what to know
- Remove the access panel on the bottom of the laptop.
- Install additional memory modules, or remove the old memory modules and replace them.
- Only some laptops allow you to upgrade RAM.
This article describes the process of checking whether your laptop's RAM can be upgraded, and how to upgrade it if so.
The process is similar to upgrading RAM on a desktop computer.
The first step in upgrading your laptop's memory is determining if you can do it. Checking to see if there is a dedicated memory access panel on the bottom of your notebook is a good first step. While this isn't strictly necessary, your laptop should be upgradeable if you have one.
You can also use the Crucial System Advisor tool to determine if your memory is removable (i.e., if it is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be replaced). Enter your laptop make and model. If it says that your memory is removable and recommends some specific modules, you're in luck: you can upgrade your laptop's RAM.
The Crucial tool will also tell you your laptop’s maximum memory capacity in GB. To find out if your existing RAM is less than this and therefore worth upgrading, you can look at Task Manager's Performance tab.
If your current memory is less than the maximum capacity supported by your laptop, you can upgrade it. When you're working hard on your computer, you can also use Task Manager to see if most of the memory is being used. If this is the case, then upgrading can improve system performance.
The first step to upgrading your laptop is buying it. The right RAM for your computer depends on the model, memory needs, and budget. Check with your laptop manufacturer to find out what memory sizes and speeds are supported and choose the one that best suits your needs.
As a general rule of thumb, 16 GB is more than enough for most users unless you're performing heavy video editing or other intensive tasks.
Laptop RAM also comes in SO-DIMM sizes, not DIMMs, so be sure to buy laptop RAM.
When performing any system upgrade using computer components, it's a good idea to ground yourself. You can touch a nearby grounded object or wear an antistatic wrist strap. Also note other important computer security repair tips.
Unplug the laptop's power cord and battery (if possible).
Unscrew the screws on the RAM access panel.
Some laptops allow you to upgrade the memory after removing the entire backplane, but this can be labor-intensive, time-consuming, and risky. If you decide to do this, be sure to consult the detailed teardown guide for your laptop model before doing so, and even then, proceed with extreme caution.
If you removed the old memory modules to make room for the new ones, loosen the retaining arms that hold them in place and gently slide them out of the RAM slots. Experts recommend this because mismatched memory can reduce the overall performance of the memory.
Make sure to align the SO-DIMM modules with the RAM slots in the correct orientation and carefully insert them into them. Press down slightly to secure it in place, then press the arm back into place to secure it.
Replace the laptop's panel and boot it up. Use Task Manager again to confirm that your RAM upgrade was successful.
Although all RAM essentially serves the same purpose, there are several different types in common use today:
- Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)
- Dynamic memory (DRAM)
- Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDRAM)
- Single Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SDR SDRAM)
- Double Data Rate Synchronous Dynamic RAM (DDR SDRAM, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4)
- Graphics card double data rate synchronous dynamic RAM (GDDR SDRAM, GDDR2, GDDR3, GDDR4, GDDR5)
- flash memory
