Upgrade Your Computer's RAM: Step-by-Step Instructions

PDF download Download Article
Everything you need to know about buying and installing compatible RAM
PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to make your Windows PC run faster by adding more RAM. Most PC manufacturers allow you to upgrade the RAM if the built-in amount doesn't work for you, although some budget laptops can't be upgraded. You can use Crucial's free scanning tool to find out what RAM you have now, the maximum your PC can handle, and which sizes to buy.

Quick Steps to Increase RAM

  1. Find compatible RAM sticks.
  2. Open your PC or laptop case.
  3. Remove the original RAM sticks.
  4. Insert the new RAM sticks by aligning the notches and press down firmly.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Getting the Right RAM

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Determine if your version of Windows is 32-bit or 64-bit. Before you scan your hardware, it's good to make sure your operating system can handle a RAM upgrade. To see what your computer or laptop is running, press the Win' key and search for system information ; click the app result to open "System Information." [1]
  2. 2
    Go to https://www.crucial.com/store/systemscanner in a web browser. Crucial, a major RAM retailer, offers a free and easy tool you can use to determine your PC's maximum RAM capacity, how many SIMM or DIMM slots are available, and what type of RAM will work best. Start by opening Crucial's website on the computer you want to upgrade.
    • According to computer specialist Spike Baron, you can also go to the manufacturer's website that made your motherboard and check to see what the RAM limit is.
    • Using this tool cuts out a lot of the investigation on your end. Otherwise, you need to know the answers to questions like:
      • What is the motherboard model?
      • Which CPU is installed on your motherboard?
      • How much RAM is supported by your motherboard/processor combination?
      • What type of memory does your motherboard support?
      • Do you have free memory slots on your motherboard?
      • Are there any size restrictions for the RAM card, like is there a large cooler installed in the PC?
      • Which memory modules are currently installed? Determine the type, quantity, capacity, frequency, latency, and brand.
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    Click Start my free scan . It's under the "This is it" header as well as below the "How it works" section. [2]
    • If you're using a different computer than the one you want to upgrade, select Upgrade Selector instead so you can manually select the manufacturer and model.
  4. 4
    Agree to the terms and run the installer. The default location is most likely your "Downloads" folder, so head there to find the free scanner.
    • Double-click the downloaded file to run it and select your web browser as the application to run the .htm file.
  5. This is where you'll find the following information:
    • Your computer's installed memory: This displays the RAM that's in your computer now. The "slots" tell you the size of the RAM stick in each of the slots. For example, if your PC has 6 GB of RAM, you might have a 4 GB stick in the first slot, and a 2 GB stick in the second. The speed of the RAM is also listed here (e.g., 1600).
      • You can click the amount in each slot to see the exact model and speed of the RAM. It'll also show you the product number of the exact RAM you have now.
    • Your computer's memory capability: This is where you'll find the maximum amount of RAM your computer can handle, as well as the total amount of RAM slots in the system.
  6. 6
    Scroll to the "Max-Out memory" section. This shows you exactly what you can replace the current amount of RAM with, and what the maximum amount of RAM would look like. For example, if your PC can take up to 16 GB of RAM and currently has 8 GB (4 GB in each slot), you can remove both 4 GB sticks and replace them with two 8 GB sticks.
    • You don't have to add the maximum amount of RAM. In the example of your PC taking up to 16 GB and only having 8 GB right now, you simply replace one of your 4 GB sticks with an 8 GB stick to make 12 GB, leaving the other stick alone.
  7. Now that you know your PC's RAM limitations, you can purchase compatible RAM from any tech department store (e.g., Best Buy) or online store (e.g., Crucial, which is the retailer that provided your RAM scanning tool). Crucial has been where large companies and individual users alike have purchased RAM for decades, so it's a totally safe place to get what you need. To see Crucial's recommendations and pricing, just scroll down to "Upgrade details.". [3]
    • If you want to run your RAM in dual channel or triple channel mode, you will want to buy an identical pair of two of the same size and speed DDR2 or DDR3 DIMMS. If the DIMMs are different speeds from one another, they'll only run as fast as the DIMM with the lower speed.
    • In general, as long as your motherboard takes DIMMs, which is nearly all PCs from the 2000s and forward, you don't have to install RAM in identically-sized pairs. So, if your PC came with a 4 GB DIMM and a 2 GB DIMM (a common configuration on some Acer and Lenovo laptops) and you want to have 12 GB of RAM, you could replace the 2 GB DIMM with an 8 GB DIMM. However, you do need to make sure your DIMMs have the same number of pins.
    • It's generally cheaper to buy RAM online than in-store, but going to a store gives you the opportunity to speak with someone and make sure you're getting the right thing.
    • For standard computer use on Windows, 6–16 GB of RAM should be enough. If you use more advanced software for 3D modeling, consider getting up to 32 GB instead.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Installing Laptop RAM

PDF download Download Article
  1. Open Start
    Windows Start
    , click Power
    Windows Power
    , and click Shut down to do so.
    • Wait for your computer to stop making noise before proceeding.
  2. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on. [4]
  3. Use something like an anti-static wristband or take precautions to eliminate static charge in your workspace and this will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity. [5]
  4. Some laptops have a panel specifically for RAM, while others require you to remove the entire bottom of the laptop. Refer to your laptop's manual or online documentation for specific instructions on how to handle this.
  5. Since most laptops only have two RAM slots, you'll most likely have to remove the old RAM. To do so, look for a lever or a button to press, or gently tug the RAM cards away from their slots if no button is present. [6]
  6. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.
  7. Line the new card up with the notch in the RAM socket, then firmly press the card in and down (if necessary) so that it lies flat. Repeat this process for the other RAM card if applicable. [7]
    • Unlike desktop RAM, laptop RAM doesn't always need to be installed as a matching pair, though it does need to have consistent speed.
  8. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by pressing ⊞ Win + Pause to open the System Properties window; you should see your RAM listed next to the "Physical Memory" heading.
    9. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Installing Desktop RAM

PDF download Download Article
  1. Open Start
    Windows Start
    , click Power
    Windows Power
    , and click Shut down to do so. If your desktop has a master switch on it as well, make sure the switch is set to "Off".
  2. This includes the power cable, any USB attachments, Ethernet cables, and so on.
  3. Ground yourself . This will prevent you from accidentally harming your computer's internal components with static electricity. [8]
  4. This will allow you to visually inspect your RAM slots and currently installed modules, which can make choosing your new RAM easier.
  5. If you're removing the old modules to make room for bigger ones or taking them out to upgrade to a faster speed, you can quickly remove them by releasing the latches on each side of the RAM, or by gently tugging on the RAM if there are no latches. Once the latches are released, you can pull the RAM card(s) straight out. [9]
  6. Make sure that you only touch the RAM cards along the side edges so that you don't get oil, dirt, or skin particles on the contacts or circuitry.
  7. RAM can only be inserted in one direction, so make sure that the slot and module line up. [10]
  8. Apply even pressure to the card, but do not force it in. In most cases, there will be latches on either side that will snap into place when the RAM card is correctly installed. [11]
  9. Make sure that the matching card goes into a slot matching the first RAM card that you installed. Most matching pairs of slots are designated by different colors or labeled with printing on the motherboard. Your motherboard's manual should also have a diagram. [12]
  10. At this point, you can plug back in any cables, USB items, and peripherals that you had plugged in before.
  11. You can check that your operating system is recognizing your RAM by pressing ⊞ Win + Pause to open the System Properties window; you should see your RAM listed next to the "Physical Memory" heading.
    12. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Will adding RAM to my computer help with Adobe programs?
    Community Answer
    In some respects, yes. You would be able to Photoshop more images at once, run video and music editing software at the same time, etc. However, the speed of your computer will remain about the same. Focusing on your CPU would be better if that's what you need.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 14
  • Question
    Is there a way to increase the maximum RAM capacity of the motherboard? Will updating the BIOS help?
    Community Answer
    No, the maximum RAM capacity is a fixed amount. You'll have to upgrade motherboards if you want additional RAM.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 5 Helpful 14
  • Question
    Is there any way to increase processor performance just like I can increase the RAM?
    Paul Sargent
    Community Answer
    Yes, there is a process you can do called overclocking. However, if you need to ask that question, you really shouldn't be trying this out. Turning the voltages up too high will fry your processor, leaving you without a PC!
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 14
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      Warnings

      • Never leave the power cord plugged into the power supply when adding or removing hardware. As long as the power supply is plugged into the wall socket, there's a current going through it. Although that current is too weak to turn on the computer, it is strong enough to give you a decent shock and short-circuit connectors.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Install RAM
      How to
      Free Up RAM
      How to
      Upgrade and Install RAM on a Desktop or Laptop Computer
      How to
      Clear Your RAM Cache and Free Up Memory
      How to
      Find Out the Maximum RAM Capacity for Your Computer
      How Much RAM Do You Have? Easily Check PC & Mac Memory
      See How Much RAM You Have on PC, Mac, Chromebook, & iPad
      How to
      Check Your Computer's Memory Usage: Complete Guide
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/system-configuration-tools-in-windows-f8a49657-b038-43b8-82d3-28bea0c5666b
      2. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/store/systemscanner
      3. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/is-my-ram-compatible-with-my-motherboard
      4. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-upgrade-laptop-memory
      5. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-upgrade-laptop-memory
      6. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-upgrade-laptop-memory
      7. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-upgrade-laptop-memory
      8. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/how-to-upgrade-desktop-memory
      9. ↑ https://www.crucial.com/articles/about-memory/how-to-upgrade-desktop-memory
      1. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-ram-in-a-pc
      2. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-ram-in-a-pc
      3. ↑ https://www.tomshardware.com/how-to/install-ram-in-a-pc

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Go to https://www.crucial.com/store/systemscanner
      2. Scan your PC.
      3. Find the maximum RAM requirements.
      4. Purchase new RAM.
      5. Open your desktop or laptop computer.
      6. Remove old RAM if necessary.
      7. Insert new RAM.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 830,211 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement