Is your computer starting to run slowly? Is the performance not what it used to be, or can it not keep up with the new software? Upgrading RAM (Random Access Memory) is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to increase computer performance. However, do you know how to install the RAM you bought to upgrade? Read on for this wikiHow to learn how to install new RAM on a laptop, Windows computer, or iMac.
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Method 1 of 3: Installing RAM on Windows Computer
Step 1. Purchase RAM that is compatible with the computer
RAM is available in various sizes, models, and speeds. The type of RAM to purchase will depend on the computer's motherboard. Check the motherboard or computer manual, or visit the computer manufacturer's website for RAM specifications that match the hardware.
- The motherboard limits the amount of RAM that can be installed. Some motherboards only support two, while others support 4, 6, or even more. Most motherboards limit the amount of memory supported, regardless of the number of available slots.
- You should also remember that not all computers can be upgraded. So, if you're still in doubt, visit the computer manufacturer's website to be sure.
- Non-identical pieces of RAM will likely not function properly. So, if you buy several pieces of RAM, buy a set that contains 2 or more identical pieces of RAM.
Step 2. Turn off the computer
If RAM is available, unplug the power cord and all peripherals plugged into the computer, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Step 3. Open the computer case
Lay down the computer so that you can access the motherboard from the side when the panel is opened. You may have to use a plus screwdriver to open the panel, or just use your hands to remove it.
Step 4. Remove any existing static electricity
Make sure your body does not contain static electricity. This is because static electricity can damage computer components, and is usually not noticed. Ground yourself before starting the process, or just wear an antistatic wrist strap.
- You can ground it by touching the metal in the computer case that has been disconnected from the wall socket. Simply turning off the computer will not be enough to remove the standby voltage. So, make sure the power cord is unplugged from the wall outlet.
- Avoid stepping on the carpet when handling the inside of the computer case.
Step 5. Look for RAM slots
Most motherboards provide 2 or 4 RAM slots. RAM slots are generally located near the CPU, although their location may vary depending on the manufacturer and model. Look for a thin slot about 10 cm long that has tabs at both ends. At least there will be 1 slot that has been filled with RAM.
Step 6. Remove the old RAM (if upgrading)
If you want to replace the old RAM, remove the chip by pressing the clamps on both sides of the slot downward. Furthermore, you can grab the RAM on the motherboard easily.
Step 7. Remove the new RAM from the protective packaging
Carefully remove the RAM chip from the protective packaging. Hold the edges of the memory chip so that your fingers don't touch the circuits or contacts at the bottom of the RAM chip.
Step 8. Insert the RAM into its slot
Align the notch (notch) in the RAM chip with the gap in the slot. Plug the RAM into the slot, then press the chip evenly until the clamps at both ends of the slot make a clicking sound and lock the memory chip. Memory chips can only be inserted in one direction. If the chip doesn't stick easily, flip it over. You may have to apply a bit of pressure, but don't force it.
- Be sure to plug the matching pairs into the appropriate sockets. Some of the slots are labeled on the motherboard or colored, although you may want to check the motherboard layout diagram.
- Repeat this step to install all the RAM chips to be installed.
- When the computer is open like this, you can clean the dust with a can of compressed air. This can fix problems with decreased performance or overheating of the computer engine. You can get cans of compressed air at office supply stores.
Step 9. Replace the computer case
Once the RAM chip is installed, you can close the computer panel again and screw it in. Do not turn on the computer when the panel is not installed because cooling from the fan will not work. Reconnect the monitor and all peripherals to the computer.
Step 10. Turn on the computer
The computer should be running normally. If the computer performs a self-test at startup, the RAM is installed correctly. If not, you'll be able to tell if the RAM is installed properly once the computer boots into Windows.
If the computer does not boot (boot), the RAM may not be installed properly. Turn off the computer and reopen the case. Next, unplug and install the RAM again. Make sure you plug it in firmly, and try restarting the computer
Step 11. Check the RAM you installed through Windows
Open System Properties by pressing the button Windows and Pause/Break simultaneously. Your computer's RAM will be listed in the System section or at the bottom of the screen.
Operating systems calculate memory in different ways, and some computers take up a certain amount of RAM to perform certain functions (such as video), which reduces the amount of available RAM. For example, you might have 1 GB of RAM installed, but the operating system can only display 0.99 GB
Step 12. Run a RAM test if a problem occurs
If you are unsure whether the RAM is installed correctly, or the computer has not been working properly since you installed RAM, perform a RAM test using Windows Memory Diagnostic. This test may take some time, but it is able to find any errors and displays the amount of RAM installed.
To run the test tool, press the button Windows on the keyboard and type memory in the search field. choose Windows Memory Diagnostic to run the tester, then click Restart now and check for problems to run diagnostics.
Method 2 of 3: Installing RAM on the iMac
Step 1. Purchase RAM for your iMac
The type of RAM to buy will depend on your iMac model. Visit https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201191 for the type of RAM and the maximum amount of RAM allowed for your computer model.
Step 2. Turn off your iMac
Before starting the pairing, completely turn off your iMac and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet. Also unplug any peripherals plugged into the iMac.
Because components inside your computer can get very hot, Apple recommends that you wait at least 10 minutes before installing RAM in your iMac
Step 3. Place your iMac flat on a soft, clean towel
To protect the monitor, spread a clean cloth on a flat surface before placing your iMac face down.
Step 4. Open the iMac's memory access door
The steps to take will vary depending on the model:
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27" and 21" models (made in 2012 or later):
Press the small gray button above the power port to open the memory bay door. Remove the memory door on the back of the monitor and set it aside. Next, push the two levers outward (to the side) to remove the memory shield, and pull the lever toward you so that the RAM slots are visible.
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20" and 17" models (made in 2006):
Use a plus screwdriver to remove the two screws on the memory access door, which is located on the bottom edge of the monitor. Set the screws aside after you remove them. Next, press the two ejector clips on either edge of the access door outward (or sideways).
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Other models:
Remove the screw in the center of the memory access door using a plus screwdriver. The door is located on the bottom edge of the monitor. Remove the door and set it aside. Open the tab in the memory compartment so you can see the RAM there.
Step 5. Remove the old RAM (if you want to replace it)
How to do it:
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27" and 21" models (made in 2012 or later):
Pull the RAM straight up. You can definitely get it out of the slot easily. Pay attention to the direction of the notch so you don't make a mistake when installing new RAM later.
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20" and 17" models (made in 2006):
Remove the RAM by pulling it outwards. Pay attention to the directions so you can properly install the new RAM later.
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Other models:
Gently pull the tab towards you to remove the installed RAM. Pay attention to the orientation of the RAM as you will have to install new RAM using the same method.
Step 6. Plug in the new RAM
Again, how to do this will vary depending on the model you have:
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27" and 21" models (made in 2012 or later):
Align the RAM over the slot with the notch facing down. This will align with the notch in the slot. Press the memory chip down until it snaps into place.
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20" and 17" models (made in 2006):
Slide the side of the RAM notch into the slot. Press the RAM with your thumb until you hear a soft click. Push the two ejector clips inward to lock the RAM in place.
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Other models:
Slide the RAM into the slot by pointing the notch up (towards the monitor). When you push it far enough, you will hear a soft click.
Step 7. Reinstall the memory access door
If your computer model has a plastic tab that you removed earlier, first slide the tab back into place. After that, reinstall the door or cover that you removed.
If you have to press a button to open the access door, you don't have to press the button to close it again
Step 8. Return your iMac to an upright position and turn it back on
When you restart your iMac, it will perform a self-test and will automatically detect the new RAM.
Method 3 of 3: Installing RAM on Laptop
Step 1. Find information about the type of RAM used on your laptop
RAM is available in various models and speeds. The type of RAM you should use depends on the laptop you have. Check your laptop's manual, or visit the manufacturer's site for RAM specifications that match your laptop's hardware.
For Mac laptops, you can find out what type of RAM to buy by visiting
Step 2. Turn off the laptop and unplug the power cord from the wall outlet
Also make sure to unplug all external cables connected to the laptop. We recommend that you also press and hold the power button for about 5 seconds to remove any remaining power.
Step 3. Place the laptop upside down on a flat surface, with the bottom facing up
Step 4. Connect the body to the ground
Before you open any panel on the laptop, make sure to properly ground the body to prevent damage to the laptop components. This can be done by touching a metal component in the computer case (in the unconnected state). Turning off the computer alone cannot eliminate the standby voltage.
Step 5. Look for RAM slots
The process can be complicated because the way to do it will vary depending on the laptop used. The best place to find the location of the RAM slots is the laptop's user manual or the manufacturer's website. In general, you usually need to remove the battery cover (if applicable) and/or open the bottom of the case and remove it.
Step 6. Check the number of available slots
Laptop RAM can be accessed by opening the panel at the bottom of the laptop. Usually, there are several panels, so you'll have to look for the one with the memory (RAM) icon, or look in your laptop manual.
- Most laptops only have 1 or 2 RAM slots. Sophisticated notebooks may provide many slots.
- You will need a very small plus screwdriver to remove the panel (if the panel must be removed).
Step 7. Find out if RAM should be installed in pairs
If you must, you will need to install two memory chips of the same size and timing in order to run as dual channel (dual channel). If you only want to install one RAM chip or RAM with different sizes or timings, you don't have to use matching RAM.
Step 8. Remove the old RAM (if upgrading)
If you want to replace the old RAM, remove the chip by removing the clamps on both sides of the socket. You can open the clamp by pressing or pushing it out in the opposite direction. RAM will stick out with a slightly tilted position. Lift the RAM at a 45° angle, then pull it out of the socket to remove it.
Step 9. Remove the new RAM from the protective packaging
Make sure you only grip the edges so that your fingers don't touch the contacts or circuits on the memory chip.
Step 10. Align the notch on the RAM chip with the gap in the slot
The RAM will lock into place if the notches align with the available holes. Insert the RAM at a 45° angle until the clamps lock.
If there are several empty slots, install the RAM in the lowest slot first
Step 11. Close the laptop and turn it on again
Turn the laptop over, plug it into a power source, and turn it on. The laptop should boot normally and detect RAM automatically.
If you are using a Windows laptop and are worried that the RAM is not installed correctly, press the key Windows on the keyboard and type memory in the search field. Click Windows Memory Diagnostic to run this tool, and select Restart now and check for problems to run diagnostics.
Tips
- If you hear a beep when you turn on your computer, it may be that the wrong type of RAM is installed, or you may have installed the wrong memory module. Find out what the beep code means on the computer manufacturer's website.
- You don't have to worry if your computer displays a smaller amount of RAM than what you purchased. It's just a difference in memory measurement or allocation. If the difference in the amount of RAM memory is very large between what is listed on your computer and what you purchased, the RAM chip may be damaged or not installed properly.
- A good place and worth a visit is the Crucial memory site with the address https://www.crucial.com/. This site provides a memory "advisor" tool that can provide information about the amount and type of RAM used on your computer. This site also sells memory chips.
Warning
- Do not install the RAM module upside down. If the modules are installed upside down and the computer is turned on, the slots and RAM modules that have the problem will be damaged. Although rare, this incident can damage the motherboard.
- If you feel that you are not able to handle computers, you should leave this work to a professional. Since you've bought your own RAM chip, the installation fee is definitely not expensive.
- Be sure to remove any static electricity before you touch the RAM. RAM chips are very sensitive to ESD or Electro-Static Discharge (static electricity discharge). Dissipate static electricity by touching metal before you touch the computer.
- Avoid touching the metal components on the RAM chip. This can damage the RAM module.
