How to Install RAM

Has your computer started to feel a bit sluggish lately? Does it no longer work as well as it used to or can’t keep up with the latest software? Upgrading RAM (Random Access Memory) is one of the simplest and cheapest ways to improve computer performance. Nearly any machine can upgrade RAM, with just a few minutes of operation and a screwdriver. Read on to learn how to do that.

Table of Contents

Install RAM for the desktop

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Determine the right type of RAM for your desktop computer. RAM comes in many different lines and speeds. Your computer’s motherboard determines the type of RAM available. Check your motherboard, your computer’s documentation, or the manufacturer’s website to determine the specifications of the RAM that’s compatible with your hardware.

RAM comes in DDR (double data rate), DDR2, DDR3, and DDR4 types. Most later computers use DDR3 or 4. You must use the type of RAM that is supported by the motherboard.
RAM is classified by two different speed parameters: PC/PC2/PC3 and MHz. You need to make sure that both of these speed specs match your motherboard’s specifications.
- The number of PCs (such as PC3 12800) is related to the maximum bandwidth (e.g. 12800 = 12.8 GB of maximum bandwidth).
- The speed of RAM is expressed by the number after DDR (eg DDR3 1600 = 1600 MHz).

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Check the number of RAM slots available on the computer. Motherboards limit the amount of RAM you can install. Some motherboards only support 2 RAM, others support 4, 6 RAM or even more.

Most motherboards also only support up to a certain amount of memory, regardless of the number of slots available.
iMacs use notebook memory. You can refer to the RAM installation instructions for iMacs in the next section.

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Look through the options. There are many manufacturers of RAM with a multitude of different prices. They differ in quality and the possibility of damage upon receipt is also quite high. Here are some of the most reliable manufacturers:

Corsair
Kingston
Crucial
G. Skill
OCZ
Patriot
Mushkin
A-Data

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Purchase. Once you have determined the brand, you can choose the RAM. When buying desktop RAM, buy SDRAM. RAM should be installed in identical pairs: to get the desired amount of RAM, you should buy two or four sticks.

For example, to get 8 GB of RAM, you can use two sticks of 4 GB or four sticks of 2 GB. Make sure they can fit properly on the motherboard. You should install RAM in pairs: if you want 4 GB, use 2 to 2 GB. Never use mismatched pairs, such as a 2 GB stick and a 1 GB stick: RAM performance may be degraded.
Any installed RAM needs to match in speed and bandwidth. Otherwise, the entire system will be overclocked to the slowest stick speed, reducing the machine’s performance.
Double check the type of RAM supported by the motherboard before making a purchase.

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Turn off the computer. Unplug the computer and all peripherals, such as monitors, keyboards, and mice, that are connected to the computer.

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Open the case. Place the case horizontally so you can work with the motherboard when the side panels are removed. On some machines, you can unscrew the case cover by hand. In others, you will have to use a four-sided screwdriver.

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Eliminate static electricity. Make sure that there is no static electricity on your body. Although we cannot feel its presence, static electricity can damage computer components. Before you begin, insulate yourself or use an anti-static wrist strap.

You can insulate yourself by touching the metal on the case while it is unplugged. If only shutdown, standby voltage remains. So make sure it’s unplugged.
Do not stand on the carpet while working with the inside of the computer.

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Locate the RAM slot. Most motherboards have 2 to 4 slots. Although the location may vary, depending on the manufacturer and model, the RAM slots are usually located near the CPU. If you have trouble finding the slot, you can refer to the motherboard layout in the user manual.

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Remove the old RAM (if upgrading). If you’re replacing your old RAM, you can remove it by opening the two latches located on either side of the slot. The RAM will be popped out of the slot, and you can now easily lift it out of the motherboard.

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Remove the new RAM from the protective case. Carefully remove the RAM from the protective case. Hold the RAM by the two sides, avoid touching the contacts on the legs and the circuit on the RAM body.

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Put the RAM in the slot. Place the slot on the RAM to match the ledge on top of the slot. Place the RAM stick in the slot and press it straight down until the two latches click and lock the RAM. While you’ll probably have to push it fairly hard, never try to squeeze the RAM into the slot.

Make sure that matching pairs of RAM are installed in the dual slots. Most of these slots are clearly marked on the motherboard or marked with color. In some cases, you may need to consult the motherboard layout. Make sure they are mounted in the same direction.
Do the same for every stick of RAM that you want to install.

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Clean dirt with a can of compressed air, improving overall performance and overheating. Compressed air cans are available at every stationery store. Do not blow air too close to the machine.

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Reinstall the case to the computer. Once you’re done working with the RAM, you can reinstall the side cover and screw it in. Avoid running the computer while the case is removed: the cooling capacity of the fan will be reduced. Next, reattach the peripherals and the display.

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Turn on the computer. It will probably start up as normal. In case the computer displays a self-test during the boot process, you can determine if the RAM is installed correctly. If not, you can still check in Windows.

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Check RAM in Windows. Press Windows key + Pause/Break to open System Properties. You can also click the Start menu, right-click Computer/My Computer, and select Properties. RAM will be listed in the System section or at the bottom of the window.

Different operating systems have different ways of calculating capacity, and some computers use certain amounts of RAM for specific functions (such as video), reducing usable memory. For example, the operating system will probably only show 0.99 GB even though you have purchased 1 GB of RAM.

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Run Memtest. If you are still unsure whether the RAM is installed or working properly, you can run the free program Memtest to check. It may take a while, but the program will detect any errors and display the installed capacity. ^{[1] X Research Source}

RAM settings for Notebook

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Determine the right type of RAM for your laptop. RAM comes in many different lines and speeds. You need to rely on the computer to choose the appropriate RAM. Check your laptop’s technical documentation or the manufacturer’s website to determine what type of RAM is compatible with your hardware.

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Insulate yourself. Before removing any cover, make sure you are properly insulated to avoid damaging the machine’s components. You can insulate yourself by touching the metal part of the case when it’s unplugged. Shutdown alone is not enough: The reserve voltage remains.

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Unplug the notebook (if it is plugged in). Remove the battery (located at the back) from the laptop and press the Power button to release all the remaining energy in the capacitor.

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Check the number of slots you have. You can access the notebook’s RAM by removing the cover underneath the computer. Usually there are several different shell sections: look for the section with the memory icon or check in the user manual. You will need a very small four-sided screwdriver to remove this cover.

Most notebooks have only two slots. Some even have only one. Higher-end notebooks will likely have more slots.

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Determines whether RAM needs to be installed in pairs. Most laptop RAM, or SODIMMs, do not need to be installed in identical pairs. If necessary, that’s because the pairs are in the same memory bank: this should be evident on your laptop or in your manual.

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Remove the old RAM (if upgrading). If you’re replacing the old RAM, remove it by opening any latch located on the side of the slot. You can open the latch by pressing down. RAM will bounce a bit. Raise the SODIMM to a 45° angle and then pull it out of the slot.

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Remove the new RAM from the protective case. Do not forget to only hold the RAM on the sides to avoid touching the contacts on the legs or the circuit on the RAM body.

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Place the notch on the SODIMM bar in line with the protrusion on the slot. When installing the SODIMM bar, the chip side is not important, it is important that the gap is aligned. Slide the SODIMM into the slot at an angle of 45°.

If there are more than one free slot, insert the RAM into the slot with the smallest number first.

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Squeeze the SODIMM down. Once you’ve installed the RAM stick at a 45° angle, you can press it down on the body of the laptop until the latch locks. At this point, the RAM has been installed. ^{[2] X Research Source}

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Check RAM. Turn the laptop over, plug it in, and turn it on. The computer will probably start up normally. In order for the RAM to be recognized, you may have to enter the BIOS. It is also possible that it will be recognized automatically when the operating system runs.

You can run Memtest if you feel that the RAM is not working properly or is faulty.

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Reinstall the laptop. Once you’ve made sure that the new RAM is properly installed, you can reinstall the laptop. Insert the bottom cover that protects the SODIMM stick back into the computer.

Advice

The Crucial memory website http://www.crucial.com/ is a good one: they provide a memory advice tool that shows the amount and type of RAM supported by your computer. You can also buy RAM on this site.
If you hear anything other than a beep that lasts for about a second, check your motherboard’s technical documentation to find out what the beep code means. The beep code is a warning system that indicates that one or more components failed to meet the self-test at the start of the POST. Often it is due to incompatible or non-functional hardware.
If the computer beeps when you turn on the computer, it is possible that the settings are incorrect or the RAM is installed in the wrong type. If you bought a calculator at a store, you should contact that store or the computer manufacturer to determine what the beep code means.
Don’t panic if the amount of RAM shown on your computer is slightly lower than what you purchased. This is the difference between measuring and allocating memory. If the amount of RAM memory is slightly larger than the one you purchased and installed, it is possible that a chip is faulty or misconnected.
Operating system memory requirements:
- Windows Vista and later: 1 GB for 32-bit; 2 GB recommended for 32-bit version and 4 GB for 64-bit version
- Windows XP: 64 MB minimum, 128 MB recommended
- Mac OS X 10.6 and later: at least 2 GB
- Ubuntu: recommended 512 MB

Warning

Do not install the RAM module upside down. In that case, when the computer is turned on, the incorrect RAM slot and module will be damaged. In rare cases, the motherboard can even be damaged.
If you are uncomfortable with disassembling your computer, seek professional service. Since you bought the RAM yourself, using an installation service won’t be too expensive.
Don’t forget to release any static electricity that may be building up before touching the RAM: RAM is extremely sensitive to electrostatic discharges. You can do this by touching the metal before you touch the computer.
Do not touch the metal part of the RAM module. Doing so may damage these modules.

Steps

Install RAM for the desktop

RAM settings for Notebook

Advice

Warning

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