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Installing RAM in your laptop will speed up switching between programs, starting apps, and generally make your system more stable. Installing new memory in your laptop is possible using this document.

If you're looking at upgrading the memory in a desktop, follow these instructions.

Gather all of the equipment ahead of time, you can build up static electricity by walking across carpet. 

• Compatible Crucial memory modules
• Non-magnetic-tip screwdriver
• Your laptop's owner's manual

• Static electricity can damage your laptop's components. To protect your laptop from static damage during the installation process, touch any unpainted metal surface on your laptop's frame or wear an ESD wrist strap before you handle any internal components or your new memory modules.
• When handling memory modules, hold them along the side edges using your thumb and index finger. Do not touch the electronic components or the gold pin connectors.

To install memory in a Mac system, follow the laptop installation instructions below, or consult our library of system-specific Mac install guides.

1. Make sure that you are working in a static-safe environment. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your workspace. If you walk across carpet at any point after you've opened the laptop case, discharge any static electricity using the process described in step 4.
2. Shut down your system. After your system has been powered off, unplug the power cable, then remove the battery.
3. Discharge residual power by pressing and holding the power button for 3-5 seconds.
4. To protect your new memory modules and your laptop's components from static damage during the installation process, touch any of the unpainted metal surfaces on your computer's frame before handling and installing memory.
5. Locate and access the memory slots on your laptop using your owner's manual. Note: On laptops, there are often multiple locations for the memory slots (for example, under the keyboard and under the back casing), so double-check your owner's manual to confirm the location of all memory slots.
6. Remove the existing modules as needed. Maximize the performance of your system by filling each slot with high-density modules.

7.  Align the notches on the module with the ridges in the slot. Firmly push the module in at a 45° angle, then push down until the clips on the side of the slot snap into place. When the module is in place correctly, only a thin portion of the gold pins – 1/16th of an inch or less – will be visible (about the width of a pencil line drawn on a piece of paper). While most laptop memory modules are installed individually, some must be installed in matched pairs, known as “banks.”The memory banks should be clearly labeled, but consult your owner's manual to be sure.
8. After your new modules have been installed, reassemble your system and reconnect the battery. Installation is now complete.

If your system does not boot up after installing new memory, check the following:

• If you receive an error message or hear a series of beeps, your system might not recognize the new memory. Remove and reinstall the modules to ensure they are securely seated in the sockets.
• If your system won't boot up, check all of the connections inside your computer. It is easy to bump a cable and pull it out of its connector, disabling devices such as your storage drive or CPU. If your system still won't boot up, contact Crucial Technical Support.
• When restarting your system, you might get a message prompting you to update the configuration settings. Refer to your owner's manual for information. If you are still unsure, please call Crucial Technical Support for assistance.
• If you get a memory mismatch message, follow the prompts to enter the Setup menu, and then select Save and Exit. (This is not an error -some systems must do this to update the system settings).
   

If either of the following problems occurs, please contact Crucial technical support:

1. The new memory module doesn't fit in the socket. Do not force it into the socket.
2. Your system recognizes only half of the new module's memory.