How to know if I can expand the RAM memory of my laptop

Desktop computers are modular, allowing for easy component replacement and providing more space for upgrades. In contrast, laptops are designed to be compact and have very little internal space. All available volume is maximized to accommodate all the components. This leads some manufacturers to solder certain components, such as RAM or flash memory.

In these cases, the user won't be able to replace the main memory module if it fails or upgrade to a larger one. However, some laptops may have part of the RAM soldered to the motherboard, especially ultrabooks with LPDDR memory, but they may also have an additional slot if you want to upgrade it. Given all this confusion, this guide will help you resolve your doubts and find out if you can upgrade the RAM in your laptop…

Things you should know to be able to expand the ram in a laptop

To upgrade your RAM successfully, you need to know some parameters of your existing RAM to ensure the module you're buying is compatible. I also recommend reading the manual for your specific model to clarify any doubts, not only about whether you can upgrade, but also about the maximum capacity supported by your system and the available types. Remember that these manuals can be downloaded from your computer manufacturer's official website.

Regarding the parameters you should know before deciding to upgrade your laptop's RAM, the following stand out:

RAM memory type

The first thing will be to know the type of RAM you have. Notebook RAM is usually SO-DIMMs, which are more compact modules than conventional desktop DIMMs. Also, you need to know if it is a DDR3, DDR4 memory, etc. To find out, you can choose several alternatives:

• Operating System: In the control panel of the operating system itself you can also find some hardware specifications.
  • For example, one way of looking at it in Windows is by pressing Ctrl + Alt + Surp to enter the Task Manager and in the RAM tab you can see capacity, use, frequency, etc.
  • On macOS You can go to the top bar, About this Mac, and in the Overview tab you will see the capacity, type, and frequency.
  • On GNU / Linux you can do something similar from the graphical interface or use the command “sudo dmidecode –type memory | less ”without quotes.
• Software: there are many programs to identify this. For example, AIDA64 on Windows, or CPU-Z. You can also use hwinfo on Linux, or CPU-X. On macOS you also have apps like CheckMyMac, Systempal, etc. at your disposal. In these programs you will find a section dedicated to RAM where you can find out capacity, clock frequency, type, slot, latency, etc.
• Laptop stickers- The laptop usually has stickers stuck on the back or next to the touchpad with some characteristics, such as the type of RAM and the capacity. There you can also identify which one you have.
• Manual of your model: When you buy a laptop, the technical specifications usually identify the type of memory it mounts. If not, you can also check it by downloading the PDF manual of the model you have purchased and which you will find on the supplier's website.

Free slots

To install a RAM module and expand memory you will need to have free slots. Some laptops don't have slots, and have soldered-in RAM, especially ultrabooks with LPDDR (low-power) versions. Others have a slot or two, but they are occupied by the modules that the laptop already includes. In this case, you will need to replace the existing module with one of greater capacity and thus make a leap in performance. And the third option is that it has free slots, so you simply buy an additional module and add it along with those that already exist to add to that capacity. To find out whether or not it has free slots, you can consult your model's manual, its technical specifications, or directly proceed to open the laptop and see if it has empty slots.

Maximum amount of RAM supported by the notebook

It is another factor to take into account. This will depend on the platform, especially limited by the CPU or chipset. To find out how much memory it supports, you should read the technical manual of the manufacturer of your laptop. If you know the specific model (you can see it on a sticker under the laptop), you can access the download area of ​​the official website and download it in PDF to find out how much capacity it supports. However, for quantities of 8, 16, 32, and even 64 GB there is no problem in most cases, especially with 64-bit operating systems.

If you already know what type of RAM you need to buy, you can find the module you need at this link.

Can you mix a RAM module of the same type but with more MHZ?

One of the most frequent questions when buying a new RAM module for a laptop is what specifications it should have. Well, if, for example, you have a 4GB Crucial DDR4 2666MHz RAM module with CL19 timings, you wouldn't need to buy another module of the same capacity, brand, latency, or speed. The only thing you need to worry about for compatibility is that it's the same type (DDR4) and suitable for your slot (e.g., SO-DIMM).

The second module could be a Corsari DDR4 3200 MHz 8GB CL16, bringing the total to 4+8=12GB. Just keep something in mind regarding performance. If the latency is higher and the frequency lower, the system will adapt to the lower-performing module. Therefore, mixing modules might not be worthwhile, as you could encounter limitations. It's best to ensure they have the same timings and frequencies.

And with less MHZ?

I already answered this in the previous section. You can use a new module at a lower frequency, but you'll be taking risks . Keep in mind that if your first module operates at frequency X and the new second module operates at X-1, the system will adjust to X-1 to match both frequencies. This would result in greater capacity but slightly lower performance in terms of timing. So, is it worth it? I don't think so…

How to install RAM memory in a laptop

To install RAM in a laptop, the general steps to follow , although not exactly the same for all laptop manufacturers, are:

1. Once you have the purchased RAM module, disconnect the laptop from the power supply and also remove its battery to avoid accidents.
2. Make sure you gather all the necessary tools to open the kit. Generally, a Philips or precision type screwdriver is usually sufficient. In addition, it would not hurt to have an antistatic strap to avoid damaging the chips when touched. If you do not know what you are doing, better leave it in the hands of a technician. If you have basic knowledge to do it, remember to have order to know where each screw or component that you remove during the process goes. I recommend you take photos and then see how it was.
3. Now is the time to open the laptop to access the SO-DIMM slot where you will install the new module. Older laptops generally have a screw-on lid to allow easy access, and you just need to remove a few screws from the back. On the other hand, ultrabooks and modern notebooks tend to make it a bit more difficult for you, and you will have to remove some screws from the back and then remove the cover or frame of the keyboard that comes with a press fit. Once removed, it lets you access other screws that will allow you to remove the case and now access the laptop's motherboard. In some cases it will also involve removing the keyboard and touchpad panel, or the display cables, etc.
4. Locate where the SO-DIMM slots are on your computer where the other module you already have is installed. And if you are going to replace it, remove the old one and replace it with the new one. If there is a free slot, put the new module in the new slot. To do this, you just have to slightly move the metal pin on the side of the module to the side to release the module, and you will see that it goes from lying position to slightly inclined. Then you can remove it or insert the module. Don't worry about the polarity, it only fits one way thanks to the grimace it has. Once inserted, push the module back to the flat position and is held again by the pin.
5. Once installed, the next thing will be to reassemble all the removed parts and leave the laptop reassembled.
6. After making sure that everything is OK, reconnect the battery or power and proceed to turn on your equipment. Both in the BIOS / UEFI, and in the operating system, the new RAM capacity must have been recognized. If not, check the steps above, it may not be correct or there may be some other compatibility issue.