Two Easy Steps In Upgrading Your Computer Memory

Finding the right memory upgrades for your desktop or laptop is similar to getting the right kind of tires for your car - you need the ones that go with what you own because if you don't, you're back to square one.

The difference a fast personal computer can make in a person's life can be significant, and processing speeds depend on a number of variables. Your CPU, operating system, random-access memory, internet connection, and a whole list of other factors determine how efficiently your business or personal software operates. For instance, upgrading Dell memory helps improve your Dell system performance. By following the step-by-step instructions below, you can successfully find the right random-access memory (RAM) for all HP, Compaq, and Apple memory requirements.

Step one: find the memory information for your model. This memory upgrade information can be found in the specifications document for your personal or business computer. Say you don't have this documentation to tell you what type of computer memory your PC needs. Going online you will find you can insure compatibility by searching for the correct RAM upgrades you need by manufacturer, model number, or part number.

Step two: confirm how much memory can be added to your computer. One of the most simplest ways of finding your computer's exact memory configuration and how much memory should be installed is by shutting down your computer, powering it up, and pressing the F1 or F10 key repeatedly until a BIOS Setup Screen appears (some computers may use a different key like ESC or F3). The main screen will display an Installed Memory line, which indicates the total amount of memory currently installed and the speed at which your computer is operating. The memory bank line(s) show the amount of memory for the module that is installed in that bank. You can also use the memory bank information to determine if a particular memory slot (bank) is empty.

To find the total amount of RAM that can be added, subtract the amount of RAM currently in the computer from the maximum amount of memory the computer can hold. For example, a computer has 256 MB of RAM. If the maximum amount of memory the computer can hold is 512 MB, then 256 MB is the amount of RAM that can be added. To find the amount of RAM per slot, divide the maximum amount of memory that the computer can hold with the number of memory slots on the motherboard. Usually, this is the maximum amount for each memory socket. For example, if the computer is capable of holding a maximum of 1024 MB (1 G) of memory and the motherboard has four memory slots, install 256 MB (or less) memory modules per slot. For more information on memory upgrades for your PC or Apple computer, please contact houseofmemory.com.

How Much Memory Do You Need?

For most Americans, a fast computer is an absolute necessity. However, when they are opening so many different applications at one time, the computer is bound to slow down. RAM memory is used every time one opens an application, downloads something, plays a game, or even types a letter into a word processor. One should choose the amount of RAM they get for their computer based on the type and number of applications they will be running at one time. Many popular applications actually take up more RAM than one would think. For example, iTunes and Firefox are actually big RAM consumers.

If one is a novice or basic user, who only uses the computer to send and receive e-mail, work with word processing programs, and surf the web, 64 to 128 MB is all the user needs to keep the computer running at optimal speed. However, this changes if the user is going to be surfing many websites at a time and downloading applications. If one is downloading and using applications, it is recommended that he or she gets 256 MB of RAM.

As a professional or avid computer user it is important to have a lot of RAM to keep all applications running smoothly and efficiently. Running multiple applications at once takes up a lot of hard drive space. In addition, if one plans to play computer games or do light work with graphics, more RAM is definitely beneficial. 512 MB is recommended for users who will open several applications at the same time.

Professionals usually opt for at 1 GB of memory or more. This is because speed is important in a business. One does not have time to wait for applications to load. This can greatly reduce productivity and waste money. If working with high-end graphics, CAD or modeling software, or digital images or video, hard drive space, RAM memory is a must to keep the computer running smoothly.

In today’s market, computer memory has become quite affordable. In addition, computers and laptops with high amounts of both RAM memory and hard disk memory are inexpensive and not very hard to find in any electronics store. Of course there are other factors to look into when buying a computer. For example, the quality of the video card and sound card are important considerations for many computer gamers and graphic design professionals.

Before buying a computer or laptop, one must consider what he or she will be using the system for. This will make it much easier to decide how much RAM memory the new computer needs. Usually, a customer service representative can be very helpful in deciding how much RAM one needs. Whether buying apple memory, laptop memory, or any kind of computer memory, it is always a good idea to consult a professional!