Memory Upgrade – 3 Tips When Buying a Memory Upgrade

Executive Summary of Memory Upgrade – 3 Tips When Buying a Memory Upgrade by Roger D

Wondering if a memory upgrade might be what the doctor ordered? Maybe memory was too expensive when you first bought your computer, so it does not really have all that it needs.

If you have been a Windows user for very long, you are probably aware that Windows loves memory. In fact, if your computer is sluggish, and you have already checked for viruses and malware, chances are it is because Windows is starved for RAM (Random Access Memory) and has to constantly swap out data to your hard disk.

How much RAM is needed? Well, an awful lot of computers that shipped with Windows XP Home Edition or even XP Professional shipped with only 128 megabytes of memory.

Some authors have written that Windows XP’s “sweet spot” with memory is 2 gigabytes. What about Windows Vista? Vista itself will not even run the Aero interface without having a computer with at least 1 gigabyte of RAM. If you have Vista and do not max out your motherboard with new RAM, try buying the RAM in large enough sticks that you are left with some empty slots for later on.

How do you know if your computer is worth a memory upgrade?

Here are 3 tips to speeding up your computer with a memory upgrade

1. Know what memory you have now. Right click your “my computer” icon and select properties. Your system speed and amount of memory are listed. An empty memory slot it is a good sign, that means you don’t have to throw memory away to add more. (Old computer memory does not eBay very well, I have tried.)
2. Check your computer or motherboard specifications to know if memory should be added in pairs, either by necessity or for increased performance. Rambus memory, for instance, usually requires pair installs. Those “blanks” can be replaced with more Rambus memory. Some other computer motherboards, while not requiring paired installation, will perform faster if memory is installed in pairs. Computer memory, if installed in pairs, should be matched pairs; buy them as a kit if so.
3. Memory is not something that you want to mix and match. Do make sure you buy quality memory, do not just go by price. A high percentage of problematic computers and Windows lockups are caused by poor or faulty memory. How do you know if it is quality memory? The even better news is that one of those manufacturers has an easy to use website, offers top quality computer memory, AND has some of the best prices.