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Q&A: How can I find out which RAM to buy for my PC?

Posted on February 2, 2024

Note: The links in this post are affiliate links.

Question from Chris:  My family has two laptops and a desktop computer, all of which need more RAM. How can I find out which type of RAM to buy for each computer?

I checked online and there’s DDR, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, DIMMs, SODIMMS, etc. and they all seem to operate at different speeds. It’s all so confusing!  [Read more…]

Q&A: How can I find out how much RAM is in my Mac?

Posted on May 21, 2022

Question from Randy:  I have a two year old Mac desktop computer that runs great, but I heard Macs run a LOT faster if they have at least 16GB of RAM installed.

I’d love to upgrade mine to 16GB if it currently has less than that in it.

The thing is I have no idea how much RAM is in it right now. How can I find out?  [Read more…]

Q&A: Will I have to reinstall Windows if I upgrade my PC’s RAM?

Posted on April 11, 2022

Question from Connor:  I’m thinking of swapping out all of my RAM for a better set, and I was wondering if I would need a fresh Windows install to make it work.

If reinstalling Windows isn’t required, but recommended, please tell me why that is. Thanks!

Rick’s answer: [Read more…]

Q&A: Where can I buy RAM for an older laptop and have them install it for me?

Posted on March 21, 2021

Question from Benji P.:  Rick, I took my eight year old HP laptop to Best Buy over the weekend to have them upgrade the RAM for me.

This machine only has 4GB and I want to bump it up to 8GB. I know it can use 8GB because I looked it up.

After some back and forth the guy told me I shouldn’t waste my money upgrading a machine that was that old and proceeded to try to sell me a new computer. I don’t want a new laptop. I like this one!

My question is do you know of a place in the Raleigh, NC area that will upgrade the memory for me? Or is this something that I can possibly do myself?

Rick’s answer:   [Read more…]

Q&A: Did I just trash my laptop?

Posted on November 8, 2019

dell-inspiron-14zQuestion from George.:  I think I might have messed up big time Rick, and I’m hoping you can help me.

I ordered new RAM for my old (but beloved) Dell Inspiron 14z laptop, and when it arrived I was so excited that I absent-mindedly tried to install it without shutting the system down.

Dummy me, I removed the battery but forgot to shut the system down or unplug the charger. As soon as I inserted the first of new RAM stick I saw a spark. My heart just sank.

Now the computer won’t turn on. No lights, no sound, and the screen stays black when I press the power button. I tried re-installing the original RAM and even tried a hard reset. Nothing works.

I know the battery and charger are working because I tried them with my wife’s laptop (they are the same exact model).

Is there something else I can try, or is my laptop toast? I’m hoping it’s a simple fix because the warranty ran out a LONG time ago.

Rick’s answer:   [Read more…]

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