Operational storage device (RAM) or RAM is a component of a personal computer or a laptop that stores information (machine code, program) necessary for execution immediately. Because of the small volume of this memory, the computer may significantly fall the performance, in this case users there are a reasonable question - how to increase RAM on the computer with Windows 7, 8 or 10.
Methods for increasing computer memory
RAM can be added in two ways: install an additional bar or use Flash drive. Immediately it is worth saying that the second option does not significantly affect the improvement of the computer characteristics, since the transfer rate over the USB port is not enough, but still it is a simple and good way to increase the amount of RAM.Method 1: Installing new RAM modules
To begin with, we will understand with the installation of RAM RAM on the computer, since this method is the most efficient and frequently used.
Determine the type of RAM
You must first decide on the type of operational memory, since different versions are incompatible. Currently there are only four types:
- DDR;
- DDR2;
- DDR3;
- DDR4.
The first is already practically not used, as it is considered obsolete, so if you bought a computer relatively recently, then you may have DDR2, but most likely DDR3 or DDR4. You can learn exactly three ways: by form factor, reading the specification or using a special program.
Each type of RAM has its own constructive feature. This is necessary in order to be impossible to use, for example, RAM of type DDR2 in computers with DDR3. We will also help determine this fact. In the picture, the following are schematically depicted by RAM of four types, but it is worth saying that this method is applicable only for personal computers, in laptops chips have another design.
As you can see, at the bottom of the board there is a gap, and in each it is in a different place. The table shows the distance from the left edge to the gap.
| Type of RAM | Distance to gap, see |
|---|---|
| DDR. | 7.25. |
| DDR2. | 7. |
| DDR3 | 5.5 |
| DDR4. | 7,1 |
If you didn't have a ruler at hand or you definitely cannot determine the difference between DDR, DDR2 and DDR4, since they have a small difference, which will be easier to find out the type of sticker with the specification, which is on the RAM chip itself. There are two options: it will be specified directly the device type itself or the value of peak bandwidth. In the first case, everything is simple. The image below shows an example of such a specification.
If such a designation you did not find on the sticker, pay attention to the bandwidth value. It also happens four different types:
- PC;
- PC2;
- PC3;
- PC4.
It is not difficult to guess, they fully match the DDR. So, if you saw the inscription PC3, this means that the type of your RAM DDR3, and if PC2, then DDR2. An example is shown in the image below.
Both of these methods involve the parsing of the system unit or laptop and, in some cases, pulling out RAM from slots. If you do not want to do this or fear, you can find out the type of RAM using the CPU-Z program. By the way, it is this method that is recommended for users of laptops, since his analysis is much more complicated than a personal computer. So, download the application to your computer and follow these steps:
- Run the program.
- In the window that opens, go to the "SPD" tab.
- In the drop-down list "Slot # ...", located in the "Memory Slot Selection" block, select the RAM slot, the information you want to receive.
After that, the field of your RAM will be specified in the field located on the right of the drop-down list. By the way, it is the same for each slot, so without the difference you select.
After that, the installation of RAM can be considered over. By the way, you can find out its number in the operating system, on our site there is an article dedicated to this topic.
Read more: How to find out the amount of computer RAM
If you have a laptop, then you cannot offer a universal method of installing RAM, since different models have quite different design features. It is also worth paying attention to the fact that some models do not support the possibility of expanding RAM. In general, it is extremely undesirable to disassemble the laptop on its own, without having any experience, it is better to entrust this business to a qualified personnel in the service center.
Method 2: ReadyBoost
ReadyBoost is a special technology that allows you to convert Flash drive to RAM. This process is quite simple in implementation, but it is worth considering that the bandwidth of the flash drive is an order of magnitude below RAM, so do not count on a significant improvement in the characteristics of the computer.Use the USB flash drive only as a last resort, when you need to increase the amount of memory for a short time. The fact is that any Flash drive has a limit on the number of records performed, and if the limit is exhausted, he simply fails.
Read more: How to make RAM from flash drive
Conclusion
According to the result, we have two ways to increase the operational memory of the computer. Undoubtedly, it is better to purchase additional memory planks, as it guarantees a huge performance gain, but if you want to temporarily increase this parameter, you can use the ReadyBoost technology.