Is it safe for me to put a RAM stick from my old computer into my new one to make it run faster?

Question

My old computer "fried" or "blew up" (i think from overheating). I tried to fix it by opening it up and like cleaning the insides or something... didnt work... so i decided to call it a dead computer. Before i threw it away... i noticed it had one RAM stick in its slot (only 1??? no wonder it was so slow) I kept the RAM stick until i got my new pc... which i got yesturday. The old computer was full of viruses and had used memory. Im thinking the viruses will stay on the pc and the I could just delete the used software on it. So to get to the point... is it safe to install it on my computer?

Answer 1

The memory modules should be the same and compitable,forcing thee RAM if its not the same type will likely fry you motherboard and components.

Answer 2

No because it probably won't work.

http://www.crucial.com/

Answer 3

Only if it is the same size as the RAM in your new computer, and it is the same type of RAM.  Otherwise, it will either do nothing, or mess up your computer.

Answer 4

Depends...

If the memory from your old computer runs at 400mHz...

And your new computers memory runs at 667mHz..

Then your memory will run at the slowest speed.. 400 Mhz...

In that case it will slow it down... But check.. maybe they are the same.. I don't know

Answer 5

No i wouldnt bother. either nothing will happen ( wont recognize the extra memory ) or your computer may not start up properly. good rule of thumb is to always make sure  your memory sticks are from the same brand name and type to avoid problems.

Answer 6

Well, first of all... Memory cards don't hold anything. So viruses won't be on the memory card. Second... If it fits... it's possible. Just make sure to shut down and remove it if you see any signs of problems after installing the new card.

Answer 7

Actually its completly safe. RAM doesnt store your files and programs, hard drives do. RAM is just used as virtual memory. It saves information from your hard drives for quick storage to run programs. Make sure to find out how much your new computers motherboard can handle first though