Instructions on how to upgrade RAM on PC and laptop

Installing more RAM is the most effective solution to speed up your computer. Even if your computer is new, after only a few years of use, you will have to install more RAM to ensure better speed. Besides, new operating systems also require more memory. When a computer does not have enough RAM, it will exchange data streams with the hard drive, and that is the reason why your system operates "slowly".

In the article below, WebTech360 will guide you on how to diagnose the minimum memory and the steps to take to upgrade RAM.

Table of Contents

• 1. How do you know how much RAM your computer needs?
• 2. How much RAM is enough?
• 3. What type of RAM should I choose?
• 4. How to increase computer RAM?
• 5. What all do you need when adding RAM?
• 6. Steps to install additional RAM
  • 6.1. Install more RAM on desktop, PC
  • 6.2. Install more RAM on laptop
• 7. Troubleshooting common problems when installing RAM
  • Laptop won't boot after installing new RAM
  • Laptop starts up but doesn't recognize new RAM
• 8. Some frequently asked questions 

1. How do you know how much RAM your computer needs?

Windows Task Manager will tell you how much RAM your computer needs.

Check the amount of RAM on your computer by opening the Windows Task Manager. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del (for Windows Vista users, click Start Task Manager), then in the Task Manager window, click the Performance tab. If the number next to "Available" (or "Free" on Windows Vista) in the "Physical Memory" section is near 0, it means your computer is very slow and needs more RAM.

2. How much RAM is enough?

Typically, Windows XP users will be "satisfied" with 1GB of RAM. In our test, this computer was used for photo processing and using Nero Express to burn CDs, after upgrading from 512KB to 1GB of RAM, the computer ran 1-3 times faster than the old computer. Other users, here we mean those who use many programs at the same time or those who work with digital video or other large graphic files, will want at least 2GB of RAM. If you are planning to upgrade your computer to Windows Vista, you will also need 1GB, but we recommend you use 2GB of RAM.

3. What type of RAM should I choose?

RAM comes in many varieties, including DDR, DDR2, and DDR3. Newer technologies often offer better performance, but most motherboards only accept one type of RAM. Check your computer to find out what type of RAM module you need and how to install it.

See more articles on things to note, learn about RAM in general.

RAM manufacturers like Crucial and Kingston often have online tools to help you identify the right RAM for various computers and motherboards. Most upgraded computers today are using dual-channel memory, so you have to install them in pairs for best performance. So it’s better to add two 512MB modules instead of one 1GB module.

Spending a few extra dollars to buy RAM from trusted manufacturers like Crucial or Kingston is really important.

4. How to increase computer RAM?

Random Access Memory, or RAM, is the physical hardware responsible for handling the processes running on your computer. The more RAM your computer has, the more tasks it can perform at once. Upgrading your physical hardware is the most effective way to get more RAM. However, if that's not an option, you can increase your available memory by limiting the number of applications and processes running at the same time.

Viruses and memory leaks can cause problems with RAM, so fixing these issues will make a big difference.

5. What all do you need when adding RAM?

Tools : Computer supply stores will have a tool for no more than $15 that will help you avoid static electricity.

Documentation : Many motherboards require pairs of modules to be positioned on specific slots or pairs of RAM sockets. Consult your documentation before upgrading.

6. Steps to install additional RAM

6.1. Install more RAM on desktop, PC

First, turn off your computer and unplug the power cord (power source).

Open the side panel of the case so you can access the RAM slots on the motherboard. The side panel will either be secured with screws or have a sliding mechanism to open.

If you want to replace all or part of your existing memory, release the latches on one or both sides (if any) of the respective DIMM slots and pull out the RAM sticks you no longer want to use.

Additionally, if you want to add to your existing memory, you can plug in RAM sticks, as long as the RAM sticks you buy run at the same speed and are ideally of the same type.

Check your motherboard manual to choose the best slots for your new RAM. There will usually be either 2 or 4 slots. You can maximize performance by installing the DIMMs in the appropriate configuration to use dual-channel or quad-channel (if available).

If your new memory has two DIMMs, install them in slots "A2" and "B2" on the motherboard. You can refer to the markings on the motherboard or count the slots as "A1", "A2", "B1", and "B2" in order, starting from the CPU side (assuming it's a 4-slot motherboard).

When installing the DIMM, align the indentations on the stick with the indentations on the motherboard slot. Insert one end first, then slowly push the RAM stick into the slot. Press the RAM stick down until you hear it click and the latches on both ends lock into place.

If your RAM slot only has a latch on one end, first insert the RAM stick into the other end (i.e. the end without the latch that can be released).

A good way to confirm that the DIMM is installed correctly is to make sure that none of the gold contacts at the bottom of the stick are visible.

If you are keeping your current RAM and adding new RAM sticks, plug the new sticks into the empty slots, maintaining a 4-channel configuration (assuming there are 4 sticks total).

You can add a new stick to two existing sticks (ignoring any 4-channel benefits) or a stick to an existing stick (using slots A2 and B2) for a dual-channel configuration. If you are only installing one DIMM overall, you can just put it in slot A2.

Once all the modules are installed, you can plug in the power cable and turn on your computer. Enter BIOS as soon as the screen turns on (use the corresponding key on the screen).

The main BIOS screen will display the speed and total amount of memory currently running on your computer. Check that everything matches the RAM specifications.

If the displayed RAM speed does not match the maximum rated speed of the RAM, you can enable XMP or EXPO profiles in the Memory section of the BIOS to use predefined profiles for your specific memory.

Save any changes you've made to the BIOS and restart your computer. You should be able to boot normally to your desktop, enjoying the benefits of your new, improved RAM.

6.2. Install more RAM on laptop

1. First turn off the laptop, then remove the battery from the laptop.

Open the panel on the bottom of the machine secured by one or two screws and carefully remove the panel.

2. Before touching any component on the laptop, try touching the inside of any metal surface (such as the back of the hard drive, etc.) to avoid static electricity affecting your body.

3. RAM on Laptop is arranged in a stacked manner. Therefore, before installing new RAM, you must remove the old RAM and place it in another position to add new RAM.

To do this, simply push the two clips on either side of the head gently. The RAM will then pop up and you can easily lift them out.

4. To install an old RAM stick into the bottom position, you open the two latches on either side of each socket by facing the bottom of the memory socket, being careful to line up the notch on the RAM stick with its socket.

Then carefully push the RAM stick in until the retaining clips have positioned it securely.

5. Do the same to install the new RAM stick on top.

Finally, install the battery, turn on your laptop and check the information on the Task Manager window or the System Information window to confirm whether the new RAM has been installed or not.

7. Troubleshooting common problems when installing RAM

After you install new RAM, most laptops automatically recognize it. However, sometimes things don't go smoothly and some problems can arise. Here's how to troubleshoot common RAM installation problems to keep your laptop running at its best.

Laptop won't boot after installing new RAM

If your laptop won't boot after installing new RAM, it could be due to one of the following reasons:

• Reseat the RAM module : Sometimes the module may not be seated properly. Reopen the RAM compartment, remove the module and carefully reinsert it, making sure the module is fully seated in the slot.
• Test each module individually : If you have multiple sticks of RAM installed, try booting with just one stick at a time. This will help determine if one of the modules is faulty or damaged.

Laptop starts up but doesn't recognize new RAM

If your laptop boots up but doesn't show the upgraded RAM, check the following:

• Verify in BIOS : Restart your laptop and access BIOS/UEFI by pressing the designated key (usually F2 , Delete or Esc ). Check the memory section to see if the new RAM is detected.
• Make sure the RAM slots are not damaged : Check each RAM slot to confirm that there is no physical damage. If a slot is damaged, the laptop may not recognize the RAM installed in that slot.

Upgrading your laptop's RAM is easy and can give your system a performance boost. Since most users run out of RAM before their CPUs reach capacity, upgrading memory is often smarter and just as effective as upgrading other hardware or buying a new computer. Plus, it's much cheaper and you don't have to worry about moving your data.

8. Some frequently asked questions

How much RAM should your laptop have?

When purchasing RAM for your laptop, look at the minimum and recommended requirements for the software you plan to use. Your computer should have more RAM than the highest minimum and at least as much as the highest recommended.

How to overclock RAM?

If your laptop supports it, you can overclock your computer's RAM by enabling XMP in your system BIOS. Overclocking can increase the frame rate of video games, but it can also damage your computer, so you need to stress test your RAM.

How to choose the best RAM for laptop?

Your motherboard may not support the best RAM available. Find out if your computer supports the latest DDR4 RAM modules and determine whether you need a standard-sized module or a laptop-friendly version. Brand is less important than memory capacity and other specifications.

Good luck!

See also the following articles:

• 8 Easy Ways to Free Up RAM to Make Your Computer Run Faster
• Summary of tips to fix slow Windows 10/8/8.1/7 and Windows XP computers
• How to use CCleaner software effectively