How to upgrade RAM in your PC

As time goes by and your needs change, upgrading your PC's RAM is a great option .

Installing RAM is both one of the simplest steps while assembling a PC and is one of the easiest ways to upgrade one too. With nearly all cases you don't have to worry about cables, as long as your RAM module is compatible with your motherboard's slots, all you have to do is to either replace the existing sticks or to install additional ones.

However, there are several different options, and for each there are key points to check prior. This is to make sure that you have the right RAM that is compatible to your motherboard or laptop.

You must find the answers the following questions first:

• What is the motherboard model?
• Which CPU is installed on your motherboard?
• How much RAM is supported by your motherboard/processor combination?
• What type of memory does your motherboard support?
• Do you have free memory slots on your motherboard?
• Which memory modules are currently installed? Determine the type, quantity, capacity, frequency, latency and brand.
  Tips: If you have a large air cooler for your CPU, look for the RAM height clearance before choosing the memory.

Example:

DIMM, DDR5, 16GB, 6000MHz, CL30, Corsair
DIMM, DDR4, 8GB, 3200MHz, CL16, Corsair

We've written a dedicated article for help you to decode the Corsair part number

Once you have the answers to all the questions, you are presented with two options: replace the modules already installed, or add additional modules.

Although the first option is more costly, it is the only way to guarantee compatibility between the RAM modules as for CORSAIR these are specifically tested to work together.

The second option allows you to upgrade at a lower cost, but there is a risk of incompatibility between the kit already in your machine and the new one you intend to add. This is especially important for when you use memory modules with a higher frequency than certified by the CPU manufacturer.

Step 1: Locate the RAM slots on your motherboard - they're usually next to the CPU. The number of slots available varies between two and eight, with four being the most common. However, you can't just put your RAM in any slot. Each slot is numbered, and you must install your RAM in the following order A1, B1, A2, B2 (Red Square). You can find the slot numbers in your motherboard manual or on the motherboard itself.

Note : that slots A1 and B1 usually work together, as do A2 and B2, and that they are often arranged as follows A1 - A2 - B1 - B2. If this is confusing, concentrate on finding the first slot. If you're using a dual-channel kit, you'll be able to identify the second one later, either by the number or the color of the slots. Once you've identified the slots, open the small plastic clips ( Orange Square) by pushing them outwards.

Step 2: Align the small notch on your RAM with the notch on the slot. The notches on DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5 are positioned differently, so if you bought the wrong one, you'll know as it won't fit.

Step 3: Insert the stick downwards and press firmly on its edges until you feel and sometimes hear a click. The clips on both sides should sit correctly to hold the RAM stick in place. Repeat with the other RAM sticks, following the slot numbers accordingly.

As with upgrading the RAM in a PC, you must consider a few things first.

• Which is the exact brand and model of your laptop?
• How much memory does your laptop model support?
• Which RAM format does your laptop use? (SODIMM is the most common format)
• Does your laptop have an empty slot available, or do you have to replace existing RAM?
  There are laptop models that have memory soldered onto the motherboard only and do not have additional slots to expand RAM. If this is the case, it is not possible to increase the memory capacity.
• Which module(s) are present? Determine the type, quantity, and frequency of the module(s)

Once you've successfully found the answer to the above questions, it's time to choose the memory. If you don't have a free slot available, you will have to replace the existing module(s). In this case, it is advisable to choose the same frequency and key specifications of the already installed modules but with a higher capacity that is compatible. Do not exceed the maximum memory supported, as this can lead to for example your laptop not booting at all.

If you have a free slot, you'll need to choose a module with the same type, capacity, and frequency as the one already installed, and the same goes for soldered memory.

Step 1: Locate the memory slots, which are generally in a horizontal position, unlike standard DIMM slots which are vertically mounted. If your PC has more than one memory slot, start with the bottom one. Take a SO-DIMM RAM memory module and align the notch with the slot.

Step 2: Insert the RAM into the slot until the connectors are fully seated. It may appear to be at an odd angle, but don't worry, it won't bend.

Step 3: Gently but firmly push the RAM in until the small metal pins on each side snap into place. Repeat this with the other bars, and if you ever want to remove them, pull on the metal pins until they release. Then simply remove the RAM from the slot.

If you ever need to remove your RAM, simply press the clips on each side to release the RAM, then pull the RAM stick out of the slot.