When we talk about RAM we mean a random access memory which is equipped with any computer. It can easily be replaced in such a way that the performance of your PC is much more powerful and faster. This guide will, therefore, explain how to change the RAM to your laptop. The procedure is not very complicated, just follow all the steps carefully and you need a small star-shaped screwdriver.
How to know if your laptop features a slot for additional RAM
Before you pay any cash on has open memory slots, or any memory slots at all (as opposed to RAM that’s soldered to the motherboard) is to use Crucial’s free memory scanner, which can answer this question for you.
Running Crucial’s Memory Scanner on a laptop, we’re told that there are 2 slots, one of that is empty. this is the case with most affordable laptops being sold because it adds to the flexibility of manufacturing and lowers the price. One factor to note: even if there’s an open slot, there might not be quick access to the memory slot. Some laptops may need removing the whole bottom while others feature quick access doors.
For this RAM upgrade guide, our base is the hottest laptop in town: Acer’s Aspire E 15. This specific laptop has been the top marketer on Amazon for months and months. It’s easy to examine why: for $350 (and below $300 during Christmas) you get a 7th-gen Core i3 processor, 4GB of DDR4 RAM, a 1TB hard drive, and a 15-inch 1080p screen. It’s a killer deal for those on a budget—but not truly fast.
How much RAM does a laptop need?
RAM is likely the simplest upgrade on any budget laptop and what the majority turn to 1st when a laptop feels “slow.” Like most affordable laptops, the Acer be after E 15 comes with 4GB of memory in a single DDR4 SO-DIMM module and has one open slot.
Although there’s no hard and fast rule, 4GB is regarding the bare minimum for most individuals running a full-service OS like Windows 10. Windows 10 can run on 2GB of memory, or perhaps 1GB, but you’ll suffer performance hits as applications and data are swapped out to the hard drive because of lack of RAM. If you retain multiple apps or browser tabs open, 2GB of RAM definitely isn’t enough.
Our recommendation is 4GB at a minimum for Windows 10, and 8GB is optimal—especially if you’re running something additional taxing like Photoshop Elements—to improve overall responsiveness of your programs and multitasking.
There’s one other factor to think about in a low-cost laptop: memory bandwidth. Modern CPUs operate mistreatment from one to four memory channels. The more memory channels that are used, the additional memory bandwidth you get.
Like most budget laptops, the Aspire E 15 ships with one stick of memory, which suggests its Core i3-7100U operates in single-channel mode. By filling that second slot, you kick the laptop into the dual-channel mode and goose the performance in 3D tasks like gaming. (Most workplace apps won’t see any improvement from increased memory bandwidth.)
What kind of laptop RAM should you buy?
If you know your laptop has open RAM slots like our Acer E 15, it’s time to hit the store. There are 2 kinds of RAM used in laptops produced in the last 2 years and just one offers an upgrade path: DDR4. DDR4 modules, or SO-DIMMs, are sold in variable speeds and sizes.
The most common laptop memory speeds today are DDR4/2133 and DDR4/2400. you might be tempted to go with a good higher speed, say DDR4/2666, which might yield some performance advantages. however your C.P.U. might not support those higher speeds—an 8th-gen Core i3, for example, supports DDR4/2400—and will ratchet anything higher down to that speed. thus don’t bother paying more for higher speeds unless you know your laptop will support it.
You may also be tempted to pay for lower-latency modules or modules with fancy aluminum heat spreaders. Again, for the most part, you won’t see much of performance difference at all. We usually suggest that you go with a name-brand module that you know will provide warranty service if you do have issues (although very unlikely.).
As far as capacity, it’s generally suggested that your modules have the same capacity. for example, if you have a 4GB stick in the laptop, adding a second 4GB module to the second slot makes the most sense. If you would like to add more RAM than that, say, by adding an 8GB module to your 4GB module, it’ll work but the performance of a portion of the 8GB module will be lower. in the end that additional RAM probably won’t be enough to matter (which you can read more regarding below.)
How to install laptop RAM
First of all, you must identify the type of RAM that is present in your laptop. If you are not an expert, you can simply go to the website of the computer manufacturer you own and find the model you are interested in. If you prefer you can also use the manual provided at the time of purchase. The essential features that you must write down before going to buy a new RAM bank are the type of memory, speed (or frequency), voltage and maximum capacity of the laptop.
Check how much Ram is installed on the laptop and how many “banks” is divided. For example, a laptop can have 1Gb of Ram divided into two banks of 512Mb each. So to increase the memory and get to 2Gb you have to “throw” the two old banks of 512Mb and buy two more from 1Gb. On the other hand, if your laptop has 1GB of RAM in a single bank, you can buy another 1GB bank.
Remove the power supply to the PC by unplugging the cable (it is not necessary to remove the battery), turn the PC upside down and locate the door on which the RAM is located in the lower part. Once you have removed the flap that covers the RAM, you will notice how it is held firm by two clips, usually metal: just enlarge them slightly with your hands or lightly press the part without the golden teeth. You will notice that the side without the golden teeth will rise slightly diagonally: it will be easy at this point to remove it from the housing.
Take the new RAM without touching the gold contacts and insert it into the seat following the procedure in reverse to that with which you have removed it (pay attention to the shape). Repeat the same operation for both banks. Close the door and try turning on the PC. If you have done everything correctly there will be no hitches at startup. To confirm, however, you can click with the right mouse button on “My Computer” and then select “Properties”. After that, check that the RAM has increased.
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