GlesgaKiss

My parents' Dell desktop has 512mb RAM, which isn't really enough to run any modern programs etc without experiencing quite a bit of slow down.

Is upgrading it a simple job?

I'm thinking I just need to buy the correct RAM, open up the case, earth myself and slot in the RAM?

What happens after that? Does the computer just work straight away with the new RAM, or does it need to be installed or configured somehow?


All advice is appreciated

Thanks
Alan

Ray T

try this, RAM Memory Upgrade: Dell, Mac, Apple, HP, Compaq. USB drives, flash cards, SSD at Crucial.com

DYK

Easy to install ram and once you have done it,power up the pc and listen for 2 beeps as the pc boots.Look for a message on the monitor saying that the amount of memory on the pc as changed.Follow any instructions you see on the monitor,and then let the computer boot and operating system to load.Then click on the Start button bottom left corner of your desktop,right click my computer and select properties which will display the system properties box and will show the amount of ram on pc..

GlesgaKiss

Thanks for the replies. That's everything I needed to know!

GlesgaKiss

Thanks, I'm going to use that and buy 2gb.

Quick question though...

If I remove the 512mb that's there so I can have two 1gbs, I take it nothing on the computer will be lost or affected by removing the existing RAM?

This might seem like a stupid question, but I don't know much about computers.

joey_turbo

iTrader: (26)

You won't lose anything, the RAM is not for storage.

andys

you will also need to check the max amount your motherboard can support.

GlesgaKiss

I used the link above to scan my computer and select the maximum amount of RAM possible, which in this case seems to be 2GB. Two 1GB slots.

GlesgaKiss

The new RAM arrived this morning and took 5 mins to fit. It's a huge difference even though it's still running a 7 year old processor.

Was also very impressed with the service from Crucial. I just selected the free delivery option which stated 3-5 working days(special delivery was 1-2 working days) but it arrived in 2.

SirFozzalot

Handy link, thanks for that

Just been thinking about upgrading some RAM myself.