How to change RAM in BIOS?

How to Add RAM to a Computer & Change the BIOS

• Answer:

  Maybe you want to boot from a flash drive or set a system password. These are easy settings to adjust using your computer's BIOS. Adding RAM can be just as simple, and it's a relatively inexpensive way to reinvigorate a sluggish computer. But with so many different types of RAM available, you need to make sure you're adding the right kind and the right amount. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Things You'll Need Static-free work area Instructions Change BIOS settings Boot your computer and then press the proper key, or keys, on your keyboard to access the BIOS. Not every computer uses the same key. Instructions about what to press will appear on your monitor for several seconds after booting. If you don't press the key in time, your computer will launch the operating system and you'll have to start over. In the Resources section below is a link to a list of BIOS access command keys. Adjust settings by navigating the BIOS text menu with your keyboard. The menu items vary by manufacturer, as well. You should see categories like, or similar to, "Power Management," Boot Sequence," "Supervisor Password" and others. If you decide to not change anything, look for the key that lets you exit without saving. Save your changes and exit. Next time your computer reboots, those settings should take effect. Adding RAM Find out what type of RAM you need. Don't mix RAM types. If your machine has DDR PC-2700 installed, don't get DDR2 PC-3200. Use what your computer manual says to use, or open your computer and carefully examine what's installed. Crucial or Kingston offer great tools that will do the work for you: free memory scanners. Check out the links for them in the Resources section below. They will let you know how much you have, what kind it is and the maximum amount your machine can hold. Match the RAM speed, the amount and even the brand, if at all possible. These aren't ironclad rules, but you risk inefficiency and instability if you don't do this. For example, if you have a 2 GB 266 MHz stick installed and you want to add an additional 2 GB, buy another 2 GB 266 MHz stick instead of two 1 GB 266 MHz sticks or one 2 GB 333 MHz stick. Unplug your machine from the electrical outlet, or remove the power cord from the back of the computer before opening the case. Also guard it from static electricity by wearing an anti-static wristband or resting your computer on an anti-static pad. Touch metal framework in your case before anything else to discharge a possible static spark. What might seem like a harmless shock to you can damage electronics. Keep the new RAM in its static-free packaging until you're ready to install it. Carefully insert the RAM stick in an open memory slot on the motherboard. Don't touch the golden pins that plug into the slots, and don't leave empty slots between sticks--insert them side-by-side and make sure the connectors are locked. Boot your computer. Your screen should indicate your machine has detected the new RAM and then launch your operating system.