How to increase the amount of RAM on a PC. Determining the required type of RAM
Many users after purchasing their first computer for a long time happy with the purchase, use it and enjoy it. However, over time, the appetites of operating systems, browsers, games and software grow, and the owner of the system unit is faced with a lack of RAM. A natural question arises - how to increase the computer's RAM. A similar need arises when, while working or playing, the user begins to encounter system messages about low memory. For example,
How to add RAM
In fact, there is nothing difficult in finding an answer to the question of how to add RAM. This is a simple operation that can be performed by a person who has at least a little knowledge of computer components and has “straight” hands. To add RAM to a computer, you need to find out how much RAM is currently installed in the system unit, and whether it is possible to increase the volume.
How to expand RAM on a computer
To find out whether it is possible to expand the RAM on your computer, you need to do certain things. However, it should be remembered that before changing the computer, you must completely turn off the power to the system unit.
RAM is sensitive to static voltage and can fail due to normal discharge of static electricity, so when installing additional RAM on your computer, you should avoid clothing and items that can accumulate static charges.
Find out the current amount of RAM
This can be done by right-clicking on the “My Computer” icon and selecting context menu"Properties". Windows will show the volume RAM installed on the system. In addition, this window will show which operating system is installed - 32 or 64 bit. 32-bit OSes do not see more than 4GB of RAM. Additionally, even if you install 4GB of RAM on a 32-bit Windows user 3.75GB, 3.5GB or 3GB of RAM may be available, since part of the address space is reserved for the operation of the video card and other components with peripherals.
What type of RAM is supported. What RAM is currently installed?
How much RAM does the motherboard support?
The second stage is to find out how much RAM is supported motherboard. Most motherboards over 3 years old support no more than 8GB of RAM. Modern motherboards are designed to install up to 32GB of RAM, which meets modern trends in the development of computer technology. In addition, on older motherboards there may be a limit on the size of one RAM module - 2 or 4 GB. Detailed information regarding the model of your motherboard can be found on the manufacturer’s website or specialized thematic resources.
Detailed information is provided special programs, for example Aida64 and Everest.
What does this information give us? And this is what she gives. We saw that in this computer motherboard Supports DDR2 RAM. The maximum allowed amount of RAM is 8GB. The motherboard has 4 memory modules of 1GB each. All 4GB are available to the user since Windows 7 64-bit is installed. In this case, in order to increase the amount of RAM, it is necessary to replace the memory modules from 1GB to 2GB (4 and 8GB modules are not supported by this motherboard model - information from the manufacturer’s website).
If there are free RAM slots (slots for modules) on the motherboard, you need to install the modules in these slots.
How to add RAM to a computer
The procedure is quite simple. Turn off the power to the computer (and unplug the power cord from the outlet). Remove the side cover and put system unit on its side for easier access to the motherboard. Next, open the side latches on the empty RAM slots (by pressing lightly, move them to the side opposite to the connector).
In which we looked at ways to increase computer performance, we have already briefly touched on the issue of increasing random access memory (RAM).
The purpose of this article is to describe in as much detail as possible how to select and replace RAM.
RAM selection criteria
So, you have decided that you need to increase RAM. What criteria should you use to select RAM modules?
Before you go to the store and place an order, we recommend that you carefully read the material below, which will save not only your time, but also money.
Manufacturer. The first place you need to start choosing is by choosing a RAM manufacturer.
Many here are guided by the principle that the more time a manufacturer has been on the market for the production of memory modules, the better the quality of its products.
From personal experience, we will say that the products of Corsair, Hynix, and Kingston are of good quality.
Form factor. The size of desktop computers and laptops is different, and the sizes of RAM modules and connectors for them also differ.
Modules for desktop PCs are called DIMMs, for laptops SO-DIMMs.
Memory capacity. One of the parameters responsible for the performance of the module.
When choosing the amount of memory, keep in mind that most office tasks currently require 2 GB of RAM.
Memory frequency. Performance also depends on this parameter; the higher the frequency, the better.
If you plan to purchase and install a module next to existing ones, then, as in the previous paragraph, you need to study which modules are already installed and select new module with the same frequency.
If you decide to completely replace the RAM, you need to find out what maximum frequencies the laptop or computer motherboard supports.
Frequency characteristics for DDR2 modules are 667, 800 and 1066 MHz, and for DDR3 - 1333, 1600, 1866, 2000, 2133, 2400, 2666, 2800 MHz.
For most modern tasks, a RAM frequency of 1333 or 1600 MHz is optimal.
To install a RAM module, you need to turn off the computer, install the module in the slot and, pressing it, wait for the side latches to click.
Useful information:
We also recommend using the program - a small utility designed to manage RAM on a computer and clean it. The program can work with unprotected system functions to clear the cache and allows you to select areas to free it.
Increasing RAM using a flash drive
If you have a limited budget, there is a way to increase RAM using flash memory and using ReadyBoost technology.
ReadyBoost software technology is implemented in Windows 7 and higher, allowing the use of free memory of any external Flash drive (SSD drive, USB flash drive, SD card) as additional virtual RAM.
The principle of operation is to create a special cache file on an external Flash drive, into which files that are most often accessed by the user or system are cached (written).
The speed of accessing such files is slightly higher than the speed of reading them from hard drive and according to some estimates, it can increase system performance by a third.
In order to take advantage of ReadyBoost technology, the Flash drive must have a memory capacity of 1 to 32 GB, and the operating speed must be higher than 3 MB/s.
If the drive you are connecting is larger than 4 GB, you must format it to file system NTFS.
The optimal amount of Flash storage when using ReadyBoost technology should be equal to double or triple the amount of RAM on the computer.
To enable ReadyBoost technology, you must install a Flash drive in your computer. In the autorun window, select “Speed up the system.”
If autorun is disabled, you must select the flash drive in the Computer menu with the right mouse button and select “Properties”.
In the “ReadyBoost” tab, you need to check the “Provide this device for ReadyBoost technology” option, and below indicate the size that will be reserved for creating the ReadyBoost.sfcache caching file, click “OK”.
After activating ReadyBoost technology, the flash drive cannot be removed from the computer.
To remove the flash drive, you must disable the ReadyBoost technology by following the previous steps of the instructions and selecting “Do not use this device.”
If your computer is suffering from low RAM, then the only way to solve this problem is to increase the RAM. This operation is extremely simple - like changing the cartridge in a game console from the mid-90s. So, let's see how to increase RAM on your computer. Before you begin the process of expanding RAM, you need to choose the right one.
Types of RAM and their classification
You can increase your computer's RAM by adding additional modules. To accurately determine what memory is installed in your PC, you need to remove the case cover and look at it with your own eyes. There are 3 main types of RAM:
1. DDR with clock frequency up to 400 megahertz;
2. DDR2 with a frequency from 533 to 1066 MHz;
3. DDR3 with a frequency of 1066 and higher.
New computers began to be massively equipped with DDR3 memory back in 2008. Therefore, if your computer is younger, then it definitely has DDR3 memory. If you are not sure about this, remove the memory from its seat and attach a ruler to it. The notch on the contact strip should be located 5.3 cm from the left edge. For DDR2, this notch is located almost in the center, 7 centimeters from the edge of the memory module. The old DDR is primarily distinguished by its huge rectangular chips, which can be seen without removing it from the computer.
Types of RAM for PC
Laptop RAM can also be recognized by the same notches, as shown in the picture.
Types of RAM for laptops
Once you have decided on the type of memory you have, think about how much you want to increase it. However, there are limitations. For example, your computer may have a maximum of 4 memory slots. The maximum capacity for one DDR module is 1 GB, for DDR2 – 2 GB, and for DDR3 – 8 GB.
Now you can safely go to the store and buy a RAM compatible with yours. There is no point in looking for exactly the same one; it may simply not be on sale. Also, buying identical modules will not add too much performance. The speed of work will increase, but only as much as the measurement error is allowed. Don't think too much about it.
How to increase RAM on a computer?
It is recommended that you disconnect power from the motherboard before installing RAM. Simply unplug the power connector from it. Then you need to select and prepare a location for installing the memory. If you already have one module in the first slot, and there are 3 or 4 of them in total, then install the second one in the third slot. That is, the memory should be in either even or odd slots. This way the modules will be provided with good ventilation. After sliding the latches, simply insert the memory into the slot and press firmly until it clicks. Next, turn on the computer and check if it sees the purchased RAM. After startup, press the DEL key to go to the BIOS, where all PC parameters will be displayed, including the amount of RAM. If everything went well, you will immediately notice an increase in speed. To be completely sure, download and run any utility to check your RAM.
Adding another memory module to a laptop is a 5-minute task. But before tampering with its hardware, you MUST remove the battery. Otherwise it's possible short circuit, after which the laptop may fail.
Turn the computer upside down and locate the cover covering the replacement memory bay. It is usually indicated by a characteristic icon. After unscrewing the cover, find a free slot and insert the purchased memory into it, holding it at an angle of 30 degrees to the laptop. It usually fits into the slot effortlessly. After that, press it against the laptop until the metal latches engage. Check the functionality of the new memory through the BIOS or using special utilities.
Be careful!
Old operating systems have some limitations when working with RAM. For example, Windows XP does not support more than 4 gigabytes of RAM. However, this figure is the limit for all 32-bit systems. This problem can only be solved by installing a 64-bit version of Windows.
In which we looked at ways to increase computer performance, we have already briefly touched on the issue of increasing random access memory (RAM).
The purpose of this article is to describe in as much detail as possible how to select and replace RAM.
RAM selection criteria
So, you have decided that you need to increase your RAM. What criteria should you use to select RAM modules?
Before you go to the store and place an order, we recommend that you carefully read the material below, which will save not only your time, but also money.
Manufacturer. The first place you need to start choosing is by choosing a RAM manufacturer. Many here are guided by the principle that the more time a manufacturer has been on the market for the production of memory modules, the better the quality of its products.
Surprisingly Windows utilities 10 allow you to increase the RAM on your computer without resorting to third party programs. Moreover, you don’t have to buy anything extra to optimize it!
Increasing the swap file
This is also called “increasing virtual memory capacity.” Swap file- this is a partition in the hard drive in which the application and system cache is stored, which does not fit into the . Initially, Windows itself selects the amount of virtual memory.
We need to independently set its capacity in order to:
- the system did not waste resources determining the amount of virtual memory;
- increase the cache size for resource-intensive applications.
We go to the “Control Panel”, from there to “System and Security”. Next, select “System” and click “ Additional options systems." Click on the “Performance” tab; then go to the “Advanced” tab. In the “Virtual Memory” section, click on the “Change” button. Uncheck the box for automatically selecting the volume of an OP and in the “Specify size” field write the volume that you need (the number in the “Original size” and “Maximum partition” fields should be the same).
We save all changes and restart the system.
With ReadyBoost
To use this utility, you need a device connected via USB (flash drive, external hard drive, memory card, etc.). The principle of ReadyBoost is to move the cache of all programs and Windows itself from the page file to removable media. This utility is useful if the speed of your hard drive is slower than the connected storage. Acceleration in this case can be up to 300-500%. This is what “operational PC” means!
ReadyBoost requires a drive with operating speeds of 3.5 Mbps, 1 to 32 GB free space, as well as USB 2.0 or newer interface.
Before connecting the media, let's check whether the Superfetch service is enabled - it is required for RB.
Point the manipulator to “Start” and right-click. In the list of items that appears, select “Computer Management”, then “Services and Applications”. From there we go to “Services”. Find Superfetch and enable it if it was previously disabled.
Check the box next to “Provide this device for RB technology.” Save the changes.
It is worth noting that before using this utility, it is better to format the drive by first making a copy of all the files located on it. It is better to format in NTFS - this way you can set the memory volume to more than 4 GB, if required.
Working with the registry
You can speed up your RAM by properly editing the registry. Press the Win+R buttons and enter regedit in the field that appears.
The Registry Editor will open.
Then we look for the memory management section (HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SYSTEM/CurrentControlSet/Control/Session Manager/Memory Management). In it we find the DisablePagingExecutive and LargeSystemCache items. Click on them twice with the left button of the manipulator and assign the value 1. Save the changes.
Enabling these parameters results in the fact that the codes of all drivers will be permanently stored and processed in RAM, and not in the page file. This will significantly improve Windows performance.
Hi all! I'm sure you, like me, are always running out of RAM on your computer. The browser alone brazenly eats up almost 2 GB during active use. Is it the same with you? If you have the question “” more and more often, then this article is for you. And today we will consider everything possible methods combating the lack of RAM, do not switch.
Do you need to increase the RAM on your computer (laptop) or can you get by with free ones? programmatically you will understand by reading the article to the end.
If you are thinking about increasing the RAM on your computer, then it will be useful for you to know:
- How to add RAM to a computer or laptop? We're talking about physically adding an additional stick of RAM if you have a free slot on the motherboard for this. It would be better if there was one, since this is the best option.
- Flash drive like RAM. This is news! Windows allows you to use an ordinary flash drive as an alternative to RAM. Interesting? Read on.
- Windows? Perhaps the whole problem is in the small swap file? So let's increase it! But it can really compensate for the lack of RAM.
How to increase RAM in a computer? (physically)
So, if your computer slows down and cannot cope with the load, then first of all you need to find out what is the weak point in your computer. Maybe your desire to increase the RAM on your computer will disappear on its own.
How to find the weak point of your computer?
If you are the proud owner of Windows 7, then doing this is as easy as shelling pears, since Windows 7 has a special built-in utility for this that allows you to find out the index Windows performance and, accordingly, the weaknesses of your system.
Right-click on the computer icon and then on “ properties"at the very end. Now you can see all the properties of your computer, including the amount of RAM, but that's not what we're here for. Click on the "Windows Experience Index" link. Here you can evaluate the main components of your computer and understand whether you need to add RAM or whether it is better to upgrade something else.
For example, in my laptop the weakest point is “Graphics”, because everything is supported by a video card built into the processor. She is, frankly speaking, weak.
To improve the performance of my laptop, the first thing I need to do is do something with the video card, not with the RAM. Your situation may be different.
How to check system performance in Windows 8 and Windows 10?
If you are using a newer operating system, such as Windows 8 or Windows 10, then you will not find a built-in utility for evaluating system performance. Fortunately, you can install a program for yourself that is almost completely identical to the one I described for Windows 7.
There are even two of them. But they are almost the same and both are absolutely free - WSAT And Winaero WEI Tool(download from the official website).
Winaero WEI Tool - system performance check
If you still come to the conclusion that you need to increase your RAM, then read on.
What should you pay attention to if you need to increase RAM?
The first thing you need to do is examine your computer's motherboard. Will it allow you to increase your RAM? Find out the following:
ASUS Rampage III Gene is old and remote. On board there are 6 slots for DDR3 with a frequency of up to 2200 MHz and a total capacity of up to 24 GB of RAM
- How many slots provided for RAM and how much of it is already occupied. If you only have one slot (of course it’s occupied), it’s too early to get upset.
- Which maximum amount of RAM does the motherboard support? It often happens that the motherboard can accommodate up to 16 GB of RAM (despite the only slot), but only 4 GB is installed in it. Then you will have to sell or throw away the old RAM stick and buy a new one with 8 or 16 GB. This will significantly improve your computer's performance, especially if RAM has been your weak point.
- Type of RAM. This is most likely now (find out which is better), but if you read this article in the near future, it may be. In general, the point is that if the slot is intended, say, forDDR4, then you can only cram it intoDDR4! There is no need to try to cram in something that cannot be shoved in, it will not lead to anything good.
What frequency should I choose for an additional RAM stick?
We must not forget that RAM, even of the same type, can operate at VERY different frequencies. You need to be careful here. Therefore, I will give several options for the development of events on how you can increase RAM correctly and not quite correctly.
- If you have the opportunity to purchase exactly the same model of RAM that you already have installed, then this would be an ideal option, because RAM from some manufacturers refuses to work in tandem with other manufacturers, even if all the parameters are exactly the same. Choose the same manufacturer, the same volume and the same frequency.
- If you bought a RAM stick of the desired type, but with a higher frequency than on the already installed stick, then you overpaid in vain. Because the higher the frequency, the more expensive the RAM (there are exceptions). And the operating frequency will be equal to the weaker bar. For example, you had a RAM frequency of 2333 MHz, and you bought RAM with a frequency of 3200 MHz, and both sticks will operate at the lowest frequency - 2333 MHz. Therefore, buy a new bar with the same frequency, or buy 2 new bars at once and throw away the old one. And don’t forget to check whether your motherboard supports this frequency.
- Accordingly, if you purchased additional RAM with a frequency lower than what you had at the installed level, then you will get a performance increase, but significantly lower than you could. Let's say you had a RAM frequency of 3400 MHz, and you purchased an additional stick with a frequency of 2133 MHz. In total, you get a frequency of 4266 MHz (2133 + 2133), but you could get 6800 MHz (3400 + 3400) if you did everything wisely. And this is almost 60% of the difference.
I bought everything, what next?
No problem, spin up your computer (laptop) and plug it in. There is nothing complicated, it is done in the same way as when you were a child you inserted cartridges into the Dendy or SEGA game console. If you don’t know how to disassemble your laptop, then look for manuals specifically for your model, although most laptops only need to remove the special back cover, under which the RAM and hard drive(or solid state drive). This is done specifically so that you can increase the RAM or replace the hard drive with a more spacious one.
Now you know how to add RAM to your computer (laptop). If this method suits you, congratulations, it was the most effective. If for any reason you It was not possible to increase the RAM physically, then let's start looking at other equally interesting and useful ways to increase RAM performance.
A flash drive is like RAM!
Are you surprised that you can use the most ordinary flash drive as RAM? You are right to be surprised, because now we have to dispel this MYTH. 
Perhaps this is the first time you have heard about this, or maybe you have come across numerous articles that shamelessly claim that you can use a flash drive as RAM, which in fact it is not and will never be, at least for the reason that the transfer speed The data on the flash drive is many times slower than the speed of RAM.
In fact, there is such a technology as ReadyBoost, developed by Microsoft themselves and built into Windows (starting with Vista). And in fact, this technology can speed up your system slightly, but only if you are still working on an HDD (hard disk drive). And if your computer’s memory has already evolved into a drive, then ReadyBoost may even slow down your system.
Why is this happening? Because the main task ReadyBoost there was a reduction in the load on the hard drive when reading small files by caching them on an external flash drive.
Reading small files is a weak pointHDD hard drives due to their mechanical design. Moving the read head across the surface of the disk in search of small files takes much longer than the actual reading. With the arrivalthis problem has disappeared, because in them the file search time tends to zero, and the reading (and writing) time itself has also been noticeably reduced.
Based on the above, it becomes clear why ReadyBoost is so ineffective when working with modern solid-state drives (SSDs).
A flash drive is not RAM!
Is it possible to use a flash drive to speed up your computer?? Yes, you can speed up your computer slightly if it is running on a hard disk drive (HDD).
Can a flash drive be used as RAM? No! You can only use it as external device for caching small files. It is impossible to use a flash drive as RAM!
How to use ReadyBoost?
If you still decide to try this function in practice and check how much it can increase the performance of your computer, then I will tell you how to enable it. This is done very simply, but please note that not all flash drives are suitable. If your flash drive is too slow, then Windows will let you know about it. So, how to use ReadyBoost:
Here I tried to run ReadyBoost directly on my SSD drive =))
- Insert the flash drive into the computer. It may also not be USB flash drive, and microSD connected via a card reader.
- Go to " My computer" and press the right mouse button on the appeared external storage. Before this, only yours were visible there. hard drives And optical drive(if you have one).
- Select the item " Properties».
- Select a tab ReadyBoost.
- Place a checkmark next to " Use this device” and select the amount of memory you want to donate to speed up your computer.
- Click "OK!"
Now you should be OK. However, it was experimentally noticed that this technology does not provide any performance increase in games. Maybe yours will be different. Write to us.
How to increase the page file in Windows?
Unlike the previous method, increasing the page file is a really good and effective solution if you want to know how to increase RAM without buying it. And here's why it's good decision– you will find out further. But first, let's understand the theoretical part a little. It won't be too much for you.
What is a page file?
Swap file – this is a special reserved space on the hard drive that is used as RAM when there is a shortage of it.
In other words, if, for example, an application needs more RAM than you have installed, then the lack of RAM will be compensated by this page file.
However, you can’t just go and install a 16 GB swap file with only, say, 2 GB of RAM on board. It is not advisable to do this for the following reasons:
- The paging file is significantly slower than RAM. It can compensate for the lack amount of RAM, but no way not speed. Thus, you may even slow down the system.
- Frequent use of the paging file accelerates wear on the hard drive. After all, it is intended more for storing information than for constantly rewriting it.
But in any case, the page file should always be enabled! Because if there is not enough RAM, the computer can start to slow down very much, but this will not happen if the paging file is enabled. Let's figure out how to enable it and configure it correctly.
How to enable and configure the paging file?
Just repeat after me. I’m showing the example of Windows 7. But in any case, everything will be the same for you.
First, go to the computer properties, that is, on the “ My computer"Right-click and then select " Properties».
Then go to the tab “ Additionally", look for a section on it called " Performance" and click on it " Options».
Here again we go to the tab “ Additionally", look for the section " Virtual memory" Yeah, this already tells us something. And here's what Windows itself tells us:
The page file is an area on the hard drive used to store virtual memory pages.
Well, almost the same thing as I told you. In short, click " Change ».
After this, you will need to select the hard drive volume on which the paging file will be stored. It seems to me that it is better to create it on the system volume (for me it is drive C:) to avoid cache transfers system files from volume to volume. But if the system volume is almost completely filled with Windows, then any other volume of the hard drive will do. And one more thing. This is important, so I’ll highlight:
For optimal and balanced operation, it is recommended to make the paging file volume one and a half times larger than the existing amount of RAM.
Of course, this is approximate, otherwise you will now begin to calculate, convert GB to MB and so on (and one GB does not contain exactly 1000 MB, so calculating this is not as easy as it seems). No, only approximately.
Conclusion:
So we looked at all the possible (and impossible) ways, how to increase RAM on computer. The article turned out to be quite voluminous and, I think, useful. If you also think that the article was useful and helped you improve the performance of your computer, you can write about it in the comments.
By the way, you can also increase the performance of your computer by using individual components. For example, you can overclock your video card or. And now is the time to replace your old hard drives with new SSDs (solid-state drives). And if it’s too expensive for you to completely change, then at least add a 128 GB SSD purely for the operating system. This will noticeably speed up your system!
And if you know any other ways to increase RAM, then be kind enough to share with us, don’t keep it to yourself!
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