Upgrading the RAM in an Old EMachines W3502

When it comes to computers, just about anything can go wrong at any given point. Of the different computer repair projects I have undertaken over the past few years, the most rewarding is upgrading the RAM. RAM upgrades improve overall performance of the system and speed up a variety of processes. The newer machines that many folks purchase today, which are running Windows 7, usually have at least 2GB of RAM. Older computers running Windows XP can have all sorts of different RAM combinations.

The machine in question is an eMachines W3502. Emachines are versatile computers, and while not exactly state-of-the-art, in my experience they are pretty reliable computers. For me, reliability and compatibility take the cake when it comes to computer selection.

The first step in any upgrade is to evaluate the current state of the system. Right out of the box the unit was equipped with 512MB of RAM. Sure under current hardware, that makes this guy something of a dinosaur, but the memory is expandable to 2GB. With two sockets for RAM sticks, this guy was going to see some extra speed and power.

The RAM specifications clicked in at PC3200 DDR SDRAM DIMMs, courtesy of the label on the front and several different websites (many of which sell compatible memory on the same page). Which normally would seem like a bunch of letters and numbers tossed together, but in the PC realm that gives the type of memory needed to complete the upgrade. For around $60 plus shipping the extra memory was on the way.

Once the memory arrived the time for the upgrade was here. Many people are a little squeamish when it comes to opening up their tower. And they should be, there are a lot of parts and components that are visible and the experience can be intimidating. However, experimenting on an older computer is a great way to learn.

The first thing object for the upgrade is to disconnect the tower and make sure the power is off. A well lit work area is essential to the operation, because you need to see what you are doing. A standard screwdriver helps remove a few silver screws from the back of the tower that hold the cover in place. Once the cover is off, the mother board and other components are visible.

A diagram exists on the tower that shows the location of the RAM. Since experience tells me the RAM area will have two slots side by side, I knew what I was looking for. The old card is removed by gently spreading the tiny clamps on the side of the card. Once the 512MB card was removed the two 1GB cards could be slid into place. Spreading the clamps slightly before pushing the RAM into place helps get into place, but the nice click sound will be the tell tale if everything is inserted properly.

Once the new RAM is in place, the cover gets reinstalled and the machine gets booted back up. At the usual start screen users will get the “System Memory has Changed” notification, which pretty much means the installation was successful and the upgrade is complete.


People also view

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *