In
some ways a computer is like a car because there are some changes and
repairs that the owner can perform on their own. Increasing the size of
the computer's memory may be one of them.
CAUTION: By attempting the steps described in
this procedure you may ruin your computer. A small spark of static
electricity can burn out critical computer circuits. Incorrectly
installing a memory module can bend delicate electrical contacts and
damage the memory socket. An improperly "seated" module can keep the
computer from booting when it is powered up. Be careful and good luck.
Step 1: Determine the Current Size of the Computer's Memory.
For computers running Windows, Microsoft provides a program called
"Task Manager" that provides a quick display of the system status. Run
this program by clicking the right mouse button while the mouse pointer
is positioned on the task bar (normally at the bottom of the screen),
and then select "Task Manager." Click on the "Performance" tab. Make a
notation of the number listed for "Physical Memory (K) - Total." For
computers running Linux, login as "root" and type the command "cat
/proc/meminfo<RETURN>." Next, note the value for "MemTotal."
Step 2: Locate the Memory Modules in the Computer.
Power down the computer and unplug the computer's power cord. Remove
the laptop's battery. Begin to search for the memory modules. Laptops
and notebooks frequently use SO-DIMMs (Small Outline-Dual Inline Memory
Modules) like the ones pictured below. Oftentimes the memory modules
are located under a small cover on the bottom of the laptop. I have one
notebook in which the SO-DIMM socket is located on the top of the
machine, but I have to remove the computer's keyboard to access it.
Step 3: Plan Your Upgrade. Consider the total size of the
computer's currently installed memory, the number of SO-DIMMs currently
installed, if there are any empty SO-DIMM sockets and the desired
increase in memory size. Some laptops come with some memory soldered
onto the motherboard. This memory is fixed and cannot be removed or
upgraded. It is quite possible that you will have to remove one or more
existing memory modules to make room for the larger modules that you
want to install. You must also determine exactly what type of memory
you need. There are many different types of memory modules and only
certain ones will be compatible with your machine. If you buy the wrong
type of memory, the computer may not boot or you might even "burn out"
some components. Many computer and motherboard manufacturers have
copies of manuals on-line that will provide the specifications for the
memory modules that are compatible with your computer.
Step 4: Obtain the New Memory Modules. Memory modules are
available from a number of sources. These sources include the company
that built the computer such as Dell or Hewlett-Packard, retailers such
as Best Buy or Circuit City, online merchants such as Dalco.com or
Newegg.com, auction sites such as craigslist.com or eBay.com, and
special memory Web sites such as crucial.com. The safest option is to
purchase the new memory from the company that originally built the
computer. Another safe, and usually less expensive, option is to buy it
from crucial.com. I generally recommend crucial.com to someone who is
new to upgrading memory. Crucial.com has an excellent online system to
help you find the right memory module. It shows you detailed technical
specifications for the recommended memory, provide instructions on how
to install the memory, offer free shipping and has a 30-day, money-back
compatibility guarantee.
Step 5: Remove the Old Memory Modules. If you need to remove an existing memory module, the removal procedure is:
1. Be sure the computer is powered
off, the power cord is unplugged, and the computer's battery has been
removed
2. Wear an anti-static wrist strap or touch the chassis frequently to drain static electricity
3. Push the small metal or plastic
clips at the opposite edges of the module away from the SO-DIMM. The
module will likely pop up because of a spring that is part of the socket
4. Adjust the angle of the SO-DIMM until it easily slips out of the socket.
Step 6: Install the New Memory Modules. The installation procedure is:
1. Be sure the computer is powered
off, the power cord is unplugged and the computer's battery has been
removed
2. Wear an anti-static wrist strap or touch the chassis frequently to drain static electricity
3. Orient the module by matching the
module notch with the bump in the socket, and then insert the module at
an angle similar to the angle shown in the right picture above. When
you have the correct angle, the module will easily slide into the socket
4. Gently press the module down until
the metal or plastic clips at each end catch the edges of the module
and hold it almost parallel to the main circuit board.
Step 7: Test for Proper Operation. Connect the computer's
power cord and boot the machine. Repeat Step 1 to check if the new
memory size agrees with your expectations. You might also want to run a
thorough diagnostic test of the computer's memory. There are low-cost
and free test programs available from http://www.memtest86.com/ and http://www.memtest.org/. Consider executing the test for many hours (for example, overnight).
Step 8: Possible Problems. If there is a problem during the
upgrade, the computer may display a smaller-than-expected memory size,
or it may not boot at all. Check very carefully to see if the memory
modules are properly seated in the sockets. You might also check to see
if you have accidentally bumped some other card, such as the computer's
video card, so that it is no longer properly seated in its slot. Try
removing the new SO-DIMMs and booting with the original memory
configuration. Consider contacting the company that sold you the
memory. They might have a support center that could help you solve the
problem. Otherwise, it would be time to call a professional and ask for
help.
A memory upgrade is a procedure with medium difficulty and moderate
risk that can provide significant benefits for a modest cost. As I said
at the beginning of this article, be careful and good luck.
Neal Nelson has more than 35 years experience with all aspects of
complex computer systems. As the chief developer, owner and president
of an independent hardware and software performance evaluation firm, he
has tested more than 500 computer systems. A Web site with some of his
test results can be found at http://www.worlds-fastest.com/. For further information send an e-mail to neal@nna.com.
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