I'm pretty good with computers but I'm not familiar with upgrading my PC's RAM. I have a HP Desktop with a 3.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor and 512 MB of RAM. I'm interested in upgrading to at least a gig of RAM. What are the steps I would go through to do this? I'm not necessarily asking how to get inside my computer and upgrade it but more like how do I know if a certain stick of RAM is compatible with my computer. Also, do all computers come with two slots of RAM? If so, does that mean I could buy a 512 MB stick and my computer would end up with 1 gig of RAM? That doesn't seem likely but again, I'm not familiar with RAM upgrading.
Questions about upgrading RAM
- Thread starter mpic92
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The first thing to do is look over the specifications for the system board to see what memory is able to be used. Some information will be needed as to the model number of the HP you are currently running. The user manual for the main board generally explains how to install memory. Different makes and models boards have varying memory capacity with the smallest amount on the newer board being able to run two 1gb dimms.
By looking over the specifications the speed and type of memory will be seen there. If you add 512mb of memory to a system that already has 512mb then you will have a total amount of 1,024mb of memory installed. With boards now having two channels you would have 512mb on each channel if the dual channel mode is enabled.
By looking over the specifications the speed and type of memory will be seen there. If you add 512mb of memory to a system that already has 512mb then you will have a total amount of 1,024mb of memory installed. With boards now having two channels you would have 512mb on each channel if the dual channel mode is enabled.
JzmDjnn
New Member
http://www.computerforum.com/11096-ram-101-a.html
hope this helps.
Also, do all computers come with two slots of RAM?
no some have more
If so, does that mean I could buy a 512 MB stick and my computer would end up with 1 gig of RAM?
yes
when choosing memory you have to find which ones fit
best to take it out, go to store and ask, then go online
Like ETSA said.
Usualy there is a sticker on the memory with specs.
Like mine is DDR2 PC2-4200 533MHZ
these are the things I look for when searching for compatability with my comp.
theres SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, etc.
I still have a long way to go on learning
but I hope this helps
hope this helps.
Also, do all computers come with two slots of RAM?
no some have more
If so, does that mean I could buy a 512 MB stick and my computer would end up with 1 gig of RAM?
yes
when choosing memory you have to find which ones fit
best to take it out, go to store and ask, then go online
Like ETSA said.
Usualy there is a sticker on the memory with specs.
Like mine is DDR2 PC2-4200 533MHZ
these are the things I look for when searching for compatability with my comp.
theres SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, etc.
I still have a long way to go on learning
but I hope this helps
http://www.computerforum.com/11096-ram-101-a.html
hope this helps.
Also, do all computers come with two slots of RAM?
no some have more
If so, does that mean I could buy a 512 MB stick and my computer would end up with 1 gig of RAM?
yes
when choosing memory you have to find which ones fit
best to take it out, go to store and ask, then go online
Like ETSA said.
Usualy there is a sticker on the memory with specs.
Like mine is DDR2 PC2-4200 533MHZ
these are the things I look for when searching for compatability with my comp.
theres SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, etc.
I still have a long way to go on learning
but I hope this helps
Not digging up old 2006 threads will be a better help there.
Michael
Active Member
NewEgg.com Ram Locator
Hope this helps, it helped me when I needed to find the right RAM for my new PC without opening up the case (it was a lazy day for me).
Good luck
Hope this helps, it helped me when I needed to find the right RAM for my new PC without opening up the case (it was a lazy day for me).
Good luck
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