How to Upgrade your Laptop's RAM?

RAM is a crucial part of your laptop. Although the RAM that comes with your laptop is sufficient for the first few years, most of us may need more processing power after a few years. Of course, there are a number of reasons for this, including software that requires more memory and frequent OS updates. It's possible that increasing your RAM will solve the majority of these problems if your laptop is operating slowly. By upgrading its RAM, you can increase your laptop's performance and lifespan without going over budget.

Your laptop will function more smoothly when it has more RAM, handle multitasking more adeptly, and feel more responsive overall. Thankfully, updating RAM is a reasonably simple task that you can complete on your own with a few basic steps and some knowledge. This guide, walk you through the process of upgrading the RAM on your laptop.

Let us get started;

Step 1: Check The RAM You Are Using

Low memory is frequently the source of bottlenecks on any given computer, which can result in unstable and slow performance. If you're a power user, meaning you run multiple demanding programs at once or have thirty or more tabs open in your browser, your system will function better with more memory. Windows Task Manager allows you to view the memory usage of your laptop. All you have to do is right-click on the taskbar and choose Task Manager.

Next, determine the percentage of available memory that is being used by looking at the performance tab of Task Manager. Additionally, you'll see how many of the physical memory slots are free for memory additions and how many are currently in use. By selecting the Memory tab from the Task Manager window's menu and selecting the "Open Resource Monitor" option at the bottom, you can see even more information.

Note: Screenshots from Windows 10 are shown below; the screens will appear slightly different under Windows 7.

You know you need more if your physical memory is at or above the required amount.

Step 2: Determine If Your Laptop's RAM Can Be Upgraded

Only some laptops have RAM that can be upgraded. The majority of gaming laptops use socketed memory sticks, or "SO-DIMMs." While a growing number of ultrabooks are switching to soldered RAM in order to have a thinner chassis, but still many do support this. The memory on a slim laptop manufactured recently is most probably soldered down.

Windows offers the simplest method for determining whether the RAM on your laptop can be upgraded.

To find out if it uses RAM sticks, go to Task Manager > Performance > Memory and look under "Form factor." Search for "SODIMM."

Additionally, you'll be able to see how many slots and how fast your RAM is operating.

Step 3: Assess Compatibility

Specific RAM requirements are built into laptop designs; factors such as memory technology, storage capacity, number of modules, and configuration vary depending on the laptop. With the Crucial System Selector or System Scanner, you can search through a database of over 100,000 systems in under 60 seconds and find upgrades that work, no matter what.

Step 4: Get the RAM

It's time to get new RAM once you know you can upgrade your RAM. Purchasing a new set of matching SO-DIMMs in a kit is your best option. Better performance is provided by dual-channel RAM, and knowing that your RAM is matched with the exact specifications gives you peace of mind that it's not causing problems with your PC that could eventually worsen blue screens of death. However, only some RAM types are compatible with every PC.

Even though DDR4 and DDR5 memory are currently the most common memory types used by gaming PCs with Intel 12th Gen Core chips, you should still get a speed that your system can handle. You'll have to figure out what functions on your laptop. The Crucial System Advisor is an excellent resource for this. Crucial is just one vendor of memory; if you find a better deal elsewhere, you are under no obligation to purchase from them.

However, its tool asks you to identify the type of PC you have and then returns compatible RAM sticks. Using the RAM specs displayed by Crucial, you can compare models and choose the one that best suits your needs.

Step 5: Take The Right Precautions

Any home computer/laptop system's components can be harmed by static electricity.

Before handling or touching any internal components, wear an ESD wrist strap or touch any unpainted metal surfaces on your computer's frame to prevent static damage to your system's internal components during the installation process. You can safely release the static electricity that is naturally present in your body using either method. Please keep your hands away from the gold pins and other parts (chips) on your memory module to preserve it. The ideal way to hold the module is always to grasp its top or side edges.

Step 6: Assemble The Tools

Assemble the required tools before beginning the upgrade process:

1. Your laptop
2. The most recent RAM modules
3. A tiny screwdriver with a Phillips head
4. An antistatic wristband is suggested but not required.
5. A spotless, level workspace

Step 7: Shut Down your Laptop

Shut down your laptop before you start installing new RAM on your system.

Step 8: Take Out All Sources Of Power

Remove the battery from your laptop and unplug the power cord. Your owner's manual provides detailed instructions Give the power button five seconds of press. By doing this, any remaining electricity in the system is released. You only need to hold down the power button if your battery is detachable.

Step 9: Locate The RAM Slots

Most laptops feature a designated area or access panel on the bottom for simple RAM upgrades. However, it might be necessary to remove the entire back cover for certain models. To find detailed instructions on how to access the RAM slots on your laptop, consult the user manual or conduct an online search. After locating the RAM slots, carefully try and open the cover.

Step 10: Remive Any RAM That Is Currently In Use

If every memory slot is already occupied, replacing the memory will require removing the current DIMMs. Separate the clips holding the memory module in place to remove it. The memory module should be angled. Next, remove the memory module by grasping its edges and lifting it out without letting it come into contact with the gold connectors at the bottom.

Step 11: Put the New RAM Modules in Place

Once your slots are free, place the new modules, at a 45-degree angles ; with gold edges facing towards down. The modules can be pushed into the right position by applying uniform pressure with your fingers at their tops. Once you hear the click sound, and are confident that DIMM is in right place, push it back firmly until it is in level and installed flat, with the clips holding it in place firmly.

Step 12: Close Your Laptop Case

The covers and access panels that you removed earlier should be put after the new RAM modules are installed. Make sure everything is firmly fastened to prevent loose parts. If you take the laptop's battery out, replace it and firmly fasten it. Finally, reattach all cables and accessories, then turn on your laptop.

Step 13: Check the Installation

Check to see if your laptop recognizes and operates the new RAM after it boots up. Determine the amount of RAM that is installed on your laptop by going to Settings > System > About. Reinstall the RAM and restart the laptop if you can't see the entire size. If everything went according to plan, you should have more space for demanding apps to store data now that you've upgraded your laptop's RAM.

To sum up, replacing the RAM on your laptop is an easy and affordable way to amp up an outdated system. If you follow these steps carefully, you will be able to successfully upgrade the RAM on your laptop and experience better performance for many years to come.