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Upgrading computer memory can be a challenging task for even the most advanced computer user. There are many challenges to overcome and decisions that you will need to make along the way. This media blog will assist you with step by step recommendations that should help simplify your task.

This is not designed to be a comprehensive guide that will cover every aspect of upgrading your memory, but more of a summary of the things you should consider before, during and after a memory upgrade.

The first and most important consideration is the type of memory to buy. You will need to consider the manufacturer, the socket type, the speed and the amount of RAM you will need.

Manufacturer.
Most computer memory is created equal, at least in it's first stages of life. Beyond that, it differs significantly. There are only a handful of silican manufacturers left in the world today who compete in the memory business. It used to be that all memory was made in the US, but back in the 80's, global forces took over and memory manufacturing moved offshore to places like Japan and Korea. The memory die (the package) is sold in batches to companies like Kingston, Corsair, OCZ, and many others and this is where the differences start to take shape. The better the company, the better the quality control and ultimately the better the product. You can gamble with generic memory, but my recomendation is to stick with a brand name company. It could save you hours of frustration in the long run.

Socket Type.
OK, now you've decided to go with a name brand product, it's time to figure out what type of memory your system supports. Desktop computers typically support 168 Pin SDRAM, 184 Pin DDR SDRAM, 184 Pin RDRAM or 140 Pin DDR2 SDRAM. You also need to know if the memory will work in a single configuration, or if you'll need to buy a pair of memory sticks. Additionally, you'll need to know what size and speed your motherboard support. Memory packages can range from 512MBytes all the way up to 4GBytes and range in speed from DDR 266 all the way up to DDR 500. Here is where you really need to dig out that manual that came with your system. Alternately you can call the manufacturer of your system, wait for an hour for technical support or go hunting on their website for the correct information. My experience says, if you don't have the manual, you are in trouble. Most motherboards do not have a part number or model number on them and most tech support people don't know what hemisphere they are in.

Amount.
I recommend you get the maximum that A) you can afford, and B) that your system will support. The bottom line is you can never have enough RAM and you don't want to have to go looking for that manual again in 6 months because your system has slowed to a crawl. You'll also find that if you need to upgrade again down the road, you probably won't be able to use all your memory chips because of limited space and will end up with memory that gets more use as a pair of earings.

OK, so now you have spent your hard earned money on some new RAM and it's time for the actual installation. All you'll need for this is a good work space, plenty of light, a screw driver (probably philips), a shot of Tequila, patience, and 2 bandages. The Tequila is for before the operation to calm your shaking hand and the bandages are to close up the gashes you sustained from the inside of your computer case whilst performing the surgery.

OCZ Link to memory Products:
http://www.ocztechnology.com/products/upgrade_memory/
Kingston Link to memory Products:
http://www.kingston.com/branded/default.asp