Laptop Memory Installation Guide

The most important thing to do before considering a memory upgrade is to check your laptops manual and look for the necessary laptop memory information, like compatible storage capacity and installation instructions.

Every laptop computer has maximum memory capacity slots which will render any upgrades beyond that useless.

Once you determine the maximum memory storage on your laptop, you can then check to see how much memory is actually installed all ready. Check the Windows system information or the memory report that is provided upon boot up. If you do have space to add additional memory then you can proceed.

Similar to desktop computers, you can purchase and install additional memory for your laptop, it is crucial to make sure to get the right memory card for your laptops, they are not all the same.

The capacity or extra MB or GB you need depends on your intended use of your laptop. Typically 512MB of memory is standard and the lowest you want to have for everyday computer uses. For gaming and video you need to have at least 2GB +. And, if you wish to use Microsoft Vista, then the recommended memory will be 1 GB.

The good news is that the memory card once inserted and installed does not need any manual configuration, the laptop will automatically detect the new storage space.

There are different types of memory cards available and you should choose the right memory that is compatible with your laptop,as well as the maximum allowed storage space.

For example some laptops only allow for 1GB total, and each slot can only handle 512MB, so you could not purchase a 1GB memory card, you would need buy 2 512MB cards that total 1GB, or if the laptop all ready has 1 512MB, you would purchase an additional 1 512MB card to make a total of 1GB.

The types of Memory used in laptops are SDRAM (Single data rate Synchronous RAM), SODIMM (Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module), DDR SDRAM (Dual Data Rate Synchronous RAM) or memory modules that are proprietary. Again, make sure to check your laptop manual to see which one you need.

The memory cards are inserted into assigned slots in the laptops, usually there are a minimum of two slots for extra memory on laptops, whereas there are three to four slots available on a desktop. It is crucial to check the manual to make sure how many slots you have open and the capacity of those.

Upgrades are limited in small or compact computers. When you plan to buy additional memory for your laptop computer, you have to know the maximum memory capacity that can be handled by your laptop. You can find this information with the product manuals.
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Installing Memory Step-By-Step

1. Take care when handling the memory card.

2. Power off the laptop when installing memory

3. For accessing the memory modules easily, some laptops have removable panels at the bottom.

4. Use a screwdriver to open the panel.

5. The memory modules are in the slots and locked with small clips at the ends. If you are swapping out an existing memory card then remove the existing laptop memory by pulling the memory modules gently after unlocking the strip clips. If you are adding a memory card then just locate the empty slot.

6. Place the new memory module firmly into the slot and clip the module at both ends of the strips.

7. Close the panel of the laptop back in place with a screwdriver. The laptop should automatically detect the new memory storage capacity on your laptop upon boot up.

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