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How to Restore a Computer To Proper Working Order After Changing the RAM

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Upgrading the RAM on your computer is one of the cheapest and most effective ways to increase the performance of your computer. However, there are certain guidelines that must be followed.


  1. 1
    Make sure the computer is turned off before attempting any hardware repair. Also unplug the power cord to the PSU and all other cords.
  2. 2
    Verify you have the right RAM. There are many specs to consider when purchasing RAM, as well as installing it. Clock speed, capacity, and type are the three main specs. This can be found on the motherboard manufacturer's website. Also the Kingston memory website has a adviser on this.
  3. 3
    Open the computer case to get to your RAM housing on the motherboard. Make sure you are wearing an anti-static wrist band so none of the hardware is damaged by static electricity.
  4. 4
    When replacing (or just installing) RAM, insert the RAM into the RAM slot by lining up the tab (or tabs if it is DIMM RAM) and pushing rather forcefully until the lock tabs snap into place.
  5. 5
    Once the RAM is replaced (or installed) your pc should start in safe mode and then check your device manager and ensure the drivers for your video are installed. If you have onboard video, this will likely be the issue and, consequently, the resolution.
  6. 6
    Even though more expensive, upgrade your ram to the maximum you can afford because you'll have to upgrade again eventually. Older computers have a limit to the amount of RAM they can support. Check with your manufacturers guide to make sure your computer can support the amount of RAM you are installing. (This is also sometimes printed on a label inside the case.)
  7. 7
    If the computer does not properly boot up after you install the RAM, press F2 at start-up (on some computers it's F10). Then check the system resources to make sure all of the RAM you installed is working. If not, you might have a bad piece of RAM or incompatible RAM.

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  • If you plan to buy a copy of Microsoft Windows or Microsoft Office, upgrade your RAM before activating Windows or Office. The amount of memory you have is collected by Product Activation.
  • Crucial.com is a great resource to find which RAM you need for your system.
  • Your RAM speed is determined by your motherboard, unless you have an AMD 64 bit or Opteron processor (these processors have the DDR controller on them, so they work with different clock speeds of RAM).


  • To wear a anti-static wrist band to prevent any static electricity damage to your hardware.
  • The most important thing to remember is to disconnect all power from your PSU (Power Supply Unit) before performing any hardware repair.

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Categories: Computer Memory

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