The eMachines line of computers are often known as low cost, well performing computers, but if your computers are running slow, it might be time to take a look at eMachine memory pricing and costs to speed up that slow processor. Video production software, games and desktop publishing software can take up a lot of space on your computer, and if you are running these applications simultaneously, it can turn your computer from a hare to a tortoise. If your business focuses on a tight deadline schedule, you can't afford to have slow computers affecting your productivity.

Upgrading or replacing eMachine ram can be a lower cost solution than replacing the entire computer. This is especially true if you have multiple computers. With the simple task of giving an eMachine memory upgrade, it will be like you just purchased a new computer with a new processor.

1. Find out how much eMachine computer memory you currently have available

2. Locate a reputable dealer to purchase memory ram for eMachine

3. Compare prices on memory for eMachine on auction sites

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Examine the computers eMachines memory that is free for use

Prior to searching for a memory upgrade, find out how much eMachine memory is free on the current computers in your office. This can usually be done by locating the information that came with your computer, but if that is not available, you can use the Internet to research the model of eMachine you have and find out how much standard memory was installed.

I recommend: Go directly to eMachines and use their free product support tool on their website. You can input your product type, series and model to access the specifications that include standard memory. To check the available memory, which is the memory that is currently free on your system, find detailed instructions at Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences website.

Get the eMachines memory you need from an online dealer

There are many more options to getting more ram for your computer than going to the computer's manufacturer. You can use the Internet to search for ram for any make or model of computer. Make sure you know exactly what you need and compare prices before you make a purchase.

I recommend: Depending on your model of eMachine, MemoryStock has ram ranging from modules starting at $20 to a 512MB module for approximately $200. This price is only for the ram, it does not include installation. Over at 4 All Memory, you can purchase a 1GB module for $25 and a 512MB module for $20. Again, this is for the ram only, and not the installation.

Take a look at online auctions for deals and steals on ram for eMachines

You don't have to limit yourself to purchasing from a dealer for the eMachine memory card. You can spend some time comparing prices at auction sites. Often times, retailers will participate in these auctions as another way to get their products in the public's eye.

I recommend: Cruise on over to eBay to find multiple listings for eMachine ram. Depending on your model of machine, prices start as low as $5 for 128 MB of ram. At eBid, you can locate 32MB of ram for as low as $2 and a whopping 4GB of ram for $200. Both of these auction sites only offer the product and not installation.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are going to purchase your eMachine memory from an auction site, make sure that the product comes with some kind of guarantee or warranty. If something goes wrong, you need to make sure that you are covered for repair costs or replacement.

eMachines computers are inexpensive and most often come standard with the bare minimum amount of memory. With today's software programs, games and need-it-yesterday way of computing, you need the latest and greatest from your equipment.

By upgrading your eMachine memory along with your hard drive, video card and other computer parts, you create a seemingly new system for a fraction of what you'd pay for a new computer.

Upgrade your computers' eMachines memory to:

1. Make your computer fun faster during basic and complex tasks, just by installing more e Machine memory.

2. Play the latest games and use the latest programs. By upgrading eMachine computer memory, you stay current in the technology field.

3. Run multiple programs on your computer at once—browse the Internet, play music and write your report all at once with no lagging.

4. Save money by making small repairs instead of buying a new computer. Purchasing eMachine RAM is a fairly inexpensive way of updating your system.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Determine your current eMachine's memory

Find your current computer specifications by searching in Microsoft Windows for the System file in your Control Panel (Click the Start button, go to the Control Panel and click on System). If you have 256, 512 or even 1024 megabytes of eMachine computer memory, an upgrade is doable.

I recommend: Consider how much you use your computer and look at the programs you currently use, or wish you could use. New eMachines computers come standard with 1024 or 2048 mb of DDR2 Dual Channel RAM. You want your computer to be at least as current as the ones in the stores. Check online for types of memory and eMachine memory upgrade listings.

Decide which eMachine RAM you need and want

Now that you've discovered how much RAM you have, think about how much you need. Be aware that you can only go so high with your upgrade before your computer processor won't be able to handle it. If you're replacing your entire motherboard, you can get away with a higher RAM.

I recommend: Browse the eMachines catalog for brand specific eMachine computer memory products. Whether you have a desktop or a laptop, you can find the correct eMachine RAM upgrades for your specific computer model.

Contact the experts to help with your eMachine memory upgrade

EMachines customer service representatives assist you with any problems from setting up your new model to upgrading and adding onto your old one. If you need help choosing compatible RAM memory for eMachines models, ask your on-staff IT supervisor or an eMachines CSR to talk you through the process.

I recommend: Contact eMachines customer care online or at 408-273-0888 for eMachine memory information. Get live online assistance from an Internet retailer or ask a member of the Geek Squad to help.

Install your eMachine memory card yourself to save money

You don't have to pay a company to do eMachines RAM upgrades for you. You can install most desktop memory yourself by paying attention to how you removed the old memory card, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to replace the new card.

I recommend: Look at photos and diagrams of how to install memory for eMachine computers or computers in general. The Microsoft website offers step-by-step assistance and tips to correctly install RAM yourself. If you can't install it yourself, ask the Geek Squad to come to your office to do it for you.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Purchase memory RAM for eMachine computers directly from eMachines to make sure you have the correct memory for your computer. Many retailers sell cheaper brands that claim to be compatible--make sure this is true before you buy it.
• •  Install RAM for eMachines computers to make your computer run faster, but understand that a memory upgrade might not fix your problem. Clean your computer--delete old files, re-install your operating system and wipe dust that has collected inside the CPU to keep your computer running efficiently.

Upgrading your eMachine computer memory is a relatively simple endeavor. As with most modern computers, eMachine memory isn't proprietary. By looking up the model of your desktop or laptop on the manufacturer website, you can find out which is the compatible RAM memory for eMachines in your office. RAM for eMachines in older product lines can be more difficult to find.

The following steps will help you find the best eMachine memory advice and ratings:

1. Find out which eMachine RAM you need for your model of desktop or laptop.
2. Read reviews of RAM currently on the market to decide which eMachines memory to purchase.
3. Check out consumer reviews of compatible RAM memory for eMachines at online retailers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take the first step--figuring out which eMachines RAM upgrades are right for your computer

The best place to find out which eMachines RAM upgrades are compatible with your desktop or laptop is to contact the manufacturer directly. Keep in mind that it is often better to find out what type of RAM you need from the company, then write the information down and price check that model elsewhere. It's generally cheaper to actually purchase the RAM elsewhere.

I recommend: The company eMachine is owned by Gateway, and they provide multiple support resources on their website. You can also contact them by phone at (866) 586-2237, 5AM to midnight PST seven days a week. Select your product from the dropdown menus on the Gateway eMachines website for detailed specifications. If you're not comfortable looking up this information for yourself, you can speak online with an eMachine Chat support specialist who can tell you everything you need to know.

Examine your options for an eMachine memory upgrade by consulting sites specializing in memory

Many websites that specialize in memory provide a list of memory upgrades that are compatible with specific computer models. These sites will help you decide which eMachine memory upgrade is right for your computer.

I recommend: Check out the selections at MemoryStock and Memory Store. Both websites list the memory that will work with specific eMachine computers. Both sites also feature live help, so you can easily get additional advice about the right eMachine computer memory products for your model.

Find reviews of RAM for eMachines on popular online retailers

Once you know which models of RAM are compatible with your current computers, eMachines memory can be purchased from a variety of sources. Online retailers will often list customer reviews of the different RAM in their inventory, which will help you decide which eMachine memory upgrade is best for your system.

I recommend: TigerDirect lists their most popular memory on the main memory page. You can drill down to each individual memory to find out how users to the site rated that particular model or brand. Crucial has a similar feature, except you can see the user rating directly on the main RAM page.

The eMachine, an affordable computer made by a small California company, is one way to enjoy modern computing at lower prices. But, as with all PCs and personal computer models, some simple accessories can sometimes be necessary to keep everything running smoothly. Businesses having trouble with the capacity of an e-Machine can often get results by adding memory to the equation. Knowing about some common terms for updating your e-Machine's memory can help in these situations.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Specifications

Specifications is the term for all of the capabilities your e-Machine shipped with. Users should check specifications to see how much memory was originally allocated to the machine.

I recommend: See more on specifications at Bay Wolf.

Processor

The computer processor or CPU is the element that drives activity on any machine or other personal computer. Lack of memory or poor maintenance can both cause the e-Machine computer to work more slowly and impair the results from the processor.

I recommend: See more about the computer processor at Webopedia.

RAM

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the structure that allows space for the computer to interpret the results from the processor. RAM can be added to the e-Machine as an additional accessory if speed becomes a problem for usage.

I recommend: Read more about RAM at Knowledge Base, a Web resource from Indiana University.

Internal and auxiliary memory

Internal memory is memory that operates while the computer is running to enable speedy processing. Auxiliary memory stores information when a computer is not in use.

I recommend: See more about these two types of memory at Kioskea.

Hard drive maintenance

If speed is a problem with your e-Machine, it may be that hard drive maintenance is involved. Proper maintenance such as defragmenting a disc, clearing a desktop, or dealing with unused programs may make a computer run faster without needing to install additional memory, which is a good save if a business does not want to invest in additional memory accessories.

I recommend: For more about hard drive maintenance and its role in preventing slower speed for computers, take a look at this page from Help With PCs.com.

Motherboard

A motherboard is a term referring to the central computer unit housed within the e-Macine shell. Memory access reads are integrated into the motherboard for quicker use.

I recommend: See tips on integrating more memory into a motherboard design at Build Your Own Computer Tips.