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If you are fed up with how slowly your Mac opens applications and switches back and forth between them, you may want to consider installing more RAM. This will help you navigate from program to program more quickly and seamlessly. Here is a guide on how to install RAM in a Mac.
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If you are fed up with how slowly your Mac opens applications and switches back and forth between them, you may want to consider installing more RAM. This will help you navigate from program to program more quickly and seamlessly. Here is a guide on how to install RAM in a Mac.
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Introduction
- Does your Mac feel sluggish? Does it slow down when you use more than one application at a time? Installing more RAM in your computer will allow you to open programs faster and switch back and forth between them more rapidly. While it won't make your whole system quicker, speeding up the rate at which you move from program to program will make your computer experience feel more seamless and smooth.
Step 1: Determine the Need
- First, open up your Activity Monitor (In Applications in OS X), and click on System Memory. You should see a pie chart. Green and blue represent free and inactive memory, so if you see a lot of these colors then your RAM is just fine. If the chart is mostly red and yellow, then you are using most of your RAM and are probably running slower as a result.
Step 2: Ask Your Mac What it Needs
- Different Macs require different types of RAM. Your computer will tell you what you need.
Step 3: Interpret the Info
- At this point, you should see lists of information with the following headings:
- Memory Slot: This shows the form factor of your system's RAM. Most desktops use DIMMs, and most laptops use SODIMMs.
- Size: This is the capacity of RAM currently installed.
- Type: This used to be DDR for most Macs, but the latest versions use DDR2.
- Speed: This refers to your RAM's bus speed. Look for the number following the letters PC.
Step 4: Purchase Your RAM
- Now that you know what you need, you are ready to make a purchase. It is wise to stick with companies specializing in MAC, as bad RAM may be rejected and lead to application crashes.
Step 5: Install
- RAM is a memory card, and to install it you will need to first open your computer, find and remove the old RAM, and then insert the new card in the proper direction. Every Mac is different, and has its own precise installation method. Directions specific to your computer can be found online at www.apple.com/support. Just do a search for "Install RAM" along with your Mac type. Mac Support provides illustrated guides, and will list any tools you may need.
Conclusion
- Installing RAM will speed up the transitions when you navigate from application to application, and you do not need a computer expert to do your installation. With a little bit of research and trip to your nearest Apple retailer, you can do it yourself and be on your way to a smoother, faster computing experience.
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