How to Upgrade & Install HP Pavilion Memory
Adding Random Access Memory (RAM) is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve the performance of your HP Pavilion computer. Installation will be similar on both an HP laptop and an HP desktop, but different types of memory will be required. You can determine what kind of RAM you need by looking at the RAM chips already installed or heading to your computer manufacturer's website.
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Things You'll Need
- Screwdriver
- Desktop/Laptop RAM (SDRAM, DDR, DDR2, or DDR3 in various speeds/amounts)
Instructions
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1
Turn off the computer and unplug power sources. If it's a laptop, remove the battery.
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2
Open your computer case. For desktops, turn or unscrew the screws on the only side of the case that has them. On laptops, flip it over so the lid faces the ground. Remove the screws on the back of the case that holds your memory. It will be easily identifiable, as a symbol that looks like a RAM chips will be on it.
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3
Unseat the existing memory from the motherboard. Laptops have metal arms holding the RAM in place, where desktops have plastic latches that easily snap back like a hammer on a revolver.
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4
Insert the new RAM. The memory chip has a groove in it and the place it goes has a plastic piece sticking out. Line these up, and slowly insert into place until you hear or feel it snap into place. Do not force the piece into place, instead attempt to realign it until it fits, as you can damage the RAM and the motherboard with too much pressure.
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Snap the holder back into place, firmly holding the properly-inserted RAM. On desktops, simply push the "hammer" pieces on either side of the sticks back into place. Most laptop users will experience the arms snapping into place automatically, once you've inserted the RAM.
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6
Put the cover back on the RAM area and screw it back in. Replace the computer case, battery or plug and turn it on.
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Tips & Warnings
Crucial.com is a helpful site to quickly check what kind of RAM you need.
