From 16GB to 32GB: The Easy, Step-by-Step Guide to Installing More RAM

Is your computer starting to feel sluggish? You’re not alone. That trusty 16GB of RAM, which used to be more than enough, is probably hitting its limit. You open a few browser tabs, launch a game, try to chat on Discord, and suddenly… everything grinds to a halt. It’s the digital equivalent of trying to sprint through mud.

Upgrading to 32GB of RAM sounds technical, but it’s one of the easiest, most affordable, and most effective upgrades you can make. This guide will walk you through every single step, from 16GB to 32GB. No jargon, no confusion. Just a simple, easy-to-follow process to unlock your PC’s true potential.

Why Is the 16GB to 32GB RAM Upgrade Worth It?

For years, 16GB was the “sweet spot” for gaming and general use. But times have changed. Games are bigger, applications are hungrier, and we all multitask. Here’s why that jump to 32GB is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

The 16GB “Ceiling”: When Is 16GB of RAM Not Enough?

You’re hitting the 16GB ceiling if you:

Game and Multitask: You play a demanding game like Cyberpunk 2077 or Starfield while also running Discord, a web browser with 20 tabs, or OBS for streaming.
Use Creative Apps: You work with 4K video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, run complex projects in After Effects, or use advanced photo manipulation in Photoshop with dozens of layers.
Run Virtual Machines: You’re a developer or IT enthusiast who needs to run one or more virtual operating systems.
Crave Smoothness: You simply notice stutters, lag, or “hitching” when you switch between applications. Your PC is forced to use the “page file” (a slow part of your storage drive) as temporary RAM, and it kills performance.

Benefits of 32GB RAM for Gaming Performance in 2025

While 16GB might be the minimum for many new titles, 32GB is the new optimum. Games now load massive, high-resolution textures. With 32GB, your system can load more of these assets directly into RAM. This means:

Fewer Stutters: The game doesn’t have to constantly fetch data from your slower SSD or hard drive.
Faster Load Times: Levels and new areas can load more quickly.
Future-Proofing: You’re set for the next wave of next-gen titles that will inevitably demand more memory.

If you’re building a budget gaming PC, the debate between memory sizes is crucial. Our pillar post, 16GB vs 32GB RAM for Gaming: What Do You Really Need for a Budget Build?, breaks down the exact performance-per-dollar, which you should check out.

How 32GB RAM Transforms Multitasking and Creative Work

This is where the difference is night and day. 32GB of RAM is an efficiency multiplier.

For Professionals: You can run Premiere Pro, Photoshop, and a browser full of research tabs at the same time without your system crashing or slowing to a crawl.
For Power Users: You can have your game open, 50 Chrome tabs, Spotify, and a background download without a single hiccup.
Works With Your CPU: More RAM gives your processor room to breathe. A powerful CPU is only half the battle; if it’s constantly waiting for data to be swapped out of slow storage, it can’t work at full speed. A good processor, like the ones detailed in this guide to choosing the right processor, needs fast RAM to feed it data.

Before You Buy: The Critical RAM Compatibility Check

This is the most important step. Don’t buy any RAM until you’ve confirmed these four things. Buying the wrong kind is the only way this easy upgrade can go wrong.

How to Check What RAM Is Compatible with My Motherboard

Your motherboard is the boss. It decides what RAM type, speed, and size it will accept.

Find Your Motherboard Model: The easiest way is to type “System Information” into your Windows search bar and open the app. Look for “BaseBoard Manufacturer” (e.g., ASUS, MSI, GIGABYTE) and “BaseBoard Product” (e.g., B550-F GAMING).
Google the Manual: Search for “[Your Motherboard Model] RAM support” or “[Your Motherboard Model] manual.”
Check the Specs: The manufacturer’s website or manual will tell you everything:
- RAM Type: (e.g., DDR4 or DDR5)
- Max Speed: (e.g., 3600MHz)
- Max Capacity: (e.g., 128GB)
- Number of Slots: (e.g., 4)

Desktop (DIMM) vs. Laptop (SO-DIMM): Understanding the Difference

This is simple but critical.

DIMM (Dual In-line Memory Module): This is for desktop computers. They are long, larger sticks.
SO-DIMM (Small Outline Dual In-line Memory Module): This is for laptops and some very small mini-PCs. They are about half the size of DIMM sticks.

You absolutely cannot use one in place of the other.

DDR4 vs. DDR5: Why You Can’t Mix Them

This is the most common mistake. DDR4 and DDR5 are not interchangeable.

They have different “pins” (the gold connectors) and a different “notch” (the cutout in the connector).
A DDR5 stick will not physically fit in a DDR4 slot, and vice versa.
Your motherboard manual will tell you which one you need. If you have an older system (before 2021), you almost certainly have DDR4. Newer systems may have DDR5.

Can I Mix and Match RAM Brands and Speeds?

The short, safe answer: Don’t.

Mixing Speeds: If you have two sticks of 3200MHz RAM and you add two sticks of 2666MHz RAM, all four sticks will run at the slower 2666MHz speed. You’ll be wasting the potential of your faster RAM.
Mixing Brands/Timings: Even if the speed is the same, different brands can have different internal timings (CL), which can cause instability, blue screens, or prevent your PC from booting.

Best Practice: For a 32GB upgrade, the best way is to buy a brand new, matching 2x16GB kit and (if you have old 2x8GB sticks) remove the old ones. Selling your old 16GB kit can even help pay for the new one!

How to Choose the Right 32GB RAM Kit

You’ve checked your compatibility. Now for the fun part: picking your new RAM.

What to Look for: Speed (MHz) and Latency (CL)

You’ll see two main numbers on RAM:

Speed (MHz): This is how fast the RAM can read and write data. For DDR4, a sweet spot is 3200MHz or 3600MHz. For DDR5, 6000MHz is a great target.
CAS Latency (CL): This is the “delay” before the RAM responds to a request. Lower is better. For 3600MHz DDR4, CL18 or CL16 is good. For 6000MHz DDR5, CL30 or CL32 is excellent.

Which is more important? It’s a balance. But don’t overthink it. A 32GB 3600MHz CL18 kit will be a massive upgrade for 99% of users.

Should I Get a 2x16GB Kit or a 4x8GB Kit?

Always choose a 2x16GB kit (two 16GB sticks) if you have a standard 4-slot motherboard.

Dual Channel: This allows your PC to run in “dual-channel mode,” which significantly improves performance. (Using two sticks activates this).
Stability: A 2-stick kit is almost always more stable and easier for your motherboard to handle than a 4-stick kit, especially at high speeds.
Upgrade Path: This leaves two slots free in case you (somehow) need to upgrade to 64GB in the future.

Does RAM Brand Matter for a 32GB Upgrade?

For the most part, no. Brands like Corsair, G.SKILL, Kingston, and Crucial are all highly reputable. They all use memory chips made by just a few companies (like Samsung, Micron, or Hynix).

Our advice: Find a kit from a reputable brand that matches your motherboard’s supported speed (e.g., 3600MHz), has good reviews, and fits your budget. If you have a PCPartPicker list, it can even help you check compatibility.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Easily Install More RAM in a Desktop PC

This is it. The main event. This might look like a lot of steps, but that’s only because we’re being extra careful. The whole process will probably take you 10 minutes.

Safety First: Preparing Your Workspace and Avoiding Static

Work Area: Work on a flat, non-metal table (like a wooden desk). Avoid working on carpet.
Static Electricity: This is the invisible enemy of PC parts. To be 100% safe, you can use an anti-static wrist strap.
The Easy Way: If you don’t have a strap, just “ground yourself.” Before you touch any PC parts, touch the unpainted metal part of your PC case while it’s still plugged in but turned off (this grounds you through the power cable). Then, unplug everything.

What Tools Do You Need to Install Desktop RAM?

Just one: A Philips-head screwdriver (a #2 size is standard) to open your PC case.

Step 1: Power Down and Open Your PC Case

Shut Down: Go to Windows and click “Shut Down.” Wait for all the lights on your PC to turn off.
Switch Off PSU: Flip the power switch on the back of your PC (the “I/O” switch, set it to “O”).
Unplug Everything: Unplug the main power cable, your monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
Ground Yourself: Touch the metal part of the case one last time.
Open the Case: Move your PC to your work area. The side panel is usually held on by two thumbscrews on the back. Unscrew them and slide or swing the panel off.

Step 2: Locating the RAM Slots on Your Motherboard

Lay your PC on its side. Look near the big, bulky CPU cooler. You’ll see 2 or 4 long, parallel slots. These are your DIMM slots.

Step 3: Removing Your Old 16GB RAM Sticks (If Applicable)

If you’re replacing your old 2x8GB kit, you need to take them out.

Look at the ends of the RAM slot. You’ll see a small plastic clip or latch.
Push down on the clips at both ends of the RAM stick. (Some motherboards only have clips on one end).
The clips will open, and the RAM stick will “pop up” at an angle.
Gently lift the old RAM stick straight out. Set it aside.

Step 4: How to Install New 32GB RAM Sticks Correctly (The “Click”)

Open the Clips: Push down on the clips for the slots you’re going to use.
Check Your Manual (Again): If you have 4 slots and are using 2 sticks, your motherboard manual will tell you which slots to use for dual-channel. It’s almost always slots 2 and 4 (counting from the CPU).
Align the RAM: Pick up your new RAM stick. Hold it by the edges, not the gold pins. Look at the bottom. There is a small notch that is off-center.
Match the Notch: Look at the RAM slot. You’ll see a small plastic bump that matches the notch. Align the RAM stick so the notch lines up with the bump. It can only go in one way.
Insert the RAM: Place the stick gently into the slot, making sure it’s aligned.
Press Down: Place your thumbs on both ends of the RAM stick and press down firmly and evenly. You will hear a loud, satisfying “CLICK!” as the clips on the side snap into place and lock the RAM. This “click” is your confirmation.

Step 5: Ensuring the RAM is Properly Seated

The side clips should be fully closed and flush with the stick.
The stick should look level and fully inserted.
Gently (gently!) nudge the stick to make sure it’s locked in.
Repeat for your second stick (in slot 4).

Step 6: Closing Your Case and Booting Up

Put your side panel back on and screw it in.
Plug your power, monitor, and keyboard/mouse back in.
Flip the power switch on your PSU back to “I” (On).
Press the power button. (Be patient! Your PC might “memory train” on the first boot, meaning it may turn on and off a few times or take up to a minute to show a picture. This is normal.)

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Easily Install More RAM in a Laptop

Upgrading laptop RAM is very similar, just smaller and a bit more delicate.

Is My Laptop RAM Upgradeable? (Checking for Soldered RAM)

Warning: Many modern, thin laptops (like MacBooks or Dell XPS) have soldered RAM. This means the RAM is permanently attached to the motherboard and cannot be upgraded.

Google your exact laptop model (e.g., “Dell Inspiron 15 5510 RAM upgrade”).
Check sites like Crucial’s System Advisor to see if they sell upgrade kits for your model. If they don’t, your RAM is likely soldered.

Tools Needed for a Laptop RAM Upgrade

A small screwdriver kit (often a Philips #0 or #00).
A plastic pry tool (or a guitar pick, or even a sturdy credit card) to help open the case.
An anti-static wrist strap (recommended).

Step 1: Power Down, Unplug, and Remove Battery (If Possible)

Shut down your laptop completely.
Unplug the AC adapter.
If your laptop has an external, removable battery, take it out.
If the battery is internal (most are), you must be very careful. After you open the case, the first thing you should do is disconnect the internal battery cable from the motherboard.

Step 2: How to Safely Open Your Laptop’s Back Panel

Flip the laptop over and place it on a soft cloth to avoid scratches.
Unscrew all the screws on the bottom panel. Keep them organized! (Some may be different lengths).
Use your plastic pry tool to gently slide between the bottom panel and the main body of the laptop, starting near a corner or hinge.
Slowly work your way around, and you’ll hear “popping” sounds as the plastic clips release. Be patient and gentle.

Step 3: Locating the SO-DIMM Slots

Once the bottom panel is off, look for the RAM. It’s often under a small metal shield.

Disconnect the Battery: Find the battery and trace its cable to the motherboard. Gently unplug it.
Ground Yourself: Touch a large metal part inside the laptop chassis.
Find the RAM: If it’s under a metal shield, you may need to gently lift the shield (it’s usually just clipped on).

Step 4: How to Remove Old Laptop RAM Modules

Laptop RAM is held in by two small, spring-loaded metal arms on the sides.

Use your thumbnails to gently push both arms outward (away from the RAM stick).
The RAM stick will “pop up” at a 45-degree angle.
Gently slide the stick out of the slot.

Step 5: Installing the New 32GB Laptop RAM

Take your new SO-DIMM stick.
Align the notch on the gold pins with the bump in the slot.
Insert the stick at that same 45-degree angle, making sure it’s fully seated in the slot.
Press down on the top edge of the stick. It will snap flat, and the two metal arms will “click” into place in the side notches of the RAM.
Repeat for the second stick if you have two slots.

Step 6: Reassembling Your Laptop and Testing

Reconnect the battery cable. This is a critical step!
Place the bottom panel back on. Start by aligning it and then pressing gently around the edges to snap the clips back in.
Screw all the screws back in.
Plug in the AC adapter and power on your laptop.

After the Install: What to Do Next

You’re almost done! Now we just verify the job.

How to Check If 32GB RAM Is Recognized by Windows or macOS

On Windows: Right-click the Start button and go to System. It should say “Installed RAM: 32.0 GB”. You can also open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the Performance tab, and click Memory. You should see “32.0 GB” at the top right.
On macOS: Click the Apple icon > About This Mac. It will list your memory.

My PC Boots, but Only Shows 16GB: Troubleshooting Guide

Reseat the RAM: The most common problem. This means one of the sticks isn’t fully clicked in. Power down, unplug, and go back and press firmly on both sticks until you are 100% sure they are locked in.
Check Slots: Did you use the right 2-and-4 slot combination?
Bad Stick: In a rare case, one stick might be faulty. Try booting with just one new stick at a time to see if one is bad.

How to Enable XMP or EXPO in BIOS for Full RAM Speed

Your new 3600MHz RAM might only run at 2133MHz by default! You must enable its “profile” to unlock its full speed.

Restart your PC and press the key to enter the BIOS/UEFI. (It’s usually DEL or F2 on boot).
Look for a setting called XMP (for Intel) or EXPO (for AMD). It’s often on the “main” or “overclocking” page.
Click it and select “Profile 1.”
Save and Exit.
Your PC will restart, and your RAM will now be running at its full, advertised speed! This is a key part of optimizing Windows 11 for performance, as you’re not leaving speed on the table.

Running a Memory Test to Check for Faulty RAM Sticks

For total peace of mind, run a memory test.

Windows Memory Diagnostic: Type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” into your search bar and run it. It will restart your PC and test the RAM.
For Advanced Users: MemTest86 is a powerful, free tool. You boot it from a USB drive and let it run for a few hours (or overnight) to 100% confirm your new RAM is stable.

Common Problems & Troubleshooting Your RAM Install

What to Do If Your PC Won’t Boot After RAM Upgrade (Black Screen)

This is scary but 99% fixable.

It’s Not Seated: This is the #1 cause. Power down and go reseat the RAM. Press harder than you think you need to.
Wrong Slots: Double-check your manual and make sure you used slots 2 and 4 (or A2 and B2).
Clear CMOS: Your motherboard might be “confused” by the new RAM. There is a small, round battery (like a watch battery) on your motherboard. Power down, unplug, and gently remove this battery for 30 seconds. Put it back in. This resets the BIOS to its default settings and forces it to re-detect the new RAM.

Solving Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) Errors After Installing New RAM

If your PC boots but then crashes with a “blue screen,” it’s a sign of instability.

XMP is Unstable: Your XMP profile might be too fast for your CPU’s memory controller. Go back into the BIOS, disable XMP, and see if the crashes stop.
Run MemTest86: This will tell you if you have a faulty RAM stick that needs to be returned.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your New 32GB of Power

Congratulations! You’ve just performed a major PC upgrade. You’ve not only unlocked a new level of performance for gaming and creativity, but you’ve also gained a valuable new skill. If you’ve been following along with our other articles, like The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Own PC, you’ll see that installing RAM is just one small (and easy!) part of the process.

Go ahead. Open 100 Chrome tabs. Render that 4K video while gaming. Your PC can finally handle it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Upgrading RAM

1. Is 32GB of RAM overkill for gaming?

Not anymore. While 16GB is often enough, 32GB gives you significant headroom, eliminates stutters in demanding games, and lets you multitask without closing your game. It’s the new standard for a high-performance, future-proof build.

2. Will 32GB RAM increase my FPS (Frames Per Second)?

It’s complicated. If you were already maxing out 16GB, then yes—upgrading to 32GB will stop the stutters and “1% low” frame drops, making the game feel much smoother. But it won’t make your graphics card (GPU) faster. It just allows your whole system to work at its full potential.

3. What happens if I install RAM in the wrong slots?

If you have 2 sticks and 4 slots, you might put them in slots 1 and 2. Your PC will still boot and see 32GB, but it will run in “single-channel” mode, which can be 10-20% slower. Always use the slots recommended in your manual (usually 2 and 4) for dual-channel.

4. Can I add 2x8GB to my existing 2x8GB to get 32GB?

You can, but it’s not recommended. As mentioned, mixing kits (even if they’re the same brand) can cause instability. It’s always best to buy a single, matched 2x16GB kit.

5. How do I know if my laptop RAM is soldered?

You must research your exact model. Thin and light ultrabooks, MacBooks, and Microsoft Surface Laptops almost always have soldered RAM. Most gaming laptops and larger business laptops are upgradeable.

6. Does RAM speed (MHz) really matter?

Yes, especially for AMD Ryzen processors. Faster RAM (like 3600MHz for DDR4 or 6000MHz for DDR5) can lead to a noticeable performance improvement. But you must enable the XMP/EXPO profile in your BIOS to get those speeds.

7. What is the difference between CL16 and CL18 RAM?

This is the CAS Latency. CL16 is faster (has less delay) than CL18. In the real world, the difference is very small, but if the price is similar, go for the lower CL number (CL16).

8. What should I do with my old 16GB (2x8GB) RAM kit?

Sell it! There is a huge market for used PC parts. You can easily sell your old kit on eBay or a local marketplace and make back a good chunk of what you spent on your 32GB upgrade.

9. My PC is on, but my screen is black after installing RAM.

This is 99% of the time a “seating” issue. The RAM isn’t fully clicked in. Power down, unplug, and push the sticks in again until you hear the “click” and the side latches are fully closed.

10. Is it safe to touch the gold pins on the RAM stick?

Try to avoid it. Hold the RAM by its edges (the circuit board) or the heat spreader (the metal casing). The oils from your fingers can (in rare cases) interfere with the connection, and a static shock from your finger can (in very rare cases) damage the stick.

11. How long does it take to install RAM?

For a desktop, a first-timer being careful might take 15-20 minutes. An experienced builder can do it in 2 minutes. For a laptop, it might take 30-45 minutes because of the delicate process of opening the case.

12. Can I install 32GB of RAM on an old computer?

It depends. You must check your motherboard’s maximum supported RAM. An old DDR3 motherboard, for example, might only support 16GB total. Check your manual!

13. What is “dual-channel” RAM?

It’s like opening a second lane on a highway. By installing RAM in pairs (2 sticks or 4 sticks) in the correct slots, you double the bandwidth between your RAM and your CPU, which gives a nice performance boost.

14. My motherboard only has two RAM slots. What do I do?

This is common on mini-ITX or budget motherboards. To get 32GB, you would simply buy a 2x16GB kit and use it in those two slots. You would remove whatever 2x8GB kit you had before.

15. Is it hard to enable XMP in the BIOS?

Not at all! The BIOS looks intimidating, but this is a very simple, one-click setting. You restart, press DEL/F2, find the “XMP” or “EXPO” button (it’s often on the main page), click “Enable” or “Profile 1,” and then “Save & Exit.” It’s designed to be easy.