Recently, the Windows machine I’ve been using for nearly a decade began to slow down. My apps were slow to load, my boot times increased, and multitasking was sluggish.
My initial thoughts were, “This PC has had a good run. It’s probably time for a new one,” but after looking through the PC specs, I decided to investigate new RAM. After a little research, I discovered that upgrading the RAM on my PC was not only possible, but it would also cost about a tenth of what it would cost to replace the PC entirely. So off I went, and I’m sure glad I did.
Identifying and Buying the RAM
One of my first steps was identifying the RAM I had in this PC and seeing what I could upgrade too. For that, I usedCrucial.com’s system scanner. I had to download and open the executable file. I quickly got my results.
This gave me the information necessary to do some price comparisons, and buy the RAM I needed.
RAM is often sold in pairs, but some are sold as a single module. Matched RAM is optimized for gaming, multitasking, and any apps that require a lot of computing power. It also removes the chances of a compatibility issue that can happen when mixing or matching. For simplicity, I replaced the RAM with a matched pair.
How to Install the RAM
Now let’s start the installation. Thankfully, the process isn’t too difficult and most people with basic knowledge can do it themselves with a screwdriver.
First, ensure your PC is powered down and unplugged, then remove all wires and peripherals. Remove the side cover on your desktop PC or the little cover on the bottom of your laptop.
In the image, you can see the RAM cover on my Dell laptop.
On a laptop, you’ll typically find one or two screws holding this cover in place. Remove this panel and you’ll have access to the RAM.
If you’re upgrading a desktop PC, there are usually two or three screws on the back of your computer holding the side panel in place. Once you remove those, slide the side panel back, take it off, and set it aside. This will expose all your computer’s internal components.
Once you’ve got access to your computer’s internals, look closely at the two RAM slots. On each side of the RAM, there are clips that hold each stick in place. This is the same on desktops or laptops, although the placement is a little different. Here is the RAM in the laptop. See the tabs in the image.
And here is the view inside my desktop PC.
On each side of the RAM stick, gently pull the tabs away and the RAM will pop up. In laptops, typically the RAM pops up at an angle. In a desktop, it releases straight upward. Here is how it looks on my Dell laptop.
Carefully slide the old RAM out of the slot, and we’re ready to put the new matched pair of RAM in its place.
Each stick of RAM has a notch to ensure it can only be installed one way. Ensure the notch is lined up and insert the RAM the same way it came out. On desktops, insert the RAM straight down; on laptops, slide it in at the same angle at which it was removed. Once you feel it slide in, slowly push it down until the two tabs click, holding it in place.
Once you’ve installed both sticks of RAM and secured them, it’s time to button everything back up. Put the cover or side panel back on your computer and replace the screws. Reconnect all your devices and plug the PC back in.
Once that’s done, turn on your computer. If all goes well, your computer will boot into Windows.
If it doesn’t boot, go through the installation process again, make sure your RAM is seated properly, and that you didn’t unintentionally knock any cables loose.
If it still won’t work, you may havebad RAM or a compatibility issue. In that case, install the RAM you took out.
After upgrading the RAM in my computer, the nagging little problems that had been plaguing me were gone. My boot time improved, my apps opened quickly, and multitasking felt much smoother. For less than $50, my PC runs like new again. I wish I had done it sooner.
If yourold PC is running slow, there are many things you can do to help speed it up. RAM is a great place to start, and one of thebest bang-for-the-buck upgrades.
CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 RAM 32GB
This CORSAIR VENGEANCE RGB DDR5 32GB RAM kit is perfect for your new gaming system. It features built-in RGB lighting across the top and has a moderate CAS latency. The 6400MHz overclocking support works with Intel’s XMP 3.0 profiles to make it simple to achieve the best performance possible.
