Is your computer slow, lagging with many tabs, or struggling with new software? Adding more RAM is one of the cheapest and easiest upgrades you can do. The good news: you do not need to be a technician. With the right RAM stick and ten minutes, you can install it yourself. This guide shows you how to install RAM in a laptop and in a desktop PC, step by step.
Not sure what RAM does? Read RAM vs ROM first.
Before You Start: Check These 5 Things
Most RAM problems come from buying the wrong stick. Check these before ordering:
- Type: DDR3, DDR4 or DDR5. They are not interchangeable.
- Form factor: SODIMM (smaller) for laptops, DIMM (full-size) for desktops.
- Speed: For example, 3200MHz for DDR4 or 4800MHz and above for DDR5. Faster RAM will usually run at the speed your system supports.
- Capacity and maximum limit: Check the maximum RAM your motherboard or laptop supports and how many slots it has.
- Upgradeable or soldered: Many thin laptops have RAM soldered onto the motherboard. In that case, you cannot add a stick.
You can find your current RAM details in Windows: press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Performance → Memory. It shows the speed, form factor and how many slots are used. Free tools such as CPU-Z give more detail.
When you are ready to buy, see the RAM collection at System Palace – with ADATA, Corsair, Lexar and Team. If you are unsure, tell our team your laptop or motherboard model and we will help you find a compatible stick.
What You Will Need
- The new RAM module(s)
- A small Phillips screwdriver (a precision set for laptops)
- An anti-static wrist strap (recommended) or a metal object to touch first
- A plastic pry tool or old card for opening laptop panels
- A clean, flat, well-lit workspace
How to Install RAM in a Laptop
Step 1: Back Up and Shut Down
Save your work and shut the laptop down completely (not sleep). Unplug the charger and any USB devices.
Step 2: Remove the Battery (If Possible)
If the battery is removable, take it out. If it is built in, many manufacturers suggest disconnecting the battery connector inside after you open the panel. Check your model’s service manual.
Step 3: Open the Back Panel
Turn the laptop over, remove the screws and gently lift the panel using a plastic tool. Some laptops have a small RAM door; others need the whole bottom cover removed. Keep screws organised, because they are often different lengths.
Step 4: Ground Yourself
Touch a metal part of the case or wear your anti-static strap. Static electricity can damage RAM and the motherboard.
Step 5: Remove Old RAM (If Replacing)
Push the two metal clips at the sides of the stick outward. The stick will pop up at an angle. Pull it out holding only the edges.
Step 6: Insert the New RAM
Hold the new SODIMM by its edges and line up the notch with the key in the slot. Insert it at about a 30–45 degree angle, then press down gently until the clips snap into place. Do not force it; if it does not go in, the notch is probably in the wrong direction or the type is incompatible.
Step 7: Close and Power On
Reattach the battery, refit the panel and screws, plug in the charger and power on. The laptop may take longer on the first boot while it recognises the memory.
How to Install RAM in a Desktop PC
Step 1: Power Down and Unplug
Shut down, switch off the power supply, and unplug the power cable. Press the power button once to drain any remaining charge.
Step 2: Open the Case
Remove the side panel (usually two thumb screws or screws on the back). Place the case on its side on a table.
Step 3: Find the RAM Slots
They are long slots next to the CPU on the motherboard. If you are replacing sticks, push the clips on each end outward to release them.
Step 4: Choose the Right Slots
If you are installing two sticks, use the slots your motherboard manual recommends for dual-channel. On many boards these are the second and fourth slots from the CPU (often labelled A2 and B2), but always confirm in the manual.
Step 5: Insert the RAM
Align the notch with the key in the slot, then press down firmly and evenly on both ends until the clips click into place. You should hear a click, and the stick should sit straight with both clips closed.
Step 6: Close the Case and Boot
Put the side panel back, reconnect the power and monitor, and turn on the PC. Building or upgrading a full machine? See our processors, graphics cards and monitors.
How to Confirm the RAM Is Working
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to Performance → Memory.
- Check that the total capacity and speed match your new setup.
If your RAM shows a lower speed than advertised, enter the BIOS and enable the memory profile (XMP, EXPO or the equivalent option on your board) if your platform supports it.
Troubleshooting: RAM Not Detected or PC Will Not Boot
- Reseat the RAM. Remove it and insert it again until it clicks.
- Try one stick at a time in different slots to find a faulty stick or slot.
- Check compatibility. DDR4 and DDR5 will not fit each other’s slots; mismatched speeds may lower performance.
- Clean the gold contacts gently with a clean, dry, lint-free cloth.
- Reset the BIOS to default settings or update the BIOS if your board needs it for newer RAM.
- Check the maximum supported capacity for your laptop or motherboard.
If the problem continues, contact System Palace’s service team, which has a dedicated RMA and service center.
Important Tips Before You Upgrade
- Warranty: Opening some laptops may affect warranty, so check the terms first. Some brands and shops offer RAM upgrades as a service.
- Match your sticks: For best performance, use two identical modules instead of mixing brands and speeds.
- Do not over-buy: If your motherboard supports only 16GB total, a 32GB kit will not help.
- Think SSD too: If start-up and loading are slow, a Lexar or Team SSD may help even more than extra RAM.
How Much RAM Should You Install?
- 8GB: Basic use, but tight in 2026.
- 16GB: Best for students, offices and gaming.
- 32GB: Creators, editors and heavy multitaskers.
Still choosing a machine? Read the Laptop Buying Guide 2026 and Laptop vs PC to plan for upgrades from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install RAM myself? Yes, on most desktops and many laptops, if you are careful and use the right type of RAM.
Can I mix two different RAM sticks? It is possible, but not ideal. The system usually runs at the slower stick’s speed. Identical modules are best.
Can I use desktop RAM in a laptop? No. Laptops use the smaller SODIMM form factor.
How do I know if my laptop RAM is upgradeable? Check the service manual or ask the seller. If the RAM is soldered, only the memory slot (if any) can be upgraded.
Will more RAM make my PC faster? It helps if you are running out of memory. If your PC is slow for other reasons, such as an old hard disk, upgrade the storage instead.
Final Thoughts
Installing RAM is simple when you pick the right type and follow the steps carefully. Always shut down fully, ground yourself, check the notch and press until it clicks. Ready to upgrade? Browse RAM at System Palace or visit our shops at Siddique Plaza, Elephant Road, or BCS Computer City, Agargaon, and our team will help you choose compatible memory.