How difficult is it to install additional RAM? Is it a "do it yourself" project?
90455
There is absolutely nothing to worry about installing the RAM on your own. \nYou have to keep certain things in mind. \nThe first one being, you have to find the most suitable ram for your motherboard. The memory specifications for your mother board would've come with its manual. \nMotherboards have a limit of how much ram it can take. So verify that before you install RAM.\nThen, balance the load on the dimms. like 2x of 256MB sticks to make 512. OR only 1 stick of 512. Although it really does not matter to balance, its just a good practice. \n\nVisit this link for further details. \nhttp://www.ehow.com/how_895_install-ram.html
70600
Yes of course!  You can install different RAM modules for as long as the have the same model (or speed or timing) to be safe always use the same brand - for example you can use varying capacities of PC2700 DDR and have them installed on your machine.  Your system will simply add them up together...
92380
I've always felt like there's no such thing as too much RAM, but I thought I'd check with the experts to see what they say. I went to my old reliable "Tom's Hardware Review."\n\nSurprise! From testing reported in December, 2005, it comes down to "how do you use your machine and what do you want to do."\n\nFor single applications run one at a time, there's apparently very little difference between 512 meg of RAM and 2 gigabytes! They suggest it's not cost effective if this is your style and the money would be better placed into a video card.\n\nThe story's different for multitasking, though, something that I do frequently. It's not unusual for me to have four or five video/audio editing and assembly applications going at the same time, along with a browser and notepad and maybe even burning and downloading at the same time. It looks like more RAM would be beneficial for me.\n\nHere's the link to the specific page I used for my conclusion. (1)\nYou can use just this summary to make your decision, or you can read the whole article.\n\nHappy computing!
931333
Instructions\n\nSTEP 1: Determine what kind of RAM you need, and whether your computer has enough open slots to hold it. The new RAM should match the existing RAM's specifications and configuration.\n\nSTEP 2:  Shut down the computer and leave it plugged into the surge suppressor.\n\nSTEP 3:  Disconnect all peripheral devices, such as the monitor, from the computer.\n\nSTEP 4:  Remove the computer cover.\n\nSTEP 5: Ground yourself to the computer with professional grounding equipment like an anti-static wristband or hold a metal part of the chassis.\n\nSTEP 6:  Remove any cards or internal components necessary to give yourself unobstructed access to RAM sockets.\n\nSTEP 7: Pick up your SIMM (single in-line memory module) or DIMM (dual in-line memory module) by the ends without touching pins or chips.\n\nSTEP 8: If adding a SIMM, find the notched end and turn the SIMM so that it is parallel to the existing RAM card(s). Insert the SIMM into the socket at a 30-degree angle. If adding a DIMM, insert the DIMM straight in so that it is perpendicular to the motherboard.\n\nSTEP 9: Use slight pressure to keep a SIMM from backing out while rotating the module to an upright position perpendicular to the motherboard.\n\nSTEP 10:  Make sure the small holes on each side of a SIMM fit into holders.\n\nSTEP 11:  Feel or hear retaining clips lock a SIMM into the socket; close the side clips on a DIMM.\n\nSTEP 12:  Gently try to pull the module out to ensure it is locked in position.\n\nSTEP 13:  Replace all internal components.\n\nSTEP 14:  Leave the cover off and reconnect the monitor, keyboard and mouse.\n\nSTEP 15:  Turn on the computer.\n\nSTEP 16: Check the amount of RAM by right-clicking the My Computer icon in Windows and choosing Properties. On a Mac, use the About this Macintosh command in the Apple menu.\n\nSTEP 17: If you don't see the right amount of RAM, turn off the computer and try "reseating" the SIMM or DIMM (take it out and put is back in) and reboot. If that doesn't work, call a technician.\n\nSTEP 18:  Shut down the computer and disconnect the peripherals again.\n\nSTEP 19:  Replace the cover and reconnect all the peripherals.\n\n Tips & Warnings\n\n1. Your computer will accept either SIMMs or DIMMs. Check your manual to find out which.\n\n2. If you have an older machine, you may need to adjust DIP switches or jumpers. Consult your manual.\n\n3. Label any cards or internal components that you remove in order to access RAM sockets - this will ensure that you replace them in their proper places.\n\n4. Stand on uncarpeted flooring to reduce static electricity. Touch as little as possible inside your machine and especially avoid touching any computer chips. Static damage, and even oil from fingertips, may cause a failure months later.\n\n5. Some recent stub-chassis computers built by Compaq, Hewlett-Packard and others have little or no work space inside. Some units require removing the hard drive and power supply to access the RAM. Do not attempt to do this yourself.\n\n6. If your computer is under manufacturer's warranty, modifying the product usually invalidates that warranty.
850314
it's fairly easy to add additional ram modules into your computer.\nbasically, you open the cover, identify any free ram spaces, and put in the new modules (you need to be earthed in order to do this).\n\non the other hand - since you have to ask...  you need to buy the new modules someplace, why don't you take your computer there and let them do the work? this way, it is not your fault if they destroy something. pricing will not deviate much compared to internet prices...
444551
can pick up more ram at best buy, compusa,frys,etc.. most will support up to 1-2 gigs of ram.
959457
Changing the RAM is simple you just pull it out and push the new one in.The main problem is deciding what type of RAM you need. Try crucial.com. They can scan your PC and tell you which to buy, or if you know your motherboard type they can advise you, or look at the RAM itself for the info on it and give that to them.
183574
Get 512 Mb, or more if you can afford it.   Ideally you want to the the memory on 1 stick, not 2, to conserve the slots on your motherboard for future upgrades.   Be sure to buy the correct type of RAM for your motherboard.
604950
1 gig of ram is suffice
879672
First determine how much you need.  If all you use the computer for is Word Processing and printing than you probably don't even need to add memory.  But if you're convinced you need 512mb or 1gb (video editing, game playing, etc) read on.\n\nAt any electronics store, you can purchase "RAM".  "RAM" is computer lingo for memory.  If you're confused and you need help in the store, ask where they keep the ram sticks (they come in stick format).\n\nAfter you've made your purchase, usually the store will install it for a small fee.  The actual process is they open up the side of the computer, take out your old ram stick, put in the new one, and give you the old one back in the new box.  You should be good to go afterwards!\n\nAs for pricing, it can go anywhere from 50 dollars to 150 dollars depending on where you shop and how much ram you want.  The most ram I've ever seen in a computer that's readily available is 2gb, which is really overkill unless you're super multi tasking (video editing and processing along with playing a graphics intense game).
288158
It is fairly easy, if you do your research and get a cpu that your current motherboard can support, so that you don't have to change it. Just do NOT forget thermal grease. It goes between the cpu and heatsink and if you forget that, kiss your cpu goodbye, it'll burn itself out. A lot of heatsinks come with a little pad of the stuff on them, but I don't really trust it... I put my own on anyway. ONe other thing to note, is that usually when you change your cpu, or your motherboard, you will need to reinstall windows. Don't ask me why, but windows just can't handle those two things changing, and it will cease to function, or function with frequent errors.
729411
You need to buy more memory - 256MB is chump change as far as RAM is concerned nowadays. You pretty much need at least 1GB.
239713
You have this listed under laptop, notebooks...\n\nAll you have to do is install more RAM... I assume this is what you are looking to do.  Go to Crucial Technologies... I wouldn't buy from there though, just use the system scan, they will tell you what you already have, and what is available to add.  Then either go to Tiger Direct or Comp USA.. and get some.  I just slapped some pny in mine, and it's working so much better!  Make sure you let them know it's for a laptop or notebook as well, as they are differant
665218
No the thing above does not give more ram it just help manages it, but it does not do it well. It is a worthless peice of software. If you need it for a program then it definately won't help you. It won't add to your ram it will only optimze it abit, but it takes just as too much ram just to use it. just buy a new ram stick it is pretty cheap now.
11343
1.   Determine what kind of RAM you need, and whether your computer has enough open slots to hold it. The new RAM should match the existing RAM's specifications and configuration.  \n  \n2.   Shut down the computer and leave it plugged into the surge suppressor.  \n  \n3.   Disconnect all peripheral devices, such as the monitor, from the computer. (Image 1)  \n  \n4.   Remove the computer cover. (Image 2)  \n  \n5.   Ground yourself to the computer with professional grounding equipment like an anti-static wristband or hold a metal part of the chassis.  \n  \n6.   Remove any cards or internal components necessary to give yourself unobstructed access to RAM sockets.  \n  \n7.   Pick up your SIMM (single in-line memory module) or DIMM (dual in-line memory module) by the ends without touching pins or chips. (Image 3)  \n  \n8.   If adding a SIMM, find the notched end and turn the SIMM so that it is parallel to the existing RAM card(s). Insert the SIMM into the socket at a 30-degree angle. If adding a DIMM, insert the DIMM straight in so that it is perpendicular to the motherboard. (Image 4)  \n  \n9.   Use slight pressure to keep a SIMM from backing out while rotating the module to an upright position perpendicular to the motherboard.  \n  \n10.   Make sure the small holes on each side of a SIMM fit into holders.  \n  \n11.   Feel or hear retaining clips lock a SIMM into the socket; close the side clips on a DIMM. (Image 5)  \n  \n12.   Gently try to pull the module out to ensure it is locked in position.  \n  \n13.   Replace all internal components.  \n  \n14.   Leave the cover off and reconnect the monitor, keyboard and mouse.  \n  \n15.   Turn on the computer.  \n  \n16.   Check the amount of RAM by right-clicking the My Computer icon in Windows and choosing Properties. On a Mac, use the About this Macintosh command in the Apple menu.  \n  \n17.   If you don't see the right amount of RAM, turn off the computer and try "reseating" the SIMM or DIMM (take it out and put is back in) and reboot. If that doesn't work, call a technician.  \n  \n18.   Shut down the computer and disconnect the peripherals again.  \n  \n19.   Replace the cover and reconnect all the peripherals.
569842
Upgrade CPU and add more RAM.
725626
Are you planning on building it yourself?  Or are you buying a factory built one from a reseller/retail?  I suggest, at the very least, 1gb of RAM.  Simply because, it means you won't be limited to being able to run only a few high demand processes at once.  Also, consider no less than a 2.4Ghz processor (I suggest that if you are going to be buying this computer for real media use, get a 3.2 Ghz processor).  Make sure that you grab a graphics card with 256mb RAM (simply because if you watch dvds and tv, you'll want good quality).  Make sure your graphics card has a TV-in/out plug so that you can hook it to your tv or plug in your cable/satellite to it.  Other than that, it's up to you.  Although, I suggest you buy one with PCI-e slots instead of regular PCI since recent hardware has been made for PCI-e slots.  (and it's much faster)