If you’ve noticed a lag in your laptop’s performance especially with new programs then chances are you might need to upgrade your RAM. Upgrading RAM can result in a serious performance increase for your laptop.

If you’re looking to replace this but are worried it will be more difficult than a PC then you are in luck — it’s usually as easy as unscrewing a panel in the back, sliding them out and putting the new ones in.

What is RAM?

The most common type of memory, RAM is a major contributor to your computers performance and the size of the RAM has a significant impact on how efficiently and fast a computer runs. RAM stands for Random Access Memory.

Selecting the right RAM

Look in the laptop’s manual, check their website or call a manufacturer help center and find out what type of memory is compatible with your motherboard manufacturer.

There are three types of RAM: SD RAM is up to 133 MHz, DDR RAM is up to 400 MHz and RD RAM is up to 800 MHz. SD RAM is an older type of memory used with older computer processors.

A program that can help you find out what RAM you have can be found here:

http://www.crucial.com/

Run the “Crucial System Scanner Tool”. This is both Mac and PC compatible.

How to install the RAM

1. Turn your computer off and unplug it.
2. If you’re installing RAM in a laptop, remove the battery and press the power button to fully discharge it. On a desktop, unplug the machine and wait for 10 minutes for the capacitors to discharge.
3. Ensure that all static electricity is discharged from your body. An anti-static wrist strap is ideal however simply touching a grounded piece of metal will temporarily discharge static from your body.
4. Remove the panels of the computer case.
5. Locate the current RAM, if you are updating it. If there are extra RAM slots next to it, you can keep the current memory and add a new one.
6. Locate the RAM slot, if you are building your own laptop.
7. Make sure you push it inside in the right direction, as it can only be installed in one way.
8. Push hard enough so that you can hear a clicking sound.
9. Put back in place any components you had to remove to get to the RAM.

Make sure the memory was installed correctly.

Turn on the computer.

Click on “My Computer” on a PC and “About this Macintosh” on a Mac.

If the RAM available is incorrect, turn off and disconnect the laptop and redo the installation.