Still not sure if you need more RAM?

Here's a simple test. If you hear your hard drive spinning while you edit large files or switch between applications, you're low on memory. Once your system runs out of RAM, it starts using something called virtual memory, or more simply put, it "borrows" space from the hard drive. Your computer writes all of the data that won't fit in its memory to the hard disk. To process that extra data, the computer needs to swap out your RAM's old data, then retrieve the new data from the hard drive. Avoid this painfully slow process by adding more RAM.

Choosing the right time for a memory upgrade.

"It's always a good time to add RAM to your computer. That's because it's easy to install, is relatively inexpensive, and can improve the performance of even the weakest computer."
- PC Novice Guide to Upgrading

Although any time is a great time to add memory, there are several scenarios in which upgrading is critical. We have determined the following scenarios as ideal times to think about a memory upgrade.

Any time you add RAM, consider this money-saving tip. If the memory upgrade will fill all the slots in your system, get as much memory (Megabytes) as you can. This will save you money if you think you ever want to upgrade again down the road. That's because once you fill a system's slots, you have to remove some of the existing memory to make room for new, higher-capacity modules.

Building Block Number One

Whether you are considering building your own PC, or simply want to understand more about your rig, the motherboard is an excellent place to begin. Since every single component plugs into the motherboard, or plugs into something attached to the motherboard, understanding its connections and how it works with other components will give you a good overview of how a PC does what a PC does!

Don't make the mistake of underestimating the importance of a well-designed, properly configured motherboard. Your PC's motherboard is the technological equivalent of Grand Central Station - virtually everything in the computer connects to it, and in order for your PC to "do" anything the commands always have to be routed through your motherboard.

A MOTHERBOARD DETERMINES ALL FUTURE UPGRADE OPTIONS, LIMITS HOW MUCH PERFORMANCE YOU WILL EVER EXTRACT FROM YOUR PC, AND IS THE NUMBER ONE FACTOR IN YOUR SYSTEM'S OVERAL LEVEL OF STABILITY.

Before upgrading the OS

Your computer's operating system (OS) has a significant impact on the overall performance of your system. This becomes especially apparent as you upgrade the OS to the latest release. Each new version typically demands more hardware. Attempt to upgrade without beefing up your system and you may get a cranky old computer rather than the latest and greatest machine.

For example, try to upgrade from Windows 98 to Windows XP with just 128MB of RAM and your PC will drag. Add more memory for a total of at least 512MB and you'll be much happier, so will your system.

An ample memory reserve (512MB or more) can ensure a smoother transition to the latest edition of your current operating system. It can also prevent unexplained problems that come from switching to a new OS.

Keep in mind, each OS will have its own specific memory requirements. Research the manufacturer's materials thoroughly before beginning any operating system installation. It's also wise to check out a few product reviews. You may find that the manufacturer's requirements tend to run light.

Choosing the right time for a memory upgrade.

"It's always a good time to add RAM to your computer. That's because it's easy to install, is relatively inexpensive, and can improve the performance of even the weakest computer."
- PC Novice Guide to Upgrading

Although any time is a great time to add memory, there are several scenarios in which upgrading is critical. We have determined the following scenarios as ideal times to think about a memory upgrade.

Any time you add RAM, consider this money-saving tip. If the memory upgrade will fill all the slots in your system, get as much memory (Megabytes) as you can. This will save you money if you think you ever want to upgrade again down the road. That's because once you fill a system's slots, you have to remove some of the existing memory to make room for new, higher-capacity modules.

Before installing new software

Over the past five years, popular applications have increased the amount of RAM required to function at all. This leaves you in an apparent lose-lose situation. You can either ante up for new hardware or be left behind as the technology revolution rolls on.

The good news is you can dramatically improve your PCs performance with a simple and inexpensive memory upgrade. In addition to the processor requirement, RAM is the critical factor in your system equation. Adding 256MB-512MB RAM can make an old system seem like new and delay the need for a new system. It can even save you money over a processor upgrade, often with faster results!
Benefits of RAM include faster application start-up time and reduction of "click to clunk time" — that annoying lag in processing routine operations such as updating text or graphics and displaying the results on-screen.

When upgrading for new applications, be aware that the so-called "minimum requirements" listed on all software packaging are not "optimum" RAM standards. They are deliberately low to encourage the software purchase. Before cracking the cellophane of your new utility, stop and consider adding additional memory.

Before adding multimedia adapters (video cards)

Multimedia adapters designed to enhance your system's performance can only deliver that performance if it has enough RAM. And today's multimedia controllers demand more bandwidth and faster access from main memory than ever before.

To make sure your system has enough, check the adapter's minimum memory requirements. Verify that you have at least enough memory to spare. If you plan to turn your computer into a graphics workstation dedicated to video or photo editing or computer-aided design, adding 1GB RAM or more will significantly speed up performance.

Many multimedia adapters can also be upgraded themselves. Look to the product manufacturer's materials to see if your new addition can be invigorated with RAM.

Before adding a peripheral (printer or scanner)

While adding new functionality to your existing system, a peripheral can also become an additional source of memory drain. Say you're adding a printer. Improving on the minimum recommended RAM cache can reduce the output delivery time. Likewise, upgrading the printer can improve high-resolution print quality and overall printing speed. Both will create a noticeable difference when you're waiting for high-volume or full-color jobs.

For other peripherals, such as a scanner, it's wise to consider how your computer usage may change. Scanning usually entails dealing with large image files — one of the biggest memory hogs for even the fastest processor. When graphics are involved, the more memory a PC has, the better its performance will likely be.

Before networking a PC (workgroup print server)

Networking a PC presents several touchy performance issues. To get the most from any distributed network model, keep each individual system on par with the others on the network. This peer-to-peer relationship will help defuse end-user issues involving printing queues and e-mail lag time.

You can bring many older systems on the network up to par with a simple memory upgrade. A 128MB-256MB boost can turn an "outdated" desktop PC into a suitable enterprise workstation and provide serious cost-savings. Bottom line: a memory upgrade is the quickest most cost-effective means of streamlining a network and hanging on to existing systems just a little longer.

After buying a new system

When buying a new system, the amount of RAM installed is a critical factor to consider. Sure, a faster processor promises more speed, but it can't deliver that speed without enough RAM. In fact, a moderately fast chip with enough RAM can outperform a faster chip with inadequate memory. But before you pay the higher price for a system with more RAM, consider upgrading after you buy the PC.

Here's why: With memory prices at an all-time low, you may be better off price-wise by NOT loading the system up with memory at the time of purchase. Rather, save money and add memory AFTER the purchase. Buy memory direct from us and you're guaranteed the same high-quality memory installed in today's leading machines at a low, factory-direct price.

In any case, make sure that the memory in your new system is all on one DIMM. This ensures you'll have more slots available for upgrading later. For example, rather than getting a 512MB system with memory installed in two separate 256MB modules, get a 512MB system with the memory installed in just one module. That way you have room to upgrade without throwing out some of the original memory to make room for higher capacity modules.