How To Install Computer Memory
Introduction : How To Install Computer Memory
As with other components as time goes on we need more and more from each component, just a few years ago it was standard to have 128mb installed in your computer, but with each newer version of windows released required more and more memory. For example windows 95/98/ME would happily run on 128mb of memory, Windows 2000 would need 256mb, Windows xp 512 and now windows vista requires 1gig minimum and recommended of 2 gig.
It is a known fact that adding more memory to your system will increase the performance. The reason for this is because the operating system (Windows) uses memory to store lots of commands / data that it frequently needs to process. If your system was
Before You Start
Before you buy the memory you need to know what type of memory to buy and also how many slots your computer has free. You can open your computer and take a look, and also read the manual that comes with your motherboard to see what type of memory you need, But the easier way to find out is to go to http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/index.aspx and run there free scanner
Memory is very fragile to static shocks, Try to earth yourself yourself before you touch the memory. I usually do this by touching the metal on a screwdriver or a metal screw connected to your computer case. You can also buy an anti-static-wrist strap http://www.maplin.co.uk/computer_component_uk.search which is what I prefer to use. This scanner is excerlent it will tell you everything, how much memory you have now, how many spare memory slots, what speed memory you have installed, how much maximum memory you can add to your system.
Preparing A Computer Case
now is a good time to go through the screw supply provided with the case. These are usually held in a small plastic bag nestled inside the case. Inside this bag you should find:
When you get your case you need to check that you got all the bits. Open the case. Now that the case is open,
- Chassis screws – this is the type used to tighten down cards, etc.
- Smaller screws – just like the chassis screws, just with a smaller diameter. It is used to fasten the motherboard in.
- Standoffs – these are screws that are used to hold the motherboard about 1/8″ from the motherboard mounting plate. Their ends have a threaded opening in them that accept the smaller chassis screws. If you have an AT case, you may find small white standoffs. These serve the same function as the metal standoff, but are simply punched through the board and slid into slots on the case. They are rather clumsy to use compared to the metal standoffs, but they get the job done. Lastly, some cases use small metal clip-looking stand-offs. They are pinched together and slipped into small rectangular holes in the motherboard mounting plate and they snap in. These are, too, a bit awkward.
- Washers. These are typically small, loose washers, not the metal kind you’ve seen in your toolbox. These will be used to cushion your motherboard from the screws you will be using to hold it in. Some motherboards have metal plates around the holes to keep the screws from shorting the circuitry, and in this case, washers are not necessary and may not be included.
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How To Install A Processor
Always make sure you ground your self before touching the processor and motherboard. If you give the processor / motherboard a static shock you could break them. There are a few different types of processors. I am going to show you how to install a Pentium 4 processor.
How To Install A Processor : All ways be very careful when handling the processor.
Just below is a picture of a motherboard. The processor slot is located at the top centre inside where the orange square is.
All processors will only go into the slot one way, So make sure you know what way it goes in. Look at the pins on the processor and then line them up and slot the processor to the motherboard. It will be obvious which way it goes in.
How To Configure A Motherboard
If we configure and install these components now it will be much easier than installing them after you have connected the motherboard to the case, You will have more room to work with now.
Before you connect your motherboard to your case you need configure your motherboard for the processor/Memory/IO connectors.
WARNING, make sure you have grounded your body before touching the computer components. A static shock to a component could damage that component.
Have your motherboard manual ready. You will need this to find the location of certain parts on your motherboard. Lets start with the processor. For processor you will need to set 3 things on your motherboard before installing the processor. You will need to look at the manual for your motherboard as you will need to make a few changes. Most motherboards are jumper less and all configuring is done automatically, But incase its not look in the motherboards manual for the following settings,,
1 – The Bus Speed. This is the speed in which the processor runs. The faster the bus speed the faster the processor will run. Always set the bus speed to the same as the processor. The processor will run on faster bus speeds (Known as over clocking) But the processor will run at a higher temperature and over heat and eventually stop working.
