Why we want to upgrade memory? More memory gives your PC the ability to run more applications, make windows easier to use and cuts down on hard disk activity, therefore increasing battery life. Many have integrated graphics processor that reduce the RAM available to Windows, as they use main memory instead of their own dedicated RAM.

In this type of system, Windows must use the hard disk as an overflow when it runs out of memory. This is undesirable in a particular computer as it hard disk is comparatively slowing and using it intensively reduces battery life. For as little as £20 including VAT, however you could you could add 2GB to your laptop, revitalizing its performance. Because space is at a premium inside laptops, they use physically smaller memory modules than those found on Personal Computer. Desktop use DIMM modules, while notebooks use the far more compact SODIMMs. That aside, laptop memory is much like desktop memory, with the same of technologies in use.

There are two main memory types  you're likely to encounter: DDR and DDR2. These aren't compatible, so it's so essentials you understand which type of laptop uses before buying more. Notebooks built in 2002 or earlier are likely to use SDRAM memory running at 66MHz, 100MHz or 133MHz. It's now difficult to buy SDRAM SODIMMs, and you should replace the laptop rather than spend your money in upgrading it.

Laptops made between 2002 and 2004 probably use DDR memory. Such laptops require PC2100 or PC2700 DDR memory, but some high-end models may use faster PC3200 modules. Your manual or the manufacturer's website should tell you what speed to buy.

Intel-based laptops built after 2004 may use DDR2 memory, available in PC2-3200, PC2-4200, PC2-5300 or PC2-6400 speeds. Only recent AMD-based notebooks with a Turion 64 X2 proccessor use DDR2 memory. Some of very latest laptops use DDR3 memory, which85 is currently available in only PC3-8500 speed most manufacturer. Look in the documentation for the correct speed to buy.

CHOOSING LAPTOP MEMORY:

To be sure you buy compatible memory, we just recommend that you use the configuration tools available on the websites or many big memory manufacturers, as discussed in the compatibility checklist below. It is fine to install faster memory than you laptop originally had as long as it supports it, but bear in mind that you should buy memory of the same speed as any existing RAM tha you're not going to replace. This is because faster memory could make your laptop crash ore refuse to boot. It's worth checking the label on your existing memory to find out the size and type of modules that are installed. For increased performance, some laptop operate their DDR OR DDR2 memory in dual-channel mode.

INSTALLING LAPTOP MEMORY:

Latop memory should be easy to install, provided you can readily access your computer memory slots. Refer you laptop's manual or its manufacturer's website for details on how many accessible slots there are.

Watch Changing or Replacing RAM on a Laptop.


OMPATIBILITY CHECKLIST:

Memory USE → You Can get idea of Windows' memory use by pressing Ctrl-Shift-Esc to run Task Manager on XP and Vista. If you need more momory, there wil be tell-tale signs in everyday use. Long program loading times, extensive hard disk activity and slow-downs in Windows are all indications of low memory.

Memory Slots → Most laptops have one or two memory slots under the keyboard or behind a cover on the base if none is empty, you can upgrade only by swapping existing modules for higher capacity equivalents. Don't buy more memory than your computer can handle. The 32-bit version of Windows can cope with 3.3GB the 64-bit version of the OS can handle more than the maximum amount of memory supported by all current laptops.

Memory Type → Before buying your memory modules find out your computers memory type from its manual or the manufacturer's website, or use the configuration tools at a memory such as www.kingston.com or www.crucial.com. If you model isn't listed, try the System Scanner tool on Crucial's websites. If all else fails, check the information sticker on a existing module.