How to Upgrade your PC’s RAM

If your PC feels slower than it should, you might be in need of more RAM. Whether it’s an old laptop that feels sluggish or a newer system that starts to bog down when too many tabs are open, adding more RAM could solve the problem.  A RAM upgrade is one good way to make your PC more powerful, particularly when you don’t have enough of it. 

If you find your computer constantly accessing the hard drive for “virtual” memory or struggling when you have multiple programs open, it may be time to upgrade your RAM. The good news is that upgrading memory on a desktop PC is a straightforward process that usually only requires a screwdriver, the new RAM modules, and just a few minutes of your time. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of installing a RAM upgrade to enhance your PC’s performance.

Why upgrade your RAM? 

Upgrading your computer’s RAM can make it run faster. RAM is like your computer’s short-term memory. It stores information that the computer needs right away. More RAM means your computer can access more information quickly instead of searching slower parts like the hard drive. 

With more RAM, programs can run smoother. Your computer will start up faster. You can have more browser tabs open without slowing down. Games will run at higher speeds. And you can multitask between different apps easily. Overall, more RAM makes your computer feel snappier and more responsive. It’s an easy way to improve performance.

Why should you upgrade your RAM? 

Upgrading RAM boosts your computer’s ability to handle tasks by providing vital resources to quickly move data between the hard disk and the CPU for processing. Even the fastest solid-state drives (SSD) can’t match the speed of RAM in delivering information to your computer. Without enough RAM, your computer can slow down significantly or may not even work. Upgrading RAM gives it more “brainpower” to shuffle things quickly between storage and the CPU.

• People usually add more RAM to:
• Speed up their computers.
• Have faster web browsing.
• Improve gaming performance.
• Avoid crashes during photo or video editing.
• Revitalize an old PC.

All these reasons aim to make your PC faster and more efficient, which is the main purpose of upgrading RAM.

Factors to Consider when Upgrading RAM

When upgrading the RAM in your computer, there are a few things to think about:

1. How much RAM do you currently have installed? Check your computer’s settings to find out.
2. How much additional RAM does your computer need? More RAM helps run bigger programs and more programs at once.
3. What is the maximum amount of RAM your computer motherboard can handle? There is usually a limit.
4. Should you get DDR3 or DDR4 RAM chips? Newer computers take the newer DDR4 chips.

Knowing the answers to these questions will help you pick the right type and amount of new RAM when you upgrade. This will ensure it works properly in your computer.

How much RAM can your computer handle? 

Each computer has a limit on how much RAM it can use. Before adding more memory to your PC, make sure it can handle the extra capacity. Here’s how to find out:

1. Press and hold the Windows key + R to open the Run window.
2. Type “msinfo32” into the box and press OK to see a summary of your System Information.
3. Look for your motherboard details under BaseBoard Manufacturer, BaseBoard Product, and BaseBoard Version.
4. Use this information to search online for your motherboard’s specifications and find its maximum RAM capacity and configuration.
5. Once you know your system’s limits, you can decide how to optimize the available RAM slots on your motherboard based on your needs and budget.

How to upgrade RAM on a Desktop Computer 

If you’ve gotten the appropriate amount of RAM for your desktop computer, then you’re ready to perform the RAM upgrade. Here’s how to upgrade the RAM: 

1. First, shut down your computer and let it cool down completely.
2. Disconnect all cords, cables, and accessories.
3. Open up your computer’s casing, following the instructions in your owner’s manual. You’ll probably need to unscrew it, so keep track of which screws go where since they may vary in type and size.
4. Touch a metal surface inside your computer to discharge any static electricity from your body, which helps protect the internal components.
5. Locate your RAM with the help of your owner’s manual.
6. Remove your current RAM modules gently, using any clips to release them if needed.
7. Carefully insert your new RAM modules into the slots, making sure the gold connectors align correctly and pushing the module into place.
8. Close your computer case.
9. Reconnect all cables and accessories.

How to Upgrade RAM on a Laptop

You can add more RAM to your laptop as long as it supports more memory. First, check if your laptop’s RAM is removable or soldered in place. If removable, here’s how to upgrade:   

1. Turn off and unplug your laptop. Let it cool down.
2. Carefully open the bottom case. If you need to unscrew it, remember which screw goes where.  
3. Touch the bare metal inside to discharge static electricity. This protects the parts.
4. Gently push the clips on the sides of the RAM module to release it. Then pull it out.
5. Pick up the new RAM module by the edges. Don’t touch the gold pins.
6. Line up the notch on the RAM with the slot. Push straight down until it clicks.
7. Press down on the RAM so it lies flat. The clips will lock it in.  
8. Put the case back on, turn over laptop, and plug everything back in.

That’s it! You’ve successfully upgraded your laptop’s RAM! 

How to Check your RAM Upgrade

After physically installing new RAM modules, it’s important to verify that your computer recognizes the full capacity. Follow these procedures to check your RAM upgrade:

1. Turn on your computer and allow it to fully boot into the operating system. 
2. Open the Task Manager by right-clicking the taskbar and selecting it. Alternatively, you can press Ctrl+Shift+Esc on your keyboard.
3. Click on the Performance tab and look at the memory section. It should display the total installed RAM that matches what you upgraded to. For example, if you installed 2x 8GB DDR4 sticks, it would display 16GB as the total.
4. You can also right click on This PC and select Properties to see full system information including RAM capacity. Compare this to your upgraded amount. 
5. Consider running a memory test like Windows Memory Diagnostic tool to check for errors. Let the test complete one full pass at least.
6. Stress test your RAM upgrade by using demanding applications, games, content creation software and observe system stability. Any application crashes or shutdowns could indicate issues.

Following physical installation, verifying accurate capacity recognition in software and stability testing is crucial to ensure your RAM upgrade was successful. Monitoring system performance for a few days under your normal workload is recommended as well.

Conclusion

Upgrading your PC’s RAM is an easy and affordable way to give your computer a performance boost. With more RAM, your system can handle more applications and data without slowing down. Carefully consider your computer’s specifications and needs before purchasing new modules. When you’re ready, simply follow the instructions in this article to upgrade the RAM. 

After completing the physical RAM installation, remember to verify that your operating system detects the full capacity. Additionally, spend some time testing system stability under heavy workloads. We hope this guide gave has given you the key information you need to successfully upgrade your computer’s memory. If you have any other questions or run into any issues during installation, please leave a comment below. We’re happy to help troubleshoot or provide more PC upgrade advice.