How to speed up memory on a laptop. How to increase RAM on a laptop: a step-by-step description of the process applicable to all models of Asus, Acer, Lenovo, etc.

Laptops have gained great popularity among users due to their compactness and mobility. However, these benefits have a downside. Manufacturers often release to the market not the most balanced configuration, often saving primarily on RAM. You can increase its volume yourself if you know how to do it correctly.

Before increasing the amount of memory, you need to find out whether it is possible to do this at all. For example, some new budget laptop models are available with a motherboard that has only one RAM slot. Accordingly, the amount of RAM cannot be increased by simply adding another memory stick. You can only replace an already installed module with another, larger one.

In most cases, a laptop has two RAM slots. Moreover, the manufacturer can complete the product with two identical memory modules installed in both slots. In this case, you will have to sacrifice one of the memory sticks in order to install another, larger one, along with it.

You should also take into account the bitness of the operating system. 32-bit Windows does not detect memory larger than 3.5 GB. Another problem may arise if the owner wants to expand the memory on a laptop that is still under warranty. Since the laptop must be opened to increase the memory capacity, this may result in denial of warranty service. Therefore, in this case, it is better to contact the manufacturer’s authorized service center to resolve this issue.

It should be borne in mind that modern laptop models often require almost complete disassembly in order to gain access to the RAM slots. You should also keep in mind that it happens that the laptop motherboard only supports memory that operates at a reduced supply voltage. It is marked with the letter L in the name. May be designated, for example, DDR3L.

Main characteristics of RAM

Before purchasing a memory module, you first need to find out what type is used in your laptop. The most common types:

DDR2, operating frequencies 133, 166 and 200 MHz;
DDR3, operating frequencies from 400 to 1066 MHz;
DDR4, operating frequencies from 1600 to 3200 Mg.

On a note! have almost gone out of use and can be found in very ancient laptops. New sticks of this type have not been produced for a long time, therefore, if DDR memory is required, you will have to buy such parts secondhand, through advertisements and online flea markets.

Another important parameter is timings, which should be taken into account when choosing a module. We should not forget that the memory format for laptops has the index SO. That is, in online stores you need to look for products labeled SO-DIMM.

How to determine the type of memory installed in a laptop

To find out exactly what memory is used in the device, you can use several methods.

Visual inspection

The easiest and most reliable way is to disassemble the laptop, remove the installed memory module and read the markings that are on it. On the one hand, you will have to disassemble the laptop, on the other hand, sooner or later you will have to do this in order to install an additional module.

This method also accurately provides information about the number of RAM slots that are available on the motherboard.

Operating system software

In Windows 8 and 10 operating systems, you can get basic information about the hardware configuration through the Task Manager.

In it you need to select the “Performance” tab and then the “Memory” option. The following information will be displayed:

The total amount of memory installed in the laptop.
Memory type - DDR2, DDR3 or DDR4.
Frequency.
The volume that is currently being used by the system.
Number of slots and their use.

Using special utilities

The most can be obtained using special diagnostic and test utilities that provide the user with the most complete information about the installed equipment. These programs are usually used:

Everest;
AIDA64;
CPU-Z.

Let's take a closer look at working with the CPU-Z program.

UsageCPU-Z

This convenient utility can be downloaded from the official website of the developer. The program is completely free. After installation, run the program with administrator rights.

The main operating window is displayed. In it you need to select the SPD tab. The most complete information about RAM is displayed here - its type, volume, frequency, timings and other parameters. This data is provided separately for each RAM module that is installed. The “Slot” tab allows you to select memory modules installed in a specific slot on the laptop board and display information for each of them. The Mainboard tab may be useful. Information about the motherboard and chipset is displayed here. Based on this information, you can further determine what maximum memory capacity and frequency your laptop supports.

How to install a memory module in a laptop

To correctly perform the procedures for installing memory into your device, you should adhere to the following algorithm:

Shut down the laptop and disconnect it from the power adapter, remove the battery.
Carefully unscrew the screws from the cover of the compartment where the RAM is installed and open the cover.
Install the memory module into the free slot, making sure it is completely inserted into the connector until it is secured with the latches.
Replace the back cover.
Turn on the laptop and check the amount of RAM first in the BIOS, then in the operating system.

If everything is done correctly, the user will see a new, increased amount of RAM. Often, the result of such an upgrade can be seen by launching a new toy or resource-intensive program.

A laptop often leads to a significant increase in system performance. However, before carrying out such an upgrade, you must select the correct memory type. You also need to keep in mind that there will be operations to disassemble the laptop. It is better for inexperienced users to trust such actions to specialists or watch several training videos.

Video - How to increase laptop RAM

Video - How to increase RAM using a flash drive

Laptops are essentially the same computers, only portable. Because of such a useful property as mobility, you have to sacrifice something. In this case, you sacrifice their maintainability and power. Unfortunately, the processor in them, like the video chip, cannot be changed, but you can increase the amount of RAM. Most more or less modern laptops have two RAM slots, often only one of them is occupied, which allows you to expand the RAM.

Today, laptops can have up to 32 GB of RAM, but if you decide to increase the volume, you probably have less RAM. The biggest disadvantage of all laptops is that you need to disassemble them with caution, one awkward movement and you can bend a contact somewhere, and this, in turn, is fraught with a short circuit. You don’t need to be an electrician or a person versed in technology to understand what exactly a short circuit leads to. In this case, it will result from burnt fuses, or even a completely burnt-out motherboard. So be careful!

Increasing the amount of RAM on laptops

First, I would like to start with the basics. If you have a very old laptop and it only has 1-2 GB of RAM, but according to its technical characteristics it supports as many as four gigabytes, you should know one nuance. Above 3.5 GB of RAM you need to install a 64-bit operating system.

It is also worth mentioning that there are different types of memory. At the time of writing, there are four of them - DDR1 - DDR5. They differ from each other in different frequencies and, accordingly, speed of operation.

Also, RAM can be one-, two-, three- and four-channel. That is, one, two, three or four slots work together. The more threads, the higher the final computing speed. The performance gain is especially noticeable in games, graphic editors and browsers (if a large number of tabs are open).

How to find out what type of RAM is in my laptop

There are two options here - unscrew the laptop, remove the cover and look at the sticker on the RAM for its type - it will indicate both the frequency at which it operates and the type. The second option is simpler - software, just download a free utility called CPU-Z. You decide. If you want to expand the capacity of the RAM, you will still have to unscrew the cover and remove the memory from there. Let's look at the software method:

Determining the number of RAM slots on a laptop

Now we need to determine the number of slots in the laptop. Because how to expand the amount of RAM if you only have one slot? In this case, we will simply have to install a bar with a larger amount of memory instead of the one currently installed. To determine the number of slots, you need:

The most interesting thing remains - to set the second bar. According to the technical characteristics of this laptop, up to 6 gigabytes of RAM are supported. In other words, we can set the bar to another two gigabytes and the laptop will work more quickly.

How to install RAM on a laptop

Depending on the manufacturer and the specific model of the laptop, the amount of RAM increases in different ways, or rather, in some places it is more difficult to get to the memory slots, and in others it is easier.

For example, with regard to ASUS laptops, you will need to completely remove the back cover, and then the keyboard, after which you can insert the bar next to the first one.

On some older laptops everything is much simpler; there is a separate section where the RAM is:

As you can see, with good instructions you can easily cope with such a non-trivial task as increasing the amount of RAM on a laptop.

In the modern world, the amount of information processed increases exponentially every year. Consequently, the software being developed requires higher laptop performance to function properly. But it’s not only impractical to buy a new personal computer every few years, but not everyone has enough financial resources for such purchases. An option to solve this problem is to improve (upgrade) the old PC. First of all, RAM and hard drive are added. Therefore, knowing how to increase laptop memory is simply necessary. This applies to both RAM (necessary for the operation of programs and systems) and the hard drive, on which information is stored for a long time.

Increasing laptop RAM

As already mentioned, RAM is responsible for processing information while the laptop is operating. As programs become more sophisticated, more resources are required for the normal operation of the computer. However, before purchasing it, you need to see what type is installed on the laptop. Depending on the release date, the model will differ: DDR, DDR2, DDR3. You can view this information in the documentation or in specialized programs (Aida, Everest). If these manipulations are too complex, then it is better to contact specialists. You can purchase the parts necessary to increase RAM at any computer hardware store. Standard PCs have two memory slots. It is necessary to ensure that the operating frequency of the motherboard matches the operating frequency of the RAM.

How to install RAM yourself?

To install a RAM card yourself, you must:

Turn off the power and remove the battery from the laptop
There is a special cover on the bottom of the case. It shows a drawing of the appearance of the RAM. Unscrew the fixing screw and remove it.
Insert a free RAM card slot

This is a fairly simple operation for those who have encountered technology. For those who have self-doubt, it is better to contact a specialized center for the repair and maintenance of computer equipment.

Ways to increase laptop memory

There are several ways to help increase laptop memory. Here are some of them:

Purchasing a larger hard drive
Purchasing a portable hard drive.

Purchasing a larger hard drive is not difficult. But it is worth noting that you will have to reinstall the operating system, drivers and programs.

In the second case, there will be no need to reinstall the system, and there will also be no need to open the laptop. Therefore, the manufacturer's warranty will remain. However, the disadvantage of this method is the need to constantly carry an additional hard drive with you.

If you still decide to install a larger hard drive on your laptop computer, you must perform the following operations:

Turn off the power and remove the battery
Remove the cover protecting the hard drive on the bottom of the laptop case
If the drive is installed on a snap-in, then move it down from the connector and remove the hard drive. If the hard drive is well secured, then unscrew the mounting screws and remove the drive.
Insert a new hard drive. You need to make sure that the contacts of the PC and the drive are in close contact.
Reassemble in reverse order

So, we looked at how to increase memory on a laptop. And you should already choose the most suitable option for yourself. After all, for normal and quiet work it is necessary that the computer works normally and does not freeze. Good luck!

Laptops have long been much more popular than desktop computers. They are more mobile, take up much less space and are easier to operate.

A laptop can easily work for several years with virtually no failures, but its main disadvantage is the almost complete lack of ability to improve performance. However, one of the parameters of a laptop computer that can be changed relatively easily is the amount of RAM. But before that, I recommend that you try getting rid of garbage.

Any user can easily increase the RAM of a laptop, and in this issue we will look at how to do this.

You can watch a Video on how to increase RAM on a laptop or study the article below.

When does it make sense to increase RAM?

RAM- one of the important parameters of any computer. Nowadays, standard programs use much more RAM than they did a few years ago. This is due to the fact that it has become much more accessible, and most computers now have 8, 16, 32 or 64 GB of RAM installed out of the box.

If your laptop is quite old, but has been updated to the more demanding Windows 10 operating system, or uses resource-intensive applications, it may make sense to increase the amount of RAM in it.

This is advisable when the laptop has a good processor and video card, and the performance problems that arise are related specifically to the lack of RAM.

There are several “symptoms” that indicate that the computer does not have enough RAM to perform the assigned tasks:

If, after the next update of the operating system, the computer begins to cope with assigned tasks much more slowly, this indicates that standard applications are seriously consuming RAM, and there is not enough of it;
Also, if a message appears about low memory while the computer is running;
When a number of programs or games simply do not start, but according to other characteristics the computer is suitable for them.

Important: Remember that if your laptop has a 32-bit operating system, it can only run with a maximum of 4GB of RAM.

Before you start replacing RAM, you need to decide what ports are in the laptop for installing it, as well as how many there are in total.

Note: Not all RAM slots in a laptop are always occupied. Often there are several free slots, so new RAM can be added to the existing one.

The Windows 10 operating system now has a convenient tool right in “Task Manager”, which allows you to see what kind of RAM is used in the laptop, as well as how many slots are occupied.

To do this, click Ctrl+Alt+Del and go to "Task Manager", then select the tab at the top "Performance" and switch in the left column to column "Memory".

After this, it will become clear how much RAM is now in the laptop, what kind of memory it is, how many memory slots there are, and also at what speed it operates. If your computer has not been updated to Windows 10, there are other ways to find out information about RAM without disassembling the device case.

The simplest option- use one of the third-party applications, for example, the program CPU-Z.

It allows you to find out information about your computer, including RAM. RAM information is listed on the SPD tab.

Using the drop-down list, you can determine how many RAM slots are in the computer. If, after switching to one of the slots, it does not contain information about RAM, this indicates that this slot is empty.

The type of RAM can be found on the tab that contains the memory module; it is indicated at the very beginning of the information about the installed module. There you can also see the size of a given memory module and manufacturer.

If you need to find out the total amount of memory on your laptop, you can do this on the tab Memory.

In a similar way, you can determine how many free slots for RAM there are in the laptop. And also what modules you need to purchase to avoid compatibility problems.

Important: If you plan to purchase additional memory for your laptop, it is better that the modules RAM were identical (at least in volume). This is required so that the computer can operate in dual-channel mode.

HOW TO INSTALL RAM INTO A LAPTOP

The situation may vary from computer to computer. Typically, laptop manufacturers provide for the possibility that the user will want to replace the RAM. Therefore, they make access to it as simple as possible.

Most often, you do not need to disassemble the entire computer. To get to the memory slots, just remove the separate cover.

It is important to understand that if the laptop is still under warranty, then if you replace the RAM in it, the warranty will go away.

To replace RAM in a laptop you will need:

Well, that's all for today! Please write in the comments, did you manage to increase the RAM on your laptop? And what exactly helped YOU personally? Do not forget subscribe to our channel if you are not yet subscribed, click on the bell next to the subscribe button to receive notifications.

Increasing RAM on a laptop

It’s worth noting right away that to increase the amount of RAM in a laptop, you need to take into account many factors. Particular attention should be paid to the operating frequency of the memory. If it differs from the one supported by the motherboard, then nothing will work.

What do you need to know before purchasing RAM modules?

How can I find out the information I need?

Read also: TOP 12 Programs for computer diagnostics: description of proven software tools

There are several ways to do this. They differ in the degree of complexity and the amount of information provided. But you can get all the information and select the appropriate RAM module.

Laptop documentation

Probably the simplest and most logical way. However, it can only be used if the documentation for the laptop has been preserved. Its technical characteristics should be described in the user manual.

Instructions from the laptop

If they are not there, then you should carefully examine the box from the device. Often manufacturers write specifications there. But if there is nothing on the box, then the option with documentation is clearly not suitable. It is worth turning to more reliable methods.

Operating system capabilities

Read also: TOP 8 Motherboards for a series of Intel Core i3/i5/i7 processors on 1151 sockets: choosing the best option in 2018

Windows OS can provide the user with some information about the amount of operating memory installed in the laptop.

However, the type, operating frequency and other data will not be available. What should be done?

On the desktop, look for the computer icon and right-click on it. In the drop-down menu, select “Properties”. This is how you can get at least some information about the installed RAM from the Windows operating system. Only this information is very little.

For more detailed information you will have to use third-party programs.

AIDA64 utility Read also:

The screen on the laptop has turned over: What to do? This is the most advanced program for obtaining complete information about computer components,

operating system, driver status and other data. The app is not free, but it is definitely worth the money. So, let's launch AIDA64 and look at the main window.

DOWNLOAD In the right column we look for the text"Motherboard"

and click on it

At number 1 is information about the manufacturer and RAM model. Under the two is the memory module capacity. Number 3 is the type of RAM. Under the number four hides information about the operating frequency of the bus If you need to find out the maximum amount of RAM supported by the laptop, you should go to the tab"Chipset".

This is how you can find out all the necessary information about RAM using just one program. Now, based on this information, you can purchase an additional RAM module.

How to install a new module in a laptop?

AIDA64 utility Stripes appeared on the laptop screen - 5 main problems and ways to fix them

It all depends on the manufacturer and model of the laptop. It often happens that even devices from the same brand may differ in terms of access to hardware. There are several options for developing the situation.

Access to RAM modules

The first one may frustrate users, since they will have to completely remove the back cover of the laptop. It is very likely that you will have to disassemble the laptop in half. This is the only way to gain access to its insides.

But the second option is more acceptable. Many manufacturers make a special hatch on the back of the device, which gives access to the hard drive and RAM. In this case, you will only need to unscrew two bolts.

It is worth noting that in some laptops the RAM is soldered onto the motherboard. And adding RAM is simply impossible. But this phenomenon occurs very rarely. Previously, Apple was guilty of this when releasing its MacBooks. But now they too have abandoned this decision.

RAM chips soldered on board

Before disassembling your laptop, it is highly recommended that you watch a tutorial video on YouTube regarding your specific model. Sometimes overly strong users simply break locks and other necessary things. Keyboards are also often affected. In order not to break anything, you need to look at how to properly disassemble a particular model.

Installing a module in a slot

Everything would be very simple if manufacturers did not install memory slots of different designs into their laptops.

The most common option is with clamps made of soft metal. They securely fix the memory stick and are very easy to work with.

Installed SO-DIMMs
To install a RAM stick into such a slot, simply insert the module into the socket at a slight angle and lightly press on its front part. A characteristic click will be heard and the metal grips will securely hook the memory module into the special “ears”.

Many “computer gurus” advise that before installing a new memory module, wipe its contacts with a regular eraser (so that the memory works better). This is fundamentally wrong. The new module should a priori work well. And if this is not the case, then the problem is much deeper. An eraser can't help here. You can only damage the contacts. As a result, the “bar” will completely fail.

Test launch of laptop

It's very easy to check functionality. Just press the power button. If everything is fine, the operating system will load. If the laptop starts beeping, then the memory is installed incorrectly. You need to repeat the installation procedure.

Laptops from different manufacturers may have different warning signals about RAM failures: one signal, three short ones, two long ones, and so on. If you cannot decipher the signals, then you should apply simple logic. Since we worked with memory modules, that means they are the problem. There is no need to reinvent the wheel and check all devices one by one. This can only make things worse.