ReadyNAS Ultra 4 Plus memory upgrade

skpnsf wrote:
Is this a fairly easy hardware update for a moderately savvy computer user?

I think so. You should run the memory test for at least a few passes before trusting the memory. See http://www.readynas.com/kb/faq/boot/how_do_i_use_the_boot_menu

Do note that 3rd party memory upgrades are unsupported and you may be denied help to recover data if 3rd party memory causes data corruption and in any case will be expected to put the stock memory module back in before they can assist (so do keep it). Have a read of http://www.readynas.com/?page_id=83

skpnsf wrote:
Are there any software configurations that need to be done, or is it automatically configured?

Automatically configured.

skpnsf wrote:
Is there a specific brand or type of memory we should purchase?

Memory that matches the specifications (including layout) of the currently installed module as closely as possible. There are suggestions for the Ultra 4 Plus in the community compatibility list (http://www.readynas.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=110). Do note that memory manufacturers have been known to change memory modules rendering them incompatible without changing the module number, so I would look for recent suggestions.

Personally I wouldn't upgrade the memory. 1GB should be easily more than enough. Also see the note in http://www.readynas.com/kb/faq/hardware/is_there_a_way_i_can_verify_if_my_memory_is_good (this FAQ needs updating, how to run the memory test for the Ultra 4 Plus is explained in the boot menu link above) about running out of memory. Unless you really have a problem, I would not even consider upgrading the memory.

I had installed NAS Monitor and found my memory usage was never below 98%. I installed the 4 GB described here; viewtopic.php?f=110&t=53390
Now I'm running a more comfortable 50% and things seem more snappy.

Things may be a bit more snappy with more memory, but the 98% full is not a problem (it's by design) as explained in this FAQ I referred to earlier: http://www.readynas.com/kb/faq/hardware/is_there_a_way_i_can_verify_if_my_memory_is_good

Caching uses up the memory but the memory is freed up when needed.