Memory is like good health or money: You can never have too much of it, and when you find yourself in short supply, it can hurt.
Keeping your PC in the pink--at least in terms of memory-- is easier than ever. Though up from last year, RAM prices are still low, with 256MB of PC133 SDRAM selling for less than AU$150. And memory packaging now lets you add more RAM in a matter of minutes.
Operating systems and applications have grown more memory-hungry than ever. Windows, which could never be accused of having a modest appetite for RAM, practically gobbles it down in its XP incarnations. Typical business applications have bulked up as well and are always looking for more RAM to park their code. And if you've ever used a PC to edit digital video footage or render large image or audio files, you've probably watched your system slow to a crawl on at least one occasion.
In many cases, sluggish PC performance is a result of too little memory rather than inadequate processing power; most applications will hum along happily on a PC equipped with a 500MHz processor. But what will make them positively gleeful is a cushy amount of RAM where they can deposit themselves and the data that they're crunching.
Too much ain't enough
First, you should find out how much memory you have, how much you need, and how much will fit.
Types of RAM
We explain the different types of RAM and their packaging.
Slot machines
We'll tell you how to determine your current RAM configuration and how you can upgrade it.
Under the hood
Next, you'll have to install your new RAM modules.
RAM to go
Don't be intimidated; learn how to upgrade notebook memory.
RAM resources
We supply the info on the major memory suppliers.
Memory made easy
Check out our brief overview of the different types of RAM and their essential stats.
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