Technical Support

The term "memory" refers to RAM (Random Access Memory). A computer uses RAM to hold temporary instructions and data needed to complete tasks. This enables the computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit) to access instructions and data stored in memory very quickly.

This starts when you enter a command from your keyboard or mouse. The CPU interprets the command and instructs the hard drive to load the command or program into memory. When loaded into memory, the CPU is able to access it much more quickly than if it had to retrieve it from the hard drive.

This process allows you to keep all the files you need handy and avoid searching in several places every time you need them, and you can therefore get work done more quickly with less time spent waiting for the computer to perform tasks.

Adding more memory to a computer system will increase the performance, (usually quite dramatically).

When there isn't enough room in memory for all the information the CPU needs, it has to get some memory from somewhere, so the computer sets up what's known as a virtual memory file. This file is located on your hard drive and uses a percentage of the drive to simulate additional RAM (also known as memory cache). This process slows the system down.

With a memory upgrade, applications respond more quickly, Web pages load faster, and you can have more programs running simultaneously. In short, additional memory increases performance, making your computer faster, more reliable, highly productive and far more enjoyable to use.

Server performance has a huge impact on the performance of a network: if a server is performing poorly, everyone on the network "feels the pain". So, while a memory upgrade on an individual PC makes a big difference only for the person who uses it, a memory upgrade in a server has far-reaching effects and benefits everyone who accesses the server.

YES, upgrading memory in any computer is a very quick and simple process. You do not require special tools (except for a screwdriver) or expertise. Once the memory is installed the computer will automatically recognise and use the extra memory. We supply an installation guide with every order. You can also view and download our installation guide below and view our installation videos to the right.

To find the type of memory you need simply select your computer make and model using the dropdown menu on the Mr Memory Home Page.

RAM is an abbreviation for Random Access Memory.

A computer uses RAM to hold temporary instructions and data needed to complete tasks. This enables the computer's CPU (Central Processing Unit) to access instructions and data stored in memory very quickly.

Dual-Channel is a technology which doubles the data throughput from the memory to the CPU. For Dual-Channel mode to function, memory modules must be installed in matched pairs e.g 2 x 512MB or 2 x 1GB etc. If memory is installed in unmatched pairs e.g 512MB plus 1GB - then Dual-Channel mode is simply disabled, however the computer will still function correctly if the memory is not matched.

Dual-Channel is simply an additional function, however this is not available on all computers. If your computer accepts and utilises Dual Channel memory we ALWAYS recommend you use this as in doing so you will gain around 15% to 20% in performance of the memory.

Triple Channel works the same as Dual Channel but is limited to DDR3 memory and requires you to install 3 matched modules.

ECC stands for "Error Correction Codes" and is a method used to detect and correct errors introduced during storage or transmission of data. Certain kinds of RAM chips inside a computer implement this technique to correct data errors and are known as ECC Memory.

ECC Memory chips are predominantly used in servers. There are other types of ECC memory which include Registered and Fully Buffered modules. Some systems do not support registered memory, others require registered memory, and many more give you the option to use registered or unregistered memory.

The use of registered memory is recommended for server-class systems. It is not useful on gaming systems. Please check which memory your system requires as 99% of household PC's (Personal Computers) DO NOT require ECC memory.

Click here for more ECC Memory FAQ's

In short the answer is NO!

There is an act of court called the Magnuson-Moss act (passed in 1975) which protects your right to use third party memory (supplied by MrMemory.co.uk) in an appropriate computing system without voiding system or service warranties offered by the manufacturer.
This act states that tie-in sales provisions are NOT allowed in consumer warranties. Manufacturers cannot require consumers to purchase items or services in order to keep their warranty valid.
Essentially, the act states that a warrantor cannot require the consumer of their product (a computer) to buy an additional product or service (OEM memory) to be used with the original product in order to maintain the original product warranty.

In other words, you cannot be required to add the computer manufacturer's memory to maintain the warranty on the system. Also, the computer manufacturer cannot state that the system warranty is void if other "brands" of peripherals are used.

For example:
If you purchased ABC computer but chose to use XYZ brand memory, ABC Company cannot void the warranty or refuse to provide service on your ABC computer.

Please click here for a full explanation of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty act

Yes, more memory will have a positive affect on the speed of your browser, however please note that Internet browsing speed depends on a number of factors such as your connection speed.

You will notice most improvement from additional RAM if you are viewing or working with large files (photos, digital audio & video), or if you switch often between your browser and other applications.

This is because Mr Memory are able to supply memory modules made by various different manufacturers. We do this so we can always be certain of offering the modules at the lowest prices. All memory we supply meets or exceeds the highest industry standards and undergoes testing to ensure it will perform as required, this is why we offer a FULL Lifetime Warranty on all memory supplied.

Installing memory supplied by Mr Memory will not void your system warranty.

Download our Free Memory Installation Guide PDF




Equipment needed



1. Screwdriver (for removing the computer case or memory panel).
2. Computer manual (to show location of memory slots).

Installation Process

1. Make sure that you are working in a static-safe environment. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your work space.
2. Fully shut down your machine in the correct way. Once the machine has turned off remove the power cable. For Laptops, Notebooks and Netbooks remove the power cord/cable and then the battery.
3. Discharge any residual power left in the machine by holding the power button for 2 seconds.
4. Refer to your computer manual when removing the computer case or memory panel on a Laptop, Notebook or Netbook.
5. Ground yourself by touching any unpainted metal surface on your computer's frame. This will remove any static electricity from your body or clothing.
6. Locate your computer's memory expansion slots (consult your computer manual). Do not use any tools in the removal or installation of memory modules.
7. Insert the memory module firmly into the slot as shown in the diagrams below.
8. If you cannot locate the second memory slot on a Laptop, Notebook or Netbook, it may be located under the keyboard. If you are unable to find the slot, or are unsure of how to access it please consult your user manual, or refer to the support pages on the manufacturer's website. * Pick up the memory chip by the top or sides. Do not touch the silver or gold contacts at the bottom, because even the slightest oil from your fingers can interfere with the connection.

Installation Diagrams

SODIMM - Laptops, Notebooks, Netbooks

Firmly place SODIMM in at 45° angle, and then push down until clips snap into place.

DIMM - Desktops, Servers, Printers

Using firm, even pressure, push DIMM into socket until clips snap into place. Do not assist clips.

In the unlikely event of experiencing any issues during or after installation, we ask that before contacting us, you check the following as applicable:

1. Ensure the memory is installed correctly and fully inserted into the slot (see diagrams above).
2. Remove all the memory from the computer; try one of the modules we supplied on it's own in slot number 1 - check to see if it works. Now re-try this with each memory module we supplied. When testing the memory please ensure only one slot is filled and all other slots are empty.
3. Place the existing memory in the second slot, this would show if the second slot does not work.
4. Refer to the description on the original module and compare this to the product we supplied. Is it the same type of memory module?
5. Check if you have the latest BIOS setting for your Notebook / Desktop, (this can be found on the manufacturers website under the support and downloads section - it is free and only takes a couple of minutes to upload to your machine). On occasions the BIOS settings prevent the motherboard from reading the maximum memory available per slot.

In most cases no, you can simply add the new module(s) to your computer without removing the old module(s).

If however you have all the slots filled and you wish to upgrade then you will have to remove at least 1 module. For example, if your computer has two slots with 2 x 512MB modules, and has a maximum capacity of 2GB, you'll need to remove the 512MB modules and add two 1GB modules to maximize your memory.

Keep in mind that with some computers, especially those using dual-channel mode, you'll need to make sure the modules are the same size and speed and are installed in pairs.

If you have been advised to update your BIOS to get the memory to work you can do this free of charge by visiting the website of the manufacturer of your computer or motherboard.

Doing this is simple, select the range and model number of your computer and select the relevant BIOS update, this will then be done automatically and will only take a couple of minutes.

Please use the dropdown menu to the right to open the support website for your manufacturer. If your manufacturer is not listed simply use a search engine to find the manufacturers website, then select the Support or Downloads section.

Please note: We recommend you have your computer connected to the mains to prevent it from running out of power during the update. We also advise that you always refer to your user manual or the manufacturers advice before carrying out a BIOS update.

If your new module has a different part number to the module already installed, you can rest assured you have the right part. The module(s) we supply are guaranteed to be compatible with any given system (as stated).

On older systems (DDR and earlier) you generally get the best performance if you put the largest module in the lowest-numbered slot. For example, if your computer comes with 256MB of removable memory and you want to add a 512MB module, it would be best to put the 512MB module into slot 0 and the 256MB module into slot 1.

If you have a system which supports dual-channel mode (some DDR systems and most DDR2 / DDR3 systems), the slot selection DOES matter. First of all, you are likely installing memory in pairs to take advantage of the increased performance from dual-channel. Both modules must be placed into the SAME bank on the motherboard.

How do you know which slots are in the same bank? Well, it varies from board to board, usually the slots for each channel are numbered or coloured the same. If you're not able to determine which slots belong to which bank/channel, check your computer's user manual.

On rare occasions we will ship you a faster speed memory module than what you ordered, at no additional charge; this is due to current stock levels.

Rest assured that this memory will function at or above the level of the memory you originally ordered.

Normally faster memory will "clock down" (reduce its speed) on its own to match the speed that your computer requires. Please note not all systems will allow this, and unlike other memory suppliers we know the difference. If Mr Memory supplies an alternate speed for a specific computer it will be guaranteed to work.

Depending on your computer you may not have to install memory modules in matched pairs*.

In general it is perfectly acceptable to mix different capacity memory modules together, so a 512MB module can be added to the 256MB module to give 768MB in total, however there are models which require installation in pairs. Please refer to the 'important information' on the memory upgrade page for your model or refer to your computer's manual.

* One exception would be for dual-channel systems, if your computer supports Dual-Channel, it is recommended (for best performance) to install memory in matched pairs. This also applies to Tripple-Channel DDR3 systems where you can install 3 matched modules to achieve the best performance.

Please check if your system requires installation in pairs before making your purchase.

Please refer to your computers manual, if you do not have it to hand you will be able to view it free of charge by visiting the Manufacturers website (please use the dropdown menu to the right to open the support website for your manufacturer).

Ensure that the memory you have installed is seated correctly and pushed in firmly, then try turning the computer on again. If this does not resolve the problem it could be that the memory has incurred a fault, please contact our Customer Care department for further assistance or to arrange a replacement - Contact Customer Care.

Most non-server editions of Windows 32-bit (X86) are restricted by a 4Gb memory limitation. When you install 4Gb or above into a machine with a 32-bit version of Windows the amount of usable Memory (RAM) available will vary between 3Gb & 3.5Gb.

This is because Windows 32-bit cannot address more than 4Gb of Memory (RAM). You may also loose a small percentage of memory for the use of the on-board graphics and/or video card, although the amount of memory these devices use can be adjusted in the BIOS (consult you computer handbook for details).

Click here to read about memory limitations in Windows Starter Editions.

The location of the memory slots in notebooks differs from machine to machine - there are 3 possible places they will be found:

1) Both underneath the base sitting side by side.

2) Both underneath the base sitting one on top of the other. You need to remove the top one to access the empty slot.

3) One under the base and one under the keyboard. To access the slot under the keyboard is actually very easy. Please refer to your computers manual - if you do not have this to hand you will be able to view it free of charge by visiting the Manufacturers website.

Look at the description on the original module and compare this to the piece we supplied, to see if it differs. If it is the same then there may be an issue with how you are installing it - please refer to the installation guide above.

If however the description is different and it will not fit at all then please contact our Customer Care department to arrange a replacement - Contact Customer Care.

Ensure that the memory you have installed is seated correctly and pushed in firmly, please refer to the installation guide we supplied.

If this does not resolve the issue then remove all the existing memory and try installing the new memory module (or one of them if you purchased several) in the first slot, now try turning on the computer. If the computer starts then you know that module is working. Now try the same operation with each of the memory modules supplied. This will show which, if any, of the memory module(s) we supplied have incurred a fault.

If you find all memory modules work on their own in the first slot but do not work when together with other memory modules please contact our Customer Care department for assistance - Contact Customer Care.

Look at the description on the original module and compare this to the piece we supplied, to see if it differs. If it is the same then there may be an issue with how you are installing it - please refer to the installation guide above.

If however the description is different then it may be due to the density of the memory module, please contact our Customer Care department for assistance - Contact Customer Care.

Ensure that the memory you have installed is seated correctly and pushed in firmly, please refer to the installation guide we supplied. If this does not resolve the issue then remove all the existing memory and try installing the new memory module (or one of them if you purchased several) in the first slot, now try turning on the computer. If the computer starts then you know that module is working, now try the same operation with each of the memory modules supplied. This will show which, if any, of the memory module(s) we supplied have incurred a fault.

If you find all memory modules work on their own in the first slot but do not work when together with other memory modules please contact our Customer Care department for assistance - Contact Customer Care.

This could be because the memory is not installed correctly. Ensure that the memory you have installed is seated correctly and pushed in firmly, and try turning the computer on again. If this does not resolve the problem it could be that the memory has incurred a fault, please contact our Customer Care department for assistance or to arrange a replacement - Contact Customer Care.

Look at the description on the original module and compare this to the piece we supplied, to see if it differs. If it is the same then unfortunately this sounds like one of the memory module(s) has incurred a fault and you will need a replacement module; if it is different we will need to supply the matching part. Please contact our Customer Care department to arrange a replacement - Contact Customer Care.

No, the memory is not faulty. This has been found to be a common issue with Windows and we can resolve this by supplying memory with a different chipset. Please contact our Customer Care department to arrange a replacement - Contact Customer Care.

Yes, depending on the number of modules you are trying to install there is a specific pattern to follow. Please view the specific Mac Pro Installation Guide which you can find on the Apple website, if you cannot find this please contact our Customer Care department and we will be happy to provide it for you - Contact Customer Care.