How Do I Add Memory to a Gateway Laptop?
Gateway laptops come in many makes and models, but the process used to change the RAM is a relatively universal task regardless of your Gateway model. Upgrading your memory is most likely the most inexpensive way to increase the performance of your computer. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a temporary storage device the computer uses to run the operating system and any applications you use. The more RAM you have installed on your computer, the better it will run.
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Things You'll Need
- ESD (electrostatic discharge) or anti-static strap
- Phillips screwdriver
Instructions
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Shut down the laptop and remove all external cables and peripheral devices. Doing this will help avoid stray, damaging electrical currents from surging through the computer as you work on it.
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Put a clean towel on the area you will be working on. The towel will prevent the laptop casing from being scratched. Set the laptop on the towel, top-down.
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Remove the laptop battery. This is another measure to avoid stray electrical current.
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Put the ESD strap on before working on the inside of the computer. The human body can build up enough static electricity that, if discharged, can destroy sensitive electronics equipment. Be sure to read the strap manufacturer's instructions for the specific strap you have. In some cases, such as wireless straps, the ESD strap must be put on 15 minutes before working around electronic equipment.
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Locate the memory bay on the laptop. On most Gateway models this bay is on the right, bottom side of the computer. The exception to this is the Tablet Notebook where the memory bay is in the center of the computer's underside. Your laptop's documentation will explain exactly where the memory bay is located if you cannot find it.
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Remove the memory bay. Unscrew the single screw, or two screws on the Tablet Notebook, using the Phillips head screwdriver.
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Install the memory. Most Gateway laptops accommodate dual DIMMs. If you are adding memory then you can just add the memory to the slot that is not being used. If there are currently 2 DIMMs installed then you will need to remove one before adding the new memory module.
If there is enough room to add a second memory DIMM to your computer, then you need to verify that the sizes of the two memory DIMMs are compatible. In most cases, the two memory DIMMs have to be of the same size. In other words, you can place a single four gigabyte memory DIMM or a pair of two gigabyte memory DIMMs into the memory bay. Your manufacturer's documentation will have the memory type specifications needed if you want to make sure your memory is compatible.
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Reconnect the memory bay door, reinstall the battery, reconnect all of the cables and external peripheral devices, and turn on your laptop. Verify the correct amount of memory during the post boot-up. If your computer does not display the memory information, then wait until you log back into Windows and review the Tips section for what to do next.
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Tips & Warnings
Follow these steps to verify your computer's memory:
XP Users, click the "Start" button, then "Settings." Click the "Control Panel" option and then select the "Systems" icon. Under the general tab you will see the amount of memory that is installed on your computer.
Vista and Windows 7 Users, click on the "Start" button, then "Control Panel." Select the "System and Maintenance" option. Select "View amount of RAM and processor speed" under System. The amount of RAM will be displayed next to "Memory (RAM):" in the System section.
It is always a good idea to read all of the documentation that came with your laptop before performing any procedures.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit laptop detail image by rgbspace from Fotolia.com
