How to Install RAM in a Gateway Laptop

Gateway produces a wide range of laptops, designed for use in the home, school or office. If you frequently use system-intensive applications in the day-to-day operation of your laptop (for example, computer games or multimedia publishing software), you may find that you can improve system performance by installing additional RAM. Gateway laptops are designed such that RAM installation is a user-serviceable procedure, requiring no special tools or advanced technical knowledge.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Gateway laptop
• RAM module
• Phillips screwdriver

Installation

1. Close any currently active applications and shut down your laptop; close the display. Unplug the power cord and disconnect any other attached cables. Eject any installed Express or memory cards.

2. Turn the laptop over and locate the battery bay near the rear edge of the device. Slide the battery locking latch to the unlocked position. Slide the battery release latch and hold it in place while you remove the battery from the battery bay.

3. Locate the memory bay cover (in most cases, it will be near the battery bay). Loosen the screws securing the memory bay cover in place (do not attempt to remove the screws completely, as they are designed to stay attached to the cover). Locate the indentation next to the memory cover; insert the tip of your thumb into the indentation and lift the memory bay cover off of the laptop.

4. Locate an empty memory connector for your RAM module. If necessary, free up a connector by removing an installed module (separate the clips on each side and pull the module out of the connector).

5. Insert the new RAM module into the connector at a slight angle. Apply pressure until the module is seated in the connector fully. Push down on the module until the metal clips snap into place.

6. Replace the memory bay cover and secure it to the laptop base by tightening the screws. Reinsert the battery into the battery bay and slide the battery locking latch to the locked position. Turn the laptop upright. Plug in the power cord and any other previously detached cables. Installation is now complete.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase memory modules for your Gateway laptop from an authorized supplier (see link in Resources). If replacing an existing component, save it as a backup component; use the anti-static bag that your replacement module came in.
• A static electricity discharge can damage your laptop's internal components, so periodically ground yourself by touching a nearby metal surface. Do not apply excessive pressure when installing your memory module, as this may damage the component.

Resources

• Purchase a memory module for your Gateway laptop