How to add RAM to a laptop or desktop
Today we are going to tell you how to add RAM to a laptop. If you’ve made the transition from a desktop to a laptop, the experience can be liberating. While some may prefer having a dedicated space where they can work on a computer and organize physical and digital files, a desktop computer can also make you feel down there. It relies on electrical outlets 100% of the time, and moving all its bulky parts from one place to another is not practical.
Laptops, however, are battery operated and once fully charged can work wherever you take it. They are small, thin and light, so whether you want to relax on the couch or work in a coffee shop, a laptop is a small device and easy to use.
But the only real difference between a laptop and a desktop, really, is how they are put together.
A laptop computer has the same hardware and accessories as a desktop computer, such as a screen, keyboard, microprocessor, storage memory, and lots of fans to keep the system cool.
Everything is organized separately because it will fit in a smaller package. This means that once you start creating more files, adding more images, downloading more music, and using other programs at the same time, you will experience something that many computer users complain about: slow download and poor performance.
Often, the culprit behind any performance issue is insufficient memory or RAM.
While some home owners cringe at the idea of adding more RAM because unplugging a laptop isn’t as easy as a desktop, adding or upgrading RAM to your system is sometimes the easiest and cheapest way to use it.
increase the performance of your laptop
- So what do you do when you add RAM to your system?
- How to choose the right RAM?
- But once you open the laptop, how do you install the RAM properly?
- Everyone has their own laptop needs, so what should you look for when buying RAM?
- Everyone has their own laptop needs, so what should you look for when buying RAM?
When most people refer to “memory” in a computer, they are talking about storage space or RAM.
RAM is considered essential for your laptop’s processing unit (CPU) because memory allows you to run multiple programs at the same time without interruption.
How do you know if you need more RAM, though?
A sign of lack of RAM is slow performance. Usually, when you buy a new laptop, it takes a little time to boot the computer and start the existing programs.
But as you add files and multitask, things start to slow down. If you start your computer and it takes several minutes for everything to work properly, chances are you may be using more RAM.
Fortunately, adding RAM to your laptop is probably the easiest and cheapest way to improve computer performance.
Even getting a new processor for your laptop may not be enough to add RAM. But if you do a little research on the subject of RAM, you will find that there are many different types and sizes available.
What is the right RAM for your computer?
First, you need to determine the performance of your laptop and ask yourself what kind of work you will be doing. If you play games on your laptop or do a lot of programs that consume a lot of processing power, you will need good RAM – 2GB of RAM or more.
If you use your laptop for simple day-to-day tasks, you probably won’t need more than 512MB of memory [source: Crucial]
So, once you have chosen the right type of RAM, how do you install it in your laptop?
How to add RAM to a laptop
Although it may seem difficult, everything you need to add RAM to your computer is in front of you as soon as you open the back of your laptop.
Although it may seem difficult, everything you need to add RAM to your computer is in front of you as soon as you open the back of your laptop.
open the back of your laptop
Once you’ve purchased the necessary RAM modules, you’re ready to add more memory to your computer. Before starting anything, make sure the laptop is completely turned off and unplugged from any power source for safety.
It is recommended to use an anti-static wrist strap when handling the RAM module.
Different makers put these openings into different places, but in many laptops, you will see a small door to the laptop backside.
Using a suitable screwdriver, open the door and look inside.
There are usually two slots for RAM.
If both slots are full, you will need to remove one of the modules and replace it with a module with more memory to upgrade your laptop’s RAM.
You can remove the RAM module by pressing the release clip that holds the module in place
If one of the slots is empty, you can place a new module in the slot.
Installing the module is very easy – just slide it into place, and once you give it a little push, it locks into place with a clip.
Again, your experience may vary depending on the company that made your computer, so be sure to check your owner’s manual or support website before you start unpacking your laptop.
Once you have everything back, replace the input port and turn on your computer.
If all goes well, your laptop should recognize more memory immediately.
You will notice that your computer will start up faster, run faster, and switch between programs less frequently.