Computer Memory
How low can the price go?
Will the price ever go up?

Right now, the American public is looking at the cheapest RAM prices in history

Depending on your type of computer, you can get a 128 megabyte stick for $25 and 256 Megs for an amazing $45. Apple Macintosh prices are similar. New Macs (anything in color) usually can take standard RAM sizes and specs.

This does not include shipping and handling and you'll need to install the RAM yourself.

adapted from http://pcsupport.about.com/compute/pcsupport/library/weekly/aa080700a.htm

Primer:  Random Access Memory (RAM)
Let's start with a description of what RAM is. Memory is just what it sounds like storage space for your data. But keep in mind, in contrast to your hard drive, RAM is short-term memory. When you turn the machine off, your computer forgets everything in RAM.



Warning:  If you've never been inside your computer, consult a local computer guru. If none are available, bring it to a reputable shop and have them install the RAM.

What kind of RAM do I have?
 

  1. Check the BIOS
  2. Check the manuals and spec sheets
  3. Physically look at the memory



2nd Warning  - if you don't know heads or tails of the guts of your computer and/or haven't inserted or removed memory before, you may need help. You could risk breaking your computer mand it's not covered under warrenty, and that would be bad.

BIOS - if you know how to boot into the window before Microsoft Windows, or quickly look at the screen before Windows starts, you might see the size and type of RAM in the computer. This way is not as reliable as opening the case (which you'll need to do).

Check with the manufacturer to see what type of RAM you need. The statistics are often listed in the bundle of papers and manuals you got with the computer. You did save them didn't you?

Crucial Memory offers a Memory Module Identification webpage - find it at http://www.crucial.com/library/memorymodid.asp

To indentify the memory, you'll remove the case cover and carefully note the memory slots available. You'll need to have one or two open slot(s). If need be - pop out a memory stick to see (or someone you know who is knowledgeable) what kind is it. You may not be able to tell If your memory stick had two slots in it, then you're in luck for the lowest prices.

I remember buying 2 sticks of 2-MB ram for $300, I was getting a good deal.