How To Install RAM

Check your owner’s manual to see what kind of RAM your computer uses, how much it can hold, and how many memory slots it has.

Find out how much memory you have now, in order to calculate how much you can add. On Vista, choose Computer. On XP, open My Computer and select View System Information. On a Mac, click About This Mac under the Apple icon menu.

Put on your anti-static wrist band before continuing. Read the instructions to be sure you’re using it correctly.

Turn off and unplug your computer.

Open the computer’s housing. Most laptops have a panel on the bottom to access the memory.

Look for the memory slots on the motherboard. Check the existing memory to figure out how many and what size new memory cards to add.

Take your new RAM out of its package. Hold it by the edges and do not touch the pins.

Open the clips on the memory slots and gently snap the new cards into place as directed by the owner’s manual.

Replace the housing or access panel. Check the amount of memory again to confirm that the new RAM is working properly.