Unlike desktop computers, laptops are virtually impossible to upgrade. While in a PC you can go through and replace almost everything, in laptops you can only change it painlessly hard drive and random access memory (other names: RAM, RAM, RAM). To do this you need to disable charger, remove the battery (if possible) and unscrew the cover on the bottom. You will have access to a hard drive and RAM, which can be replaced. In older laptops from the early 2000s, this process may be more complex due to the design, but since there are very few such devices in use today, we will not focus on them.
Two 4GB DDR3 RAM modules
As a rule, RAM rarely fails, so it is changed in order to increase the capacity and, accordingly, the speed of the laptop. There are several nuances to consider here.
- 32-bit operating systems Windows systems do not support more than 4 GB of RAM. If you need more than 4 GB of RAM, you will need to install 64-bit Windows (you may already have it installed - open My computer and right-click on an empty area and select Properties).
- You need to familiarize yourself with technical characteristics laptop or motherboard. This will allow you to find out the maximum supported amount of RAM, the number of slots for memory modules, and the type of RAM modules - DDR1, DDR2, DDR3.
- To find out the number of memory modules already in use, you can use the CPU-Z program (download, run and look in the SPD tab for the drop-down list), or you need to unscrew the bottom cover and see live the number of slots and the amount of RAM used.
- As a rule, laptops have two slots for RAM, so if you have, for example, two 2 GB RAM modules installed, and you want 8 GB, then you will have to throw out the current memory modules, and in their place insert two 4 GB ones or one 8 GB. You should also keep in mind such a factor as the RAM soldered into the motherboard. This is typical for ultrabooks and MacBooks. Moreover, there are options here too - the entire stick will be sealed without the possibility of increasing the volume, or one free slot will be available for your RAM stick.
How to replace RAM in a laptop
Warning! If you recently purchased a laptop from a store and it is still under warranty, then opening the cover on the bottom and replacing the RAM may void the warranty. To maintain the warranty, you will have to contact authorized service centers.
Based on what was written above, we conclude that to replace RAM in a laptop, you need to find out the characteristics of the motherboard, unscrew the bottom cover and see what is already installed in the laptop and what can be improved. Then we buy RAM modules of the appropriate type, turn off the power, remove the battery and change the RAM modules themselves.
To remove the installed strips from the slots, you need to unclip the latches on the sides and calmly remove them, holding the strips on the sides, without touching the gold-plated contacts inserted into the slot. Inserting new strips into the slot should also be easy; when the latches snap into place, stop pressing and just check that the strips are level.
After replacing the modules, we put everything back together and turn on the laptop. To make sure that everything is fine, run the CPU-Z utility again, or open My computer, right-click on the free area and select Properties. In the window that opens, in the section System opposite the point Installed memory(RAM) look at the available memory. 
IN self-replacement There is nothing complicated about the laptop components, but if you are still not confident in your abilities, you can watch the following video from the company, which shows how basic everything is.
If your laptop cannot boast of operating speed, but operating system periodically “refuses” to complete tasks; perhaps there is a need to expand the space virtual memory. Since this memory consists of two elements - RAM and the paging file, it can be increased in two ways. To expand the amount of RAM, you will have to buy and install an additional RAM stick. It's not fast and it's expensive. Therefore, we will consider the second method, which is fast and does not require capital investment - increasing virtual memory by increasing the paging file.
We start traditionally - from “Start”, from where we go to the “Control Panel”. Already in it we select the “System” section, and in it – “System Properties”. Now we look for the “Advanced” tab, and in it - the “Performance” section.
If the changes you made to the size of the laptop’s virtual memory did not significantly affect the quality of its operation, then most likely the problem is not in the memory capacity and it is better to contact a service center for help.
Depending on the laptop model, RAM is located in different places on the device. In some models, this is in a special compartment under bottom panel, in others - under the keyboard or motherboard.
You will learn the fundamental features of installing and increasing RAM by reading the article below.
Types and amounts of RAM in Asus laptops
- Until 2004, Asus laptops installed SO DIMM SDRAM memory operating at frequencies of 100 or 133 MHz.
- The 2005-2008 models used the SO DIMM DDR type with clock frequencies 266, 333 or 400 MHz.
- The 2006-2008 models have SO DIMM DDR2 memory installed, with frequencies of 533, 667 or 800 MHz.
- Models since 2009 have SO DIMM DDR3 memory installed, operating at 800, 1066, 1333 or 1600 MHz. Some new models have Micro DIMM DDR2.
Before purchasing additional RAM for a laptop, you need:
1. Determine what type of memory is already installed. Increasing the amount of RAM with boards different types and characteristics - unacceptable.
The added memory must match the existing memory in all respects. If you are installing an older model that is no longer available for sale, you will also need to replace the existing strip with the new type you are installing. In this case, you should check whether the motherboard supports the type being installed.
2. Each laptop model supports a certain amount of RAM, so you need to check the current specifications through Bios or directly in Windows OS in "Computer Properties". You can also go to the official Asus website and get acquainted with the characteristics of the model there. As a rule, the specification indicates the maximum amount of memory supported by the device.
Step-by-step instructions for increasing the amount of RAM in an Asus laptop
example with RAM installed in the compartment under the bottom panel
1. Before installation additional memory Disconnect the laptop from the network and battery.
2. Unscrew the screws on the back of the laptop and remove the cover.
For reference. Some models have additional installation memory sticks. In Fig. 1 free slot visible. If additional connectors are not provided, you must replace the existing memory stick with another, larger one.
3. Install the memory stick into the slot at an angle of 45 degrees relative to the motherboard and snap it into place, Fig. 2
example with RAM installed under the keyboard
1. To access the memory, you must carefully remove the keyboard. To do this, unscrew the screws or release the latches that secure it.
2. Then carefully lift up the keyboard. If further work is inconvenient, you can disconnect the cable from the motherboard and remove the keyboard completely.
3. On the plate covering the RAM, you need to unscrew the screws, lift and carefully pull the memory bar out of the slot.
4. In the vacant slot, install another bar of larger volume.
5. Reassemble everything in reverse order.
If the RAM is located under the motherboard
1. You must first remove the compartment with the drive - HDD or SSD drive, unscrew the motherboard and disconnect all connectors from it.
2. On the reverse side, under protective film, there is a memory slot.
3. Lift the film and replace the memory stick using the above method.
I have already said that a device such as a laptop can be improved by adding new components or replacing them with others. Unfortunately, not every laptop can be upgraded, but almost everyone can have their RAM increased.
If your laptop is several years old, but has quite good processor, or maybe a video card, but not enough RAM, then you can improve such a laptop. Typically, the maximum amount of RAM is different for each laptop, for example, 8 GB or 16 GB. Before purchasing RAM modules, you need to understand some nuances, which we will talk about now.
How to increase RAM in a laptop? Nuances
On the back of the laptop there is a cover behind which the RAM modules are hidden; I also have a Wi-Fi adapter there. If you don't find it, look in the instructions.
We can find out without analyzing it, it will help us special utility CPU-Z, which tells a lot about the components of a computer. To avoid installing the program, download the portable version, indicated via a ZIP archive, and run it after downloading.
After launching the utility, we can see the following window:
To begin with, we are interested in the tab "SPD", in which we find out how many slots are present in the laptop, the type of memory, its size and manufacturer.
If there is no information in any of the slots, it means that it is empty, that is, the module is not installed there and we can purchase an additional one.
Next we need a tab about motherboard called "Mainboard". Based on the specifications of the board itself and the chipset, you can find out what memory is supported. Although all the necessary information is already in the tabs that we looked at.
Now one more thing. . You need to look at the processor, search the Internet for information about it. You can also use the AIDA64 program, in which you need to go to the tab « System board» , and then in "Chipset", there is a line about the maximum amount of memory.
How to install RAM on a laptop?
This process is very simple and will not take much time. You need to find where the memory modules are hidden, usually on the back of the laptop there is a cover held on by a couple of bolts, unscrewing which you will see the RAM memory.
Before starting disassembly, unplug the laptop and remove the battery. When removing memory modules, you need to look very carefully at how they are attached. Usually there are latches on the sides that need to be pushed to the sides without any effort, after which you pull out the old module or insert a new one into the free space. You need to press it lightly until it clicks.
After successful installation, tighten the lid, insert the battery and turn on the laptop. Now you can check if the new RAM is working, for which you go to the device manager and go to the parameter "Performance", and then click on the item "Memory" and see if the amount of memory has increased.
You can also go to “Computer”, click the “Computer” button at the top and go to "System Properties", you will see the updated RAM value there too.
That's all, to make this article more understandable and effective, a video was prepared on installing RAM in a laptop. Let's look below.
Instructions
