If your computer starts lagging or responding slowly during multitasking, it doesn&rsquo;t always mean your hardware is outdated or worn out. In many cases, simply upgrading your memory (RAM) can significantly boost performance and improve multitasking capabilities. This article begins with the basics, exploring what memory is, its critical role in your system, and how to identify DDR memory. We&rsquo;ll also guide you through laptop memory upgrades, key specifications to consider, and essential installation steps, helping you make the smartest choice when upgrading or buying memory.

Memory (RAM) temporarily stores the data of applications and files you&rsquo;re currently using, allowing the central processing unit (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_processing_unit" target="_blank" rel="noopener">CPU</a>) to quickly access and execute tasks. Think of RAM as your computer&rsquo;s short-term memory, the more you have, the more complex tasks you can handle simultaneously, and the faster you can switch between them without losing progress. Higher RAM capacity means your CPU can instantly read more data, boosting your computer&rsquo;s overall efficiency. When memory runs low, your system resorts to slower hard drive storage, causing delays, loading times, and unresponsive programs.

What is RAM memory? Why does it have to do with the performance of computers?

Want to upgrade your memory but unsure which DDR version your current RAM is? Worried about buying the wrong type and ending up with incompatible hardware? Don&rsquo;t worry! We&rsquo;ll show you how to easily identify your memory type, so you can upgrade confidently and hassle-free.
<h3><a name="_tu3uskrbwb2v"></a>Check with Task Manager</h3>
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open [Task Manager]
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Step 2: Click [Performance] &gt; [Memory]
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Step 3: Check the memory frequency (the unit is MHz)
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Step 4: Determine which generation of DDR it is by comparing the frequency with the table below:
<table border="1" width="201" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
DDR
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
266~400
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
DDR2
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
533~800
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
DDR3
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
1066~1600
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
DDR4
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
2133~5100
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td valign="top" width="78">
DDR5
</td>
<td valign="top" width="123">
3200~6400
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

How can you tell whether the memory is DDR version?

The maximum memory capacity your system can handle depends on the CPU, chipset, and motherboard design, and varies between laptop models. To find out your laptop&rsquo;s memory specifications, you can use these two simple methods:
<h3><a name="_w5cli65chvrc"></a>1. Check the number of memory slots available for the laptop</h3>
Before upgrading memory, confirm how many slots the laptop has first; this will impact the number of memory modules that can be added directly.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Step 1: Open the &ldquo;Start&rdquo; menu and search for &ldquo;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cmd.exe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Command prompt</a>&rdquo;, and run it as system administrator. Enter the following command: wmic Memphysical get MaxCapacity, MemoryDevices
○&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The number below MemoryDevices = total number of slots.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Step 2: Next, enter: wmic MemoryChip get BankLabel, DeviceLocator, Capacity
○&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The number of Channels appeared = the number of slots already in use.
<h3><a name="_3rfi2mdwcf4z"></a>2. Confirm the maximum memory capacity supported by the laptop</h3>
When laptops leave the factory, their maximum supported memory capacity is fixed, so you can&rsquo;t just buy any large-capacity memory and expect it to work.
<h4><a name="_cq9wvlw6u858"></a>Query method:</h4>
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Visit the official website of the laptop brand, and search for the model number of your laptop at hand.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check for &ldquo;memory expansion information&rdquo; in the product specification table.
<h4><a name="_x2sknqndfujs"></a>Note:</h4>
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On board (welded) memory: If &ldquo;On board&rdquo; is labeled on the specification, it means that this part of the memory is welded onto the motherboard itself and cannot be replaced or expanded.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Slot restriction: If the laptop only has one slot, even if the maximum limit was not reached, memory cannot be expanded due to physical slot restrictions.

What’s the maximum limit of laptop memory? Must read before upgrading memory!

Different applications require varying amounts of memory, so when multitasking, your computer&rsquo;s performance can slow down or lag if there isn&rsquo;t enough RAM available. When this happens, you&rsquo;ll notice software running sluggishly or tasks failing to execute smoothly, clear signs that it&rsquo;s time to consider a memory upgrade. Here are common situations that often indicate your computer or laptop needs more RAM:
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It was found that when a software that was often used was opened, more than 80% of the memory is often used by the computer.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Applications, web pages and files take a long time to open, or often stops responding.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The computer crashes frequently when applications are opened or when switching screens between programs.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Performance decreases significantly when multiple programs were opened simultaneously.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When installing applications, the &ldquo;Computer does not meet the minimum requirements&rdquo; message was received.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When playing games, even though the graphics card and CPU of the device meet that recommended requirements, but the screen still lags every now and then.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When editing videos, performing 3D modeling or using other professional software, the computer responds slowly or is laggy.

Do I need to expand my memory? The signs below will let you know

After upgrading your memory, your system can handle large files, high-resolution video editing, and multiple web pages with ease, lag becomes a thing of the past. For gamers, memory capacity is even more critical. High-performance games demand quick and smooth data access to deliver the best experience. Insufficient RAM leads to slower load times and choppy gameplay, but with a memory upgrade, games load faster, run smoother, and your overall gaming experience improves noticeably.
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For those who frequently multitask, upgrading your memory can make a huge difference. Running Word, Excel, browsers, music players, and video editing software all at once can slow your computer down, or even cause crashes, if there isn&rsquo;t enough RAM. After upgrading, you&rsquo;ll enjoy smooth, lag-free switching between multiple programs, no matter how many you have open.
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One important reminder: memory modules for desktop PCs and laptops are different. Before upgrading, be sure to confirm which type of memory is compatible with your device.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Desktop PC: Uses DIMM, which is called Dual Inline Memory Module. It uses a two-sided design with individual metal contact (commonly known as gold fingers) areas on both sides, able to provide greater data transmission speed and stability, as well as higher memory capacity.
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laptop computers: Uses SO-DIMM, which is called Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module; it is designed specifically for laptops and its volume and length are both half of those of DIMM.

What performance improvements can memory expansion bring? How do I choose computer and laptop memory?

Ready to boost your computer&rsquo;s performance with a memory upgrade? The process is simple, but a few key details matter. Follow these 4 essential tips to make your upgrade smooth and hassle-free!
<h3><a name="_f12cba9e5fmq"></a>Detail 1. Confirm the number of memory slots</h3>
Every computer, either desktop or laptop, comes with a fixed number of memory slots. In our previous article, we showed you how to check the number of available slots using the command prompt.
<h3><a name="_gelzflafam6"></a>Detail 2. Choosing the correct memory module</h3>
When choosing the memory module, in addition to confirming the capacity and frequency, you also need to pay attention to the following 3 key points:
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memory type: Desktop PCs use DIMM modules, and laptop computers use SO-DIMM modules; the specifications and sizes of the two are different, and cannot be used interchangeably. 
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Memory version: If your motherboard supports DDR4, then you need to choose DDR4 memory. If you switch it to DDR5, it cannot be used. 
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Dual-channel mode: If you want to improve performance, it is recommended to choose memory modules with the same capacities and frequencies. This way, dual-channel mode can be enabled to improve data transmission speed and multitasking processing capabilities. 
<h3><a name="_xxx6g7v95kfp"></a>Detail 3. Installing the memory module</h3>
It is actually not difficult to install memory modules; the following are the basic installation steps:
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Desktop PC installation: 
1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First open the case and locate the memory slot. 
2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Gently press the fasteners on the two sides of the slot and the old memory module will pop up automatically. 
3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Take out the new memory module and align it with the latch of the slot and press it in hard until you hear a &ldquo;click&rdquo;. 
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Laptop computer installation: 
1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Disconnect the power and remove the battery (if it can be removed). 
2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Open the cover at the bottom of the laptop and gently remove the old memory module. 
3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Insert the new memory module, align it with the slot and apply pressure to it until the memory is fully fixed in place.
＊Reminder: The method for removing the base panel varies by laptop brand. To avoid accidental damage, it&rsquo;s best to seek help from a technician authorized by the manufacturer or a professional with the right tools. Also, during installation, avoid touching the gold contacts or chip on the memory module to prevent static damage.
<h3><a name="_3nz532s5c7nx"></a>Detail 4. Test whether the memory was installed properly</h3>
After memory installation is complete, remember to test it to see whether it was installed properly. Below are 2 ways to test this:
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Enter BIOS setting: Press the specific shortcut key (usually F2 or Del) during boot up to enter the BIOS system. In BIOS settings, you can check the total capacity of the memory to confirm whether it meets your expectations after the upgrade. 
●&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check in Windows: Open &ldquo;System Information&rdquo; and check whether the installed memory has increased. 
If the correct memory capacity is displayed, it means that the upgrade was successful. If there is no display or displays an error, it may be because the memory was not installed correctly, or there is a compatibility issue. You will need to check it again at this time.

How should I add more memory? Do so by paying attention to these small details!

Noticed your computer struggling to keep up with your multitasking habits, but don&rsquo;t want to spend a fortune on a new PC? Upgrade easily with <a href="https://www.adata.com/us/consumer/category/computer-memory/?brand=consumer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ADATA memory </a>and enjoy stable, smooth performance. Whether you need powerful multitasking or lightning-fast gaming response, ADATA&rsquo;s DDR4 and GOLD DDR5 series deliver reliable, high-efficiency solutions tailored for you.
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ADATA memory modules come with a lifetime warranty and meet JEDEC and RoHS standards, guaranteeing top quality and long-lasting stability. Upgrade effortlessly and breathe new life into your computer. Choose the perfect memory module for your needs and boost your system&rsquo;s performance today!
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Visit the <a href="https://www.adata.com/us/consumer/category/computer-memory/?brand=consumer" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ADATA official website</a> and start your PC upgrade journey, and make high-performance your new standard.
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Further reading:
<a href="https://www.adata.com/us/quikTips/trend-ddr5-memory-comprehensive-analysis-udimm-rdimm-cudimm/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Future Trends of DDR5 Memory: Comprehensive Analysis on UDIMM, RDIMM and CUDIMM</a>
<a href="https://www.adata.com/us/quikTips/cudimm-gaming-ai-performance-ddr5/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Understanding CUDIMM: Performance Breakthrough of the New Generation of Memory Module</a>

Upgrade easily without help! Choose ADATA memory to give new life to your computer

Is your laptop running slower than usual? We’ve got you covered! From understanding what memory is to step-by-step upgrade guidance, this complete guide will help you know when to upgrade, explain the differences in DDR specs, and share essential installation tips. Boosting your laptop’s performance has never been easier!