New programs and games have higher system requirements these days and more often than not require more and more RAM. Before you can consider a computer memory upgrade you will have to find out a couple of details. You need to know the RAM type (DDR, DDR2 or DDR3) and you need to know the Speed. Many computers can use a few different speeds but all the memory modules in your PC will run at the speed of the slowest module installed. If you are not replacing all the memory, you may want to buy the same speed that's in your computer right now. This can save you some money. You can research the manufacturer's website to see what RAM modules are already installed on your system and what computer memory upgrade is available to you. Also, most Vendors will have this information as well and will let you search by the computer make and model number. 1. Unplug the power and all other cables from your computer 2. Remove the screws from the back of the left-hand side panel. 3. Lay it on its side and remove the side-panel or open the case to expose the motherboard. 4. Locate the memory sockets. * There are plastic tabs that lock the RAM modules in place on each end of the ram-socket that hinge in and out. 5. Gently push the tabs towards the motherboard to set them into the open position. * Notice the new memory module has an off-center notch near the middle. 6. Line up the off-center notch with the bump in the middle of the socket 7. Press firmly in until the plastic tabs come up and lock into place. You will hear a distinctive click. Click Image to Enlarge Click Image to Enlarge * It is very important to make sure that the computer memory module is seated correctly and locked into place. Not doing so correctly can cause your computer memory upgrade not to be recognized by the system or worse can cause a short on the motherboard which can render the memory socket useless. 8. Close the cover and reconnect all the cables to the rear of the computer. When you first boot up, your computer will find the new memory. The first boot might take a few seconds longer than normal as windows makes changes for the new memory but all boots after that will be normal. If you increase memory by a lot, boot time could be noticeably shorter than before the computer memory upgrade. Also: If you add a lot of memory, the delay before boot begins might seem longer as the BIOS tests all that new memory. As prices drop you will find it an easy performance boost to just add a computer memory upgrade. Computers are like Old Testament gods; lots of rules and no mercy.  ~Joseph Campbell Computer Memory Upgrade by PC Apprentice 2009