I’ve never heard of anyone suffering from a surfeit of sex.

Have you? 😉

I Saw this Thunder Thighs’ Trash in 1979

Likewise with memory in your PC or Mac.

More memory never hurt any computer user.

The more memory your computer has, the more fun you have. Because the more things you can get accomplished.

Adding memory makes your computer operating system (underlying software in your computer like Windows or OS X) and the applications run faster.

It’s not uncommon to find that when you double your memory, the speed of your computer too doubles.

My iMac came with 4GB of memory, which I initially considered adequate.

But then I started getting the dreaded beach ball that Mac users with too little memory are familiar with.

Once I popped in an additional 16GB of memory (purchased from Amazon for $72 in October 2012 and now $118.88), I can’t stop my Mac from flying.

Just in case you’re curious, I purchased the Corsair 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 SODIMM Memory Kit (CMSO16GX3M2A1333C9).

A Memory Module

What is Memory?

Think of memory as the workspace of your Windows PC or Mac.

Memory is where your programs and data must stay before your processor (be it Intel or AMD) can act upon them.

Memory is usually called RAM (Random Access Memory).

Why?

Elementary, My Dear Watson!

Because any location of memory can be accessed!

Memory Upgrades

You don’t need to have a degree in computer science to upgrade the memory in your computer.

On most Windows PCs or Macs, it’s just a matter of removing the screws on the case of your computer.

It’s good to have the right tools though.

Since my computer is an expensive iMac 27-inch gadget, I did not want to use any of the Dollar Store screwdrivers!

So I purchased the Wiha 26194 Screwdriver Set, Phillips With Precision Handles (4 Piece) for $14.31 from Amazon.

There are two ways to add extra memory to your PC/Mac – Put the memory modules in the vacant slots on the motherboard or replace existing memory with higher-capacity memory.

Caution: While installing memory, it’s important you prevent electrostatic discharge by touching a metal piece before starting and ensure that the memory chip is properly seated in the slot.

In the U.S., Amazon and Newegg are good places to get cheap memory.

Buying memory from Apple or any of the PC vendors is an invitation to get buggered.

Bottom Line

If you can afford it, max out your memory.

Even if you can’t afford it, max out the memory in your PC, particularly if you’re running resource intensive applications like Photoshop.

Early PCs could recognize only 1MB of memory.

But today’s PCs can handle a lot more memory, up to 64GB.

If you’re talking 64-bit processors, they can support up to 1TB of memory.

As usual, there’s a big difference between theoretical capacity and real limits. Maximum memory is constrained by the motherboards and chipsets of your computer.

So read the manual of your PC carefully before ordering extra memory.

Memory is not expensive in the U.S.

Skip a few visits to Starbucks or order fewer Dum Biryanis at an Indian restaurant on Oak Tree Road, Pioneer Blvd or Devon Ave, and, voila, there’s more than enough money for a memory upgrade!

Bottom line, memory is one of the best investments you can make in your computer.