One of your end-users would like to upgrade the memory in their desktop computer. What’s the best way to proceed with the memory upgrade?
A) Use the existing memory as a guide for the upgrade.
B) Memory purchased from large electronic retailers will work in most computers.
C) The computer manufacturer’s documentation will have detailed memory upgrade specifications.
D) Online web searches are the best source for accurate information on PC memory upgrades.
Answer: C) Refer to the manufacturer’s documentation for detailed memory specifications.
Personal computer systems are very particular about the kind of memory that they use. Memory modules are one of the most highly utilized resources in your system, and you want to be sure the memory that you choose for an upgrade is a perfect match for your computer.
To be sure you’re selecting the right memory modules, you’ll want to always reference the computer manufacturer’s documentation or the motherboard manufacturer’s documentation. The company that built the motherboard will always have the most accurate memory upgrade information, and you’ll often find tips for optimizing the speed and capacity of the memory upgrade.
The incorrect answers:
A) Use the existing memory as a guide for the upgrade.
Most memory modules have labels containing sets of numbers or manufacturer logos, but this information is relatively useless for determining memory types, speeds, or upgrade options. Don’t count on getting any useful information from existing memory modules.
B) Memory purchased from large electronic retailers will work in most computers.
Although electronics retailers usually carry the most popular memory modules, their memory won’t work in every instance, and certainly not on “most” computers. This becomes increasingly difficult as computers age, because large retailers won’t keep inventory for memory modules that are in low demand.
D) Online web searches are the best source for accurate information on PC memory upgrades.
The web is a great source of information, but there’s just enough mis-information out there to cause problems during memory upgrades. Where memory is concerned, there’s absolutely no room for any error. If you’re going online to research memory upgrades, just make sure you stick with the manufacturer’s web site and limit yourself to their information. Even online memory stores can make mistakes with their online memory upgrade wizards, so it pays to double-check with the manufacturer.
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Want to know more? Watch “Installing Memory.”The process of installing or upgrading a computer system’s memory is easy to accomplish if you have the right procedures in place. In this video, we’ll walk you through every step of memory installation. You’ll learn how to select the correct memory modules, how to physically install the new memory, and how you can check your work after the installation is complete. |