How to Install RAM in Your Dell Laptop

Dell was one of the early pioneers in laptop computers. If you have a Dell Inspiron, Lattitude or other Dell laptop computer, you may be able to speed it up and boost its performance by adding more RAM.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• RAM for your Dell laptop (check online to find the right RAM for each model)
• Dell laptop
• Small Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Dell Service Manual
• ESD wrist strap for electro static discharge protection

How to Add RAM to Your Dell

1. Power down your laptop. Unplug the power cord and remove the battery.
2. Use an ESD wrist strap or other method to ground yourself. This is important to prevent static electricity from damaging your computer.
3. Check the user manual or service manual for the location of the Memory Access door. On most Dell laptops, it is located on the bottom of your computer.
4. Open the memory access door by removing the two small screws that hold the door in place.
5. Use your fingertips to gently spread the securing clips at either side of the memory module until it pops up.
6. Remove the RAM module from the connector by sliding it backwards from the slot at a 45-degree angle.
7. Align the notch in the bottom of the RAM module with the tab in the connector slot.
8. Slide the module firmly into the slot at a 45-degree angle.
9. Rotate the module downward until the securing clips click into place.
10. Replace the memory access door.
11. Replace the battery and power up the computer to be sure that the RAM is recognized.

Tips & Warnings

• For best performance from your Dell laptop, both memory banks should contain the same type and size of RAM.
• Use a third party utility like Everest Home Edition to find out exactly what memory type and configuration is installed, or download and install the Dell System Profiler from the Dell Support home pages.
• Be sure you have the right RAM for your laptop. Using the wrong type of RAM can damage your machine.
• Do not attempt to pry RAM SO-DIMMs from slots without using the release catches.

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