Identifying Your Computer Memory
The term 'RAM' is an acronym for Random Access Memory, this is the memory that your computer employs to run its operating system and any applications that you start. The name means that the computer can get at information held anywhere (i.e. at a random location) in RAM by addressing that part of the RAM directly.
Why not have everything on your computer stored on RAM? The answer is cost and volatility - RAM costs far more per GB than a hard drive and most RAM demands power to preserve the data stored in it. If you had a RAM only computer you'd have to reload the operating system and all your applications and data every time you switched off or there was a power cut. Your computer requires different amounts of RAM for various tasks and the more applications you open the more RAM is necessary.
No one likes a slow computer so what do you do about this? Obviously you would like to add more RAM but to do this you need to match the additional RAM with what is already in your PC and you need to be certain your motherboard will support the kind of RAM you intend to use.
Ways To Identify Your Memory
To properly identify your RAM you need to know the total memory size in Megabytes(MB), how many memory modules there are, the type of RAM you have, its speed and ideally its manufacturer. There are a number of different ways you can find some or all of this information.
Check the Paperwork - The purchase invoice may specify the RAM used. Or you might have a brochure with system specifications on it. Usually these are vague but they can supply a starting point.
Read the POST Messages - As the computer boots it executes a Power On Self Test (POST) and this returns various messages about system components including the memory. As the system boots, depending on BIOS settings, you might see a report of the 'Main Processor' type followed by a 'Memory Testing' result which displays how much RAM has been observed. Pressing the 'Pause' key at the top right of your keyboard, at any time, will stop the display so you can read it. Press Enter to continue booting. At some point, depending on BIOS settings, the system may draw a box containing the main system parameters. In the top of the box it will list CPU information on the left and memory information on the right. Again using the 'pause' key will give you time to study it. In the lower part of the box, following information about drives, display type and I/O ports is some information about the physical RAM.
Ask Windows - If you use Windows XP or Vista you can check how much RAM you have using the System Information tool. Click Start >> All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> System Information. This will open a 'System Information' window and in the summary it will tell you the total amount of RAM recognised in your system. Unfortunately this is all it tells you about your RAM. The same information can be obtained in all versions of Windows (since Win95) by right-clicking the 'My Computer' icon and clicking on 'Properties'. The 'System Properties' window opens and displays information including the amount of system RAM Windows has detected.
Use a System Information/Diagnostic Tool - There are a host of Freeware products available online for a range of diagnostic and information tools; Just be sure to do some independent research before downloading anything or allowing access to your system.
Go to the Computer Manufacturer's Website - If you have a 'brand name' computer, most manufacturers websites permit you to search by model name or number and find detailed specs of your system in its original configuration. They frequently include FAQs and Support pages that will give you information about what memory is compatible and how to upgrade. Some of these are excellent and include videos of how to open your case and how to remove and/or add memory. Of course they'll typically only advise their own brand name memory as an upgrade.
Use an Online Configuration Tool - Major manufacturers and suppliers of RAM offer downloadable 'Memory Advisor' or 'Configurator' tools that can scan your computer, reveal the memory specifications and recommend a compatible upgrade.
Look in the BIOS - Consult your motherboard manual if you don't know how to enter the BIOS - on most systems you press the 'Del' key as the system starts to boot. There are many different formats for the BIOS screen so it's tough be accurate about what options you may see available.
Open the Case and Read the Labels - A quick look inside the computer will tell you how many RAM sticks you have already. If nothing else will give you solid information, then you can power off the system, (observe static handling precautions) and remove the RAM already in there. If you're lucky the RAM stick(s) will have a label giving you pertinent information about the size, speed, manufacturer and maybe some warranty information. Some manufacturers are more cryptic than others and may simply give you a part number.
More Computer Memory Is Always A Good Thing
How much RAM do you need? "640K should be enough for anybody." - Bill Gates, 1981
Ironic that this quote should come from the founder of Microsoft - the company whose Windows OS goes through computer resources like kids go through shoes. Users of Windows Vista will quickly realize that it doesn't run properly on the minimum system requirements of 1GB RAM and many people recommend 2GB as a minimum for running even medium complexity applications. So how much RAM is enough for anybody these days?
If you're an average user that does some digital photography and some gaming look to have at least 2GB in your machine or if you do more complex stuff or play some serious games on your PC make that 4GB. If money is no object, go for 8GB and if you're a gaming freak... well you probably won't be reading this article anyway.
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