How to install new RAM

[sagooding]

i have a standard desktop with 2 gb of ram and windows xp sp2 installed. I have obtained some more ram from another computer. how do I install this ram into the desktop ? please include all hardware and software steps that i need to do.
I appreciate all answers,
my regards,
sagooding.

 

[davcon]

First off make sure it's matching/identical ram for best results and ease of install.
Download CPU-Z to verify your present ram in the rig.
SPD tab.
Match those specs with the other ram.
If it''s not even close spec wise be prepared for issues.
If it all checks out the same you're good to go.
Nothing special about installing ram if it's all identical.
Fill the dimms and power up pc.

 

[mosox]

Yep. Make sure the RAM fits in the slot don't force it. There's more kinds of RAM, DDR2, DDR3, etc.

 

[jitpublisher]

RAM is plug and play, in other words you simply plug it into the proper slots on the board, boot the PC and the BIOS and OS will recognize it. No special tools are needed, the RAM is held in the slots by little "tabs" on each end.
The important things are:
1. Type of RAM. There are several types depending on the age of the computer, over recent years the most common types have been EDO, SDRAM, Rambus, DDR, and most recently DDR2 and DDR3. They all are slot specific, make sure first the ram fits into the slot on the board. There are locking tabs of some type on each end of the slot that secures the ram into place as it goes into the slot.
2. Speed and latencies. Each type of memory also has specific speed and latencies. While mixing latencies and speed is usually okay, all you memory will default to the speed of the slowest memory stick installed, at best. Worst case, the sticks will not work together and the PC will not boot.
3. This one is important, memory also runs different voltages depending on type, speed, and latencies. All your memory must be of the same voltage requirement, or the PC likely will not boot. Memory sticks of different voltages may boot, but then cause errors while the PC is running including blue screens, random lockups, and even hard crashes.

It is always best to install memory in identical pairs. Mixing various memory sticks even though they may be of the same type is not recommended.

 

[sagooding]

Best answer selected by sagooding.

 

[sagooding]

Thanks everyone. All your answers were very helpful...i installed the ram and no issues so far.