How to install SODIMM laptop memory be this in your laptop, notebook, sub-notebook or netbook (as these all apply here).
Is this for me?
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.
The necessary tools and/or parts and 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.
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).
In summary
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