at the expense of drives C: or D: - let's say that you are interested in the latter option.
In the "Virtual memory" window, click on the D: drive, then select the "Custom size" item and enter this very original size: say, 2000 (the maximum possible size is 4000). You can set the same values for both the minimum and the maximum, and this value can be made approximately three times larger than the amount of your "physical" RAM.
Nothing else needs to be changed, just click on the affirmative "OK" button. Then in the "Performance Options" window, also click on "OK" and in the "System Properties" window - also click on "OK".
After you have done all the above steps, you will only have to restart your computer device. That's all - the RAM has been successfully increased due to the disk you have chosen. You can enjoy the speed of your computer.
Disk Cleanup
However, do not forget that a lot of different “garbage” gradually accumulates on the system disk. These are temporary programs, applications, files that need to be deleted periodically, since all this “junk” takes up space on the hard drive and slows down the system. In order to clean hard drive You don't need to have any special knowledge. It is enough to use the capabilities of a special utility that will clean and defragment the disk quickly and efficiently. There are many such programs, and they are all effective.
Install the program on your computer and run it by clicking on the "Search" button. The utility will begin to analyze the system of your computer, and then offer to tick the files and programs to be deleted. You will be surprised, but there are quite a lot of them, and they can be deleted without any consequences for further work on the computer. A list of recommended removal items can be found online. Check these items and click on the "Clear" button. You will immediately be informed how much disk space will be freed up after deletion.
While analyzing the system, removing "garbage" and defragmenting, you can continue to work on a computer device. If the computer slows down at the same time, do not be alarmed: after cleaning, its performance will significantly accelerate.
Don't forget to clean the disk from time to time so that garbage doesn't accumulate, as sooner or later its quantity will turn into "quality" - and it will take you a long time to free the disk. Enjoy your work!
Computer technology is the most important assistant in solving many problems, so it is not surprising that users put forward increased requirements for it. However, it should be understood that over time, installed devices become obsolete and computer equipment needs to be upgraded. Quite often, PC owners are in dire need of increasing RAM, so for many it is important to know how to increase RAM on a computer.
Many new programs require more computer power
Increasing the RAM can significantly improve the performance of your computer, so users interested in performance are looking for ways to make such actions easy. One of these ways is to purchase additional RAM modules and install them on your computer. To make a competent increase in RAM, it is useful to first familiarize yourself with the information on how to add RAM to your computer, as well as take a number of preparatory steps.
Determining the type of RAM
Computers were purchased at different times, so their equipment may vary significantly. It is strictly forbidden to purchase RAM at random, because the currently existing types of RAM, which include DDR 1, DDR 2, DDR 3, are incompatible with each other, and their joint use on one computer can lead to a sad result.
In addition, the motherboard can also only support a certain type of RAM, so trying to add the wrong type of RAM, the user is able to disable the entire motherboard.
Also, speed is ensured due to the fact that the system does not need a long search for the files required for execution on the entire hard disk space, since all the necessary files are concentrated on external media.
Having chosen this particular method, which allows to increase the speed of the PC, the user must purchase a USB flash drive with the necessary parameters, otherwise all attempts will simply be unsuccessful. The flash drive must have at least 256 MB of free space, the write speed must correspond to 1.75 Mbps, and the read speed must be 2.5 Mbps.
After all the important tools are available to the user, you can proceed to the process that allows you to increase the amount of cache and speed up PC performance.
After inserting the USB flash drive into the USB connector, you should wait for it to fully load, then right-click to bring up the context menu. Next, go to "Properties", then to "ReadyBoost". On this tab, you should check the box, confirming the desire to use the ReadyBoost technology, you should also manually set the indicator of the desired cache volume. It remains to click "OK" and wait for the process to complete.
A PC user must remember that a flash drive to which ReadyBoost technology has been applied cannot be simply removed from the computer. To remove the USB drive, you must first disable the previously running ReadyBoost technology.
Another way to increase the RAM on your computer is overclocking. Using this method, the user manages to overclock the RAM. To achieve this, the user must make changes to the BIOS settings, increasing the frequency and voltage.
With the right changes, computer performance can be increased by almost 10%. However, it is important to understand that if mistakes are made, the user risks damaging not only the RAM, but also other components. In this regard, most experienced users recommend that in order to carry out high-quality and competent overclocking, increase performance, give the computer to a real professional who is familiar with overclocking techniques to the smallest detail.
If, nevertheless, the user wants to improve the computer himselfby overclocking, you should first go into the BIOS. To do this, at the time of loading the OS, you should press one of the buttons: "Delete", "F2" or "F8".
After a successful entry into the BIOS has been made, the user must go to Video Ram or Shared Memory. There, on the DRAM Read Timing line, you should reduce the number of cycles (timings). Experts say that the lower the timings, the better the PC performance. However, excessive reduction can lead to negative consequences.
Finally, in order for the settings to be successfully saved, you should press "F10", after which the computer will restart and the changes will take effect.
So, wanting to add RAM to a computer, the user must have not only good reasons for this, but also the necessary components, as well as study the available recommendations and master the necessary skills. It is commendable to improve one's technical capabilities, but experimental "amateur performance" in the complete absence of the necessary knowledge is under a categorical ban.
