How to Add Memory to an HP Computer

Adding memory or RAM to your HP computer is the single best way in which to increase performance. Once you have owned your computer for a period, it tends to slow down as you add more and more software to it. This causes the computer to begin to slow down in how it opens programs and particularly true for games played since these can consume many system resources. HP makes quite a few different computer models, so you will need to first find which memory your computer needs.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screwdriver
• Memory modules (RAM)

1. Step 1

   Verify the amount of memory your system can hold. To find this information, turn your computer off, then turn it back on and press the F1 or F10 several times until you see the BIOS screen display. The installed memory tells you what the current amount installed and the "memory banks" tells you what each bank holds. In order to figure the amount of RAM you can add; subtract the currently installed memory minus the maximum amount available for install.

2. Step 2

   Shut down your computer and unplug the cord from the socket. On the side of the tower is screws that need to be taken out and lay the tower on its side and pull the side panel in an upward type motion or a sliding motions depending your model so that is comes off.

3. Step 3

   Locate the memory sticks. These thin short boards stand on their side rather than lay flat and are next to the motherboard. You will either need to remove the current memory to add the new or simply add the new memory to an open slot. Most HP's have four available slots.

4. Step 4

   Remove the old memory stick(s) from the memory slots if you are adding larger amounts, press on one side of the clip at the end and this will release the memory stick so that you can easily remove it.

5. Step 5

   Install the new memory in an open slot by carefully holding the edges only and the small notches line up with the raised marks that is on the side of the module. Push down until the memory locks in place.

6. Step 6

   Replace the side panel and then use your screwdriver to replace the screws. Plug your computer back in and turn it on and press the F1 or F10 key repeatedly again to go back to the BIOS screen to make sure the computer recognizes the new memory you added.