Is it possible to increase the RAM. How to increase RAM? How to increase RAM on a computer using a USB flash drive. How to increase RAM. The easiest option

Users are often faced with the need to increase the amount of RAM when they start working with more demanding software. "Operative" is responsible for the temporary storage of data required to perform current processor operations. Read more about how to increase RAM in our material.

The amount of RAM depends on how easily and quickly the PC copes with work, performing several tasks at the same time.

The procedure for increasing the amount of RAM itself may consist in purchasing additional memory cards or replacing the already installed memory with a module of a larger volume. In this case, it is necessary to take into account such characteristics of RAM as type, clock frequency, and, of course, volume.

If you decide to install an additional RAM bar in your PC, then it must be of the same type as the one that is already installed in the device. In addition, you need to find out the maximum amount of RAM that is supported by the motherboard, processor.

The characteristics of the RAM installed in the PC can be found using special utilities, for example, Speccy or Everest. Alternatively, you can remove the cover of your PC case and conduct a visual inspection. If only the name of the module is indicated on the RAM bar, then using a network search you can find all the characteristics you need.

RAM type

Memory differs in speed: modules of a newer type can transfer more bits of information on each cycle of the memory bus. Also, different memory sticks differ visually.

Modern PCs use DDR2, DDR3 and DDR4 memory cards. The SDRAM and DDR types are older. And when upgrading a PC, it makes sense not to buy an additional bar of the same type, but to replace it with a module of a newer technology. In terms of money, it will not be much more expensive, but in terms of speed, it will be a tangible plus.

DDR3 differs from DDR2, for example, in lower power consumption. There is also a variety of DDR3L modules - with even lower power consumption.

Carefully read the characteristics of the motherboard before purchasing a new RAM module, since different types of memory cannot be inserted into the same slot on the motherboard due to the different places of the cutout on the strips. So, SDRAM memory (unlike DDR modules) has two notches on the bottom edge of the board and 144 pins. The DDR module has 184 pins, DDR2 and DDR3 have 240 pins, DDR4 has 288 pins, but the key is shifted from the center to the left edge of the bracket.

Frequency and timing

Frequency. This parameter determines the amount of data that can be transmitted in a certain time, that is, the speed of the RAM. The frequency of the RAM must match that supported by the computer motherboard.

Another important parameter that characterizes the speed of the RAM is timing. The delay in processing the operation inside the RAM depends on its value. In the name of a RAM module, it can be written as a sequence of four numbers, for example, 9-9-9-24, or CL and a numerical value - the first digit of a 4-digit sequence, that is, CL9 for the above example. The minimum timing is good for gaming and video editing computers. For PCs designed for simple daily tasks, timing has little effect on performance.

RAM slots

Before buying an additional RAM card, you need to find out if there is where to put it. And it depends on the number of free slots in your computer.

If your motherboard supports dual channel RAM, you can use this to improve performance. To do this, you need to purchase not one board of a larger volume, but two modules of the same characteristics. Manufacturers often offer such kits (Kit). For example, not one 8 GB module, but two 4 GB modules operating in dual channel mode. For users who add memory to play games or use heavy programs, this is important. If a PC is used to work with office software, a browser and to watch a movie, then you can safely buy one stick of RAM.

Also today there are motherboards and sets of RAM (Kits) that support the three-channel mode of operation.

What else needs to be considered

When choosing RAM, you also need to take into account the operating system on which you will work, since the minimum amount of required RAM depends on it. Windows 7 and 8 32-bit requires at least 1 GB of RAM, Windows 7 and 8 64-bit requires at least 2 GB (GB), and Windows XP requires at least 64 MB of RAM.

What else should you pay attention to when choosing RAM? To the manufacturer. It is better to choose boards from trusted manufacturers, for example, Corsair, Kingston, Hynix, Transcend, OCZ.

Installation

After you open the case of the turned off PC and remove the static charge from your hands, you can start installing additional or new RAM module / modules.

1. If you bought a set of two boards to work in dual channel mode, check the motherboard specifications in which slots you need to install them.

2. If you completely change the RAM, remove the old memory card: open the slot latches on both sides of the module, gently holding the module by the side edges, and pull it out of the slot.

3. Insert the new module into the desired slot, aligning the notch on the memory card with the tab on the connector. Press down lightly on the module until the clips secure it.

4. Repeat the last step with the rest of the memory modules, if any.

5. Close the PC case.

Often every user faces a lack of memory on a PC. There is not enough space to save working materials, download films, the computer does not play games at higher quality settings, it hangs, the Internet works slowly, spending time at the computer is unbearable.

You can improve the performance of your PC by increasing the amount of random access memory (RAM). There are several options for how to do this. An excellent solution to this problem is to buy a new memory card that has enough free space to save. But if the financial situation temporarily limits such an opportunity, then let's take a closer look at the methods of increasing the volume of RAM without spending money.

Anything that does not fit in RAM is stored on the hard disk in a paging file. Typically, Windows automatically sets the size of such a virtual cache, but if there is a shortage, it can be increased. You don't have to be a programmer to do this, just follow the instructions below:

For the paging file, use a disk that has more free space. Do not select the system drive for this purpose.

Finding where virtual cache and paging is configured in Windows 8 is easy. Follow the descriptions below:

1. Using italics, open the menu and click the "Search" item.
2. In the right corner you will see a search box, enter system properties performance into it and press Enter.
3. The Performance Options window appears and look for the Advanced tab.
4. In the "Virtual memory" column, click on the "Change" button and from that moment on we do everything the same as in the instructions above.

Increasing the virtual cache will not save you from problems with a lack of RAM, but will only slightly speed up the computer.

Expanding RAM with a USB flash drive

A great method to create extra RAM space for your PC. It appeared recently, thanks to the Ready Boost technology from Microsoft. Still few people resort to this method because of ignorance about this innovation.

The Ready Boost program allows you to expand the amount of computer RAM using free space on a flash drive or other external drive (SD card, SSD drive), which play the role of an additional cache device containing information.

Increasing the RAM using the Ready Boost program has its own requirements, if the flash card does not meet them, the program will not be installed. Primary requirements:

• write speed 1, 75 MB / s, 512 kb blocks;
• read speed not less than 2.5 MB / sec, 512 kb blocks;
• the minimum free space on the flash drive is 256 megabytes.

Having chosen the right drive, you can start connecting the function that allows you not only to increase the cache size, but also to speed up your PC. Let's start:

1. Insert the selected drive into the system connector and go to the menu.
2. Find a new connected device (flash drive) among the list of drives, click italicized (right-click).
3. In the table that appears, we find the item "Properties". We press.
4. In the new table "Properties: Removable Disk", look for the Ready Boost line, tick the box, set the required cache size and confirm the action by clicking on the "OK" button.

Then wait a little while the system finishes adjusting the updated parameters.

Increasing RAM in BIOS settings

Most BIOS versions allow you to manually adjust the amount of RAM. In BIOS, you can speed up the cache by lowering the timings, but after such manipulations, you need to test the system to avoid a malfunction.

1. First, we enter the BIOS. To do this, during system boot, press a combination of keys, most often Delete, F2 or Ctrl-Alt-Esc.
2. In the BIOS program menu, look for and click on the Video Ram line or, depending on the program, Shared Memory.
3. Next, find the DRAM Read Timing line and reduce the number of timings (cycles) in RAM. Fewer cycles means better system performance. Reducing too much will negatively affect the performance of the technique, so do not overdo it.
4. When you have finished making changes to the memory configuration, save your settings and exit the BIOS.

Remember, increasing the RAM in the BIOS can change other settings.

Expanding capacity with memory modules

This method of expanding the cache requires a little financial investment, but it is one hundred percent effective.
The motherboard has several slots for installing memory modules, which allows you to install not one, but several boards to increase the RAM on the PC.

If there is no material opportunity to buy a voluminous memory card, purchase an additional module and install it next to the existing RAM.

Installing modules is an effective way to increase RAM, but before buying, you should make sure that the motherboard has free connectors, as well as what standards it supports. There are several types of RAM, if you buy the wrong thing, the module will not fit into the motherboard connector. You can find out the type of PC RAM by the number on the board, which is already in the motherboard. There is no free connector, replace the old board with a new, more voluminous one.
Install the board carefully so as not to break anything. Insert the module until you hear a characteristic click, which means that it is firmly fixed.

Then turn on the computer and check the RAM data. There is more space for accumulation - everything went well, no, then turn off the power and try again.

The above methods will expand the size of the computer's cache, improving its performance. But remember, carry out all manipulations in the system carefully and slowly in order to avoid damage to the PC.

In contact with

You can answer in one word - add. But, here more than one question arises: how much, what and where? Let's figure it out.

Random access memory is the dynamic memory of a computer. If "on the fingers", then this: when the computer boots, and after loading the OS, starting any program and opening a file of any type, all information from the hard disk is read and placed in the RAM, and the processor manages this data.

So all the dynamic processes that occur during the operation of programs are contained and occur in the RAM. The frequency of its operation is determined by the frequency of the processor and motherboard. The higher the RAM capacity, the better.

So, there is never a lot of RAM!

The motherboard model supports certain generations of DDR 1, 2, and 3 RAM. They are not compatible with each other.

Modern computers are equipped with RAM, basically 1, 2, or 4 GB, and less often 8 GB. In most cases, 1 GB of RAM is enough in home and office computers to work in MS Office and "walk" on the Internet.

For a multimedia computer, you need 2 GB, but for games and video processing, 4 GB is indispensable.

8 GB RAM must be installed if you intend to process HD video from a video camera, complex images and when working with other resource-intensive programs.

It is time to note here that if 32-bit Windows XP is used, then it makes no sense to increase memory more than 3.2 GB, since the OS will not see everything exactly and will not understand it. To increase to 4 and 8 GB, you need to install a 64-bit system.

If:

- new toys slow down, or even refuse to play and fly out of the system;
- applications open for a long time, and the completion of any of them and the saving of data has to be painfully long to wait;
- video processing is not possible or fails.

Then it's time to increase the computer's RAM.

The main thing is to choose them correctly and put them in the right place. To do this, you just need to look at the documentation, or open the system unit, remove the memory module and armed with a magnifying glass, write off all the characteristics from it: the type of module, the amount of memory and the frequency of operation. It's even easier to run the cpu-z utility. The CPU, Board, and Memory tabs contain all the characteristics of the processor, motherboard, and RAM modules.

Salon sellers will advise, of course, but their main goal is to sell.

Therefore, it is better to understand the characteristics and design features of memory modules yourself. For reference:

- DDR 1 up to 400 MHz, supply voltage 2.5 volts, number of contacts 184;
- DDR 2 up to 800 MHz, supply voltage 1.8 volts, number of contacts 240;
- DDR 3 up to 1800 MHz, supply voltage 1.5 volts, number of contacts 240.

To do this, take measures to protect against static electricity. Disconnect the connectors of the interfering wires, release the module from its fixation in the slots with the side latches and remove it from the slot.

The processor, motherboard, and RAM run at their specific frequencies. The operating frequency of newly acquired RAM modules may exceed the frequency characteristics of the motherboard and, accordingly, the processor, but in no case is it the other way around.

Pre-orient the key slot relative to the key in the slot and carefully, without forceful tricks, insert the memory modules into the slots. In this case, the latches must click into place. If the motherboard supports dual-channel mode, then to activate it, you need to install modules in different channels. Channel slots are color-coded and set in pairs.

There is no need to rush to close the housing lid. Turn on the computer and if something is wrong, then turn it off and check if the modules are properly seated in the sockets and if all the connectors of the interfering wires are connected, which were disconnected when the old modules were removed. Turn on.

Check the amount of RAM on the "General" tab in the computer property and set the size of the paging file in "computer properties / additional - performance - parameters / additional - virtual memory - change".

In the initial size, set the value equal to the size of the physical RAM, and its maximum doubled value.

In order for a computer to perform its basic tasks, it must include at least a central computing core - a processor; a certain amount of random access memory for storing intermediate calculation results; device for data entry; a solution that connects all the components together - the motherboard and the power supply.

This is the minimum required. Today we will talk about how to increase the computer's RAM. This question is of interest to many users, since this component has a tangible effect on the performance of the entire system as a whole, while having a relatively low cost. The latter is especially true for DDR3 chips, the price of which is so low that even a schoolchild who saves on meals in the canteen can buy a "bar" for a couple of gigabytes. The second component that affects performance is the processor. Although replacing it with a more advanced model allows you to speed up the computer, the prices for these microcircuits are quite high (we do not consider budget options that do not initially have high speed characteristics). Also, one cannot fail to mention the so-called overclocking of RAM. The point of this operation is to forcibly increase the frequency at which the microcircuits operate, which makes it possible to achieve some increase in performance. However, with the advent of relatively inexpensive high-speed computing systems and the blocking of this feature in certain processors with built-in controllers, this operation has become the lot of enthusiasts who want to get more "parrots" in tests at any cost.

How to increase the RAM of your computer

There are only three ways to increase the amount of "RAM": optimizing applications, connecting additional modules and replacing the used brackets with more capacious ones. Each of the methods has its own characteristics, which we will talk about. Let's start with the first one.

Programs

We have already indicated that RAM is used by all running applications. Some require more volume, others less. Thus, a situation often arises when, with a large number of running programs, all subsequent ones simply do not have enough free available space. Modern operating systems can easily solve this problem by using mechanisms for dumping unused sections of code into a paging file on the hard disk. Therefore, it may seem that there is no particular reason to study the question of how to increase the computer's RAM. However, it is not. DDR3 cells are much faster than the fastest SSD, so the more swapping is used, the lower the system performance.

Thus, an increase in RAM can be achieved by optimizing the system. In Windows, you need to press Win + R, then, by typing msconfig, remove unnecessary programs from startup. You should also disable unnecessary services ("Control Panel" - "Administrative Tools" - "Services"). Special miracles should not be expected from this method, although it can be interesting as an additional measure or in case of a lack of funds.

Increase in volume

There is a more efficient way to increase your computer's RAM. Its meaning is that the owner of the computer system acquires one or more memory modules, which he installs into the slots on the motherboard. As a result, the available volume increases. However, before buying, be sure to make sure that the board has free slots, as well as determine the supported standard (DDR2 or DDR3). If they are all busy, then the only option is to replace the existing slats with more spacious ones. To find out the characteristics of the brackets involved, you can use the AIDA64 program (Motherboard - SPD).

Let's look at options for how to increase the computer's RAM in various ways.

4 Ways to Boost Your PC's RAM

Let's consider all the ways to increase RAM. Surely one of them will be useful to you.

Add an extra stick of RAM

The most convenient and easy way is to purchase an additional RAM module. If you have chosen this option, deciding not to bother with others, be prepared for the fact that to install the module you will have to "climb" into the system unit. But before that, it is necessary to consider several important criteria.

When buying, you should definitely pay attention:

How to install an additional stick of RAM in a computer

So, if you have purchased an additional RAM module, you can start installing it. For this:

1. Open the "Start" menu, click "Computer" and open the "Properties" with the right mouse button. All information about the computer will be displayed here, including how much memory it has. If the volume has increased, then we did everything right, if not, most likely, the module is simply not fixed. In this case, you need to disconnect the external devices from the system unit again, open it and check the module.
2. Open the "Start" menu, select "Task Manager" and go to the "Performance" section. The amount of memory should also be displayed here. If there is more of it, then everything is done correctly.

If you still did not manage to independently increase the RAM of your PC with the help of an additional module, you should first make sure that the module itself is in good working order and only after that contact a specialist for help with installation.
A new module is quite expensive, especially for some PC models, so you shouldn't rush to buy it. Perhaps the problem can be solved free of charge.

Add RAM using a USB stick

This method has been used recently, but it has already become one of the most effective and simple. It became possible to add memory in this way thanks to the introduction of ReadyBoost technology into operating systems. It is designed to connect a USB flash drive to a PC and use its memory for work. But in order for everything to work out, you need a flash drive with the following characteristics:

• size between 1 and 32 GB;
• speed not lower than 2.5 MB / s.

With Readyboost technology, you can connect several additional memory devices to your computer at once, but the size of the flash drive must be larger than the amount of RAM in the PC.

To add more memory to your computer using a USB flash drive:

• We connect it to the computer and go to the menu.
• Click on the connected device and click "Properties".
• We find an item called "ReadyBoost" and click "Provide this device for ReadyBoost technology."
• We set the required volume and click "OK".

Now there will be more memory and you can use it right away.

Increasing memory through the Windows paging file

During its operation, the computer uses the so-called virtual memory, which consists of random access memory (RAM) and a paging file. Windows uses this file to store the information necessary for the operation of programs, in the same way as RAM. This way of working with files is, of course, slower than loading into RAM, but if there is a shortage of the latter, it will help to unload it. The size of such a file is determined automatically by the operating system, but it can be increased if desired. This operation on Windows 7 looks like this:

• Open the "Start" menu.
• Click on "Computer" and select "Properties".
• A page with information about your computer will open. Here in the menu on the left side there will be a section "Additional system parameters". We open it.
• In the window that appears, first click the "Advanced" button, and then "Options" in the "Performance" section.
• A new window appears, where we select "Advanced" again, and then "Change" in the "Virtual memory" section.
• Uncheck the box next to "Automatically select the size of the paging file" and select the disk.
• We put a tick in front of "Specify size" and write the size larger than it was indicated.
• Click "OK"

Now the memory will be as much as you specified.

The operation of increasing memory using a paging file on Windows 8 and 10 is almost identical to Windows 7, but here you need to enter "Performance Settings" in the search bar of your computer, then click "Advanced". Then everything is done in the same way as in the "seven".

Using BIOS to Increase PC Memory

This method is not difficult, but you should not resort to it if you are not confident in your abilities.

So, to make the memory on the computer more:

• We go into the BIOS. This is done differently on different models. The most commonly used buttons are F2 or Delete. If they do not work, try looking for information on the network which button is for entering the BIOS for your PC.
• Find the item Video Ram or Shared Memory and click.
• Now we need to reduce the number of cycles in RAM. To do this, find the item Dram Read Timing. Keep in mind that lowering the cycles to a minimum will not affect the performance of the PC in the best way, so try to choose the optimal bar.
• We save the settings by pressing F10 and exit the BIOS.

If everything is done correctly, the PC memory will increase.

Thus, you can increase your PC's RAM on your own, and in several paid and free ways. Choose the one that suits you best and forget about running out of memory for a long time.