How to install more memory

First up we’ll cover how to install extra memory into your notebook since it might be the first time our readers have tried or bothered doing it. Each brand of notebooks has different styles of accessing the memory but usually the keyboard has to be removed or a cover has to be removed from the bottom of the notebook.

How much does the RAM cost?


With just about all Dell notebooks, the memory is hidden under a cover at the bottom of the notebook, which is the easiest method of replacing memory. The memory cover on the XPS2 has air vents which are a great idea as memory can heat up quite a bit and the air vents will help keep the memory cooler. The first step is to locate the memory cover which in the case of the XPS2 is smack bang in the center of the bottom side of the notebook.





Once you’ve located the memory cover, get a Phillips head screw driver and remove the two screws.





Once you’ve loosened the screws, pull the cover up and remove as you can see in the picture below.





Now we need to remove the memory and this is where notebook memory is different to usual desktop memory. The memory is held in by clips as you can in the image below with a blue circle around it. All you need to do is pull both clips away from the memory and the RAM will pop out with ease.





Now get your new memory and place it into the slot as shown in the picture below. Just line the notch up on the memory with the connector.





Then all you need to do is push the memory down and the memory will lock into place. Place the cover back on and now your memory upgrade is complete. It’s a pretty simple process but we figured we’d cover it because we haven’t seen many guides online showing how it’s done.





As for which memory is good for your notebook, it’s a little harder than desktop systems. Typically notebook systems are pickier about which memory is used and as such it’s important you check the memory you are buying will be compatible with your notebook.

Crucial make the job real easy with their “Crucial System Scanner” tool and tells you which type of memory you need for your system. Just download a small tool from their website and you’ll be recommended which memory you should use. You can try it out at this link.

Now we’re covered how to install new notebook memory, let’s discuss the benefits in terms of performance.