Upgrading your system memory is more than adding more gigabytes. You have to look at other factors like speed and form factor. I’ll explain your best options and how to upgrade your RAM.
Do I Need More RAM?
The following signs show that your RAM may no longer be up to task and it may be time for a memory upgrade:
- You’re constantly waiting for your computer to catch up with your typing.
- Open tabs keep reloading whenever you switch.
- Multitasking is becoming a bad experience.
- Programs keep freezing.
- Your system keeps slowing to a crawl when running heavy tasks.
- Your computer is significantly slow during startup.
- You experience microstutter during gameplay.
- Your system stops responding when opening new apps.
- Apps take longer to launch.
- System hangs when loading new applications.
- You’re experiencing memory-related errors, including BSODs.
However, most of these symptoms could also be tied to other issues unrelated to your RAM. These other underlying causes include memory leaks, malware infection, and corrupt drivers and software applications.
Still, you can confirm whether your RAM modules are the issue by doing the following:
Check your current RAM capacity and speed
Depending on your use case, your RAM size and speed should confirm whether you need to upgrade. For example, anybody using below 8GB of RAM would experience those problems listed above. However, you could still use 8GB or even more and still notice glitches and lags if you run heavy programs such as games and 3D modeling applications.
Moreover, the speed of your installed memory indicates whether the module can meet the demands of your CPU.
Test your system memory
Most problematic system memories usually trigger different types of errors or manifest in sudden shutdowns and app crashes. You can run various RAM tests with utilities like the built-in Windows Memory Diagnostic tool. You can also stress test your RAM using third-party apps such as MemTest86.
Can I Upgrade My Current RAM?
Yes. If you use a desktop computer, you have plenty of latitude as to how much RAM you can get. Every motherboard comes with at least two DIMM slots, with most carrying 4.
A laptop RAM upgrade can be trickier, as most modern laptops now have their RAMs soldered to their boards.
So, people looking for how to get more RAM on their laptops must first confirm that they can do so.
How to Choose the Right RAM for Your System
Selecting the right memory kit for your computer involves knowing how much RAM you need, identifying the type of RAM module that fits into your DIMM slots (DDR type), and determining the best RAM configuration to use (how many sticks to install). Deciding on your ideal RAM speed also helps you settle the matter of performance.
Here’s a complete breakdown:
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RAM speed
RAM speeds are measured in mega (or million) transfers per second (MT/s). However, they are now commonly expressed as MHz. These metrics indicate how much data your RAM can feed your CPU in a specific time. The higher the transfer rate, the faster and more capable the RAM.
So, ensure you go for the highest speeds your money can buy. However, there’s always a limit to the amount of speed your motherboard and RAM type can deliver. This leads us to the next point.
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RAM type
There are different types of RAM generations, the most popular of which is DDR. DDR5 is the latest iteration of the RAM standard, but DDR4 is still the most common.
Choosing between DDR4 and DDR5 is the common ritual that most users looking to upgrade must pass through. It determines the RAM speeds one must settle for. In a nutshell, if you want to peak at 3,200 MT/s (4,000 MT/s with overclocking), you can get a DDR4 RAM. But going beyond those numbers requires DDR5 modules, which also require getting a compatible board and CPU.
If you use a laptop, you also have to confirm whether you have two or one RAM modules and whether your OEM allows upgrades.
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RAM latency
Latency is the amount of time it takes your RAM to receive requests from your CPU and respond to them. It is usually indicated in CL, which stands for column address strobe (CAS) latency. High latency numbers mean your RAM stick takes longer to respond.
As such, you should ideally go for the lowest CL count you can get.
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RAM capacity
It’s always best to go for dual channel configurations, as they help increase bandwidth and boost performance. If you decide on 16GB of RAM, then you should ideally purchase a 2×8 kit (two 8GB modules) from the same manufacturer.
How to Upgrade RAM
Adding more RAM to your PC is different from upgrading your laptop’s memory. I’ll explain the processes for each form factor.
How to upgrade RAM on a PC
Things you need:
- Your RAM sticks.
- Screwdriver.
- PC owner’s manual.
Things you should do:
- Properly shut down your computer.
- Unplug your power cable from its power outlet.
- Unplug any other accessory connected to the computer via USB, HDMI, or display port.
- Hold the power button for 5 seconds to take out any residual power on the board.
Here’s how to perform a RAM upgrade:
- Open your computer case. You can consult the PC’s manual here. If you don’t have one, head to the website of the case manufacturer for steps on how to get to your motherboard.
- Touch an unpainted metal surface on your PC to get rid of extra electric static from your body that may damage components on the board.
- Detach the latches on either side of your system memory modules. Once you press down the clips (or latches), the module will pop out. You can then remove the RAM stick.
- To install the upgrades, hold the RAM module by its edges and ensure its notches align with the motherboard slots. Press down firmly until the clips on either side latch on to the edges of the module.
- Close the computer case and boot your PC.
How to perform a laptop RAM upgrade
The process also involves opening up your laptop and replacing the RAM module. However, it can be more complex, as some laptops are not easy to pry open. You can consult your computer’s manual or visit the website of the OEM for guidance.
That said, you can open most laptops with a screwdriver.
- Remove your battery or detach its wires if it is not removable. You should see the RAM stick installed with clips on both sides. It could be one or two latches depending on the laptop model.
- Release the clips from the edges of the RAM module and remove it.
- Now, you can place your new RAM sticks in the same way. In most cases, you just have to insert the module and press down until the clips automatically latch on to the stick. Ensure the RAM’s gold pins are completely inside the slot or no longer visible before pressing down.
Test your RAM upgrade
Once you boot your PC, allow it to initialize your RAM, as this may take some time. In most cases, your new RAM module should be up and running without issues.
You should now experience faster boot speeds, smoother operations, and increased performance. Game crashes, FPS drops, and annoying stutters should also no longer be a problem.
You can launch the Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Performance tab, and select Memory to check your new configuration. You can also run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool or Memtest86 to test your RAM modules.
Troubleshooting Potential Issues
Knowing how to add more RAM to your PC also involves tweaking some settings and rechecking your installation.
I’ve seen some PC owners experiencing the following problems after upgrading their RAM:
Computer keeps restarting
Some users experienced their computers restarting and showing BSOD errors.
If your installed RAM supports overclocking, then you should set your overclocking profiles in the BIOS. For Intel CPUs, you’ll be setting an XMP profile, while AMD CPUs use EXPO profiles.
This problem usually affects people who recently installed DDR5 RAM sticks without setting overclocking profiles.
RAM not appearing in the BIOS
This issue may be due to your installation, the RAM itself, or your BIOS. Ensure your RAM sticks are properly inserted into the slots. Confirm that each module snaps into place from both sides. If it still does not appear, consider using one RAM slot at a time to check if one of the slots isn’t defective.
Updating your BIOS is another way to resolve the problem. Older BIOS versions may not work with newer RAM models.
Computer not turning on
This could also be due to defective or unseated RAM sticks. So, troubleshoot your installation again by using one module at a time and confirming that both RAMs are placed correctly. You can also reset your BIOS by taking out your CMOS and reinstalling it, and check if that will resolve the issue.
Extra Actions to Take to Maximize Your Memory Upgrade
Now that you’ve completed your memory upgrade, there are steps you can take to get the best out of your new RAM setup.
1. Adjust your virtual memory settings
Virtual memory is Windows’ method of complementing your RAM. The operating system creates a page file in the hard drive where it saves information that passes on to the RAM anytime the main memory is filled up.
You can optimize your virtual memory to ensure it meets your RAM demands. This action also makes a lot of difference when your computer runs heavy tasks.
2. Upgrade other hardware components
Your upgraded RAM works with other system components to deliver a smooth software experience. You can install the best SSD for gaming and a more powerful GPU or CPU to improve gaming and overall performance.
3. Use third-party software for system optimization
Third-party programs like Auslogics BoostSpeed can help you remove junk and other elements that use up system memory and hurt performance. The utility is effective at helping you run regular PC maintenance, such as uninstalling unnecessary applications, clearing leftover and orphaned registry keys, and monitoring hard drive health.
These maintenance activities ensure you can clear your system memory and reduce RAM usage. That way, there are enough system resources for critical applications.
How to Upgrade Your RAM: Maintaining Great System Performance
Remember that maintaining your PC is just as important as performing upgrades. Avoid placing undue stress on your RAM and keep your hardware free from dust and other hazardous physical elements. You should also prevent overheating, as it can degrade your RAM modules and reduce their lifespan.
Let us know how you installed your new RAM setup.
