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Adding RAM to a slow computer can help, but other factors can also affect performance. Check available RAM in Task Manager and consult the manual for compatible type and installation instructions. Ground yourself before handling RAM and be careful when removing and installing sticks.
When computers start to feel a little slow, one of the first things we might consider is adding random access memory (RAM). This is especially true with laptops and notebooks which sometimes have less memory to keep the price competitive. Before buying notebook RAM, you may want to see if it will make a difference.
A shortage of RAM slows down a computer, but so do many other factors. A legacy computer processing unit (CPU), a nearly full hard drive, an inefficient graphics card, software with higher minimum requirements than your computer can meet, and the presence of viruses or malware will affect performance. A severely fragmented hard drive or damaged registry can also affect a computer. To make sure you’re taking advantage of your notebook’s extra RAM, check how much is available after you start up your computer.
In Windows® XP® hold down the Alt+Ctrl+Del keys to bring up the Task Manager. In Vista® use the same keys then choose Launch Task Manager or try Ctrl+Shift+Esc. Click the Performance tab and look under the “Physical Memory” header to see how much memory is “available” or “free.” You will likely benefit from adding notebook RAM if this amount is much less than 512 Megabytes (MB). If your free RAM exceeds 512MB, it’s likely that other issues are hampering performance.
Once you’ve determined that the extra memory would help, consult your notebook manual to find out how much RAM your motherboard can support, the type of RAM you need, and the number of slots or banks on your motherboard. If you don’t have the manual, you can probably find one online using a search engine. The larger memory manufacturers also have extensive databases that will allow you to search for the correct notebook RAM by entering your computer model into their search engines.
There are many different types of memory, so be careful to make a note of the exact type you need, and cross-reference this information if it doesn’t come directly from the manual. The slots or banks are where you’ll install your new notebook RAM, but you may need to remove memory that’s already there, so don’t count on being able to add to the RAM you already have. Find out which banks are occupied and with what kind of sticks. For example, if your computer has two slots, both may be filled with (2) 512MB sticks of RAM for a total of 1 Gigabyte (GB). Perhaps you would like to have the maximum, which could be 2GB. The only way to get 2GB is to buy (2) 1GB sticks and remove both 512MB sticks.
It’s also important to note that some types of RAM need to work in pairs to get the most benefit from parallel processing. So let’s say your motherboard has two slots, but can support up to 4GB of RAM, whereas right now you only want 2GB. It might be better to get (2) 1GB sticks than installing (1) 2GB sticks.
Chips can be damaged by static charge, so before installing or handling new notebook RAM, ground yourself or wear a grounded wrist strap. Be careful to handle the sticks by the edges, not touching the gold studs on the bottom.
Turn off the notebook, unplug the AC adapter, and remove the battery. Notebook RAM is located under a plastic plate on the bottom of the computer.
To remove the RAM, gently push the retaining clips on the end of each stick. The stick should pop out of place so that it can be lifted at an angle. The new notebook RAM will enter at the same angle and be pressed gently into the slot, gold pins down. The retaining clips should snap back into place or, in some cases, you will need to press the clamps into place. Consult the manual for exact directions for the make and model.
