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How to upgrade memory (RAM) on your laptop

Is your laptop running slower than it used to? Is it struggling with multiple applications being open at any one time? Are you experiencing glitching or similar performance issues? It might be time to consider updating your system’s RAM.

 

If you’ve had your laptop for some time, or are using it to run specific memory-intensive programs, like gaming, streaming or video editing, upgrading your RAM can significantly improve load speeds, lag times and overall performance.

 

In this guide, we’ll briefly cover some common reasons why your laptop has slowdown, explore exactly why upgrading your RAM could help and take you through a detailed step-by-step on how to upgrade your laptop’s RAM — including how to choose the right amount and type of RAM for your specific needs.

COMMON CAUSES OF SLOW LAPTOPS

COMMON SIGNS YOU MAY NEED TO UPGRADE YOUR RAM:

  • Slow overall performance when using multiple applications at once.
  • Lagging during basic tasks, such as web browsing or using Microsoft Office tools.
  • Programs taking longer to boot or close.
  • Frequent overheating.
  • Frequent crashing of applications, programs or operational systems.
  • Error messages indicating ‘low memory’.

WHAT IS RAM?

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It functions as your laptop’s short-term memory, temporarily storing data and files from programs while they’re running. RAM allows your laptop to access data very quickly, making it crucial for the smooth running of programs, applications and general system performance.
Unlike storage drives, like SSD or HDD, or your laptop’s ROM, RAM is volatile, which means any data it stores is erased when your laptop restarts or is switched off.  The more RAM you have, the faster and smoother your laptop will perform, especially when running memory-intensive programs or applications, like gaming or streaming.

HOW DOES RAM HELP WITH LAPTOP SPEED AND PERFORMANCE?

Essentially the more RAM you have, the faster your laptop’s Central Processing Unit (CPU) will be able to read and write data from programs or applications. The faster your laptop can retrieve and use this data, especially if you’re switching between different programs, the more efficient it will be at running those programs.

There are many benefits to upgrading your RAM, including:

  • Faster processing speeds: You’ll be able to run numerous applications simultaneously without causing significant slowdowns.
  • Improved load and lag times:  Programs and applications will load much quicker, and tools will become more responsive, especially if you have multiple running at once.
  • Smoother system performance: Your laptop’s ability to handle resource-intensive applications like games or editing software will improve as well as reduce the drain of background applications and instances of overheating.
  • Improved system responsiveness: Your laptop will be able to switch between multiple resource-heavy applications or tasks at once.

HOW MUCH RAM DO I NEED?

Figuring out how much RAM you need heavily depends on what you use your laptop for. If you want to deep dive into the specifics, check out our comprehensive guide on How Much RAM Do You Really Need?

For the quick facts, take a look at our table below.

User type Recommended RAM Task capabilities Cost Range Ebuyer Recommends
Basic use 4GB – 8GB Suitable for day-to-day web browsing, email and light tasks on non-memory heavy applications. Under £20 Crucial 8GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM Laptop Memory  
Multitasking 8GB – 16GB Suitable for most desk-based office work, video calls, SD streaming and multitasking across different non-memory intensive applications. £20 – £50 CORSAIR VENGEANCE 16GB DDR4 2400MHz RAM Laptop Memory  
Gamers 16GB – 32GB Ideal for gaming, running video editing programs, HD streaming and programming. £30 – £100 CORSAIR VENGEANCE 32GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM Laptop Memory  
Professional content creators or design application users 32GB+ Ideal for handling complex simulations or particularly resource-heavy applications, like 3D rendering or modelling software. £70 – £200+ Crucial 32GB DDR5 5600MHz RAM Laptop Memory

HOW TO UPDATE YOUR LAPTOP RAM: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Difficulty rating: Moderate
Luckily, upgrading your laptop’s RAM doesn’t require any special computer know-how or advanced skills. It’s fairly easy to update the RAM yourself with the right tools, but if you are uncomfortable opening up your laptop case and removing components, it may be best to seek a professional to replace the RAM for you.

PREPARATION

  1. Check your laptop’s RAM specs: Before purchasing any new RAM, check your laptop’s RAM type and maximum capacity. Make sure you purchase RAM that’s compatible with your laptop’s specs. Check out our range of RAM modules here.
  2. Backup your data: Before working on your laptop’s components, always backup your drives.
  1. Clear an area to work: Static electricity can damage your computer’s internal components. Make sure you’re working in a static-free environment – hard surfaces are better than carpet if you have them and remove any plastic bags or paper from the area.

Equipment you’ll need:

  • your new RAM module
  • a Phillips-head screwdriver
  • your laptop’s user manual (this is usually available online if you don’t have the paper original)

INSTALLING YOUR NEW RAM

  • Remove all power sources: Shut down your laptop and unplug it from any power sources. If it’s removable, remove your battery using your user manual for specific instructions. Discharge any residual power by pressing down the power button of your laptop for five seconds.
    
  • Open the laptop case: refer to your user manual for specific instructions and take pictures of the components before you alter them, so you can refer to the images when putting things back in place.
  • Discharge any static: Ground yourself by touching a metal object or use an anti-static wrist strap whilst working on your laptop’s components
  • Remove your existing RAM: Locate the RAM access panel and use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing it. Pull the side clips that are holding the RAM module away from it and gently pull out the RAM. 
  • Install the new RAM: Line up the new RAM module with the slot (the notches and ridges should align exactly). Gently but firmly press the RAM module down until you hear the side clips click into place.
  • Close the laptop case: Put the access panel back in place and secure it with the screws and screwdriver. Replace your laptop battery if it was removed.
  • Power up and play: Plug your laptop into a power source and turn it on. The new RAM should automatically be recognised and start working immediately.

COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING ISSUES

  1. RAM incompatible: Your new RAM needs to be compatible with the RAM specs for your laptop. You can check the type of RAM your device uses in addition to the maximum capacity your laptop can handle,  in settings or system performance specs.
  2. Laptop doesn’t recognise new RAM: If you get an error message after booting up your device with its new RAM installed, double-check the compatibility or try reinstalling the RAM again. Occasionally you need to update your BIOS for your laptop to recognise your new RAM.

UPGRADING YOUR LAPTOP’S RAM: SUMMARY

Upgrading your laptop’s RAM is a very cost-effective and easy way to significantly improve its overall system performance, speed and capabilities. RAM impacts your laptop’s ability to run multiple applications at once, or memory-heavy programs like games or video editing software.

Upgrading your laptop’s RAM yourself is a fairly easy process — just make sure you purchase a new RAM that is compatible with your device and needs. Explore our range of laptop RAM modules, from 8GB – 32GB,  to get started with upgrading your laptop today.

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