Do you want to make your PC faster, smoother, and more responsive? Do you want to run multiple applications without any lag or slowdown? Do you want to improve your gaming experience and productivity?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need a RAM upgrade.
RAM stands for Random Access Memory, and it’s the temporary storage space where your PC keeps the data and programs that it’s currently using. The more RAM you have, the more data and programs your PC can handle at the same time.
But how do you know if you need more RAM? And how do you install it on your PC?
Don’t worry, I’m here to help. I’ll show you how to check and upgrade your current RAM, how to choose the right RAM for your PC, and how to upgrade your RAM on a desktop or a laptop.
Let’s get started!
How Much RAM Do You Need?
Before you decide to upgrade your RAM, you need to ask yourself: do you really need more RAM? The answer depends on what you use your computer for, and how much RAM you already have.
Here’s a general guideline for Windows/Mac computers:
- Less than 8GB: Not good enough. You’ll likely experience slow performance, frequent crashes, and BSOD errors. Upgrading your RAM will definitely help.
- 8GB: Good enough for most basic tasks, such as browsing the web, checking emails, and watching videos. But if you want to multitask, play games, or run heavy programs, you might want to upgrade your RAM for a better experience.
- 16GB: Comfortable for general computing. You can run multiple programs, tabs, and games without any issues. Upgrading your RAM might not be necessary, unless you’re a power user who needs more memory for demanding tasks.
- More than 16GB: You probably don’t need to read this guide. You already know your stuff.
How to Check Your RAM Usage
How do you know if your RAM is causing your computer to slow down or crash? There’s a simple test you can do to find out.
First, open the app or program that’s giving you trouble. Then, minimize it and right-click on the Start button. Select “Task Manager” from the menu. You can also press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open it.
Next, click on the Performance tab and look for the Memory section. You’ll see how much RAM you have in gigabytes (GB), and how much of it is being used in percentage (%).
![RAM Usage Checking in Task Manager](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/RAM-Usage-Checking-in-Task-Manager-1024x576.webp)
If your RAM usage is consistently low (around 60% or less), then your RAM is probably fine. But if your RAM usage is constantly high (around 100%), and you notice lag, crashes, or BSOD errors, then your RAM is likely the problem. You need to upgrade your RAM to fix it.
Check Your Current RAM
The first thing you need to do is to find out how much RAM you already have on your PC. This will help you decide how much more RAM you need to upgrade.
To check your current RAM, follow these steps:
- Right-click the Start button or Windows + I and open Settings.
- Click on System, then scroll down and click on About.
- Here, in the Installed RAM, under Device specifications, you can check the total RAM installed in gigabytes (GB).
![checking current ram in windows](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/checking-current-ram-in-windows-1024x576.webp)
Check Your Maximum RAM Capacity
The next thing you need to do is to check how much RAM your PC can support. This depends on your motherboard, which is the main circuit board that connects all the components of your PC. To check your maximum RAM capacity, follow these steps:
Type PowerShell in Windows Search bar, right-click on Windows PowerShell, and choose Run as Administrator. or press Windows + R, type PowerShell and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to run PowerShell as Administrator, instead of just Enter
- Copy the following command and paste into PowerShell and hit Enter.
Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemoryArray
Note the value under MaxCapacity, which represents the total RAM in KB that your motherboard can support. Divide this number by 1048576 To convert KB into GB. In my case, I have 16 GB of RAM
![Check RAM through PowerShell](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Check-RAM-through-PowerShell-1024x576.webp)
Or in other way, to check your maximum RAM, follow these steps:
- On Windows 10, press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type msinfo32 and press Enter. This will open the System Information window.
- Under System Summary, look for Maximum Capacity. This will tell you the maximum amount of RAM your PC can support in gigabytes (GB).
For your convenience, I’ve created a table below that shows some common values and their corresponding RAM capacities in gigabytes. If the MaxCapacity is less than the RAM which you currently installed.
For example, you are currently using 16 GB and the MaxCapacity is 32 GB, then congrats, you can install more 16 GB of RAM into your system, similar if you have 8 GB currently installed and the MaxCapacity is 32 GB, you can install more 24 GB RAM to make the total of 32 GB.
Max Capacity Value | RAM Capacity in Gigabytes |
134217728 | 128GB |
67108864 | 64GB |
33554432 | 32GB |
16777216 | 16GB |
8388608 | 8GB |
Check Your Available RAM Slots
You need to check if you have any free RAM slots on your motherboard before buying a new RAM. A RAM slot, or a RAM socket, is a thin and long slot where you insert the RAM module.
Most PCs have two or four RAM slots, but some may have more or less.
To check how many RAM slots you have and how many are in use, follow these steps:
- Right-click on the Start button and select Task Manager.
- Click on the Performance tab on the left side of the window.
- Look at the bottom of the screen where it says Memory. Next to Slots Used, you will see the number of RAM slots your system has and how many are occupied.
![Checking RAM slots in windows](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Checking-RAM-slots-in-windows.webp)
For example, in the image above, you can see that I have two RAM slots and two of them are in use. That means I do not have any free RAM slots to add more RAM.
Check Your Motherboard’s Maximum RAM Capacity
Now that you know how many RAM slots you have, you need to check how much RAM your motherboard can support. This is the maximum amount of RAM that your PC can handle, regardless of how many slots you have.
To find out your motherboard’s maximum RAM capacity, you need to know the manufacturer and model of your motherboard. You can use a free tool like Speccy by CCleaner to get this information. Just download and run the tool, and it will show you all the details about your PC, including your motherboard.
![Speccy Motherboard specs checking](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Speccy-Motherboard-specs-checking.webp)
Once you have the manufacturer and model of your motherboard, you can look up its specifications online or in your manual. You will find the maximum RAM capacity listed there.
TIP: You can also check your maximum RAM capacity by opening CMD terminal and type this command wmic memphysical get maxcapacity, you will get your RAM in KB under MaxCapacity.
![MaxCapacity check in CMD](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MaxCapacity-check-in-CMD-1024x572.webp)
Now divide this number by 1024, you will get the RAM in MB, and again divide it by 1024, you will get the Maximum RAM Capacity in GB
In my case:
- 16,777,216 / 1024 = 16384 MB
- 16,384 / 1024 = 16 GB
Choose the Right RAM Modules for Your PC
If you have free RAM slots and your motherboard can support more RAM, you can go ahead and buy new RAM modules. But you need to be careful about the type, size, speed, and compatibility of the RAM modules you choose.
Here are some things to consider when buying RAM:
- Type
- Speed
- Size
- Compatibility
Read next section for further details!
Simple Method: Check Your RAM’s Speed and Type
The important thing you need to do is to find out what kind of RAM you have right now. This will help you avoid any compatibility issues when you buy new RAM.
To do this, you can use a handy tool called PowerShell. It’s a built-in utility in Windows that lets you run commands and scripts. You can access it by typing “PowerShell” or Windows + R and type PowerShell in the search box and clicking on the app.
Once you have PowerShell open, just copy and paste this command and hit Enter:
Get-CimInstance CIM_PhysicalMemory
![PowerShell memory type check](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/PowerShell-memory-type-check.webp)
This will show you the specifications of your RAM, such as the speed and the type. You can see the speed next to “Speed” and the type next to “MemoryType.”
The speed is measured in megahertz (MHz) and it tells you how fast your RAM can transfer data. The higher the speed, the better the performance.
The type is a code that indicates the generation and the standard of your RAM. It can be one of these values:
MemoryType | SMBIOSMemoryType | RAM Type |
0 | 20 | DDR |
0 | 21 | DDR2 |
0 | 22 | DDR2 FB-DIMM |
0 | 24 | DDR3 |
0 | 26 | DDR4 |
0 | 34 | DDR5 |
20 | – | DDR |
21 | – | DDR2 |
22 | – | DDR2 FB-DIMM |
24 | – | DDR3 |
26 | – | DDR4 |
34 | – | DDR5 |
If you see “0” next to MemoryType, you need to look at the value next to “SMBIOSMemoryType” and use the table above to find out your RAM type.
If you see an unusual value or you’re not sure about your RAM type, you can use a third-party app like CPU-Z (or Speccy, as mentioned above) to confirm it. CPU-Z is a free and reliable app that shows you detailed information about your PC’s hardware. You can download it from here.
After you install and run CPU-Z, click on the “Memory” tab and look at the “Type” field. It will show you the RAM type you have, such as DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5.
The RAM type is important because it determines the shape and the size of the RAM stick, as well as the voltage and the pin count. You can’t mix different RAM types in your PC, so you need to buy the same type as your current one.
RAM speed is also important because it affects the performance and the compatibility of your RAM. You can buy RAM with a higher speed than your current one, but it will only run at the speed of the slowest stick.
You can also buy RAM with a lower speed than your current one, but it might cause stability issues or not work at all.
Size: RAM modules come in different sizes, measured in gigabytes (GB). The more GB you have, the more programs you can run at the same time. However, you need to make sure that the total amount of RAM you have does not exceed your motherboard’s maximum RAM capacity.
For example, if your motherboard can support up to 32 GB of RAM, and you have two 8 GB RAM modules installed, you can add two more 8 GB RAM modules to reach the maximum. But you cannot add 16 GB RAM modules, because that would go over the limit.
So, the best practice is to buy RAM with the same speed and type as your current one. This will ensure the optimal performance and compatibility of your RAM.
Another Trick: Check Your System Compatibility
Some RAM modules may have different shapes, sizes, or voltages that may not fit or work with your motherboard.
To check your System capacity and compatibility, you can use a tool called Crucial System Scanner or Kingston’s Memory Finder. These are free and easy-to-use tools that scans your PC and tells you the maximum amount of RAM it can support, the number of slots it has, and the best RAM options for your PC.
You can download from their official site.
You can see the maximum RAM your PC can support next to “Maximum Memory.” You can also see the number of slots your PC has next to “Available Memory Slots.”
You can also see the recommended RAM upgrades for your PC below the report.
The maximum RAM your PC can support depends on your PC’s model, motherboard, and operating system. If you buy more RAM than your PC can support, you won’t be able to use it all. So, make sure you don’t exceed the maximum limit.
The number of slots your PC has determines how many RAM sticks you can install. If you have free slots, you can add more RAM without removing the existing ones. If you don’t have free slots, you need to replace the existing ones with larger ones.
The recommended RAM upgrades for your PC are based on the compatibility and the performance of your PC. They show you the best options for your PC, such as the speed, the type, the size, and the price of the RAM.
Buy and Install Your RAM
The final step is to buy and install your RAM. This is the fun part, but also the tricky part. You need to be careful and follow the instructions to avoid damaging your PC or your RAM.
![Installing RAM](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Installing-RAM-1024x571.webp)
To buy your RAM, you can use the links from the Crucial System Scanner report or find them in your local store. Make sure you buy the right speed, type, and size of RAM for your system. You can also check the reviews and ratings of the RAM before you buy it.
How to Upgrade RAM on a Desktop PC
Upgrading RAM on a desktop PC is relatively easy and straightforward. All you need are:
- A screwdriver
- An anti-static wrist strap (touch a metal surface to discharge any static electricity from your body)
- Your new RAM modules
Here are the steps to follow:
Power off your PC and let it cool down. You don’t want to touch any hot or live components inside your PC.
Unplug everything from your PC. This includes the power cord, the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, and any other peripherals.
Open your PC case. Refer to your PC manual for the specific instructions on how to do this. You may need to unscrew some screws, so keep track of where they go. They may not be the same size or type.
![Opening PC Case](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Opening-PC-Case-1024x536.webp)
Wear an anti-static wrist strap. This will prevent any static electricity from damaging your PC components. Attach the strap to your wrist and to an unpainted metal part of your PC case.
Locate your RAM slots. They are usually long and narrow and have clips on both ends.
Remove your old RAM modules. If your PC has clips that hold the RAM modules in place, push them away from the module. This will also lift the module slightly, so you can pull it out easily. Only touch the RAM modules by the edges or corners, not the top or the gold connectors.
Insert your new RAM modules. Align the notch on the RAM module with the notch on the slot and slide it in until it clicks into it and the clips lock it securely. Push it down firmly until it clicks into place. The clips should snap back to secure the module. Again, only touch the RAM modules by the edges or corners, not the top or the gold connectors. Replace your PC case.
![Inserting new RAM modules into PC](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Inserting-new-RAM-modules-into-PC-1024x536.webp)
Need to insert more RAM modules: Repeat the steps for each RAM stick you want to install.
Reconnect everything to your PC. Close your PC case and plug in the power cord, the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, and any other peripherals.
Turn on your PC and check if the new RAM is detected and working properly.
- You can use PowerShell or CPU-Z to verify the speed and the type of your new RAM.
- You can also use a tool like MemTest86 or Speccy to test the stability and the performance of your new RAM.
That’s it! You have successfully upgraded your RAM and boosted your PC’s performance. Enjoy your faster PC and let me know how it goes. 😊
How to Upgrade RAM on a Laptop
Upgrading RAM on a laptop is a bit more tricky, but still doable. However, not all laptops are eligible for RAM upgrades. Some laptops have their RAM modules soldered onto the motherboard, which means you can’t remove them yourself. Check online to see if your laptop has replaceable RAM.
If your laptop can handle more RAM, here’s what you need:
- A screwdriver
- An anti-static wrist strap
- Your new RAM modules
Here are the steps to follow:
Power off your laptop and close it. You don’t want to touch any hot or live components inside your laptop.
Unplug everything from your laptop. This includes the power cord, the battery, the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, and any other peripherals.
Flip your laptop over and place it on a flat surface. You’ll need to access the bottom of your laptop to open it.
Open the bottom panel or the RAM cover. You may need to unscrew some screws, so keep track of where they go. They may not be the same size or type.
![Opening RAM cover in laptop](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Opening-RAM-cover-in-laptop-1024x536.webp)
Wear an anti-static wrist strap. This will prevent any static electricity from damaging your laptop components. Attach the strap to your wrist and to an unpainted metal part of your laptop case.
Locate your RAM slots. They are usually long and narrow, and have clips on both ends.
Remove your old RAM modules. If your laptop has clips that hold the RAM modules in place, push them away from the module. This will also tilt the module at an angle, so you can pull it out easily. Only touch the RAM modules by the edges or corners, not the top or the gold connectors.
![Removing old RAM module in laptop](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Removing-old-RAM-module-in-laptop-1024x536.webp)
Insert your new RAM modules. Align the notch on the module with the notch on the slot, and slide it in at an angle. Push it down firmly until it clicks into place. The clips should snap back to secure the module. Again, only touch the RAM modules by the edges or corners, not the top or the gold connectors. Replace the bottom panel or the RAM cover.
![Installing New RAM](https://mixiknow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Install-Your-RAM-1024x536.webp)
Reconnect everything to your laptop. Plug in the power cord, the battery, the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, and any other peripherals.
Now How to Check Your RAM Upgrade
After installing your new RAM, you need to make sure that your PC or Laptop recognizes it and that it works properly.
To check your RAM upgrade, follow these steps:
- On Windows 10, press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on System, then click on About.
- Under Device specifications, look for Installed RAM. This should show the new amount of RAM you have in gigabytes (GB).
If the installed RAM matches the amount of RAM you added, then congratulations! You have successfully upgraded your RAM and boosted your laptop performance.
If the installed RAM does not match the amount of RAM you added, then something went wrong. You may need to reseat your RAM modules, check your RAM compatibility, or troubleshoot your laptop.
Why upgrade Your RAM?
A RAM upgrade is one of the best ways to improve your computer’s speed and performance. The more RAM you have, the more data you can store in it, and the faster your computer will run. You will notice the difference in:
- Startup time
- Web browsing
- Gaming
- Multitasking
- Photo and video editing
And more!
There are other ways to improve your computer’s speed, such as replacing your old hard drive with a new SSD or changing your battery if it’s causing your laptop to throttle. But these methods are more complicated and require you to take apart your computer.
Upgrading your RAM, on the other hand, is a noob-friendly option that can make a big difference to your computer’s performance. And the best part is, it’s not as hard as you might think.
What Benefits after RAM Upgrade?
A RAM upgrade gives your computer more resources to transfer data from your hard drive to your CPU, which is the brain of your computer.
Your CPU processes the data and performs the tasks that you want. The faster the data transfer, the faster the CPU can work.
Even if you have a solid-state drive (SSD), which is faster than a hard disk drive (HDD), it is still slower than RAM. Without enough RAM, your computer will struggle to keep up with your demands, and it will slow down or freeze.
That’s why most people upgrade their RAM to:
- Make their computers faster
- Browse the web smoothly
- Play games with high FPS
- Edit photos and videos without crashing
- Revive an old PC
These are the main benefits of upgrading your RAM. It will make your PC faster and more powerful.
Do Upgrading RAM Cause Any Risks?
Upgrading your RAM is not without risks. You have to be careful when you open your computer and install the new RAM. You could damage your computer’s internal parts, or void your warranty, if you have one.
That’s why you need to do some research before you upgrade your RAM. You need to know:
- How much RAM your computer can support
- What type of RAM your computer uses
- How to install the RAM correctly
- How to test the RAM after installation
These are the key factors to consider before you upgrade your RAM. You need to know what you are doing, or get help from a professional.
What If You Don’t Want to Upgrade Your RAM?
If you don’t want to upgrade your RAM, or you can’t, there is another way to boost your computer’s performance. You can use a PC optimization tool, like AVG TuneUp, to clean up your computer and make it run faster.
AVG TuneUp will:
- Delete junk files that take up space
- Disable unneeded software that slows down your computer
- Optimize your settings for better performance
- And more!
AVG TuneUp will make your computer run like new, without upgrading your RAM.
-
Can I upgrade my RAM on my PC?
The answer depends on the type and model of your PC. Some PCs have memory slots that allow you to add or replace RAM modules, while others have soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded. You can check the specifications and compatibility of your PC by using a tool like the crucial memory advisor.
-
How much does it cost to upgrade RAM on PC?
The cost of upgrading RAM on PC varies depending on the capacity, speed, and brand of the memory module you choose. You can compare the prices of different RAM options on online shopping platforms. You may also need to pay for the installation service if you are not comfortable doing it yourself.
-
Should I upgrade my RAM or CPU?
The answer depends on your usage and performance needs. RAM and CPU are both important components that affect the speed and responsiveness of your PC. Upgrading RAM can improve the multitasking and memory-intensive tasks, while upgrading CPU can improve the processing and computation-intensive tasks. You can use a tool like the userbenchmark to compare the performance of different RAM and CPU options and decide which one to upgrade.
-
Can I upgrade 4GB RAM to 16GB RAM?
The answer depends on the specifications and compatibility of your PC. Some PCs have memory slots that support up to 16GB or more of RAM, while others have a maximum limit of 8GB or less. You can check the maximum capacity and speed of your PC by using a tool like the crucial memory advisor. You will also need to make sure that your operating system supports the amount of RAM you want to upgrade to.
-
Can I upgrade my desktop RAM?
The answer is most likely yes, as most desktop PCs have memory slots that allow you to add or replace RAM modules. However, you will need to check the specifications and compatibility of your desktop PC by using a tool like the crucial memory advisor. You will also need to follow the instructions and precautions for the RAM upgrade process.
-
How to know when to upgrade RAM?
There are some signs and indicators that can help you know when to upgrade RAM. Some of them are:
1) Your PC is slow or laggy when running multiple programs or tabs.
2) Your PC crashes or freezes frequently due to low memory.
3) Your PC shows a high memory usage or low available memory on the task manager or the resource monitor.
4) Your PC does not meet the minimum or recommended requirements for the applications or games you want to run. -
How do I know if my laptop can upgrade RAM?
The answer depends on the type and model of your laptop. Some laptops have memory slots that allow you to add or replace RAM modules, while others have soldered RAM that cannot be upgraded. You can check the specifications and compatibility of your laptop by using a tool like the crucial memory advisor. You can also open the bottom panel of your laptop and look for the memory modules, if you are comfortable doing so.
-
Can you upgrade RAM on laptops without formatting and reinstalling Windows OS?
The answer is yes, as upgrading RAM on laptops does not affect the data or the operating system on your hard drive or SSD. You can upgrade RAM on laptops without formatting and reinstalling Windows OS, as long as you follow the instructions and precautions for the RAM upgrade process. You may need to restart your laptop after the RAM upgrade to let the system recognize the new memory.
-
If I upgrade my RAM will my laptop run better on Windows?
The answer is most likely yes, as upgrading RAM can improve the performance and responsiveness of your laptop on Windows, especially for multitasking and memory-intensive tasks. However, the improvement may vary depending on the capacity and speed of the new RAM, the specifications and compatibility of your laptop, and the usage and optimization of your Windows OS. You can use a tool like the windows performance monitor to measure the impact of the RAM upgrade on your laptop.
Conclusion
RAM is an essential component of your PC that affects its performance and speed. By following the steps in this post, you can check and upgrade your RAM slots to improve your PC’s capabilities.
I hope you found this post helpful. If you have any questions or feedback, please leave a comment below.
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This is Mudassir Shaukat, signing off. Stay tuned for more. 😉
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