How to Determine the Type of and Maximum Supported Memory for Your Computer

Upgrading the amount of memory installed on your computer often improves system performance. However, installing the wrong type of memory will usually result in the computer not functioning at all. If you install more memory than the system can support, it may result with the same issue.

There are two important features to look for when upgrading the memory: what will your hardware support and operating system limitations. With regard to operating system limitations, Windows and Mac 32-bit operating systems will not support more than approximately 3 gigabytes of memory. Linux 32-bit will support more than 3 gigabytes of memory, but requires recompiling the kernel.

For Windows and Mac operating systems, it is a limitation of the operating system and can only be overcome by changing to a 64-bit operating system. Windows XP uses a 32-bit operating system, with very few exceptions. (Reference: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/32-bit-and-64-bit-Windows-frequently-asked-questions) Windows Vista and Windows 7 can be either 32-bit or 64-bit. Mac OSX 10.5 (Leopard) and above are 64-bit operating systems but earlier versions are 32-bit.

To determine if Windows Vista or Windows 7 is 32-bit or 64-bit:

1. Left-click the Start button.
2. Right-click Computer.
   
   
   
   
3. Left-click Properties. The System Properties are displayed and will show the version of the operating system.
   
   
   

Make note of the Installed Memory (RAM) immediately above the System Type. This will tell you how much memory the system recognizes. NOTE: This information can be affected by memory used for the video.

Once you know what your operating system is the next step is to determine what your hardware will support. There are different ways to do this:

• If you know the manufacturer and model of the computer or motherboard, you can look the information up on the manufacturer’s web site. The information is typically in the technical specifications for that model. Below is an example of the information from Hewlett Packard’s web site:
  
  
  
  
  Note that it shows the memory that came installed on the computer and the type of RAM that is compatible (in this case PC3-8500 and PC3-10600), how many slots are available, and that it is Dual channel. Dual channel memory should be matched for best performance, although it is not required for the computer to operate.
  
• An alternative to the manufacture site or user’s manual is to use a system scanning utility. An example of this is the Crucial memory scan utility available at www.crucial.com. Below is an example of the output from using the Crucial utility:
  
  
  

Once you know your operating system, the type of memory you have, what the maximum supported is, and whether it is dual channel or not, you can purchase your memory.For information on physically installing the memory go to Micro Center Tech Support's Tech Center for more helpful resources: "How to Install RAM Memory", http://www.microcentertech.com/tech_center/DB/read_article.php?faqid=./HowTos/HOW6000032B.htm

How to Improve the Gaming Performance of Your Graphics Card

The overall goal of increasing the performance of a graphics card is to increase the frames per second (fps) at which a game operates. This can be achieved multiple ways. Some suggestions are as follows:

1. Change the video settings in the game.
   Going into the video settings and lowering some of them can greatly increase the fps of the game. Settings to lower include:
   
   • Resolution
   • Texture Quality
   • Bit Depth
   • Shadowing
   • Effects
2. Remove background processes.
   Though the card may be operating at a high level, there may be programs slowing down Windows, which can decrease your fps. To remove background processes:
   
   
   • Check for icons in the Notification Area (by default this is located to the left of the clock in the bottom right corner of the screen). Just right-click on icons for programs not currently in use, and select the Exit or Close option.
3. Update your graphics card drivers.
   The graphics card manufacturer generally has the latest updates.
   

How to Install an Add-In Card

Increasing the productivity and functionality of your desktop computer doesn’t have to be limited to how many devices you can plug into the ports. Many motherboards and cases provide expansion slots that can be used to install additional capabilities like updated Graphics, TV-Tuners, Hi-Def Audio cards, and Video capture.

This guide will show you how to install an add-in card to your computer.

Note: Opening up a computer is not without some risk. Before beginning, make sure to completely power off and disconnect your computer from the wall and all other devices including the monitor, mouse and keyboard. Also remember to use an anti-static wristband, or mat to avoid Electro Static Discharge (ESD) which can damage your components.

1. Locate the slot in which you want to install the card. The diagram below shows a general location for PCI slots, and it may vary by motherboard. There may also be PCI-Express slots on the system, which will be labeled on the motherboard and in the manual.

2. Remove the metal expansion slot guard from the back of the case. Some are attached by soft metal and can be bent and removed, while others are attached with a screw at the top and will need to be removed that way. For more information, consult the manual that came with your computer case.
3. Align the card with the notches in the slot and insert the card vertically in to the slot, with the external ports aligned with the expansion slot on the back of the case. Moderate force may be necessary to get the card all the way in to the slot.
4. Screw in the metal bracket on the end of the card using the notch on the top aligned with the hole in the computer case. Some computer cases use a plastic latch system to hold the card in place. If this is the case, consult the manual that was attached with your computer case.

That’s it! Your add-in card is now installed.

Remember to consult the card manufacturers information on installing any software that came with the add-in card when you get back in to Windows.

How to Install RAM Memory

All computers require some amount of memory or RAM (Random Access Memory). Many motherboards provide slots for as much as 16GB of RAM. Adding more memory can improve performance, allow more multi-tasking, and reduce the time required for intensive processes like video or audio editing.

This guide will show you how to install memory in your motherboard.

Note: Be sure to use proper precautions including an anti-static wristband or an anti-static mat to avoid hardware damage. Before beginning, make sure the memory is the correct type for your motherboard. Avoid touching the metal contacts or chips.

1. Locate the memory slots on the motherboard as shown in the figure below. Note that your motherboard may have two or more slots, and the exact location may differ.
2. Determine which slots you intend to install the memory into. If you are installing one module, it will typically go in to DIMMA1 or a similarly named slot. For more modules, consult the motherboard manual for additional information.
   
   
   
   
   
3. Push the retaining clips outward to allow installation of the memory module.
4. Align the memory module with the slot by using the off-center notch as shown in the figure below.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Insert the memory module and vertically and firmly in to the slot until the retaining clips snap on to the memory module.
   
   
   
   
   

That’s it! Your memory module is now installed. Repeat for additional memory modules if necessary.