Double your laptop's performance in under 20 minutes with this step-by-step RAM replacement guide.
Shut down — not sleep. Unplug the power cable and remove the battery if possible. Press the power button for 5 seconds to discharge residual current.
Remove all back screws (usually 8–12 Phillips #0). Slide a plastic spudger around the seam to unclip the panel without scratching. Set screws on a magnetic tray or tape them to a piece of paper in their positions.
Clip your anti-static strap to a bare metal part of the chassis. This prevents electrostatic discharge which can silently kill RAM and motherboard traces.
Locate the RAM slots. Press outward on both metal retention clips simultaneously — the stick will pop up at a 45° angle. Slide it out by the edges, never touching the gold contacts.
Align the notch on the new stick with the key in the slot. Push in at 45° until resistance is felt, then press flat until both clips click. You should feel and hear a definitive snap.
Replace the back panel and screws. Power on and check: Windows → System → About, or on Linux run free -h. The new total should be visible immediately.