How do I install RAM sticks?

To upgrade or add new RAM to your laptop, locate the RAM slot inside your computer and align the new RAM module to fit into position. Then, press down gently on the RAM cartridge until you hear a click signaling that the module has locked into the RAM clips inside your laptop.

How do I install a new RAM stick?

Does it matter what order I put RAM sticks in?

Yes, RAM slot order matters because of the multi-channel architecture. If you have more than one memory stick, you will need to make them work jointly (dual-channel, triple-channel, etc.), enabling the CPU to access the RAM modules faster.

Can you just plug in RAM sticks?

A common misconception about RAM is that you can put any RAM into any slot. You can do that, but it won't work, or it will work ineffectively. If you have four RAM slots, always buy matched pairs of RAM (two sticks from the same company, same speed, and same capacity) for the best results.

Which slots do RAM go in?

The RAM modules are installed on memory slots which are usually located to the right of the CPU socket. Some motherboards have memory slots on both sides of the CPU socket, but those are mostly in the case of high-end workstation boards.

A Beginners Guide: Upgrading Your PC's RAM

How do I know which RAM slot is which?

The safest and most effective way to determine which RAM slots you should use is by checking your motherboard manual, as it can be different for every motherboard.

Which RAM slots to fill first?

If you are installing memory in a dual-channel memory motherboard, install memory modules in pairs, filling the lowest numbered slots first. For example, if the motherboard has two slots each for channel A and channel B, numbered 0 and 1, fill the slots for channel A slot 0 and channel B slot 0 first.

How to install RAM in PC step by step?

What do RAM sticks need to be compatible with?

In order for memory to work on your system, it must be compatible with your motherboard.

Do all 4 sticks of RAM have to match?

Most modern motherboards will provide four RAM slots. There's a prevailing misconception you cannot use different RAM sizes together or that you cannot mix RAM brands. Simply put, that's not true.

Is it better to have 2 RAM sticks or 1?

Conclusion. Dual-channel memory is better than single-channel memory. Two 8GB RAM is better than one 16G RAM. If you can, two 16GB RAM is the best.

Should I do anything before adding more RAM sticks?

Check what type of RAM your computer supports, and how much you can add. Power down your computer completely before getting started. Remove all cables as well. Take out the old RAM (if needed) and carefully insert the new RAM.

Can you mix old and new RAM sticks?

Although you can mostly mix RAM sticks that have different specs, you can't mix ones from different generations e.g. DDR2 RAM and DDR3 RAM, so just bear this in mind.

Can I install RAM by myself?

Upgrading your PC's RAM isn't very difficult for most computers. You've done your homework. You know how much RAM you have, how much your computer can handle and the kind of RAM chip you need to buy for your machine. Next, you'll need to purchase the RAM and grab a couple of tools.

Can I add RAM by myself?

Adding or upgrading RAM in a laptop does not require any computer skills, just a screwdriver. First, determine how much memory you'd like to add. See our guide to estimate the amount of computer memory you need. Another way to improve performance is to upgrade your hard disk drive to a solid state drive.

Is it better to have 2 or 4 RAM slots?

It depends on the motherboard. If the motherboard only support dual channel the difference would be negligible, but if its a quad channel board then 4 sticks would be the fastest. Four sticks gives you the option to use them in quad-channel mode if you have a motherboard that supports it.

How do I know if my RAM slot is working?

Before opening your tower and handling the memory sticks, use Windows' built-in memory diagnostic tool to check your RAM. In the Start menu, type “mdsched.exe” with no quotes and press Enter. Select whether you want to restart and check the memory now, or check next time you boot.

How do you know if the RAM is fully seated in the slot?

Check that the clips are back pointing straight up and flat, hugging the RAM module firmly down in the socket, check this by squeezing (the clips together) both ends at the same time with your fingers toward the center. Now the retaining clips on either side of modules should be all the way up. Do this for each stick.

Do all RAM slots need to be filled?

No, it is not bad to use all four RAM slots. In fact, it is often recommended to fill all available slots with RAM sticks if your motherboard supports it, as this will give your system the best performance.

Will RAM speed up my computer?

Generally, the faster the RAM, the faster the processing speed. With faster RAM, you increase the speed at which memory transfers information to other components. Meaning, your fast processor now has an equally fast way of talking to the other components, making your computer much more efficient.

Is 32 GB RAM overkill?

32GB of RAM is considered high and is generally overkill for most users. For most everyday use and basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and basic office work, 8GB of RAM is more than enough. Even for gaming or video editing, 16GB is typically sufficient.

Is it better to just get 32GB RAM stick instead of 2 16GB?

Yes, you will see better performance out of the 2 sticks.

This is because DDR (double data ram), is designed to operate on 2 channels for maximum efficiency. There is less botllenecking when pulling from 2 sticks on the board.

Is 64 GB RAM overkill?

Is 64/128 GB of RAM Overkill? For the majority of users, it is. If you plan on building a PC purely for gaming and some general, basic, everyday activity, 64 GB of RAM is just too much. The amount of RAM you need will ultimately depend on your workload.