Upgrade PC Memory In 10 Steps

So how do you know when it's time to propose a RAM memory upgrade to your customers? Here's a simple rule of thumb: Any PC that has less than 512 MB of installed RAM can benefit from adding more. My favorite candidate for additional memory is the PC with 128 MB of RAM, which can produce what I call a shortfall of available memory, causing system freezes and sluggishness. Upgrading one of these older PCs to 512 MB of RAM produces an impressive performance increase. (Be sure to check the system's user manual or online specs to find out a PC's maximum capacity.)

RAM Installation
Let's get started. First, identify which RAM you need and how much the PC can accept. The Fresh Diagnose freeware software utility, which expires 10 days after download, from Fresh Devices is a good tool for doing that. In addition, Fresh Diagnose identifies empty RAM slots.

With that information in tow, it's time to install the new memory. I'll assume you've already bought the appropriate memory card. (Word to the wise: Match the memory speed of the existing RAM to the new RAM you buy.)

Power off the machine and unwrap your memory module. This can be tricky if you purchase the popular PNY brand memory. The plastic is very difficult to cut.
Create a miniperformance benchmark. Time, in seconds, how long the system needs to fully boot up. Write it down--you will use that information again in Step 10 to determine whether the upgrade improved performance.
Isolate the CPU case and remove the cover. Give yourself plenty of elbow room.
Blow out the inside of the case with compressed air. It's likely to be full of dust. Be sure to blow the dust away from the rest of the PC.
Locate the PC's RAM modules and verify that they match what Fresh Diagnose reported.
Make sure you're wearing an anti-static wristband. Remove the module you've decided to replace. Then replace it with the new board.
Double-check that the RAM modules are clipped tightly in their slots.
Boot up the computer. Verify that the new RAM is recognized properly. You may have to go into the BIOS routine of the computer to do this. Unfortunately, there are more than 100 BIOS modules in existence, all with their own keystroke routines for access, but it is worth the time and effort to access on any PC to which you are adding memory. If you cannot access the BIOS, it's likely that you will have to abandon the upgrade and recommend a new system to your customer.
Once you determine that the new RAM is fully recognized by the system, replace the cover on the CPU case and put all system components, cables and peripherals back where they belong.
Remeasure the boot-up time of the PC with the new memory and compare it with the time you measured in Step 2. It should be running faster now. For example, I have done upgrades that improved the boot-up time of a PC from 70 seconds to 25 seconds. Mileage may vary. Even if you don't notice a performance improvement right away, don't worry. More is better when it comes to RAM.

David Kary is founder and CEO of Rippt.com, a Glen Cove, N.Y.-based tools developer.