Upgrade the RAM on a Laptop

Upgrade the RAM

One of the most cost effective upgrades to make your computer run faster is RAM. So, simply install RAM to your laptop. Within the time it reads this procedural tutorial, you can upgrading the RAM on your Laptop increases it`s performance and memory.

  1. Find Out If Your Computer Needs More RAM

Low memory is always the reason for bottlenecks on a computer,  can lead not only just for slow performance but also stability issues. If you are a power user multitasking across many intensive programs or keeping 30 or so that at once the browser tabs open more memory will then help your system run more smoothly.

You can verify your laptop’s storage in Windows Task Manager. Open your typical applications, hit Win+S to browse for “task manager” (in Windows 7, hit the Windows key and type “task manager” in the search field). In Task Manager’s performance tab, you can see how much memory is being used out of the total memory available. Then, you can also see how many physical memory slots are available to add more memory and also how many physical memory slots are in use.

Upgrade the RAM

 

You will get an even more detailed view by clicking on the “Open Resource Monitor” option at the bottom of the Task Manager window and browsing for the Memory tab. Note the screens will look slightly dissimilar under Windows 7.

Shots below come from windows 8.1. If you like to install click Windows 8.1

Upgrade dedicated video RAM on a laptop

Upgrade the RAM

2. Find the Right Kind of Memory

Once you decided to upgrade the RAM, the most important part is finding the correct memory for your computer.Memory supplier Crucial offers handy tools to help you select the correct memory. You can download a system scanner and let it find the upgrades available or simply select your computer from the Crucial Advisor tool.

Upgrade the RAM

 

Depending on your laptop, Crucial’s Advisor tool might ask you for specifics that you might not be sure about. For example, whether you have a dual core processor or a quad core one. You can find these details in Windows System Information window. Use Win+S to browse for “msinfo32” and look for the appropriate line (e.g: look at the processor line to see how many cores it has.)

Crucial’s tools will display you how many memory chips you can buy for your system and memory banks (or slots) you have.

Upgrade the RAM

 

For better performance, memory should be added in pairs. If your laptop has two memory banks, for example, one of them is taken up by a 4GB chip, get a matching 4GB chip for the other, empty slot.

3. Open the Panel to Locate Your Memory Banks

With your extra memory in hand, it’s time to upgrade your laptop memory, a pretty straightforward process.

First, turn off your laptop and unplug the power adapter. Then open the panel on the bottom of your laptop covering the memory banks. (Depending on your system, you might have to unscrew the whole back of the laptop to access the memory and other components.)

Upgrade the RAM

4. Ground Yourself to Avoid Electrostatic Discharge

Before you touch any component in your PC, touch any metal surface inside the computer (e.g: the back of the hard drive or a metal connector for another component). This will discharge any potentially damaging static electricity from your body.

5. Remove Any Memory in the Upper Slot

The installed memory takes place in the upper slot so that you should remove it and put it in the another bank. So, that you have space for extra memory insertion.

To remove the memory module, push the clips holding it in place. The memory module should pop up at an angle.

Upgrade the RAM

Lift the module out by holding the memory module by its edges without touching the gold connectors at the bottom.

Upgrade the RAM

6. Install the Old Memory Module in the Lower Slot

Insert the module into the bottom slot at a 45-degree angle, with the gold edge facing down (the same way it was installed in the upper slot). Use even pressure with your fingers at the top of the module to push it into place. When you hear a click and feel the memory module snap into place, firmly push the module back until it is installed flat and level, with the clips holding it securely.

Upgrade the RAM

7. Repeat the Installation with the New Memory Module in the Upper Slot

Take the new memory module, with the gold edge facing down, and repeat the process in the top slot. Insert the module at an angle, and push down and back until it clicks into place.

Upgrade the RAM

That’s it! Power up your laptop and head back to the System Information window or Task Manager to verify your new memory has been added. Enjoy your upgraded memory!


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