Memory upgrade first steps

Q: I think I need a memory upgrade. What do I need to do?

A: There are several factors that come into play when upgrading the memory in your computer. You have to consider how much memory you currently have, how many available memory slots you have and what the maximum amount of memory is that your computer will allow.

On top of that, you want to be sure you get the exact type of memory and speed that your computer requires. Since this is usually a little over the heads of most noobies, I would recommend you start by calling the manufacturer of your computer. They should be able to look up your computer’s information based on serial number or make/model and tell you specifically what type of memory you need.

To give you an idea of what is considered a “good” amount of memory today, I would shoot for nothing less than 1 GB (gigabyte) of memory. That’s roughly the equivalent of 1,000 MB (megabytes). If you can afford to go to 2 GB, do it. Otherwise, 1 GB should suffice.

Keep in mind that sometimes you have to “give up” memory to gain more. For example if your computer has two total memory slots and each of them contains 256 MB of memory you have a total of 512 MB (2 x 256 MB) of memory. To upgrade to 1 GB (2 x 512 MB) of memory, you will need to pull out the existing 256 MB of memory in each slot and replace them with 512 MB of memory. The end result is that you end up throwing away the existing memory you had in your computer when you started. If you are eBay savvy, you may be able to recoup some of your costs by selling your used memory on eBay.

In contrast, if you have four memory slots (two used, two available) in that same situation, you could just add the 1 GB (2 x 256 MB) of memory for a total of 1.5 GB of memory (2 x 256 MB existing + 2 x 512 MB new).

One last thing. Do not feel that you have to order your memory upgrade from the manufacturer. They are usually more expensive and many times you can find the same product cheaper from third-party resellers such as Kingston or PNY. There is a catch, however, as you have to be very careful that you get the exact type of memory your computer needs which isn’t always easy when you decide to seek out the product on your own vs. taking the recommendation from the manufacturer.

This post was originally broadcast Friday, January 19, 2007 on “Tech Talk with Noobie”, a weekly radio show on WCBK 102.3 FM in Martinsville, Indiana. Tech Talk with Noobie airs every Friday at 11:30 a.m. If you have a question you would like Noobie to answer on the air, simply e-mail your question to .