Laptop Memory Upgrade = Better Performance

We'll Make It Easy.

Is your laptop running slow? Adding RAM can help.
Crucial helps you find, buy, and install a RAM upgrade to improve your laptop performance!

1

How much memory do you already have?

The first step in upgrading your laptop memory upgrade is determining how much memory is currently installed in your system. We make that part easy with our Crucial System Scanner—it takes just one click to download our tool, which shows you what memory you have—and more important, how much more memory you can install.

Crucial System Scanner tool

Scan your laptop to find out what is already inside your system and get recommended upgrades.


 

If you'd rather not download our tool to find out how much system memory you currently have, you can find out by following these quick steps in Microsoft Windows.


system information
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Close
  • Just click on your "Start" button in the task bar.
  • In the list that pops up locate "My Computer"
  • Right Click on "My Computer' and select "Properties"
  • A window, like the image at teh left, will appear and display how much system memory you have currently installed.
 

If you're a Mac user, you can use our Mac System Scanner—or you can easily find this information on your system.:

system information
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Close
  • Open the Apple menu, and then select About This Mac.
  • Select "More Info"
  • The About This Mac screen opens. Click the More Info button.
  • Find the hardware overview. The System Profile screen opens, showing the Hardware Overview. The Hardware Overview provides you with all the information you will need to use the Crucial Memory Advisor tool, such as your Mac model, CPU type/speed, and total memory capacity.
  • In the Contents section on the left side of the screen, click Memory. The Memory Slot information appears, showing your current memory configuration. This information helps you determine which slots are filled with which type of memory, and how many slots are still available to install new Crucial memory.
 
2

Which memory upgrades are compatible with my computer?

Now that you've determined how much laptop memory you have (and how much more your system can take) it's just as easy to figure out what compatible upgrades are available. There are a few ways to find the right product. If you've used one of our System Scanner tools to determine your memory, you already have a report with every compatible upgrade—just narrow down the choices to find one that best meets your needs and your budget.

Another option is the Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool. Just find the make and model of your PC (or the motherboard) – we can determine which memory upgrades will work. Again, narrow your choices based and budget and needs, and you're ready to buy.

Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool

The Crucial Memory Advisor™ tool is a quick, 3-step process to find guaranteed-compatible memory for computers and motherboards.

Step 1 —

Step 2 —

Step 3 —    RAM Memory Configurator

 
 
3

Which upgrade should I buy?

It’s likely that Crucial offers numerous upgrades that are compatible with your laptop system, with modules varying in speed, density, and price. We can help you find the ideal upgrade to meet your needs and your budget.


Choosing Speed - Some laptops are compatible with more than one speed of memory. Our tools will narrow the list and only show you the moduels that are compatible, so if your system accepts two or more different speeds then here's some tips on choosing speed:

  • If you are replacing all of your memory modules, buy the fastest speed to get optimal performance.
  • If you are adding to existing memory, your new memory will only run as fast as the slowest module, so match the speed of your existing memory.
  • If you are adding to existing memory, but plan to upgrade again in the future to take advantage of the full speed... buy the fastest speed now, then when you are ready to replace your existing memory, buy the faster speed so all your memory is running at peek performance.

Choosing Density (GB) - Adding more memory makes your computer more efficient and helps run multiple applications at optimal performance. 2GB is a pretty average recommendation, but if you play graphic intensive games, or run photo or video editing software, you may want more. Our tools will tell you the maximum memory that your laptop will accept, so you can get maximum performance!

Read more about how much memory you need.

 
4

Can I install RAM myself?

Memory is very easy to install, whether you're computer savvy or a complete novice. If you want to know how to install your own laptop memory, you can see how it's done. See the video link in the right column.

Or, you can follow these easy instructions.:

Installing Laptop Memory

  1. First, turn off your laptop and unplug it. Then, open the case.
  2. Next, ground yourself. This is essential because static electricity can damage your module and other computer parts. To make sure that you are working in a static-safe environment, briefly touch an unpainted metal part of your computer case. Plant your feet—don't walk around. If you do need to walk around, ground yourself again before touching any of the internal parts of your computer.
  3. After this is done, you need to locate your SODIMM slots. Every laptop case is a little different, so consult your manual to find out where your slots are located and how to open that part of your laptop case. (Two of the most common places are under the keyboard and behind a back access panel.)
  4. Next, you need to remove the memory you are replacing (if necessary). If you have an open SODIMM slot, skip this step. But if all of your SODIMM slots are full, you will need to remove one or more of your old modules before you can install the new memory.
    • Press down on the retaining clips on either side of the module.
    • Remove the module from the slot.
    • Do not use any tools in the removal or installation of memory modules.
  5. Finally, it's time to install your new memory!
    • Take your module out of its packaging and hold it by the edges. Try to avoid touching the metal pins at the bottom of your module. You probably won't harm them if you do touch them, but it's better to avoid it if possible.
    • If you have more than one open slot, fill the lowest-numbered slot first.
    • Line up the notch in the row of metal pins at the bottom of your module with the key in the SODIMM slot on your motherboard. (If the notch doesn't line up right away, flip your module around and try it the other way. It doesn't matter which side of your module has the black chips or the stickers on it. The important thing is to line up the notch.)
    • Hold the module at a 45-degree angle to the slot and firmly push it into place. It can take 20 to 30 pounds of pressure to install a module. Press the top of the module down until it is lying flat against the motherboard and you hear it snap into place.
  6. Before you close your case, turn your computer back on. You should see the new amount of memory displayed on your startup screens or in the properties for "My Computer" (if you use a Windows operating system).

If you have trouble with your new RAM, check these things first.:

  • Check the power cords. Is everything plugged in properly?
  • Check the module. Did both side clips snap to hold the module firmly in place? Try removing the module and replacing it to make sure it is seated properly in the slot.
  • Small side clips should snap around the module
  • Check the wires and cables inside your computer. Did you accidentally bump one of the cables inside your computer while you were installing your module? A loose hard drive cable can prevent your computer from booting up properly. Make sure all the cables are firmly in their sockets.