RAM stands for Random-Access-Memory and it is what your computer uses to perform most operations. A lot of programs will “live in memory” that means while the program is running it will be utilizing your RAM. The more programs you have running concurrently, generally the more RAM you will need.
However, picking the right ram is a hassle. The first step is pop open your computer and find the RAM you have, making sure that the power is off and the machine is completely unplugged from external power sources. You can also flip the power switch on the back of the power supply unit to ensure that the power really is off.
Your RAM will most likely be DDR2. This is currently the most common RAM out there. Prices for it are relatively cheap and you can find any speed you want (more on speeds further down) pretty much anywhere. If you have DDR1 RAM you’re a bit out of luck. DDR1 is quite old now and upgrading or replacing faulty RAM sticks is a bit of a hassle. A lot of stores won’t carry it since it doesn’t sell very easily and if they do carry it you’ll find it is often double the price of the DDR2 sticks. Sadly you can’t just swap different types of RAM so if you have a certain type of DDR1 RAM you either have to find that exact RAM elsewhere or just upgrade your system.
Generally when you call or show up at a computer store looking for RAM the sales person will just ask you what speed your RAM is. This tends to be a confusing question for people who don’t really open up their computer. The easiest way around this is to just remove the RAM from your machine and take it in to the store, but if you want to know what the sales person is actually checking, it’s below.
| Type | Module | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| DDR1 | PC-2100 | 266 mHz |
| DDR1 | PC-2700 | 333 mHz |
| DDR1 | PC-3200 | 400 mHz |
| DDR2 | PC2-3200 | 400 mHz |
| DDR2 | PC2-4200 | 533 mHz |
| DDR2 | PC2-5300 | 667 mHz |
| DDR2 | PC2-6400 | 800 mHz |
| DDR2 | PC2-8500 | 1066 mHz |
Just remember that DDR1 and DDR2 RAM looks physically different, so there is no way to switch the two. Also, your motherboard will dictate the maximum speed of RAM that you can use, so be sure to consult your motherboard manual before upgrading or changing your RAM.
I think using any of numerous apps that give you hardware configuration would be little easier than starting to dismantle PC right away.
They also give motherboard model and it is good idea to look up its specification online.
Also while installing additional memory is easy, ensuring it will work is not quite so. There are issues of order in which slots are filled (should be covered in motherboard manual) and manufacturers recommend to stick with list of tested modules (advice mostly ignored but not completely baseless).
So while this is one of easier upgrades, it still requires some knowledge of what you are doing.
PS DDR3 is becoming more common little by little, you should probably add it to table in post
You’re definitely right, I will update the article with a few apps that would circumvent the whole “open up your pc” section if you want it.
I also thought about adding DDR3, but then realized that it’s still new enough that if you had it, you probably know a thing or two about computers.
RAM is RANDOM Access Memory. Not Rapid. Data is stored in memory at random locations, thus the name.
Also, there are free programs that easily identify your exact RAM specifications without the need to even open the case until you’ve got your upgrade/replacement. CPU-Z is a great free tool, for example.
Thanks for catching that Jason, post has been updated.
I remember hearing about CPU-Z a while back from a friend, but I never really had a reason to check it out, I will this weekend though.