How to increase RAM on a laptop

A huge number of users prefer small and mobile laptops to the usual desktop PCs. This is due to many reasons: from the ability to move the computer anywhere without any effort to its size and technical capabilities. Despite the fact that laptops are one of the most popular gadgets used by modern people, some people abandon them due to insufficient RAM.

This is a rather important point that should be taken into account at the purchase stage. Cheaper models usually have less RAM, which negatively affects the further operation of the device. But what to do if you have already purchased a laptop and it runs out of RAM? Is there any way to increase it yourself and what is required for this? You will learn about all this in this article.

When does it make sense to increase RAM?

The first step is to figure out when and who may need to increase the amount of RAM in a laptop.

The fact is that a laptop almost always has much less memory than a desktop computer.This can be explained very simply: every manufacturer wants to place all the internal elements of the device more compactly and conveniently so that the gadget is light and mobile. This is precisely the main requirement of the average user who wants to buy a laptop. First of all, he is interested in the ability to carry the device with him to work or, conversely, have fun from anywhere.

But unfortunately, this means sacrificing performance. One of the features of a laptop is that it is extremely difficult to repair at home. And all because after disassembling the device, you will not always be able to put it back together correctly and not touch any important contacts. In addition, many elements of the internal system simply cannot be replaced - then you will have to purchase a new computer or try to contact an expensive specialist who will carry out painstaking repairs.

But it is quite possible to increase RAM on your own. Of course, the easiest option would be to buy a device that already has a lot of this memory in order to forget about this problem for several years, or even until the end of using the laptop. But such models are often too expensive, and also have a large number of functions that are unlikely to be useful to the average user. Then you need to come to terms with the fact that the RAM will have to be increased over time. When might this be needed?

The first sign will be that some particularly “heavy” programs or games have stopped running. “Insufficient RAM” or other similar messages may appear on the screen.The laptop may also work very slowly or incorrectly, which very often indicates the need to replace this element.

Installation may also be required if the laptop is quite old, but a large number of modern programs are installed on it, as well as the latest version of the operating system. Since it is more difficult to improve the performance of a laptop than a PC, it may cause some difficulties in use.

Important! Before making a final decision, it is still recommended to try clearing your memory. This way you can delay the need for replacement and extend the correct operation of the device for some time. If you are careful and selective in the programs that are installed on your device, then increasing the RAM may never be necessary.

Is it possible to replace RAM on a laptop?

It is undoubtedly possible to replace RAM, unlike other important elements, such as a processor or video chip.

In addition, you can easily do this yourself, even if you have never done anything like this before. The procedure does not require much time, so even a beginner who does not have special skills or special knowledge in the field of technology can cope with the task.

But you should understand that you will disassemble your gadget and insert another element instead of one - it is important to be very careful and careful, and also carefully study the detailed instructions before starting work.

The first step is to figure out which RAM slots are used in your laptop and how many there are. This will help you understand what type of memory you should purchase and where to insert it.

Important! Please note that in most cases not all slots are occupied. This means that you don’t have to replace the memory, but simply add one more to the existing one. This will allow you to get more free space, greatly increase computer performance and make work more comfortable.

To check the type of operating memory in your device, you can use a special tool in the Task Manager, which appeared in the latest update to the Windows 10 operating system. First, go to the Task Manager, where there is a special “Performance” tab. After this, you will need the “Memory” item, which will appear in the list on the left.

The screen will display complete information about the memory of your laptop - the number of slots and the amount of free space, speed and type of memory that will be needed for further work.

If you do not have Windows 10 installed, you will have to use other ways to find out all the necessary information. The easiest option would be to install a third-party application. For example, CPU-Z, which is the most popular utility used for this purpose. You will find the necessary parameters in the SPD tab.

Try switching to every available slot. If one or more of them turns out to be empty, then you can safely install new operating memory into it, thereby significantly increasing its capacity. Information about the available free space is currently located in the Memory tab.

Important! Before purchasing new RAM, make sure the slots are the same. This will allow the laptop to operate in multi-channel mode, and will also eliminate possible problems in further operation.

How to properly add RAM to a laptop

So, you have found out all the necessary information. After this, you should go to the nearest specialized store and purchase the necessary memory. After this, you can begin installation.

It is important to understand that different models from different manufacturers can differ significantly from each other, so it will be useful to find instructions that are specific to your laptop. In most cases, it is still possible to install additional memory, so the procedure will not be too complicated.

Many models do not have to be completely disassembled - it will be enough to remove the top cover. But if the slots are located somewhere far away, then you should be careful - there is a high probability of touching something or damaging the contacts. Then the device will have to be repaired and you will have to pay a lot of money for it.

If the manufacturer of your device considered that the user may need to replace the memory himself and provided the opportunity to do this by removing the cover, then there is no need to worry.

The first step is to completely turn off the computer. Disconnect it not only using a special button, but also from the network if it was charging before. After this, remove the battery. It is usually located on the back of the device. After this, remove the cover under which the connectors should be located. A screwdriver may be needed for this.

When modules are detected, they must either be replaced or additional ones installed nearby. Please note that they should be installed as tightly as possible. Otherwise, the computer simply will not see them, and the correct operation of the device may be disrupted. Now close the lid and turn on the computer.Check if a new model has appeared on your device.

To do this, you can use the methods already described above, with which you previously received the necessary information about the memory installed in the laptop.

Important! Please note that changing or installing an additional RAM module will void the warranty on any laptop. Therefore, if the attempt is unsuccessful, you will have to pay for repairs, as well as if any other damage is discovered. Be careful and careful. If you are unsure of your abilities, it would be better to contact a specialist. It will independently install the required element into the device system without damaging any of the internal elements.

If the new module is not displayed on your computer, try repeating your steps again from start to finish. The memory may have been installed loosely. Alternatively, you can swap the old module and the new one if you did not remove it, but only installed an additional one.

Now you know how you can independently increase the amount of RAM in your laptop and what you will need for this. The procedure is quite simple, so any ordinary user can handle it. Purchasing a new module will also not be a problem - usually every hardware or electronics store sells several models. If there is another empty slot, you can add another module and thereby increase the laptop’s performance several times more.