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Home Page > Computers > Laptops > Installing Laptop Memory Upgrades Yourself And Saving Money At The Same Time

Installing Laptop Memory Upgrades Yourself And Saving Money At The Same Time

Posted: Dec 13, 2010 |

How to install SODIMM laptop memory be this in your laptop, notebook, sub-notebook or netbook (as these all apply here).

Can I really install laptop memory myself?

There is often a false misconception amongst the public that installing laptop computer memory is something only a true qualified professional should do. I think it is important to finally let this age old myth rest. While it is true that most aspects of technically challenging a laptop computer from a hardware perspective are difficult, thus something a standard computer user should not attempt, upgrading laptop computer memory is not one of them. The latter is actually a fairly easy process to follow, and certainly one that can be performed by the vast majority of computer users providing they follow some simple yet useful advice.

Required tools and/or parts as well as other considerations

Before you can attempt installing a new laptop memory upgrade you need to prepare some tools and parts as well as choose an appropriate place to carry out the procedure. I will assume you already have a laptop computer ready destined for an upgrade.

The most important of course is that you have purchased a new compatible laptop memory upgrade and thus are in possession of these laptop memory modules. Should this not be the case you should purchase this from a source of your choice and once done revisit this article.

Secondly, you will need a small Philips head screwdriver. These normally come in sets of six or so of varied sizes, there is a high chance you already own these somewhere in your garage and/or DIY toolbox. Thirdly, it is best that you have an anti-static wristband. This is because laptop computer memory is sensitive to static damage. You can purchase this cheaply online, simply search for the term and it will be an easy, quick and cheap buy. If for some reason you cannot purchase an anti-static wristband find something made of metal around your house. This could be a metal lamp, a metal table leg or even a metal screwdriver. This will be used to discharge any static built up within your body, just to be on the safe side and prevent damaging your laptop computer memory modules.

Fourthly, you may wish to prepare a piece of cloth on which to later rest your laptop computer on to prevent scratching its surface. This is optional but given that most people will prefer to keep their laptop in tip top condition it is worth a mention.

Once you have all the above take a moment to think about where (i.e. what room) in your house (or otherwise) you can carry out the upgrade procedure. It is recommended this room has a hard surface on which to rest your laptop, a good light source, a means for you to sit down comfortably and also somewhere that is free from moist or dust, or any other environmentally hazardous occurrence.

What you can expect – the general procedure

Upgrading SODIMM laptop computer memory is actually fairly simple and if you convince yourself to have a go, you will soon likely become a follower of this belief.

Having all the above named parts, tools, and location ready, the first thing to do is to locate the laptop computer memory bay cover on your laptop computer. Most laptop computers have this on the underside so flip it upside down (this is where the aforementioned piece of cloth may come in handy) and have a look there. Modern laptop computers normally have a few bays on the underside, one of which will hold the laptop computer memory modules. Either unscrew each one in turn to find this out the manual way, or consult your laptop’s user manual for a quick clue.

Once inside you will either see one or more vacant slots in which to insert your laptop memory upgrade or all slots full. Depending on the outcome, you may need to first extract one or more existing laptop computer memory modules. You can do this by pulling in an outwards direction on the clips located at either side of each module. Once done, these will cause the corresponding laptop computer memory module to release ready for you to grab and pull out. Remember that before touching it you should either be wearing an anti-static wristband, or you should touch something made of metal that is earthed – in both cases to discharge your body of any static.

Next, unpack your new laptop memory upgrade and insert each module one by one (should you have more than one) into the memory slots. Do note the latch placement on the laptop computer memory module itself. Be sure to align it with the memory slot. Insert the module at an angle of about 45 degrees until the pins (usually gold plated) are barely visible. Now press down on the module until it clips into place. You will hear this happen, after which the laptop computer memory module will be securely installed.

Repeat the above process for the number of modules your new laptop memory upgrade contains. You may need to modify the above procedure slightly depending if your laptop requires installing modules in pairs (i.e. in very old laptops or newer laptops that support dual channel operation).

After you have successfully followed the above installation, replace the laptop computer memory bay cover in its rightful place and screw it back using the same screw(s) it was held in originally.

Last but not least, turn your laptop the right way up and turn the power on. You can either go into its BIOS to check whether the new laptop computer memory is detected (this normally requires you press a key such as Del, F2, F12 etc. depending on the type of BIOS immediately after powering it on) or wait until the Operating System loads. If you do not see the expected amount of physical memory installed, be sure to check whether you fully inserted the laptop computer memory modules. If for example one is slightly loose, its capacity will not be detected. In rare cases you have been delivered memory that is faulty, otherwise known as DOA (Dead-On-Arrival).

Summary

Be sure to extract the most important traits of the above information. The commonly heard assumption that installing SODIMM laptop computer memory is something only a true qualified professional should perform is a myth. The fact of the matter is that you can perform this procedure yourself and thus save money and time. The only limiting factor to the above is to first make sure you have all the necessary parts, tools and last but not least appropriate location to do so. You should also remember to ground yourself to prevent any possible static damage to the laptop computer memory modules themselves. Do this either by wearing an anti-static wristband or regularly touching something made of metal that is earthed.

Above all don’t become a victim of various computer services outlets that try and talk you into the complexity of this procedure and as is very convenient for them, charge you a hefty premium for their service.

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Adam Mann -
About the Author:

If you are planning on upgrading your laptop’s memory and need help then visit the Laptop Memory Upgrades website or Laptop Memory Upgrades Guide for advice.

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Article Tags:
laptop memory, laptop upgrade, laptop memory upgrades, sodimm, ram, sdram, ddr, ddr2, ddr3, notebook, upgrading, installing

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