Do I need to disconnect laptop battery to install RAM

You've done your homework. You know how much RAM you have, how much your computer can handle and the kind of RAM chip you need to buy for your machine. Next, you'll need to purchase the RAM and grab a couple of tools. In most cases, you'll just need a small screwdriver. When in doubt, consult your PC's user manual.

Before you make any modifications, make sure your computer is powered off and unplugged. If you're upgrading a laptop, it's a good idea to eject the battery before getting started. Open your PC's case with your screwdriver and locate the section on your computer's motherboard that contains the RAM. Consult your user's manual if you need help. Some laptops even have a specific panel you can remove to change out RAM modules.

Before touching any components inside your computer, you need to discharge any static electricity you've built up. The elements inside your computer are very sensitive to electricity -- if you were to hit them with a quick zap from your fingertips you could damage them. But it's simple to discharge static electricity -- you just need to touch something metal before continuing.

If you're replacing RAM modules, you'll need to remove the ones currently in your PC. Many PCs use clips to hold RAM into place. If this is the case, gently lift the clips and remove the RAM modules, and then set them aside.

Next, take your new RAM out of its envelope. Be careful not to touch any of the metal connectors or circuitry on the module. Line up the module with the slot in your computer. Most PCs have a notch that will guide you so that you don't install the module incorrectly. Gently press the module into place. Once you've seated the module, you can close the clips, replace the cover of the PC and you're ready to go. Don't forget to replace the battery if you're working with a laptop. Plug in the PC, turn it on and check your system's RAM. If the updated information is correct, you're set! If not, you may need to restart again. If you still have problems, you should turn off the machine, unplug it, open it up and check to be sure the module is properly seated.

That's all there is to it. With more RAM, your PC will be able to run more applications at the same time without consulting your PC's hard drive. While you haven't increased your computer's processing speed, you've reduced the amount of time it needs to check for specific data. It's an easy and relatively inexpensive way to get more life out of your PC.

Learn more about computers and upgrades from the links on the next page.

Is your computer slow to respond? There’s generally no need to buy a new computer, a memory upgrade is the easiest and most effective way to boost your computer’s performance. 

Adding or upgrading RAM in a laptop does not require any computer skills, just a screwdriver. First, determine how much memory you’d like to add. See our guide to estimate the amount of computer memory you need.

Another way to improve performance is to upgrade your hard disk drive to a solid state drive. Read more about how to install an SSD in a laptop.

Laptops are designed with specific RAM requirements; how many modules, configuration of modules, memory technology, and storage size are all specific to each laptop. Due to each laptop’s uniqueness, you need to know what works with your system. In less than 60 seconds, the Crucial® Advisor™ and System Scanner tools browse a compatibility database filled with more than 100,000 systems to deliver guaranteed-compatible upgrades.

Adding memory makes your computer faster, increases system responsiveness, and makes multitasking seamless. Installation is a quick process that’s done in just 10 steps and the benefits are instant.

Looking to install memory in a desktop? Use our quick guide to desktop memory installation.

• Static electricity can damage the components in your system. To protect your system’s components from static damage during the installation process, touch any of the unpainted metal surfaces on your computer’s frame or wear an ESD wrist strap before touching or handling internal components. Either method will safely discharge static electricity that’s naturally present in your body.
  

• To protect your memory module, avoid touching the gold pins or components (chips). It’s best to hold the module by the top or side edges.
  

Installing memory can be done in a matter of minutes, but there’s no need to feel rushed. Work at your own pace and consult this guide or the video as often as you need to!

1. Gather supplies. Clear off your installation space and make sure you’re working in a static-safe environment. To do this, remove any plastic bags or papers from your workspace. Then, you’ll need the following items:
   • Your laptop computer
   • Crucial® laptop memory
   • Screwdriver
   • Owner’s manual
2. Shut down your laptop computer. Because your files, documents, and data are on your storage drive; not your random access memory, they remain unaffected by installing RAM.
3. Unplug the power cable.
4. Remove the battery. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions. If your laptop doesn’t have a removable battery, you don’t need to do this.
5. Hold the power button for 5 seconds. This discharges any residual electricity still in the system. If your battery is not removable, there’s no need to hold the power button down.
6. Open the case. For instructions about opening your specific system, consult its owner’s manual. You can also take pictures with your phone to see where cables or screws are attached to make it easier to put back together.
7. Ground yourself. Touch an unpainted metal surface – this is an extra safeguard that protects your memory and components from static damage during the installation process.
8. Remove existing memory modules. Pull the side clips away from the module to release it. Then take the RAM modules out of the slots.

 
9.     Install Crucial memory. Holding the modules along the edges, align the notches on the module with the ridge in the slot, then apply even pressure and firmly press the module in. It usually takes about 30 pounds of pressure to fully install the module.

 
10.     Close the laptop case and reinstall the battery.

Your memory is now installed! Boot up and enjoy a more responsive computer that’s now better equipped to run memory-intensive apps.

I just got a crucial 8 gigs 2400 mhz ram that's compatible with my laptop.But every ram upgrade video says before installing  I should remove the battery. In this acer laptop model, removing a battery is significantly harder than just inserting the ram module. Should I just turn off my laptop and install the ram without removing the battery? 

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