If you’ve been searching for a way to improve your PC’s speed, load times and ability to handle multiple tasks at once, a RAM upgrade might be the fix you need.
Upgrading your PC’s RAM can significantly improve response times and overall computer performance, in addition to the performance of specific applications — particularly any memory-intensive programs or activities like gaming or content editing software.
But how do you upgrade your PC’s RAM? In this article, we’ll get into the details to help you decide if a RAM upgrade is definitely right for you, then guide you through a comprehensive step-by-step guide to upgrading your PC’s RAM. We’ll also touch on common troubleshooting queries, as well as how to choose the right RAM for your computer and use case.
WHAT IS RAM?
Random Access Memory (RAM) is your PC’s short-term memory storage. It’s used to store data that is being actively used by your computer when you’re running programs or applications. It essentially allows your Central Processing Unit (CPU) to read and write this data extremely quickly, so you can switch between multiple programs, web browsers or software, smoothly and efficiently.
RAM is what’s known as volatile memory, meaning that it’s temporary and gets erased any time you completely power down your computer. This is because it stores data in transistors that need an electrical current to function.
RAM is different to permanent memory storage, like ROM or SSD and HDD drives.
DOES MY PC NEED MORE RAM?
There can be several indicators that your PC may be struggling with its current RAM capacity. As with anything tech, there may be multiple issues at play, but here are some of the most common signs that a RAM upgrade could boost your PC’s performance.
- Slow performance: If your PC has become considerably slower when trying to open, close or run particular applications or large files. You may have also noticed slower loading times, lag issues or glitching.
- Multitasking issues: If your PC is struggling to switch between multiple programs, files or tabs in your web browser.
- Frequent crashes: If programs or applications are frequently crashing, glitching or freezing.
- High disk usage: You may have noticed high CPU usage on your PC, which may also be causing your PC fan to run loudly or overheat when trying to run multiple applications.
- Error messages: Messages indicating ‘low memory’ or ‘insufficient storage’ may pop up on your PC.
BENEFITS OF UPGRADING YOUR PC’S RAM
Essentially the more RAM you have, the faster your PC’s CPU will be able to read and write data from active programs or applications. Enhancing your RAM’s capacity will overall improve your system performance, speed and efficiency—especially if you’re using your PC for gaming, streaming or video/photo editing.
There are many benefits to upgrading your PC’s RAM, including:
- Enhanced processing speeds: You’ll be able to run numerous applications, including memory-intensive programs, simultaneously without causing significant performance issues or slowdowns.
- Improved load and lag times: Programs and applications will be able to load much quicker, including web browsing and office tools. This is especially true for multitasking between different applications or tabs.
- Smoother system performance: Your PC’s capacity to handle and efficiently run resource-intensive programs, like games or editing software, will improve significantly. Upgrading RAM can also reduce the drain of background applications and instances of overheating.
- Future-proofing: Upgrading your RAM can extend the life of your PC, avoiding the need to replace it completely and ensuring it evolves to be able to handle all of your needs.
HOW MUCH RAM DO I NEED?
How much RAM you need depends on what you’re primarily using your PC for.
For basic, light use and web browsing, you’ll only need minimal RAM capacity. On the other end of the scale for gamers and those using software requiring large amounts of data, you’ll need RAM with far higher capacity.
| 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 or resource heavy applications. | Under £20 | Crucial 8GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM Desktop Memory |
| Multitasking | 8GB – 16GB | Suitable for most desk-based office work, video calls, SD streaming or multitasking across different non-memory intensive applications. | £20 – £50 | Crucial 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM Desktop Memory |
| Gamers | 16GB – 32GB | Ideal for gaming, running video editing programs, HD streaming and programming. | £30 – £100 | CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB 32GB DDR5 6000MHz RAM Desktop Memory for Gaming |
| 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+ | G.Skill Trident Z5 NEO RGB 64GB DDR5 6000MHz RAM Desktop Memory for Gaming |
Check out our comprehensive guide on How Much RAM Do You Really Need for more detail
HOW TO UPDATE YOUR PC’s RAM: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Difficulty rating: Moderate
Upgrading your PC RAM is fairly straightforward, even for those without advanced computer component skills. However, you will need to open up your PC case and manually make adjustments to its motherboard. If you’re uncomfortable making these kinds of moderations, it may be best to seek a professional to replace the RAM for you.
PREPARATION
- Check your PC’s RAM specs: Before purchasing any new RAM, you must check which type and capacity is compatible with your PC. Check out our range of RAM sticks for PCs here.
- Backup your data: Before working on your computer components, always backup your drives
- 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 compatible RAM module(s)
- a Phillips-head screwdriver
- your PC’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 PC and unplug it from any mains or power sources. If it’s removable, you may want to remove your computer battery too (refer to your PC’s user manual for specific instructions). Discharge any residual power by pressing down the power button on your PC for 20 seconds.
- Open the PC case: for specific instructions refer to your user manual. Make sure you take pictures of the internal components of your computer and motherboard before making any changes. You can then refer back to pictures when putting it back together.
- Discharge any static: Ground yourself by touching a metal object or use an anti-static wrist strap whilst working on your PC’s components. This is an important step to ensure you don’t damage your motherboard.
- Remove your existing RAM: Locate the RAM access panel and use a screwdriver to remove the screws securing it. Pull the side clips 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 PC case: Put the access panel back in place and secure it with the screws and screwdriver. Replace your PC battery if it was removed.
- Power up and check your systems: Plug your PC back into the mains or a power source, plug in any peripherals and boot it up. The new RAM should automatically be recognised by your PC. Check it’s working in your system settings or properties.
COMMON TROUBLESHOOTING ISSUES
- Compatibility: It’s crucial that your new RAM, including its type and capacity, are compatible with your PC’s specs. If you have mismatched RAM, your system may not boot up.
- Seating issues: If your PC is struggling to recognise the new RAM, ensure it’s seated correctly in the slots. The ridges in the PC slots and the notches on the RAM module need to align exactly.
- BIOS update: Occasionally, you’ll need to update your basic input/output system (BIOS) so that your motherboard can identify the new RAM.
Faulty RAM: If all else fails, it might be the case that your new RAM is defective. You could try testing it with another PC, or a RAM diagnostic tool.
FAQs
- What happens if I put more RAM in my computer than it can handle?
Your PC can only use the amount of RAM, known as its capacity, that it can support. For example, if your PC only supports RAM of up to 16GB, if you try to upgrade to a 32GB RAM module, the extra memory simply won’t be recognised. This won’t damage your computer but you won’t see any of the performance benefits of the extra memory. Check your motherboard’s specifications to find out the maximum RAM capacity it supports before purchasing. - How do I find which RAM is compatible with my PC?
You can check your motherboard’s specifications to find out what type of RAM, and what capacity, it supports. Specs are usually available in your PC’s user manual, systems settings, or on its manufacturer’s website. - Is it better to have more RAM or a faster processor?
Both are important, but it depends on your use case. For heavy multitasking and memory-intensive applications, more RAM is beneficial. For CPU-intensive tasks like video editing or gaming, a faster processor is also crucial.
UPGRADING YOUR PC’S RAM: SUMMARY
Upgrading your RAM is a fairly simple and highly cost-effective way of boosting your PC’s performance, speed and efficiency as well as improving its longevity. Upgrading your RAM can be particularly effective if you’re using memory-intensive programs, like gaming, HD streaming or applications that are processing large amounts of data.
If you’re looking to upgrade your PC’s RAM, explore our range of PC RAM modules—just make sure you purchase one that’s compatible with your device.
