Commonly Asked Questions About Adding Memory To A Pc

Many people choose to add memory to their system when it is running slow. Here is a basic FAQ about this performance enhancing process.

What do people mean when they say they want to add memory to their computer? The form of memory that is usually added to systems is RAM, which is short for random access memory. This is the type of memory required to run programs. People are rarely referring to hard drive memory, as newer systems usually have several hundreds gigs of this.

How do I know if I need to add memory? A slow system is a sign that most of your computer's memory is being used. However, systems can also be slowed down by registry errors, unnecessary programs, and malware, so rule out these possibilities first before you invest in more RAM. If your system is several years old, you probably need to add memory if you plan to continue using it for any length of time.

How much RAM does the average person need? Most recent systems have more than enough RAM to meet the typical user's needs. The general rule is that 1 GB is sufficient to complete everyday tasks, such as surfing the Web and working with Word documents. Gamers, people who tend to run a lot of programs at once, and those who work with digital video should opt for 2 GB of RAM.

Can I add memory myself? If you've never taken a computer apart, the answer to this question is: you probably shouldn't. Adding memory involves accessing the motherboard of the computer, which is located inside the system, so it's probably best to pay a professional unless you know what you are doing. Keep in mind that disassembling a computer can void the warranty, so a mistake could be very costly.

By: Kris D. Bickell

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Want more help making your computer faster? Try this simple computer speed test to find out how your computer speed compares, and learn more computer speed tips that are simple enough for even a beginner.