Adding more RAM

[MrCanadian]

I currently have 2 sticks of 512 mb RAM in my computer, and would like to add another 2 sticks for 2 gb total in order to better run the newer games coming out. I have four slots so this shouldn't be a problem - but I see you guys talking about changing "commands" from "1T" to "2T" and I become a bit confused.

I thought all I had to do was stick the RAM into the slots on the motherboard? Do you fellows recommend I do anything else after I put the RAM in?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Bob Anderson]

You just stick the RAM in. Nothing else is recommended unless you specifically want to overclock. I don't think you should if you have to ask this question.

Enjoy!

-Bob

 

[MrCanadian]

True enough - thanks for the input.

 

[Coldkilla]

Ram is the easiest and most simple thing in a computer to install.. except for cd's of course..

its common sense, open it up, and as i said... use your head.. its that simple.. and if it dont work.. simply take out the new sticks and put the old ones in.. but you shouldnt have to.. anyone can put ram in their computer.. pc guru or not.. no research nessessary..

after ram is installed.. to make sure that the computer is reading the ram correctly:
Start > Run > msconfig > look for RAM: XXXXMB/GB.. and it should be the new amount of ram inserted

 

[HGC]

Make sure the little notches on the RAM match with the little tabs in the slots on the motherboard so they go in right side up.

Also, touch the unpainted metal of the case before you pick up the RAM and while you're installing, to avoid static electricity damage.

I guess it's kind of pathetic, but installing RAM is fun in my book

 

[Bob Anderson]

Coldkilla:

I think you meant to say start/settings/ control panel/system

to determine if the correct amount of RAM is being recognized. I cannot find any RAM numbers in msconfig.

-Bob

 

[MrCanadian]

It's amazing how on some boards you can't get a single decent answer, and then I come to this website for the first time a few days ago - and every response on every thread I've made leaves me feverishly scribbling down notes.

Much appreciated, fellows.

 

[50cent1228]

first make sure you buy the right kind of ram..make sure that if you have ddr ram in you comp you buy ddr and if you have ddr2 then buy ddr2...if you can't tell the got to this link:ram advisor tool

 

[dBTelos]

OMGZ GOOGLE!

http://www.ehow.com/how_895_install-ram.html
http://www.lifehacker.com/software/feat...k-attack-how-to-install-ram-138665.php
http://www.smartcomputing.com/Editorial...icles/2004/w1510/30w10/30w10.asp&guid=

 

[corkyg]

And, read your motherboard manual. Example - I have three DIMM slots, but all three can't always be used. Example - my manual caveats as follows:

"1. DDR DIMM sockets 2 and 3 share the same rows, so if you install a double-sided DIMM into DIMM2 socket you must leave DIMM3 socket EMPTY.

"2. You may install single-sided DIMMs into DIMM2 and DIMM3 sockets at the same time but neither can be X16 module.

"3. Double-sided X16DIMMs are NOT supported on this motherboard."

I only cite this as a caution against willy-nilly sticking in RAM. I currently have 2 two 512 sticks inserted, and to upgrade to 2 GB, I will remove both and replace them with two 1 GB sticks.

I would go to Crucial's or Mushkin's website and doan on-line assessment. That will tell you exactly what your options are.

 

[pkme2]

Once yoy've done it is liken to riding a bike. Once you do, you don't forget. Don't touch the pins, and insert AM in slot, matching the divider and listening for the clicks signifying the locking pin firmly engaging lockdown.

 

[obeseotron]

Your sig says you're running a p4 system anyway, they always run at 2T. The 2 DIMMs @ 1T vs 4 DIMMs @ 2T is an Athlon64 issue. Just drop the RAM in and you should be good to go.

 

[MrCanadian]

Originally posted by: dBTelos
OMGZ GOOGLE!

http://www.ehow.com/how_895_install-ram.html
http://www.lifehacker.com/software/feat...k-attack-how-to-install-ram-138665.php
http://www.smartcomputing.com/Editorial...icles/2004/w1510/30w10/30w10.asp&guid=

Just so that I don't get any more smart ass posts like this (although I do appreciate those offering legitimate advice), my initial post was in reference to what was needed after physically installing the RAM - putting in the RAM itself isn't too difficult, and I've done it a few times in my day. I was just curious as to the other post-install activities one could do with RAM since I came across other threads mentioning switches, values etc.

I was just curious as to whether or not installing RAM actually ends with... installing the RAM - but you've all answered my question many times over. Much appreciated.

Here's a google link for you, dbTelos, since I think you had some trouble with my initial posting:

http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/reader/part1.html

 

[dBTelos]

Thanks for the link, I'll look into it. I guess I probably shouldn't assist you with the rest of your questions.

 

[MrCanadian]

That would probably be to my advantage, since you don't seem too focused on helping me out, anyway.

Cheers, friend.

 

[dBTelos]

I'm sure you felt the same way with your other PSU thread. As you wish...

-dB

 

[MrCanadian]

Not sure what you mean - I haven't yet made such a thread. I have, in fact, asked about a few other things though.

A few days ago everyone's names were switching around, and a thread regarding "bottlecking" and performance was actually made by me rather than by the fellow it says it was posted by. I have a feeling something was screwy with the forums - I was even able to go into other profiles as if I had logged into them myself. I had to explain this to another guy in the "Wii" thread about hooking up the system to a monitor and pair of speakers.

I'll make you a deal - I'll trade in my bit of sarcasm for yours, and how about we start off fresh?

 

[dBTelos]

Er, yea the bottlenecking thread. Too many PSU threads are getting my head mixed up. And some guy with random letters and numbers for a handle somehow made the thread for you. After reading your original post once more, I think you should take another good look at corkyg's post.

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: MrCanadian
Not sure what you mean - I haven't yet made such a thread. I have, in fact, asked about a few other things though.

A few days ago everyone's names were switching around, and a thread regarding "bottlecking" and performance was actually made by me rather than by the fellow it says it was posted by. I have a feeling something was screwy with the forums - I was even able to go into other profiles as if I had logged into them myself. I had to explain this to another guy in the "Wii" thread about hooking up the system to a monitor and pair of speakers.

I'll make you a deal - I'll trade in my bit of sarcasm for yours, and how about we start off fresh?

I`m already liking your style!!

If you need anything feel free to Pm me!!!

 

[50cent1228]

wow dbtelos is a very good and helpful person on these forums..ytrust me you should want his help because not only is he a psu fanatic and know almost everything about them he has alot of knoledge on other parts and programs too...like photoshop

 

[MrCanadian]

Sound advice - will definitely do.

 

[corkyg]

Here's an after action report. Today I received two 1 GB sticks from Mushkin - and they replace two 512 MB sticks. All it took was powering down, removing the video card for good access, then removing the old DIMMs, Then popped in the new ones and powered up. A total non-event - now have 2 GB instead of 1. (Getting Vista ready.) Took a total of about 10 minutes.

 

[MrCanadian]

Now I have four slots with 2 DIMMS x 512 so far - is it usually better to just put in two new sticks of 1024, or is it not usually an issue to have 4 sticks x 512? I'm pretty sure I'm able to use all four slots, and wondered if there was an "optimal" combination for RAM quantity / DIMM distribution.

 

[corkyg]

Either way is probably OK for your mobo. What does its manual tell you about RAM replacement/addition?

If it works, the best economic choice for you is 4 x 512.

 

[MrCanadian]

I'm not actually sure where to look regarding the mobo - since I purchased this computer from a store rather than built it myself. Perhaps I'll rip off an email to the manufacturer and see what they have to say.