Ram Memory can be a difficult thing for the novice computer user to purchase. The main reason for this is that only certain types of memory are compatible with specific computers. To add to the complexity, when buying ram, you also have the option of whether to buy budget memory, normal memory, or performance RAM. If you are considering performance RAM, you can check out this article to see if it is worth it for you. Let’s look at ways to make sure you get the correct memory for your specific and let’s answer the question of where to buy RAM memory.

Memory Scanner and Crucial

If you are at all worried that about picking out the correct memory for your PC, then I would highly recommend using the Crucial Memory Scanner. This tool will scan your computer and then lay out the options you have for upgrading. I personally think they make high quality memory and often recommend their hardware to friends and family. However, even if you don’t want to buy from them, it is worth using their memory scanner, taking note of the memory you need, and then purchasing the memory from your retailer of choice.

Reputable Online Stores

The next place I would recommend buying memory from would be reputable online stores. The one that comes to find first is Amazon. I personally prefer Amazon since they have great prices, great shipping options, and very good customer service. Two more solid choices are Newegg and Tigerdirect. I have ordered from both of these online retailers before and have had good experiences with them as well.

Your Local Hardware Shop

If you are pretty confident that you know the memory you need, you can always try your local computer hardware shop. You may end up paying a slightly higher price, but you also will be supporting a local business. Also, your local computer shop will likely have someone with vast hardware knowledge who you can help you get the parts you need. Along these same lines, you can also go to the bigger local stores like Best Buy, Staples, etc. To be honest, this is probably the last place I would go as I think their prices are too high. If you are willing to pay a higher price, you might as well get the personal attention you are likely to get from your local computer shop.

Hopefully at this point you have a good idea of where to buy RAM memory and what memory you need for your specific computer. One more thing that might be a helpful resource is this memory installation guide from Computer Hope.

Know another place where you can buy RAM? Let us know in the comments!