What RAM does and why you might need more
RAM is the fast, temporary memory your computer uses while programs are running. When you open your web browser, email, and a spreadsheet at the same time, each one takes up RAM. If you run out, your computer slows down because it has to shuffle data back and forth to your hard drive, which is much slower.
You notice you need more RAM when your computer feels sluggish even though you are not doing anything demanding — or when you cannot open a new program without closing something else first. If your computer is five years old and came with 8 GB of RAM, adding 8 or 16 GB more is often cheaper and faster than buying a new machine.
Before you buy anything, check how much RAM you have now and how much your computer can hold. This takes two minutes and saves you from buying RAM that will not fit.
Key Takeaways
- Check your current RAM amount and maximum capacity in Windows Settings or System Preferences before buying new RAM.
- Buy RAM that matches your existing RAM in speed and type — mixing different speeds can slow your computer down.
- Shut down your computer completely, unplug it, and touch a metal part of the case to discharge static electricity before opening it.
- RAM sticks slide straight down into vertical slots and lock with clips on both ends — if you are forcing it, you have the wrong slot or the wrong angle.
- Your computer will recognize new RAM automatically when you turn it back on; no software installation is needed.
Check how much RAM you have and what you can add
On Windows, right-click the Start button and select "System". Look for "Installed RAM" — that is what you have now. The same screen shows your processor type, which you will need to find out your maximum RAM capacity.
On Mac, click the Apple menu, select "About This Mac", and look at "Memory". The window also shows your processor, which tells you the maximum RAM your machine can hold.
Once you know your processor, search online for "[your processor name] maximum RAM". For example, if you have an Intel Core i7-10700K, search "Intel Core i7-10700K maximum RAM". This tells you the ceiling — most modern computers max out at 64 GB or 128 GB, but older machines may be limited to 16 GB or 32 GB.
Write down three things: how much RAM you have now, your processor name, and the maximum your computer supports. You will need all three when you buy.
Buy RAM that matches your computer's requirements
RAM comes in different speeds and types. Buying the wrong type will not work at all. Buying a different speed than what you have will work, but your computer will slow both sticks down to match the slower one.
Open your current RAM information. On Windows, read and run CPU-Z (a free program from cpuid.com). On Mac, hold Option and click the Apple menu, then select "System Information" and look under "Memory". Write down the type (DDR4 or DDR5 are common), the speed (measured in MHz, like 3200 MHz), and the capacity of each stick.
When you shop, match the type and speed exactly. If you have two 8 GB sticks of DDR4 running at 3200 MHz, buy new RAM that is also DDR4 at 3200 MHz. The brand does not have to match — Corsair, Kingston, and G.Skill all work together — but the type and speed must.
Buy from a computer parts retailer like Newegg, Amazon, or a local computer store. A single stick costs less than two, so if you have room, one new stick is cheaper than two. If you have two 8 GB sticks and want 32 GB total, you can add two more 8 GB sticks instead of replacing what you have.
Prepare your computer and workspace
Shut down your computer completely — do not put it to sleep. Unplug the power cable from the back of the machine. Wait 30 seconds, then press the power button once to discharge any remaining electricity.
Static electricity can damage RAM. Before you touch anything inside the case, touch a metal part of the case frame with your bare hand. This grounds you and prevents static from jumping to the RAM. If you are worried, wear an anti-static wrist strap (they cost $5 to $10 and clip to your wrist and the case).
Set your computer on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Have your new RAM stick next to you. Do not work on carpet if you can avoid it — tile or wood floors are better because they do not build up static the way carpet does.
Open your computer and locate the RAM slots
Most desktop computers have a side panel held on by two or three thumb screws or a latch. Turn the computer so the side panel faces you, then unscrew or unlatch it. Slide the panel toward the back of the case and lift it off.
Look inside. You will see a long green circuit board (the motherboard) with several vertical slots. RAM sticks stand straight up in these slots, usually near the processor (a large square chip with a fan on top). The slots are usually grouped together in a row.
If your computer is a laptop, the process is different — you will need to remove the bottom panel instead, and RAM slots are usually near the edge. Laptop RAM installation is the same once you reach the slots, but opening the case is model-specific. Search "[your laptop model] RAM upgrade" for a video guide specific to your machine.
Install the new RAM stick
Look at the empty slot where you want to insert the new RAM. At both ends of the slot, you will see small plastic clips. Push these clips outward (away from the slot). The slot will open up slightly.
Hold the new RAM stick by its edges, not the gold connector at the bottom. Line up the notch in the RAM stick with the key in the slot — they should match exactly. If they do not line up, you have the wrong type of RAM or the wrong slot. Do not force it.
Press the RAM stick straight down into the slot with firm, even pressure. You will feel it click into place when it is seated correctly. The plastic clips at both ends should snap back inward and lock the stick in place. If the clips do not lock, the RAM is not fully seated — press down again until you hear both clicks.
If you are adding a second stick, repeat this process in the next empty slot. Most computers have four slots, so you can usually add two sticks without removing what you have.
Close the case and test your new RAM
Slide the side panel back onto the case and screw it in place. Plug the power cable back in and press the power button to turn on your computer.
When Windows or macOS starts up, it will recognize the new RAM automatically. You do not need to install drivers or change any settings. Open System Settings or System Preferences again and check the "Installed RAM" line — it should now show your old amount plus the new amount.
If the number did not change, shut down again, unplug, and check that the RAM stick is fully seated. Push down on both ends to make sure the clips are locked. If it still does not show up after a second try, the RAM may be incompatible with your motherboard, or you may have inserted it in a slot that is not working. Try moving it to a different slot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I mix RAM from different brands?
Yes. Corsair, Kingston, G.Skill, and other brands work together as long as the type and speed match. Mixing brands is common and causes no problems.
What if my computer does not recognize the new RAM?
Shut down, unplug, and reseat the stick by pushing it down firmly until both clips lock. If it still does not show up, try a different slot. If no slot works, the RAM may not be compatible with your motherboard — check the motherboard manual or contact the RAM seller about a return.
Do I need to remove my old RAM before adding new RAM?
No. If you have empty slots, you can leave the old RAM in place and add new sticks next to it. You only need to remove old RAM if you are replacing it or if you have no empty slots left.
Will adding RAM make my computer faster?
It will make your computer feel faster if you were running out of RAM before — programs will open quicker and you can have more things open at once. If you had plenty of RAM already, adding more will not make a noticeable difference.
Is it safe to install RAM myself?
Yes. RAM installation is one of the safest upgrades you can do yourself. The biggest risk is static electricity, which you prevent by grounding yourself before you touch anything inside. If you are unsure, a local computer repair shop can install it for $20 to $50.