RAM (Random Access Memory) is the memory that your computer uses to store data that is currently in use. In general, having more RAM can allow your computer to perform more tasks at once, although this also depends on a variety of other factors. Upgrading or replacing your RAM is one of the easiest upgrades you can do to a desktop or laptop computer, once you know what kind of RAM to get.
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Part 1 of 3: Buying New RAM
Step 1. Check how much RAM is currently installed in your computer
Before deciding how much RAM you should buy, it helps to know how much RAM you have installed in your computer. You can quickly check your installed RAM, regardless of what operating system you are using.
- Windows - Press Win+Pause to open your System Properties window. Your installed RAM will be listed in the System section.
- Mac - Click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac". Your installed RAM will be displayed in the Memory input.
Step 2. Check how much RAM your computer has and what the operating system can support
There are several factors that affect how much RAM your system can support, including your operating system and motherboard limitations:
- If you are using Windows, a 32 bit version can support up to 4 GB, while a 64 bit version can support up to 128 GB. You can check what version of Windows you have by pressing Win+Pause and searching for "System type" input.
- Even if your computer supports up to 128 GB, there is a possibility that your motherboard does not support that much memory. You'll need to check the documentation for your motherboard or run an online system scanner (Crucial.com has a good one), to see how much memory your motherboard supports.
- Mac users will need to check their documentation to see how much memory their computer supports as it varies significantly from model to model. If you no longer have the documentation, you can look up your model's specifications on Apple's support site.
- See this guide for more details, to determine the maximum amount of RAM supported by your computer.
Step 3. Check what RAM formats your motherboard supports
RAM, actually short for SDRAM, has gone through several revisions over the years. The current default is DDR3 RAM, but if you're upgrading an older computer, you may need DDR2 or even DDR. If this is the case, you will most likely want to consider upgrading the entire computer, as the older types of RAM are more expensive.
- You can determine what type of computer you are using by referring to its documentation or running a tool such as CPU-Z, a free utility that analyzes your system.
- DDR3 is the standard used in this paper, but DDR4 will be available in the near future for advanced PC enthusiasts.
Step 4. Determine the clock speed
RAM comes with a variety of different speeds. If there are multiple speeds installed, your system as a whole will adjust to the lowest available speed. This can actually reduce your performance, even if you add RAM.
- RAM clock speed is measured in megahertz (MHz). Motherboards generally support a range of clock speeds.
- If you are using CPU-Z to check the memory clock speed, you will need to multiply the displayed MHz value by two, because CPU-Z does not display a memory multiplier.
- All installed RAM should be at the same speed for best performance.
Step 5. Purchase RAM modules in pairs
Almost all types of RAM should be installed in pairs. The total value of each module should be within the limits of your motherboard. For example, if you installed 8 GB of RAM, you would need to install either two 4 GB modules or four 2 GB modules. If your motherboard has a limit of 8 GB, it likely won't support an 8 GB memory module.
RAM often comes packaged in pairs to make purchasing easier
Step 6. Understand the difference between desktop and laptop memory
Most desktop computers use RAM DIMMs, while most laptops use SO-DIMMs, which are smaller. The exception is most iMacs, which also use SO-DIMMs. Apart from the form factor, most of the other specifications discussed in this section apply to both desktop and laptop memory.
Part 2 of 3: Installing Desktop RAM
Step 1. Turn off the computer
Unplug the power cord. If you need to move the computer for easier access, disconnect all cables from the back. Place the desktop on its side somewhere that provides you with easy access. Lay it with the ports on its back closest to the table.
Step 2. Open the case
Some cases have finger screws for easy opening, while older cases usually require a screwdriver plus. Slide the panel or pull it to open it after removing the screws.
Be sure to remove the panel that allows access to the motherboard. You can determine which panel to remove by looking at the I/O ports on the back of the computer. These ports include monitor, Ethernet, speakers, USB and more. They are connected to the motherboard, so remove the panels on the opposite side
Step 3. Connect yourself to ground
Whenever you work inside a computer, you run the risk of generating anti-static electricity that can damage your various components. You can reduce this risk by wearing an anti-static wrist strap or by grounding yourself before working on the computer. Touching a metal faucet will ground you.
Step 4. Removing the existing RAM (if needed)
If you are replacing RAM, remove the old module by pressing down on the latch on each end of the module. The RAM module should pop out of its slot, allowing you to directly lift it out.
Step 5. Check how the RAM slots are arranged
Many motherboards have four RAM slots, but pairs are generally not installed directly next to each other. For example, the slots might be arranged as A1, B1, A2, B2 and you might want to place your first pair on A1 and B1. Look at your motherboard documentation to make sure you know which slot to use.
If you don't have the documentation with you, you can often determine a paired slot by looking at its color. They may be labeled on the edges, where each label is printed on the motherboard. These labels may be small, so you may need to look at them carefully
Step 6. Install your RAM
Press each module directly into its slot, making sure the notches on the bottom align. Apply sufficient pressure directly to the top of the module until it snaps in and the latches are attached to each side. Don't force the module to enter or you might break it.
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Almost all types of RAM are installed in pairs. Most computers will have trouble with a single stick of RAM.
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Step 7. Close the computer
With the RAM installed, close your computer and replace the case panel screws. Reconnect all cables.
Step 8. Boot your operating system
Turn on your computer and let it boot into your operating system. You may be prompted to continue due to your new RAM installation.
If your computer is experiencing a serious error at this point, it may be that the RAM is not installed properly or there may be an error in one of your new modules. See this guide for instructions on testing your RAM modules
Step 9. Make sure that the RAM is recognized
Open your computer's system information to make sure that the RAM is installed correctly and is being used. Double check to make sure the amount shown is correct.
- Windows - Open the System Properties window by pressing Win+Pause. Make sure your installed RAM is in the System section.
- Mac - Click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac". Make sure your installed RAM is in the Memory input.
Part 3 of 3: Installing Laptop RAM
Step 1. Turn off your laptop
To ensure that you won't do any damage, remove the battery at the same time (if possible). Make sure to unplug the laptop from the power adapter.
Step 2. Turn the laptop over so you can access the bottom
Most laptops allow you to swap RAM through a panel on the bottom of the laptop. You will need a plus screwdriver to access this panel. This panel is often marked with an image of a small RAM module.
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You may have to remove some panels to be able to access the RAM.
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Step 3. Connect yourself to ground
Whenever you work inside a computer, you run the risk of generating anti-static electricity that can damage your various components. You can reduce this risk by wearing an anti-static wrist strap or by grounding yourself before working on a laptop. Touching a metal faucet will ground you.
Step 4. Removing the existing RAM (if needed)
Most laptops only have one or two available slots for memory modules. You may need to let go of your existing RAM if you are aiming to upgrade it. You can remove the RAM by releasing the latches on each side, which will eject the RAM at an angle of 45 degrees. This will allow you to drag the module straight out.
Step 5. Install your new RAM
Insert it at a 45 degree angle and then press down to secure it. Make sure the notches are aligned. If you try to install the RAM upside down, it won't fit. Don't try to force RAM into its slot.
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Not all laptops require RAM modules in pairs. Check your laptop's documentation for details.
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Step 6. Close the RAM panel
Once you have installed your new RAM, close and secure the RAM access panel.
Step 7. Boot your operating system
Turn on your computer and let it boot into your operating system. You may be prompted to continue due to your new RAM installation.
If your computer is experiencing a serious error at this point, it may be that the RAM is not installed properly or there may be an error in one of your new modules. See this guide for instructions on testing your RAM modules
Step 8. Make sure that the RAM is recognized
Open your computer's system information to make sure that the RAM is installed correctly and is being used. Double check to make sure the amount shown is correct.
- Windows - Open the System Properties window by pressing Win+Pause. Make sure your installed RAM is in the System section.
- Mac - Click the Apple menu and select "About This Mac". Make sure your installed RAM is in the Memory input.
