Upgrading RAM, step by step. Features of upgrading (selecting) random access memory (RAM) for a laptop Upgrading computer RAM

22.01.2012

If you haven't installed a 64-bit system on your PC yet, now is the time to do so. This article explains how to replace the memory of a desktop or laptop computer.

Upgrade Your System RAM, Step-by-Step. PC World, November 2011, p. 99.

Now is the perfect time to upgrade your machine's RAM. Most PCs come with a 64-bit operating system installed on them. These days, programs require more memory than ever before. 64-bit applications and even 64-bit games are becoming more common. In addition, memory prices have dropped significantly.
However, buying suitable memory is not as easy as it used to be. Almost all modern desktop computers use DDR3 memory, while older PCs use DDR2 modules. A similar situation is observed with laptop computers (with the only difference that DDR2 memory is also used in some modern models). Therefore, check the manual supplied by the manufacturer to determine what type of memory you will need.

When upgrading your desktop computer, memory speed and memory timing can be important. Many motherboards for desktop computers Crashes occur when all available slots are occupied by memory running at maximum speed. In this case, the solution may be to purchase memory that has higher speed characteristics than those supported by the motherboard, and artificially reducing its performance. (I once installed 12 GB of DDR3 memory on a board that had an X58 chipset. Six modules with a nominal clock speed of 1600 MHz ran me at 1333 MHz.)
Buying memory modules for a laptop computer will be somewhat easier if you know the required capacity and performance parameters. As a rule, they have no more than two connectors RAM, however, some models also have three connectors.
According to general rule, which is true for both desktop computers and laptops, each channel must have the same amount of memory. For example, if you have four slots that support dual-channel memory, try occupying two slots with 2 GB modules and the remaining two slots with 4 GB modules. You just need to make sure that pairs of identical modules are installed in the slots that match different channels memory.

Desktop Memory

1. Place the PC on a table surface or on a special stand. Getting inside the computer case is much easier if there is enough working space.
2. Remove all electrical and interface cables from the memory connectors.
3. Make sure that the modules you have are suitable for your PC. You should not try to install DDR3 modules into slots designed for DDR2.
4. Most memory slots have a latch on the sides that holds the modules in place. On some motherboards The latch is only on one side. If you are replacing old modules with new ones, push back the latches and remove the old modules from the slots.
5. The graphics card or processor fan may be preventing you from removing and installing memory modules. In this case, you will first have to dismantle them.
6. Do not touch the gold-plated contacts of memory modules under any circumstances.
7. When inserting new modules, make sure the connector latches are fully open.

8. New modules are oriented correctly if their notch aligns with the connector protrusion.

9. Using minimal force, install the new memory module into the slot, pressing until the latches click into place.

10. Confirm again that all latches are in the closed position and that the module is securely held in the slot.
11. After installing the modules, return all previously removed devices and cables to their original positions.
12. Try turning on the system. If the speaker beeps rapidly, it means one of the modules is poorly installed or faulty. When all memory slots are full, remove the old modules and see if the system boots with only the new memory.

Memory for laptop computers

1. Find out in the user manual how to open the compartment where the memory modules are located. If the documentation doesn't say anything about this, go to the manufacturer's website (if you know its address) or find the site using a search engine.
2. You may need a small magnetic screwdriver to remove the screws from the memory compartment. Keep it ready.
3. Make sure you have the correct type of modules selected for your PC. You should not try to install DDR3 modules into slots designed for DDR2 memory.
4. Laptop computers use SODIMM memory. These memory modules are smaller than desktop memory modules. The memory connectors here also have latches, but they are often equipped with a spring that pushes the released modules out.
5. When installing a new module, align the groove in it with the tab on the system board connector.
6. Insert the module into the slot and press lightly until the latches move into the closed position.
7. Before closing the compartment cover, make sure that the system boots correctly.

Upgrading RAM, step by step

Hello dear blog readers. Today in the article we will talk about such a popular topic as upgrading a computer.

Nowadays, not many people use the opportunity to upgrade their computer, so when the question arises about upgrading a computer, opinions differ.

Personally, I have a very positive attitude towards upgrading a computer, since when the right approach Upgrading your computer can be relatively inexpensive and can significantly increase the power of your computer.

2 Computer upgrade

This is the story as an example. Of course, the upgrade does not always go as smoothly as in this situation. But it never hurts to find out more about your current computer and estimate the configuration for an upgrade.

By upgrading a computer we will mean improving components system unit. , keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc., are not taken into account. Upgrading a system unit involves replacing old outdated parts with new, more efficient ones. First of all, this is: replacing the processor, video card, adding RAM and replacing or adding a hard drive.

Most often, to replace a processor, you have to change the motherboard, and when replacing a video card, you need to buy more powerful block nutrition. Let's go through each point separately.

1. Processor. Almost every upgrade begins with replacing the processor. Before replacing the processor, you need to carefully consider everything. Since replacing a processor most often requires replacing the motherboard and RAM. And these are additional costs.

First, you need to determine what the current processor really lacks in performance and understand which processor will cope with your tasks 100%.

If the most complex tasks your computer processes are games, then you need to look at the tests of your processor and compare them with the tests of the model you would like to install instead.

Basically, when a dual-core processor is not the worst, then replacing it with a more powerful 4 or 6 core processor does not give such an increase in games as replacing it with a more powerful video card, for example.

In the case when the computer is used for work that requires high processing power of the processor, then there is no need to replace it.

We select a processor according to the criteria that I described in the article - and compare it in tests with ours. If you can’t live without a new processor, then perhaps you will be able to choose the optimal processor model that will suit your motherboard.

You shouldn't chase the most productive models. All the same, in half a year it will come out better, and the price of the old one will decrease. In addition, among the old models there are still strong and powerful stones that can give even some new items a run for their money.

This way you will save money and increase the power of your computer.

2. Video card. Mainly changed to improve performance in games. Less often, of course, for working in programs like maya for example.

First, we select the desired video card according to such criteria as: price/quality ratio, power consumption of the power supply, power that meets the requirements of your games and the presence of a video card connector on the motherboard. I wrote more about this in the article -.
Keep in mind that modern video cards are connected via the PCI-Express X16 connector. If you still have an old AGP 8X on your motherboard, then it is better to change the motherboard and install a new video card.

Instead of looking for something better than your AGP 8X video card. The AGP connector is already dead, and computers with such motherboards most often cannot be upgraded - the entire system system must be replaced.

We check the selected video card in tests on popular sites. On at the moment the most best models in terms of price/quality ratio it is HD 6950 (better than 6930 but it’s hard to find) and GTX 560.

Some may argue with me, but these video cards are an excellent combination of excellent price and performance.

In the tests, pay attention to how the video card behaves in the most resource-intensive games at maximum settings. If it holds up decently on par with its competitors, then the video card should show good results in your games.

To answer this question, you need to calculate the power consumption of your gaming computer.

If there is not enough, then we select new block nutrition. I advise you to take it with a reserve so as not to change it in the future. take a 600-650W power supply with an 80 plus certificate.

This also applies to the case; it’s better to buy a good large case once than to change the entire computer later. How to choose.

4. Motherboard. I think from the first two points, you already understand when the motherboard will need to be replaced.

When replacing the motherboard, try to choose the model on which you can install a more powerful one in the future. new processor and don't buy a new motherboard. I wrote more about this in the article -.

Of course, it’s not always possible to do this, because you don’t know when the next upgrade will be, but if you weigh everything carefully, then in 3-4 years you will still be able to buy a processor for the motherboard that you buy today.

5. RAM. When replacing a motherboard, you most often have to buy new RAM. If replacing the motherboard does not take place, then it is advisable to increase the amount of existing RAM to somewhere around 4GB.

Especially if the processor was replaced. It will be possible to install a 64 bit system and perhaps get rid of .

I wrote more about RAM in the article -.

6. Hard drive. Last but not least, let's think about the hard drive. For gaming computers, you usually need to buy more hard drive in 500 GB or 1 TB. It is advisable to take a faster model with 7200 rpm, 32-64 MB cache. Read more about that.

New hard drives work faster, so after purchasing it is advisable to reinstall the system on it. So the speed Windows boot may increase. I have already written an article on the topic -.

3 Upgrading your computer - conclusion

Most often, when upgrading a computer, the budget is limited. Therefore, it is more logical to start with replacing the most necessary things.

If we are talking about a gaming computer, then this is, of course, replacing the video card, adding RAM and replacing the power supply if necessary. If the performance is not enough, then you can already think about replacing the processor.

If you work in programs in which the main load falls on the processor. Then we change the processor and add RAM. And finally, make sure your computer is giving it its all. Good luck to you :)

Let's think about random access memory (RAM), sometimes simply called memory. RAM data can be called up without the need to access the hard drive, so having the required amount of memory on your computer directly correlates with the computer's performance.

Without diving too deeply into the science behind computer memory, called RAM allows your computer to run faster and more smoothly, especially when multitasking—if you need to open multiple programs at once.

Why upgrade RAM?

Implementing RAM in a PC is a performance issue. If you've noticed your PC's performance slowing down more than expected, and this has been happening for a while, Windows Task Manager is good way check if you are overloading your RAM.

Open Windows 10 Task Manager by pressing ALT + CTL + DEL. Go to the Performance tab. The tab named Memory measures your RAM usage.

You'll get a more detailed view by clicking the Open Resource Monitor button at the bottom of the Task Manager window and going to the Memory tab.

The rule of thumb is that if available memory is less than 25 percent of your total memory, upgrading the RAM will provide a noticeable performance boost to the end user.

Monitor your RAM, especially when you open a new application. If it's slower than you'd like and you notice ram usage approaching 100%, then upgrading your RAM may help you.

Determine the possibility of upgrading the RAM of your laptop or PC

Unfortunately, many laptops do not have a window in the bottom for upgrading the RAM or the memory is soldered to the motherboard; these situations prevent the RAM from being upgraded. It is also possible that the system simply cannot recognize more than a certain amount of memory. To find out if you can upgrade your RAM, try Crucial's Memory Advisor tool. Once you find the exact model of your laptop you should get a screen that shows the maximum amount of RAM and the number of slots for your laptop.

First, note that laptop memory and desktop memory are different from each other. friend And not interchangeable! Let this be the first step in choosing the right RAM for your computer.

The two components that most influence the type of RAM you can choose are your motherboard and your operating system.

The operating system you're running may affect the maximum amount of RAM you can use on your computer. Maximum RAM limit for 32-bit Windows versions is 4 GB.

Your computer's motherboard also determines the amount of RAM because it has a limited number of real-time memory module slots (DIMM slots) into which you plug RAM. Consult your computer or motherboard manual to find this information.

Additionally, the motherboard determines which RAM you should choose. The most common desktop options are:

• DDR2 SDRAM(with double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory) - typically used in computers built after 2003.
• DDR3 SDRAM(double the data rate of three synchronous dynamic random access memories) - found in computers built after 2007.
• DDR4 SDRAM(double data transfer speed with 4th generation synchronous dynamic RAM) - newest generation RAM, which is located in latest versions PC.

Other RAM characteristics should also be noted:

• Speed ​​(MHz). Unless you're comparing performance, you probably won't notice the difference between an 1866 MHz memory module and a 1333 MHz one. Speed ​​issues are more important for server workstations that handle large computing loads.
• RAM timings or latency are represented as four numbers separated by “-”. Generally, lower scores mean better performance.
• Multichannel sets. If your motherboard supports multi-channel memory, the appropriate set will optimize performance. For this, RAM can be purchased based on the system memory.

An online store configurator (for example, dns-shop.ru) can help you choose RAM for your system.

Decided to increase the performance of your laptop? RAM for laptops is sold inexpensively in many online stores. The new bar will increase computing capabilities and ensure more stable operation of the computer.

Why do you need RAM modules for a laptop or netbook?

Random access memory (RAM or RAM) plays an important role in the operation of any computer technology. It serves to store data that is most often used by the system or is currently being processed. At the same time, the speed of data processing in RAM is many times higher than the speed of exchange with hard drive computer. But RAM is volatile storage; it is not capable of storing data in the absence of electricity. This is why if the computer is disconnected from the network, all unsaved data is lost and the device has to be loaded again. In addition to the speed of operation, RAM differs from hard drives in its high fault tolerance, which is why a hard drive cannot serve as a random access memory device.

When the amount of RAM is not enough, the computer starts to work slower (“slow down”). This happens because the computer begins to write data to the swap file, which is located on the hard drive. That is, in order to open some kind of new program the system first rewrites data from some of the data already previously open program in Swap, thereby freeing up space in RAM, and then opens the program. This whole process takes a lot of time and is noticeable even to the naked eye.

Laptops and netbooks use memory sticks of the SO-DIMM form factor. In general, the differences between OP for laptops and desktop computers consist only in the form factor - the remaining parameters are completely identical.

A little theory:

Memory standards

At the moment, the most common standards are DDR4 and DDR3; you can also find laptops with DDR2. Each OP standard has its own key, so it is physically impossible to insert a bar of another standard. I will not describe the features of these standards here, because in general you will not be able to change anything - whatever standard is set by the laptop manufacturer will be the same (if any).

But it is necessary to note that there are two identical standards - DDR3 and DDR3L; they differ only in the supply voltage of the memory banks. For DDR3 it is 1.5 V, and for DDR3L 1.3 V. This difference is made to prevent degradation of memory controllers Intel processors(such controllers are made for DDR4 memory, but have backwards compatible with DDR3L). If your laptop supports both DDR3 and DDR3L memory, then you need to install memory of one standard.

OP clock frequency

The higher the clock frequency at which the RAM operates, the higher the data exchange speed, the better, of course. The increase in frequency is especially noticeable when working with specialized graphics processing software.

Looking ahead, we can say that when upgrading RAM, you will have to limit yourself to the frequency of already installed modules, although in general, if you install memory dies with different operating frequencies, the system will simply switch all the memory to the frequency of the stick with a lower frequency.

In general, it is also possible to overclock the memory and processors in laptops, but I highly do not recommend doing this, since the cooling systems in laptops are not designed for this at all.

Memory of the DDR3 DDR3L standards operates at a clock speed of 1333 - 1866 MHz, the DDR4 standard from 2133 to 3200 MHz, but it is better to use memory not lower than 2133 MHz, and more than 2800 MHz is usually not used in laptops (at higher frequencies the memory gets very hot and circulation there is no air inside the laptop).

When upgrading, they usually install memory with the same frequency, which stood before, so you shouldn’t bother too much here, but if .

Memory timings

Timings show the user delays before performing read/write/copy data operations. They don’t affect the data exchange speed as much as frequency, but in general, the smaller the better. But if you upgrade the memory, i.e. add modules, then you just need to achieve maximum compliance.

Timings are also used to determine some memory reliability, namely memory latency (CL) - the first number in the list of timings. If this number is less than the values ​​indicated below, then it is better not to take such memory:

• For DDR4 operating at a frequency of 2133 MHz - CL 15, for frequencies from 2400 MHz - CL 16;
• For DDR3 with a clock speed of 1333 MHz - CL 9, and for frequencies of 1600 MHz and above CL 11.

Recommended amount of RAM for various tasks

In general, there is never too much RAM and you can fill up any amount of RAM to capacity, but if you periodically close unnecessary tabs in the browser, then the following values ​​will be enough for you:

• 4 GB - office laptop with integrated graphics, laptop with discrete graphics with 512 - 1024 MB own memory(mid-range gaming laptops 2010-2012).
• 8 GB is the minimum for running modern games comfortably; 4 GB will somehow not be enough.
• 16 GB is enough for all modern games, of course, if you buy a laptop with a graphics card of the same level GeForce GTX 1080, then you can fork out for a larger volume.

What is a two-channel operating mode of the OP?

When the memory operates in dual-channel mode, the speed of data exchange between the memory and the central processor significantly increases, which has a very positive effect on the overall system performance. This is achieved due to the fact that memory access occurs through two channels simultaneously, due to which access operations are performed in parallel, i.e., two strips act as one combined memory bank that is accessed through two channels. If we take an analogy from life, then you can imagine some container with water with holes - in normal mode water flows out through one hole, in a two-channel one it flows through two holes (the diameters of the holes are the same).

In practice, dual-channel mode gives a performance increase of 5-10% in games, and much more (from 20%) when working with applications that process graphics. Dual-channel mode is especially relevant if the laptop has integrated graphics - the increase in graphics performance in this case is 20-30%.

P.S. Naturally, there are three- and four-channel RAM modes, but usually laptops have a maximum of two slots for RAM (I have never seen anything else).

But To activate dual-channel mode, several conditions must be met, The best option is two identical memory sticks. If this option is not possible for some reason, then:

• The volume and frequency of AP must be the same;
• It is very advisable to choose memory sticks from the same manufacturer - in general, it is possible to activate a dual-channel mode with dies different manufacturers, but then instability of work is possible.
• It is desirable to match the memory timings (+ chip layout - for stable operation, either only a one-sided layout is required, or only a double-sided layout, although there are not so many SO-DIMM type memory modules with a single-sided layout).

Decide on existing and possible configurations

Initially, the laptop already has some amount of RAM installed and you are upgrading the already installed memory. Therefore, immediately after you decide that you want to increase the volume of the OP, you need to collect information about the existing and supported configurations.

To begin with you need to know the standard and maximum amount of RAM supported by the laptop. The easiest way to do this is to read the technical documentation for the laptop, or simply look at the detailed specifications of your model in any online store.

We are also interested in the RAM in your laptop. This can be done by removing the cover from a certain technological hole on the back of the laptop (in certain cases, for example for Apple laptops, you will have to remove the entire back cover). But spinning up a laptop is not always convenient, so you can find out the relevant information from the same documentation. Typically laptops have two RAM slots, but there are laptops with only one slot. There are also configurations where a certain amount of RAM is soldered onto the motherboard, and there are one or two additional slots for upgrades.

1. We pull the memory out of the laptop and find out all the information on the labeling. But it’s somehow impractical to disassemble a laptop for such a task, so:
2. Download and install special program, for example CPU-Z (AIDA 64 is also possible), in it we go to the SPD tab. All the information we need is displayed there, namely the number of slots (! does not always display correctly) and the memory marking installed in them, its frequency (the base frequency is indicated, whereas usually we operate with the effective one - to convert it to effective, you need to multiply the base value by 2) and timings.

In operating rooms Linux systems Similar information can be obtained by typing in the terminal:

Possible options for upgrading OP for a laptop or netbook

1. Two slots - one occupied - volume x2

One of the most optimal cases of upgrading. Typically, manufacturers, in order to reduce the final cost of the product, install one RAM module of a minimum comfortable size with the expectation that, if desired, the user will add another identical module and get the ideal volume for this model. For example, for gaming models of the GTX 1050 level, they can default to one 8GB die, add another 8GB and we get a full-fledged gaming computer, but for the first time you can use 8 GB.

The selection algorithm in such a situation is completely identical to the algorithm for activating the dual-channel mode (after all, we want to activate it). In general, it is above in the section on dual-channel mode, but in short - it’s better to be completely identical, or the largest number of matches in descending order of importance - volume - frequency - manufacturer - timings - chip layout.

All in all no one forces you to set the same volume levels, even if you have some kind of memory stick, install it, the main thing is that it does not greatly limit the frequency (or better yet, it does not limit it at all) - even 1 GB will not be superfluous in the work.

2. Built-in OP + 1 or 2 free slots

Built-in memory - RAM is soldered directly to the motherboard. This option doesn’t happen very often, but it does happen. Usually in this configuration there is one additional empty slot, but sometimes there are two.

Is it possible to activate a dual-channel mode with built-in memory, as well as the memory modules with which this mode will be activated should be read in the technical documentation. And in general, in this case, it is very advisable to use the memory recommended by the laptop manufacturer.

But still, if you cannot find recommendations for recommended memory modules, then you need to the most important thing is to ensure compliance with the standard and memory frequency, if the memory manufacturer is marked, then according to it (you can look at the manufacturer of the memory chips on the chips themselves and select a memory stick with chips from the same manufacturer, but this is a bit extreme), and the timings will work out. You also need to choose a well-known manufacturer - Crucial, Corsair, Team, G.Skill, GeIL, Goodram, Transcend or AMD, Samsung Original and Hynix Original, Kingston.

If there are two slots, then you should not forget about the possibility of using dual-channel mode between these slats (again, read the documentation for the laptop) - although here you will need to think about whether this will be the final stage of a memory upgrade, or whether you plan to add more memory in the future (because if you will occupy all the slots and then you will have to pull out some strip to insert a new one).

3. Complete memory upgrade (1 slot, or both slots are occupied)

Configurations with just one memory slot, without built-in memory, are often found in slim laptops (thin). In such cases, it is very advisable to pay an extra 5,000 rubles when buying a laptop and immediately get the optimal amount of RAM. But if you have already bought a laptop and you do not have enough RAM, you will have to completely replace the RAM. Old memory You can sell it, fortunately on the secondary market it is not much cheaper than a new one.

Since you are completely upgrading the RAM, you can even increase the operating frequency of the memory modules - find out this information in the documentation for the laptop. But since the memory controller in all modern systems is located in the processor, you can find out this information from the characteristics of the processor, although the BIOS can then cut everything down to the frequencies built into it. The situation here is individual, so you can go to the store with a laptop and try it.

If both slots are occupied and you want to radically upgrade (for example, from 2x2 GB to 2x4 GB), then you just need to decide on the configuration of the strips; if there are two of them, you can buy them one by one. If the laptop allows it, you can also increase the frequency. But you can also replace one of the modules with a larger volume, which will also be great.

If you are completely upgrading your RAM, I recommend checking out