Dell Memory Upgrade
Dell Memory Upgrades,
RAM buying guide, and guide to install compatible Dell RAM.

Installing SODIMM Memory in your Laptop

This guide was developed to instruct readers on the proper procedures for installing SODIMM memory module into a laptop computer. It includes step-by-step instructions for the physical installation of a memory module into those laptop systems that have an access panel to the memory modules. Not all laptops have this type of access. If yours does not, then it will probably require installation from an authorized technician.

For additional information about installing computer memory into your computer system, it is recommended that you read any user manuals that came with your computer for specific procedures that may be required. For more information for purchasing memory upgrades for a computer, please refer to the Before You Buy Memory upgrades article.

Step 1: Get out the tools you'll need.

Non-magnetic screwdriver (for opening your case)

Your computer manual

Step 2: Ground yourself.

Static electricity can damage your module and other computer parts. You need to ground yourself to avoid "shocking" your computer. If you have wrist straps designed for this purpose, you should wear them. If you don't have wrist straps, here is the easiest way to ground yourself:

• Turn off the computer, monitor, and all accessories (printer, speakers, etc.)
• Leave the computer power cord plugged in. (It's OK to unplug your accessories if you like.)
• Briefly touch an unpainted metal part of your computer case.
• Plant your feet and don't walk around. If you do need to walk around, ground yourself again before touching any of the internal parts of your computer.

Step 3: Open your computer case.

Every laptop case is a little different, so consult your manual to find out where your SODIMM slots are located and how to open that part of your laptop case. Some of the most popular places for SODIMM slots are:

• Under the keyboard
• Behind a back access panel
  
  

Locate the panel used for access to the memory modules. This is generally located on the bottom of the laptop computer. Refer to your laptop instruction manuals for locating the panel.

Step 4: Find the SODIMM slots and banks.

Remove the panel from the laptop and set aside.

SODIMMs fit into slots that look like this. Some of your slots may be already filled with modules.

SoDIMM Slot
This notebook has two slots. Some notebooks may have only one slot.

While most SODIMMs are installed individually, some SODIMMs must be installed in matched pairs known as "banks." The memory banks on your motherboard should be clearly labeled.

Step 5: Remove the memory you are replacing (if necessary).

If you have an open SODIMM slot, skip this step and go on to Step 6. If all of your SODIMM slots are full, you will need to remove one or more of your old modules before you can install the new memory.

• Press down on the retaining clips on either side of the module.
• Remove the module from the slot.

If replacing or upgrading an existing memory module, remove the memory modules by undoing and module clamps and gently lifting the edge of the module to a 45-degree angle and then pulling the module out of the slot.

Step 6: Install your new module(s).

• Take your module out of its anti-static bag and hold it by the edges.
• If you have more than one open slot, fill the lowest numbered slot first.
• Line up the notches in the row of metal pins at the bottom of your module with the keys in the SODIMM slot on your motherboard. (If the notches don't line up right away, flip your module around and try it the other way. It doesn't matter which side of your module has the black chips or the stickers on it. The important thing is to line up the notches.)

Align the notch of the memory module with that of the memory slot and gently insert the module into the slot at a 45-degree angle.

Once all the pins are in the slot, gently rotate the module down flat until the clamps lock into the module into place.

Step 7: Test it.

Once the memory has been installed into the computer, the physical process is complete. When the computer is powered back up, it may be necessary to go into the computer BIOS to let the system properly detect the new RAM that has been installed in the computer. Please refer to the user manual for the computer system for any additional information.

Before you close your case, turn your computer back on. You should see the new amount of memory displayed on your startup screens or in the properties for "My Computer" (if you use a Windows operating system). If everything works correctly, skip to Step 9. If not, go to Step 8.

Step 8: Troubleshooting

If you have trouble with your new RAM, check these things first.

• Check the power cords. Is everything plugged in properly?
• Check the module. Did both side clips snap to hold the module firmly in place? Try removing the module and replacing it to make sure it is seated properly in the slot.
• Check the wires and cables inside your computer. Did you accidentally bump one of the cables inside your computer while you were installing your module? A loose hard drive cable can prevent your computer from booting up properly. Make sure all the cables are firmly in their sockets.

Step 9: Close your case.

Replace the memory access panel.

Replace any screws or fasteners that hold the panel in place.

To determine if your laptop has enough memory is to look at the requirements of the software you intend to run. Pick up the boxes for each of the applications and the OS that you intend to run and look at both the "minimum" and "recommended" requirements. Typically you want to have more RAM than the highest minimum and ideally at least as much as the highest listed recommended requirement.

The following provides a better breakdown of what is acceptable for different computer tasks:
Tasks Functionality Amount Enough to boot Absolute minimum 128 MB Word processing Barely Functional 128 MB - 256 MB General computing/Web Surfing Functional 256 MB - 384 MB Gaming/Music Optimal 384 MB - 512 MB Heavy graphics/Heavy gaming Smooth Sailing 512 MB or greater. The ranges provided are a generalization based upon most general computing tasks. It is best to check the requirements of the intended software to make the final decisions. The lower part of the scale is the minimum while the higher number is better. This is not accurate for all computer tasks because some operating systems use more memory than others.