Installing extra memory Why upgrade?

Adding new memory is an effective way to boost your PC's performance

Is your computer becoming sluggish and slow? If so, it may be time for a memory upgrade. Adding extra memory or Ram (see 'Jargon buster' section) is one of the easiest, and most effective, ways to boost your computer's performance.

This report will show you how to add extra memory to a desktop PC. Some laptop and most Apple Mac owners can also upgrade their memory but we'd advise seeking professional help. Which? Local can help you find a good independent computer repair shop in your area.

Performance benefits

Ram or 'Random access memory' is your computer's short term memory – a temporary storage area for applications in use, such as word processing packages. 

Telltale signs, a noisy hard disk for instance, could mean your computer doesn't have enough Ram to deal with all the tasks your asking of it. 

If you go ahead with an upgrade, you'll notice your computer is much faster after you've installed extra memory.

What kind of memory do I need?

It's important to realise that you can't just buy any old memory and shove it in your computer. There are many different types of Ram, and the sort you may need depends on the type of motherboard (your computer's nervous system, see 'Jargon buster') you have in your computer.

Ram comes in strips known as modules, which have different speeds and capacities. The most difficult thing about upgrading your Ram is making sure you know what kind to buy, and how many free slots your PC has (most computers have a limit as to how much Ram they can take).

Before you start, check that your computer has space for additional memory. Memory capacity is measured in megabytes (MB) and the modules come in fixed multiples such as 64MB, 128MB and 256MB.

If your computer already has 128MB and its maximum capacity is 256MB, then you need to buy another 128MB module. These memory modules fit directly on to a series of sockets located on your motherboard.

If you'd rather hire a professional, you can get your memory upgraded at an independent computer shop; prices vary. Which? Local can help you find a good independent computer repair shop in your area. PC World can upgrade your memory for around £30, but you'll need to buy memory from them.

Tips

• To find out how much Ram is installed on your computer, look at the General tab of the Device Manager in Windows XP by clicking on Start> Control Panel> System.
• If any problems arise with the installation, try different memory slots and check your BIOS settings.
• Unbranded memory is probably best avoided; memory problems can cause erratic system problems.