One of the easiest, and perhaps most noticeable, upgrades you can make to your laptop is to upgrade the RAM. Adding more RAM can allow you to run more software, open more tabs in your browser, and more smoothly edit video and play games. In this article, you will also learn about the best RAM for Ryzen 9 5900x and how it can chang in your system.
Preparing for the RAM upgrade:
Preparing for the RAM upgrade involves a few important steps. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to do:
- Check your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s website:
- Look for information regarding RAM compatibility and maximum supported capacity for your specific laptop model. This will help you determine the type and size of RAM modules you can install.
- Purchase compatible RAM modules:
- Once you know the type and maximum capacity of RAM supported by your laptop, purchase the appropriate RAM modules. Make sure they match the specifications recommended by the manufacturer.
- Shut down the laptop:
- Save any ongoing work and properly shut down your laptop. This ensures that you’re starting the RAM upgrade process from a powered-off state.
- Unplug the power cord and remove the battery (if possible):
- To ensure your safety and prevent any electrical damage, unplug the power cord from your laptop. If your laptop has a removable battery, take it out as well. This step helps eliminate any potential power sources during the RAM upgrade.
By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to proceed with the RAM upgrade process for your laptop.
Locating the RAM slots
Locating the RAM slots in your laptop typically involves the following steps:
- Refer to your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s website:
- The location of the RAM slots can vary depending on the laptop model. Consult the manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions and diagrams.
- Check the bottom of the laptop:
- In many laptops, the RAM slots are located on the bottom side of the laptop. Look for a removable panel secured with screws. The panel may have icons or labels indicating its purpose, such as “RAM” or a memory module symbol.
- Inspect the sides or edges:
- Some laptops have RAM slots positioned on the sides or edges. Check around the edges of your laptop to see if there are any compartments or panels that can be opened to access the RAM slots.
- Consider the keyboard area:
- In a few laptop models, the RAM slots may be located beneath the keyboard. Removing the keyboard allows access to the RAM slots. However, this method is less common and often requires more advanced disassembly.
- Seek professional guidance if needed:
- If you’re having difficulty locating the RAM slots or are unsure about disassembling your laptop, it’s recommended to seek professional assistance. They can provide you with accurate guidance and help ensure the process is carried out correctly.
Remember to be cautious while handling delicate laptop components and always refer to the manual or manufacturer’s instructions for precise information about locating the RAM slots in your specific laptop model.
Installing the new RAM:
To install the new RAM in your laptop, follow these steps:
- Make sure you have the correct RAM module:
- Ensure that the new RAM module you purchased is compatible with your laptop model in terms of type, capacity, and speed. Refer to your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s website for the specific RAM specifications.
- Prepare a clean workspace:
- Find a clean, well-lit area to work on. Place a soft, non-static surface like an antistatic mat or a clean towel on the table to protect the laptop and RAM module from potential damage caused by static electricity.
- Ground yourself:
- Before handling the RAM or opening the laptop, ground yourself to discharge any static electricity. You can do this by touching a grounded metal object or wearing an anti-static wristband.
- Open the laptop and locate the RAM slots:
- Follow the instructions mentioned earlier to locate the RAM slots in your laptop. Remove any panels or covers that provide access to the RAM slots. Set the screws aside in a safe place.
- Insert the RAM module:
- Hold the RAM module by its edges, aligning the notch on the module with the notch in the RAM slot. Insert the RAM module into the slot at a 45-degree angle, ensuring it is fully seated.
- Apply firm, even pressure:
- Once the RAM module is aligned and inserted correctly, apply firm and even pressure with your thumbs on the top edges of the RAM module. Push down until the module is fully seated and the latches or clips on the sides lock into place
- Secure the laptop:
- Put the access panel or cover back on and secure it with the screws you removed earlier. Make sure it is tightly fastened to avoid any loose components.
- Power on the laptop:
- Reconnect the power cord and any external peripherals that were disconnected. Power on your laptop to ensure it recognizes the new RAM. You can check the system properties or use diagnostic software to verify the installed RAM capacity.
Remember to consult your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s instructions for any specific steps or precautions related to installing RAM in your particular laptop model.
Closing up and testing
After installing the new RAM in your laptop, you need to follow these steps to close up the laptop and perform testing:
- Reassemble the laptop:
- Ensure that all panels, covers, and screws are securely fastened and in their proper places. Double-check that everything is back to its original position.
- Insert the battery (if it was removed):
- If you had removed the laptop’s battery before starting the RAM upgrade, insert it back into the laptop following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Connect the power cord:
- Plug in the power cord to supply power to the laptop. Make sure it is properly connected to both the laptop and a power source.
- Power on the laptop:
- Press the power button to turn on your laptop. Allow it to boot up and reach the operating system.
- Check the new RAM recognition:
- Once your laptop has started up, go to the system settings or use diagnostic software to verify if the new RAM is recognized. It should display the updated RAM capacity.
- Test the laptop’s performance:
- Use your laptop as you normally would and monitor its performance. Launch applications, open multiple programs simultaneously, and perform tasks that previously strained your system’s memory. If the laptop runs smoothly without any issues, it indicates a successful RAM upgrade.
- Perform a memory test (optional):
- If you want to further validate the RAM upgrade, you can run a memory test using software like Memtest86 or Windows Memory Diagnostic. These tools will check for any errors or issues with the RAM modules.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the RAM upgrade is properly closed up and that your laptop is functioning correctly with the new RAM installed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, upgrading the RAM in a laptop involves preparing for the upgrade, locating the RAM slots, installing the new RAM module, closing up the laptop, and testing the system’s performance. By following these steps, you can enhance your laptop’s capabilities and enjoy improved multitasking and overall speed. Remember to consult your laptop’s manual or manufacturer’s instructions for specific guidance and seek professional assistance if needed.