Category Archives: Upgrading

How much RAM Memory can I install in my Windows computer? What does it depend on?

Posted on August 3, 2020 by quill

Your computer has a certain number of sockets for memory on its logic board. That will define how many modules can be installed. The machine will also have a maximum RAM module size that can be addressed. In most cases, … Continue reading →

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What SSD drives and RAM fit Late-2012 and newer Macintoshes?

Posted on March 14, 2020 by quill

Starting with the Late 2012 models, Apple changed the format of drives and memory in most Macs. ( Link to pre-2012 model list ) MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models (including all the “Retina” screen models) lost the ability to … Continue reading →

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Q. Do I upgrade my Drive or my RAM?

Posted on March 7, 2020 by quill

Q. What is better, a SSD Drive upgrade versus a RAM upgrade? A. It depends a lot on what you are doing with your computer, whether you have an adequate amount of either right now, and what your goals are. … Continue reading →

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Q. My machine feels slower than before, what do I do?

Posted on February 25, 2020 by quill

Q. My machine feels slower than before, I have done all I know to make it feel like before but no luck – do I need to upgrade? A. Performance slows when your software demands more than your hardware can … Continue reading →

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Q. Why can you sometimes upgrade RAM to more than the manufacturer suggested?

Posted on February 21, 2020 by quill

1. How is that I can install more memory on my Apple machine than Apple supports? A. When manufacturers release a machine, the manuals are written with the available information at that time – for example, a machine may be … Continue reading →

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RyZen and DDR4 Memory – what to look for

Posted on September 10, 2019 by quill

AMD’s RyZen and RyZen third generation (Zen2) CPUs have rewritten the conventional wisdom around computer processors, the one that goes “Intel is the performance and innovation leader, and AMD follows behind with lower performance chips for the budget market”. The … Continue reading →

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iMac 2019 Memory configuration

Posted on September 4, 2019 by quill

The 27 inch iMac for 2019 (5K, 2019) introduced DDR4 memory at the 2666 MHz speed, and an upper limit of 128 GB RAM. DDR4-2666 (PC4-21300) non ECC SODIMMs. Apple originally stated a 64 GB limit, however 32 GB modules … Continue reading →

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Can I build a gaming computer under $1000 March 2018 edition

Posted on March 15, 2018 by quill

It’s March 2018 and we are revisiting our exercise in budget computing: Can we build a computer that will give acceptable gaming performance for under $1000 Canadian? Here’s what’s new: DDR4 RAM has doubled in price, and dragged SSD pricing higher along … Continue reading →

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I have lousy WiFi reception – what can I do?

Posted on May 1, 2015 by quill

I can’t get good WiFi reception in my living room, my router is in the basement on the opposite side of the house In order to achieve reliable WiFi performance, you have to get a strong radio signal from the router … Continue reading →

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How can I reinstall OSX and keep my bookmarks and mail?

Posted on April 27, 2015 by quill

I would like to do a reinstall my OSX as I am having problems. I do have a backup Can I transfer my browsers favorites, contacts and previous e-mails without losing them? Here are several specific points, but read this … Continue reading →

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How can I make a bootable OSX USB installer?

Posted on April 26, 2015 by quill

Reinstalling OSX on a Macintosh is sometimes necessary, whether you are upgrading or whether you need to repair a problem. The problem is that after Snow Leopard, Apple abandoned DVD media and gone exclusively to downloadable installers.  And, many recent … Continue reading →

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Can I build a $600 gaming machine?

Posted on April 26, 2015 by quill

The CAN$600 question is, can an uber-affordable machine deliver an acceptable gaming experience?  And the answer is: with the right expectations, yes. The first thing that has to go out the window is the idea that you have to play … Continue reading →

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Can I build a gaming computer under $1000? (Apr 2015 edition)

Posted on April 25, 2015 by quill

It’s April 2015 and we are revisiting our exercise in budget computing: Can we build a computer that will give acceptable gaming performance for under $1000 (In our 80 pound weakling Canadian dollars)? In the past year we have seen DDR3 … Continue reading →

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Memory for the new late Apple 2014 5K iMac, Mac Mini

Posted on October 19, 2014 by quill

Apple has released a 2014 model of the iMac, with a stunning new “5K” 27 inch Retina screen.  Happily, unlike the previous Retina iMac models, Apple included upgradeable memory in this configuration. It can go to a maximum of 32 … Continue reading →

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Can I build a gaming computer for under $1000 (Feb. 2014 edition)

Posted on February 21, 2014 by quill

Feb. 2014 An exercise in budget computing is to build a computer that will give acceptable gaming performance for under $1000.  In the past year we have seen hard drive prices skyrocket, then come back down to near normal pricing, … Continue reading →

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