The memory that your computer utilizes to store data that is presently being used is referred to as RAM, which stands for random access memory. Having more random-access memory (RAM) on your computer may, in general, make it possible for it to do more tasks at once; but this capability is also contingent on a wide range of other variables. Assuming you are familiar with the kind of RAM to purchase, upgrading or replacing it is one of the least complicated improvements you can do on a desktop or laptop computer.
Even though most current laptops already come equipped with a significant quantity of random-access memory (RAM), adding more memory might be beneficial for even the finest Windows laptops. If your device has more random-access memory (RAM), it will be able to manage numerous activities at once in a much more smooth and efficient manner, which in turn will enhance the efficiency of your workflow. Alternately, if you want to get greater performance out of your RAM, you could also want to consider replacing the memory that is already installed on your laptop with memory that is quicker.
Despite the fact that upgrading the default RAM in a laptop might have a number of advantages, many owners of laptops choose not to do so out of concern that they would harm their equipment or invalidate their warranty. Although it is true that you may do this if you are reckless and lack patience, the procedure of upgrading RAM is really a lot easier and safer than the majority of people believe it to be (you can always back up your PC if you want to keep your data safe).
The most difficult challenge will be determining if your laptop permits you to update your RAM. If you have a 2013 or newer MacBook, don’t bother; Apple has been soldering RAM into all of their notebooks for about a decade. However, upgrading the RAM on your laptop will not cost you any money or time. A short search of the model name of your laptop should inform you if you may proceed with this technique.
Moving from 4GB to 8GB of RAM (the most frequent update) typically costs between $25 and $55, depending on whether you need to replace a memory card or just add a few gigabytes. And, depending on how many screws you have to remove from the chassis, replacing the RAM chips should only take 5 to 10 minutes.
Here’s how to upgrade your laptop’s memory:
See how much RAM you’re using:
Low memory is often the source of bottlenecks on any particular machine, and it may result in not just bad performance but also stability issues. More RAM will undoubtedly help your system function more smoothly if you’re a power user who multitasks between many taxing apps or has 30 or more browser tabs open at once. In Windows Task Manager, you may see your laptop’s memory usage. Simply right-click the taskbar and pick Task Manager from the menu that appears. Then, under the performance tab of Task Manager, look at how much RAM is being utilized out of the total available. You’ll also see how many physical memory slots are in use and, as a result, how many are accessible for memory expansion.
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Find out if you can upgrade:
Sadly, it is not feasible to increase the RAM in many laptops due to sealed bottoms or memory that is soldered to the motherboard. (It’s also conceivable that the system has a maximum amount of RAM that it will recognize.) Try Crucial’s Memory Advisor tool to see whether you can update your RAM (opens in new tab). After inputting your laptop’s brand and model, you should see a screen that displays the maximum amount of RAM and the number of slots it has. Crucial also sells memory modules for laptop computers. However, comparable DIMMs are available from different manufacturers. Take note of the speed and kind of RAM you need, which is commonly DDR2, DDR3, or DDR4 with a specific speed next to it (ex, “DDR3 PC3-12800”).
Open the panel to locate your memory banks:
With your extra memory in hand, it’s time to increase your laptop memory, which is a rather simple operation. Turn off your laptop and unhook the power adapter first. Next, remove the panel that covers the memory banks on the bottom of your laptop. (Depending on your system, you may need to dismantle the whole back of the laptop to have access to the RAM and other components.)
Ground yourself to avoid electrostatic discharge:
Touch any metal surface within the computer before touching any component in your PC (e.g., the back of the hard drive or a metal connector for another component). This will expel any possibly harmful static electricity from your body.
Remove memory if necessary:
If all of your memory slots are already occupied, you’ll have to remove the old DIMMs to replace them. Push the clamps holding the memory module in place apart to remove it. The memory module should be positioned at an angle. Then, lifting the memory module out by its edges without touching the gold connections at the bottom.
Install the new memory module(s):
After that, place the new modules into your open slots at an angle of 45 degrees, making that the gold edging is facing down. When you are trying to push the modules into position, make sure that you apply equal pressure with your fingertips at the top of the modules. When you hear a click and feel a DIMM snap into place, give the module a strong push back until it is put flat and level, with the clips holding it securely in place. After this, you may consider the installation complete.
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Conclusion
Upgrade your laptop’s RAM to run faster, and save more. Laptop RAM is a must-have for all computer users. With less than 1% of laptops with the latest generation of Intel’s Core i5 or i7 processors available today, RAM memory upgrade is a must. When RAM memory levels get low enough to “Free up”, the computer’s performance will dramatically improve.