How Much Ram Do You Have Now
Its easy enough to pop open your Settings app, head to the About This PC section, and see how much RAM you have.
That only tells part of the story, though. That 32 GB listed in the screenshot above might be four modules of 8 GB each, or it might be two modules of 16 GB each. That matters when youre upgrading because memory is typically installed in pairs, and different systems can have different numbers of slots available.
For example, lets assume we wanted to upgrade that system to even more RAM. We now need to know some additional information. How many total memory slots does the PC have? How many RAM modules are installed? Are there free slots?
For that, you could open up your case and count the number of modules and slots inside, or you could turn to another tool. There are several hardware information tools out there, but our favorite is the free version Speccy .
After installing and running Speccy, we just switch to the RAM category on the left, and the right panel shows us gives us the info we need.
Unfortunately, we can now see that we have four total slots available and that all four are taken up with memory modules. Since we have 32 GB total RAM, we can assume that we have four 8 GB modules in place. This means that to get more RAM in the machine, we need to replace some or all of whats there.
How Much Ram Do I Need
This isnt a very difficult question. It all depends on your needs. Need more performance, then you need more RAM. If you feel your existing system has slowed down on loading programs, throw in another stick. As I mentioned above, RAM is responsible for loading programs faster than traditional storage. Upgrading will clearly lead to better efficiency thereby improving overall performance.
A simple way to know if you need more RAM is to start your workflow, then goto the Windows Task Manager and enter the Performance section. On Windows 7 or 8/8.1 you will see the RAM section at the bottom. If you are using Windows 10, there will be a RAM box on the left, hit that and you will see the statistics of your system memory. Now theoretically, if the available free memory is less than 20-25 percent an upgrade could improve some performance. If average system RAM usage hits the 100 percent mark then you should definitely consider an upgrade.
In case you are building a new system, 8GB of RAM has become a standard. However if you are building a system say for gaming then 16GB to about 32GB of RAM should be ok. If you are building a system for production work, I would suggest 32GB or even higher so that programs can load faster.
Opening The Laptops Back Panel
Before you open your laptops back panel, make sure you turn off your laptop and remove its battery. Once you have removed the battery, unscrew the back with a compatible screw driver. In order to avoid electrostatic discharge from your body, make sure you ground yourself by touching any other metal object. Once you open the back, locate the RAM module .
This procedure may differ from model to model, and in case of laptops with non-removable batteries, it is fine if you dont remove its battery. There are also some laptop models which come with an easy access back, which lets you swap or add more RAM without removing the entire back panel.
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Upgrading Laptop Memory Is Easy
Adding or upgrading RAM in a laptop does not require any computer skills, just a screwdriver. First, determine how much memory youd 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. Read more about how to install an SSD in a laptop.
Building A New Pc Or Planning To Upgrade Your Ram We’ve Got You Covered
Lets face it. Smartphones are doubling up on the memory game faster than personal computers ever did. Until two weeks back, I was using a smartphone that had the same amount of RAM as my desktop. Of course that changed when I made the decision of adding another stick, bumping it up to 16GB.
RAM or Random Access Memory is crucial for any computer system, its short-term memory for your PC which stores the most frequently used programs and instructions to speed up the overall system. It is also the fastest medium of storage in your system when compared to say hard disk drives. RAM is also responsible for multitasking as it allows for multiple programs to load at the same time.
On the PC, RAM acts as a buffer between your traditional storage and your CPU. Think of it as a temporary space for information that programs and CPU need in order to perform a task. Once you turn off a PC, all information stored within the RAM module is lost, which is why it takes a bit longer for programs to start up when you have just turned on the PC versus programs that have already offloaded data into the module.
With the increase in bandwidth of internet, data and media consumption, the need of having a fast system is increasing by the day. One of the easiest way give a boost to your computer is by getting more RAM.
Here is a simple guide on how you should choose your system memory, be it an upgrade or if you are building a new PC.
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What Is Laptop Ram And Do You Need More
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, but you’ll also see it referred to as physical memory or, simply, memory. Your operating system uses RAM to temporarily store information of running processes and tasks. More RAM means that more processes can run simultaneously.
A full RAM can cause performance issues because the operating system has to store the overflow somewhere else. To free up memory for active processes and tasks, the system starts to write excess data, i.e. information of idle processes or tasks, to the hard drive . When the user returns to an idle process or task, the system must first free up RAM, then fetch the data of the requested item from the hard drive, and load it into the RAM. Since hard drive read/write speeds are significantly slower than RAM read/write speeds, the user experiences lag.
If your laptop frequently seems to freeze up when you want to switch from one program to another, adding laptop RAM will probably give your system a significant boost.
With the rise of solid state drives , this lag has become much less of an issue. And while upgrading your RAM is probably the easiest ways to fix lag, upgrading your system drive from a hard disk drive to an SSD will also boost your laptop’s performance.
Remember Ram Is Easy To Upgrade
Matching your RAM to the quality of your build is also important. You dont want to put 16GB of RAM in a $500 gaming PC build, as the extra cost of going from 8GB to 16GB is going to mean that you have to downgrade on the components that will have a bigger impact on your in-game performance .
And, its important to remember that RAM is by far the easiest component in your system to upgrade. Because RAM is so easy to upgrade, if youre working with a tight budget, it makes sense to not go overboard on the amount of memory when choosing components for your system.
To understand the reasoning behind this, consider this scenario
Youre looking to build an entry-level gaming PC and you decide that you want to put 16GB of RAM in it. The difference between 8GB of RAM and 16GB of RAM is about ~$80. So, essentially, by choosing 8GB of RAM instead of 16GB of RAM, youre taking $80 from your budget.
Since youre already working with a tight budget, you probably wont have room to sacrifice on your motherboard, power supply, and case. And, that really only leaves your CPU and GPU to downgrade in order to accommodate 16GB of RAM. So, youre sacrificing in-game performance now, so that you can start with 16GB of RAM.
The problem with this is that, if you want to improve your in-game performance, youll have to completely replace your CPU and GPU. That means the money spent on your original CPU and GPU is lost
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How To Upgrade Ram On Laptop For Free
If you intend to know how to upgrade RAM on the laptop for free without buying, then this article will guide you completely in this regard. Storage devices play an important role in speeding up the system. To boost the performance of the computer, the PC memory upgrade is sometimes essential.
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How To Choose The Right Ram For Your Desktop Or Laptop Pc In 2021
Whether you’re building a computer or upgrading one, getting the right memory modules is key to boosting performance. Our mega-guide tells you everything you need to know about getting your DDR4 up to speed .
Its been a good, long run, but the end may be sight for the supremacy of DDR4 RAM, the kind of system memory that powers most consumer PCs these days. That said, were certainly not holding back on our PC builds and upgrades to wait for the impending DDR5. Every new generation of DDR memory, historically, has started off with some stumbles and setbacks. DDR4, meanwhile, has a seven-year track record and endured a long, long shakeout in the consumer-PC market. That means it will have a leg up on both compatibility and developmental maturity for some time to come.
But that long familiarity we have with DDR4 doesnt make memory upgrades today any less complex. How do you go about buying the best memory configuration for your PC? Whether you are building a PC new or upgrading the one you have, the answers come easilybut only once you know the right questions to ask.
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Theres More To Great Pc Performance Than Ram
RAM isnt always the most important aspect of PC performance, the way many people think it is. You can have all the RAM in the world or at least, all the RAM your computer can handle but if the rest of your PC isnt optimized to perform effectively, youll still be stuck in the mud.
AVG TuneUp removes all the useless software, junk files, and other digital gunk to boost your PCs speed and get it back into shape. Before cracking your computer open for a RAM upgrade, try seeing what it can do when its free to perform at its best. And even after installing new RAM, AVG TuneUp will ensure that you maximize the value of all that new memory.
Checking If Your Laptop Supports Additional Ram
To know if your laptop supports additional RAM, you can run software such as Crucial System Scanner or CPU-Z on your system. Both these software are available for free and they display information about your existing RAM and if extra RAM slots are present in your laptop.
If you are using Crucial System Scanner, run it and click on the Scan button. The entire process should take a few minutes and upon completion, the software will display the entire system information along with upgrades you can make. Even CPU-Z works in a similar way, however it does not suggest compatible upgrades and you have to manually look for details of RAM slots, and the kind of RAM installed in the laptop, by clicking the Memory and SPD tabs.
These software are accurate most of the times, however it is also advisable to check laptops user manual for more accurate information. Some laptops may have non-removable or have RAM built into the motherboard. In such scenarios, upgrading RAM can be a complex task and may require support from the brands service centre.
Once you know you can upgrade RAM on your laptop, find out how much of extra RAM it can take. Most of the latest laptop models should support 16GB of RAM, however, if are using a high-end gaming laptop, it may accommodate 32GB of RAM. To check how much of extra RAM your laptop supports, refer to the software we mentioned earlier.
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How To Upgrade Ram On A Laptop
Is there a way to increase RAM on a laptop? As long as you havent reached your systems maximum RAM, then yes! The same considerations that apply to desktop RAM also determine how much RAM your laptop can handle.
Additionally, some laptops may not be eligible at all for RAM upgrades. Sometimes, the RAM modules are soldered directly onto the motherboard, meaning that you cant remove them yourself. Check online to see whether your laptop has replaceable RAM.
Assuming your laptop can handle more RAM, heres how to add it:
Shut down your laptop, close it, and let it cool down.
Unplug all cords, cables, and accessories.
Flip it over and place it face-down on your work surface.
Open the bottom casing, or remove the portion that covers your RAM. The specifics here will depend on the type of laptop you have. If you need to unscrew the case, remember which screws go into which holes, as sizes may vary from one screw to the next.
Touch an unpainted metal surface in your laptop to discharge any static electricity from your body. This will help protect your laptops sensitive internal components.
Remove your current RAM modules by gently pushing aside the clips that hold them in place. Each RAM module should pop up and out at an angle. Then you can pull it out of the RAM slot.
Pick up your new RAM modules by the edges or corners. Do not touch the gold connectors or any components on top of the module!
Can You Keep Your Old Ram Module
Mixing different RAM modules can cause performance issues due to RAM incompatibilities. In the worst case, your system won’t boot or it might not recognize one of the RAM modules.
If you want to keep the original RAM module, and if you are not comfortable with adjusting settings in the BIOS, you need to find a second module of the exact same make, i.e. same frequency, latency, and voltage.
Since it’s too easy to mess this up and because changing BIOS settings to fix incompatibilities can be challenging, we recommend buying a completely new memory kit and removing the old memory stick. It’s the easiest and safest choice.
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Operating System Ram Limitations
The operating system you are running can affect the maximum amount of RAM you can use in your computer.
Bear in mind these limitations are for workstations running virtual machines that are serving several instances of an application or operating system. End-user devices need not worry about these limitations.
Systems running Windows 10 Home are capped at 128 GB of memory. You can have up to 2 TB of RAM in Windows 10 Pro, Education, and Enterprise environments.
Older Windows systems have a lower threshold. For example, The maximum RAM limit for 32-bit Windows 7 edition is 4 GB. For 64-bit Windows 7 editions:
- Windows 7 Home Basic: 8 GB
- Windows 7 Home Premium: 16 GB
- Windows 7 Professional: 192 GB
- Enterprise: 192 GB
- Ultimate: 192 GB
For Windows 8.1 32-bit, the limit is 4 GB of RAM. For the 64-bit Windows 8 editions:
Note The Ddr Standard
There are currently 2 RAM standards available: DDR3 and DDR4. This says something about the speed of the memory and about the support of the laptop’s motherboard for the RAM. DDR3 doesn’t work with DDR4. Support for DDR3 RAM is mainly found in older laptops. The faster DDR4 was introduced in 2014 and can be found in most laptops from that year.
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Kingston Hyperx 8gb Ram Module
Like Corsair, Kingston is also a well-known and trusted brand in manufacturing memory and storage devices. So this SO DIMM is a DDR4 RAM module and is available in multiple speed options ranging from 2133/ 2400/2666/2933/3200 MHz. The RAM overclocks itself depending on the applications requirement and with Intel XMP ready feature, you can pick the predefined memory profiles without needing to change the BIOS settings. Furthermore, this RAM module runs on a low voltage of 1.2V thus keeping the laptop cool and also saves the battery power. Compatible with both Intel and AMD chipset boards, this Kingston SO-DIMM is highly recommended.
How To Upgrade Your Laptops Ram To Make Your Laptop Faster
RAM is an important component of your laptop. While the amount of RAM that ships with your laptop is good for the first few years, most of us might require more computing power a couple of years later. Of course, there are multiple reasons to it such as frequent OS updates and software that demand more memory. If your laptop is running slow, there are chances that adding more RAM can fix most of these issues. In fact, upgrading RAM is economical and you can even do it at home by following these steps.
Just remember, if your laptop is under warranty, upgrading RAM or opening the laptop might void warranty, and even damage it. Do it at your risk.
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