Does your old laptop seem slow? Does it struggle when you have lots of tabs open? Adding more RAM could help it work better.
RAM, or Random Access Memory, is important for the performance of your computer. When it runs out of physical memory, it begins swapping data to your hard drive, which significantly slows down processes. Here’s when you should upgrade your laptop’s RAM and how to do it yourself.
Install the new RAM in your laptop:
You will be able to install new RAM on your laptop without any advanced tech knowledge if you carefully follow the steps. However, before you begin, scroll down to the bottom of the article for further information on how to check your RAM usage, determine if your laptop can be updated, and choose an appropriate kind of RAM.
It should be mentioned that laptop internals vary in terms of design. The instructions below are broad guidelines that should apply to most computers, while the specifics will vary depending on the model.
Turn off your laptop and unplug it from any power source.
Turn your laptop over to find and remove any screws that will allow you to remove the base plate.
Clips are frequently used to secure SODIMM memory sticks. Locate these and keep in mind that RAM should be held by the edges rather than covering the gold connectors.
Release the clamps that hold the RAM in place on your laptop and remove the old RAM.
Insert the new RAM by holding it at an angle by the sides; the pins should line up with those in the slot.
Gently press down on the new RAM until it clicks into position under the clips.
Replace the base plate and tighten it down.
Turn on your laptop and go to Settings > System > About. You should be able to see the total amount of RAM installed here. If it is incorrect, you must repeat all previous steps to reseat the RAM.
Check your current RAM consumption:
These are the basic instructions, but there’s a lot more to know before you go out and get some new RAM sticks. Begin by looking at the memory use on your laptop. Open Windows Task Manager when your most demanding workload is open and running to evaluate if more resources are required. Here’s how you do it:
- Right-click the taskbar.
- Choose Task Manager.
- Select the Performance tab.
You can see how much memory is being used when compared to the total amount of RAM available in this section. If you’re getting close to the limit, upgrading may increase performance dramatically.
Find out if you can upgrade:
The next step is to determine whether or not upgrading the RAM on your laptop is even possible. Some laptops do not allow RAM upgrades because they have sealed bottoms or soldered memory. If you have a recent MacBook or another small laptop, you’re probably out of luck.
To see if an upgrade is available, use tools like Crucial’s Memory Advisor or read the documentation for your laptop. Determine the type and speed of RAM supported by your laptop (DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5), as well as the maximum capacity. You’re good to go if you can access your memory.
Purchase suitable RAM for your laptop:
Now that you know what type and speed of RAM your laptop can support, it’s time to buy that RAM. While a matching pair of memory sticks is not required, dual-channel RAM provides faster performance. It also removes any potential compatibility issues.
RAM for your laptop can be purchased on the manufacturer’s website or from online retailers such as Amazon or Best Buy.
