How to Install New RAM and Update the PC Disk

There are many things at home that we can do on our PC to update it without having to call a computer technician or take it to a specialized center.
In this guide we will help you, step by step, to replace RAM and disk on your computer, so that we can update it and improve performance. Obviously the guide will be divided according to the type of computer in use: we will first show you how to change the components on a desktop computer, later we will show you how to change the components on a laptop . In both cases, the procedure is quite simple and within everyone's reach, we only recommend that you follow the advice of common sense during these operations, i.e. act with the power supply unit disconnected from the electrical socket and handle the components with latex gloves, so as to avoid electrostatic discharge.
READ ALSO: Improve the PC by changing a piece and upgrading the hardware

Update the RAM

To replace the RAM memory we will have to access the inside of the computer or open a special door on the back of the notebook, so that we can remove the old modules and replace them with new ones.

Install RAM on a desktop PC

To replace the RAM on a desktop computer, first of all we will have to buy the new modules, so as to have them immediately available when changing. Depending on the type of RAM memory supported by the motherboard, we can obtain DDR3 RAM (older) or DDR4 RAM (latest generation).
DDR3

1. Kingston 4 GB RAM, 1600 MHz, DDR3 (€ 23)
2. Kingston HyperX Fury 8 GB DDR-III memory (52 €)
3. QUMOX 8GB (2x 4GB) DDR3 1333 PC3-10600 (€ 39)
4. Kingston HyperX Fury DDR-3 16 GB, 1866 MHz (€ 99)

DDR4

1. Crucial 4 GB memory, DDR4 (25 €)
2. Crucial 8 GB memory, DDR4 (44 €)
3. Kingston HyperX Fury 8GB DDR4 RAM Kit (€ 56)
4. Corsair Vengeance LPX High Performance XMP 2.0 Memories, 16 GB (2 X 8 GB), DDR4 (€ 99)

After purchasing the module or RAM modules that we intend to use, we turn off the PC, remove the power plug, wait just 2 minutes and open the side panel of the case, so that we can access the motherboard. We identify the RAM slots, usually present next to the processor group (consisting of CPU and heatsink): to be able to remove the old modules, simply move the retainers positioned on the sides of the module and lift gently upwards.

Once the old modules are removed, we place the new ones inside the slots, paying attention to the notch on the modules themselves (it must coincide with the space on the slot); once in position, gently push down until the latches are completely closed.
Now you just have to close everything and try to access the PC; if there are problems or one of the RAM banks seems defective, we can always test the RAM .
In another article we saw in more detail all the steps for how to increase RAM and add new memory .

Install RAM on laptop

On portable PCs (or notebooks) the RAM modules have a different shape, while maintaining the same types seen for fixed PCs (ie DDR3 and DDR4). When buying notebook modules, we make sure they are in so-DIMM format, so they are always compatible.
Below we can find some models of RAM suitable for notebooks.
DDR3 so-DIMM

1. QUMOX 4GB DDR3 4 GB 1600 SO-DIMM (€ 20)
2. Crucial 4 GB DDR3 so-DIMM memory (22 €)
3. QUMOX 8GB (2 x 4GB) 1600 DDR3 4 GB SO-DIMM (€ 37)
4. Crucial 8 GB DDR3 so-DIMM memory (€ 43)

DDR4 so-DIMM

1. Crucial 4 GB memory, DDR4 so-DIMM (€ 24)
2. HyperX Impact 4 GB so-DIMM DDR4 memory (€ 28)
3. Crucial 8 GB memory, DDR4 so-DIMM (45 €)
4. HyperX Impact 16 GB DDR4 memory so-DIMM (84 €)

Replacing the RAM on the notebook is quite simple: we remove the battery and the power supply, turn the laptop upside down and, at the bottom, identify the door that guarantees access to the RAM slots (usually 2) .

Once the flap is opened with a small screwdriver, we move the metal blocks next to the module to the side, so as to lift it upwards and be able to remove it gently. After releasing one or more slots, we position the new modules (one at a time), positioning them on the contacts and gently pushing the raised part downwards, so as to snap it into position (using the blocks seen previously).
If we can't see any RAM flap, the laptop is probably not designed for a quick update : better in these cases, rely on a professional, since the update could include the disassembly of a notebook (with removal of the keyboard and numerous connectors and panels, difficult to manage for a novice).

Update the PC disk

If our hard drive is too slow, the right time has come to replace it with a modern SSD, be it a hard drive or a laptop. In this part of the guide we will show you how to change a hard drive on the desktop PC and how to change it on a notebook. The suggestions are also valid in case we want to replace an already present SSD. The SSDs can be used on both fixed and portable, always having the 2.5-inch form factor; the best SSDs we can buy are listed below.

1. Kingston SSD A400, 480 GB Solid State Drive (€ 55)
2. Samsung Internal SSD 860 EVO, 500 GB (78 €)
3. Samsung Internal SSD 860 EVO, 1 TB (117 €)
4. SanDisk 1TB Ultra 3D SSD, SSD Drive (€ 136)

In addition, before continuing, we recommend cloning the operating system on the old disk inside the SSD, so as to be immediately ready to use it without having to install Windows from scratch. For more information, we recommend you read our guide to How to clone a hard disk to another disk with an exact copy .

Install disk on PC

To replace the disk on the desktop PC, disconnect the power supply, wait 2 minutes then open the side panel of the case, so as to have all the internal components visible. Hard disks are usually present in the lower right, looking directly from the open part of the case: as soon as we have identified the right area, we remove the SATA connector and the power connector, unscrew the fixing screws and remove the trolley; from it we will have to unscrew the hard disk. On some computers the disk is screwed directly to the computer support, without trolley; we unscrew the necessary screws and recover the old disk.

After removing the old disk, we place the SSD through a special adapter or by placing it freely on the bottom of the case, connect the SATA cable and the power cable then close the case. We reconnect the power and turn on the computer: since the SSD is the exact copy of the old disk, the system will appear as we had left it, only much faster in startup and during program execution (thanks to the SDD) .
To deepen the discussion we advise you to read the guide on How to replace the hard disk to upgrade your PC in an hour .

Install disk on laptop PC

On notebooks, the same steps as those used to replace RAM apply: we therefore remove the battery and power supply, turn the computer upside down and identify, on the lower side, the access door to the hard disk.
After seeing the right screws, we will find ourselves in front of a small trolley, often screwed with one or two screws: unscrew where necessary, pull the tab and pull in the opposite direction to the contacts, so as to remove the old disc.

Now we remove the fixing screws between the disk and the carriage, remove the disk and place the new disk in the same position; on the contrary, repeat all the steps seen so far, repositioning the disc in the contacts, screwing the carriage and finally the flap.
Again, since the drive is a clone of the previous disk, the system will be identical, only faster and faster.

Conclusion

We can do some updates to our computers without necessarily having degrees or many years of experience.
To try something more difficult, we can try to assemble an entire desktop computer, as described in our guide to How to assemble the PC, assemble the pieces and build a computer from scratch . If you don't know which components to choose for a new PC, it is worth taking a look at our guide on How to choose the parts of the new computer to assemble .