How to Install RAM on a Laptop
It’s the bane of all computer systems. Desktops, smartphones, even streaming smart devices. They start out great, but as time goes by they all get slower and slower. It doesn’t happen all at once, but like that famous frog in the boiling water, you finally wake up to realise that you are in hot soup!
Confirm Your Needs
Confirm with your laptop manual that your unit will take RAM upgrades. Ask the vendor you plan to buy the RAM from for compatible options. Most quality vendors know what will work and what won’t. Be aware that most Macs, and a number of PCs laptops today have RAM soldered down. While this doesn’t necessarily prevent an upgrade, it does take it out of the DIY category and get costly.
Set Up Your Workspace
The first step is to find a clean space to work, with enough room to lay all the parts out safely. Ideally it should NOT be over a carpet as that can generate static which can cause all kinds of harm to computer hardware. Plastic folding tables found in large box stores are cheap, a good height for working while standing, and make a non-conductive surface to place electronics.
Open Your Laptop
While desktop computers generally open with a single button or screw, laptops tend to have a protective faceplate that has a million tiny screws. They need to be removed in order to gain access to the motherboard. My laptop’s design is fairly standard, so odds are good that your laptop isn’t very different. Its protective faceplate is located at the bottom of the unit.
Install RAM
Use the screwdriver or an old credit card to gently pry the cover plate off. Always do this slowly as it is very easy to bend these plates. Before you start screwing in all of the tiny screws, flip the computer over and turn it on. Open the About or About this computer dialogue (it is in every OS) and look at the amount of memory. It should match, closely if not exactly, to the amount of memory you just installed.
Re-seat RAM
As you can see in the line Memory, my computer thinks it has just under 4GB of memory installed. But I just installed 8GB! What’s wrong? Shut down the computer, flip it over and take the bottom plate off again (aren’t you glad you didn’t re-screw it all?). Take a closer look at how my install wasn’t a good one! You can see the contacts peaking out from the slot. That means it wasn’t fully inserted and is not making contact. So this chip was not being recognised by the laptop.
Re-seat RAM in Back of Laptop
This was easily resolved by unclipping that stick and re-seating it properly. Once done, the laptop recognised all of the memory I had installed. And I now have more RAM in my laptop.
Which RAM Do I Need?
Before you rush out and buy RAM, let’s go over some of the specs to make sure you get what will work. Computers and laptops have clear specifications as to the type and amount of memory they can use. These specs are in the manual or on website of manufacturer.
DDR4 or DDR5
DDR4 or DDR5 refers to the physical design of RAM. DDR5 came out in 2020 and is spec’d to run almost twice the speed of its predecessor. Though real world gains will be less.
RAM Speed
Within each of those generational designs are a range of speeds. But the bottom line is that while speed differences are measurable, in most situations they aren’t easily felt. Other contributing factors like latency and software design also impact speed.
How Much RAM Do I Need?
How much RAM do we really need? As content creators running image, 3D and video software, we need a lot. I was recently speaking with a musician who runs his Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) on a 16GB iMac. He told me he’s fine, as long as he doesn’t open Safari at the same time.
How Much Does RAM Cost?
Fortunately for us, RAM prices have been on a downward trajectory for years. This makes upgrading to 32 GB or higher very painless. For example, a top brand like Kingston has a 32 GB laptop upgrade “value” kit can be had for under $100. Even their premium Fury line can be had for under $130.
Should I Install RAM Myself?
The last question is, should you grab your laptop and head over to a service? Or should you order some sticks online and spend under a half hour installing them yourself? As always, this is a personal call. If you still have trouble using chop sticks and still ask for a knife and fork to eat sushi, perhaps consider having a professional install your RAM. But honestly, anyone with normal dexterity should not have an issue.
Conclusion
Upgrading your laptop’s RAM is a relatively simple process that can breathe new life into your device. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can increase your laptop’s performance and make it feel like new again.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my laptop can be upgraded with RAM?
A: Check your laptop manual or manufacturer’s website for specifications on RAM upgrades.
Q: What is the difference between DDR4 and DDR5 RAM?
A: DDR5 is the latest generation of RAM, offering faster speeds and higher capacities than DDR4.
Q: How much RAM do I need?
A: It depends on your usage. For general use, 8GB is sufficient. For content creation, 16GB or more is recommended.
Q: Can I install RAM myself?
A: Yes, with basic technical skills and a little patience, you can install RAM yourself.
Q: How much does RAM cost?
A: Prices vary depending on the type and capacity of RAM. However, you can find a 32GB laptop upgrade kit for under $100.
