3.6.4 Select the Correct Memory Module

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Questions and Answers

What is the first step in upgrading a laptop's memory?

Finding out the current memory installed (correct)

Checking for software updates

Installing new RAM immediately

Resetting the laptop's operating system

Which tool can be used to check the memory specifications on a laptop?

Control Panel (correct)

Task Manager

Disk Management

System Information

If a laptop has 8 GB of RAM installed, what is a possible reason for seeing only 7.89 GB usable?

The laptop is running a 32-bit operating system

The motherboard is outdated

Some RAM is reserved for the integrated video adapter (correct)

The RAM is malfunctioning

What limitation does a 32-bit version of Windows impose on system memory?

It supports only 4 GB of RAM maximum Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the WMIC tool in upgrading memory?

To view motherboard specifications Signup and view all the answers

Which factor does NOT affect the usable RAM in a system?

Presence of a 64-bit operating system Signup and view all the answers

Why must you ensure a 64-bit version of Windows is installed for memory upgrades?

To support more than 4 GB of RAM Signup and view all the answers

What command would you use within WMIC to check motherboard stats?

baseboard Signup and view all the answers

What command should you type to get the model number of the motherboard?

product Signup and view all the answers

Which third-party tool can be used to gather more detailed system information?

Speccy Signup and view all the answers

What type of RAM modules does the MSI H270-A Pro system support?

DDR4 Signup and view all the answers

What is one option for upgrading the memory on the MSI H270-A Pro?

Remove the existing 8-GB module and install four 16-GB modules Signup and view all the answers

What does the Crucial System Scanner analyze?

Installed memory and compatible upgrades Signup and view all the answers

What type of information can you NOT find using the WMIC tool?

Memory type Signup and view all the answers

How many memory slots does the user have available in the example given?

3 Signup and view all the answers

Which feature is NOT offered by the Crucial Advisor tool?

System scanning Signup and view all the answers

What is the maximum total amount of RAM supported by the MSI H270-A Pro system?

64 GB Signup and view all the answers

What is the first action you must take to use the Crucial System Scanner?

Download the scan tool Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Selecting the Correct Memory Module

To upgrade laptop memory, first determine existing RAM amount, system capacity, and supported memory type.
Use Control Panel: Search for "cont" and open Control Panel app. Navigate to System & Security > System to check installed RAM.
Installed RAM may not be fully usable due to integrated video adapter (stealing RAM) or 32-bit OS limitations (4 GB maximum).
64-bit OS allows more than 4 GB of RAM.
Windows uses about 0.5 GB of RAM for addressing and drivers.

Identifying Motherboard Specs

Use WMIC (Windows Management Instrumentation Command Line) tool: Open elevated Command Prompt, type "wmic", then "baseboard get" followed by criteria like manufacturer, product, or version.
Find motherboard's make, model, and version number to research compatible RAM.

Utilizing Third-Party Tools

Speccy (third-party tool): Identify installed RAM type and free slots. RAM type may not be known.
Crucial System Scanner (third-party tool): Analyze the system, detect RAM type, and list compatible upgrades.
- Crucial detected an MSI H270-A Pro system.
- Supports up to four 16 GB modules, allowing for 64 GB max RAM.
- System uses DDR4 RAM modules.
- Three slots are currently empty.
- Current module is 8GB. -Possible upgrade options: Remove 8GB & install 4x16GB or leave 8GB & install 3x16GB.

Summary

Demonstrated tools for finding system memory and compatible upgrades.
Used WMIC for motherboard identification.
Used third-party tools for in-depth RAM type determination.

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Description

This quiz provides essential information on selecting the correct memory module for upgrading laptop RAM. You will learn about how to check existing RAM and motherboard specs, as well as the benefits of using third-party tools. Understanding these components ensures you choose compatible RAM that enhances your laptop's performance.