Check current RAM: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), click Performance tab, then Memory. Note the total capacity, speed, and slots used (e.g., '2 of 4 slots used').

Find your motherboard model: Open System Information (Windows+R, type 'msinfo32'), look for 'BaseBoard Product' to identify your motherboard. Search online for '[your motherboard model] memory support' to find maximum RAM capacity and supported speeds.

Check CPU limitations: Your CPU may limit RAM speed regardless of motherboard support. Search for '[your CPU model] memory support' to verify compatibility with your planned upgrade.

Complete shutdown: Click Start → Power → Shut Down and wait for the system to fully power off. The power LED should be completely dark, and all fans should stop spinning. For desktop PCs, also flip the power supply switch (usually on the back) to OFF position.

Disconnect power: Unplug the main power cable from your computer. For laptops upgrading RAM, remove the battery if possible. This ensures no electrical current can damage components during installation.

Ground yourself: Touch an unpainted metal part of the computer case (like the power supply housing) to discharge static electricity. Alternatively, wear an anti-static wrist strap connected to the case. Avoid working on carpet or wearing synthetic clothing that builds static.

Open the case: Most modern cases have thumb screws (large screws you can turn by hand) or quick-release latches on the side panel. Remove the left side panel when facing the front of the case. Some cases slide backward, others lift straight off - check for arrows or instructions on the panel.

Find the CPU area: Look for the largest square or rectangular component on the motherboard - this is usually covered by a CPU cooler (fan, liquid cooling block, or large heatsink). The CPU socket is directly underneath this cooler.

Locate RAM slots: From the CPU socket, look toward the edge of the motherboard (usually the right side). You'll see 2 or 4 long, narrow slots running parallel to each other. These slots are about 5.25 inches long, with small plastic clips at one or both ends.

Identify slot numbering: Check your motherboard manual or look for tiny printed numbers near the slots. Common labeling includes: '1, 2, 3, 4' (numbered from CPU outward) or 'A1, A2, B1, B2' (paired channel system). If no labels are visible, count from the CPU socket outward.

Note color coding: Many motherboards color-code paired slots - slots 1&3 might be black, while slots 2&4 are blue, indicating which slots to use together for dual-channel memory.

Remove existing RAM (upgraders only): If replacing current RAM, first remove existing modules. Press down firmly on the plastic clips at the ends of occupied slots - they should swing outward with a small click. The RAM stick will pop up slightly (about 15-30 degrees). Grasp the RAM by its top edges and pull straight up with steady force until it comes free.

Open slot clips: For empty slots, locate the plastic clips at one or both ends. These clips are about thumbnail-sized and hinged. Push them gently away from the center of the slot until you hear a soft click - they should stay in the open position. Some motherboards have clips on both ends, others only on the end furthest from the CPU.

Clean the slots (if needed): If you see dust or debris in the slots, use compressed air to blow them out. Avoid using liquids or brushes that might damage the delicate contacts inside the slots.

Remove RAM from packaging: Open the anti-static bag and remove the RAM stick. Handle it only by the top edges (the colored plastic/metal heatspreader area) - never touch the gold contacts on the bottom. The gold contacts are where the RAM connects to the motherboard and oils from your fingers can cause connection issues.

Identify the alignment notch: Look at the bottom edge of the RAM stick where the gold contacts are located. You'll see a small gap (notch) in the contacts - this notch is positioned off-center and prevents incorrect installation. DDR4 and DDR5 have different notch positions.

Align with the slot: Hold the RAM stick directly above your chosen slot. Look inside the slot and find the raised plastic divider that matches the notch position. The RAM's notch must align perfectly with this divider - if they don't match, you either have the wrong RAM type or the stick is backwards.

Begin insertion: With the notch aligned, lower the RAM straight down into the slot. The stick should slide smoothly about 1/8 inch before meeting resistance. If it stops immediately or tilts to one side, remove it and recheck alignment.

Apply installation pressure: Place your thumbs on both ends of the RAM stick's top edge. Apply firm, steady downward pressure (similar to pressing down on a stapler). You should feel the RAM gradually slide deeper into the slot. Don't rock it side to side - keep pressure straight down and even on both ends.

Listen for the click: As the RAM reaches full insertion (usually after moving down about 1/4 inch total), the plastic clips will automatically swing closed with a distinct 'click' sound. This click indicates the RAM is properly seated and locked in place.

Verify proper seating: The top of the RAM stick should be level with or slightly below the top of the plastic clips. If the RAM appears tilted, higher on one side, or the clips haven't closed, it's not fully seated. Press down more firmly or remove and retry.

Install second stick (dual-channel setup): Repeat steps 1-7 for the second RAM stick in the paired slot. Both sticks should look identical when installed - same height, both clips closed, no tilting.

Final installation check: Before closing the case, visually inspect each RAM stick. Both should be level, clips should be closed and holding the sticks firmly, and no gold contacts should be visible above the slot level.

Check for clearance issues: Ensure the RAM doesn't interfere with CPU cooler, graphics card, or other components. If anything appears to touch or press against the RAM, address this before powering on.

Replace case panel: Slide or position the side panel back onto the case. Secure it with thumb screws or latches, ensuring it's properly aligned and doesn't pinch any cables.

Reconnect power: Plug in the main power cable and flip the power supply switch back to ON position. For systems with multiple power connections, ensure all are secure.

First power-on: Press the power button and observe the boot process. The first boot with new RAM often takes 30-90 seconds longer than normal as the system trains the memory timings and initializes the new configuration.

Check total capacity: Right-click on 'This PC' and select Properties, or open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) → Performance → Memory. Verify the system shows your expected total capacity (e.g., 16GB for 2x8GB sticks).

Verify dual-channel mode: In Task Manager → Performance → Memory, look for 'Slots used: 2 of 4' and check that it shows your expected configuration. Some systems display 'Channels: 2' to confirm dual-channel mode is active.

Check current speed: Note the speed shown in Task Manager. New RAM often runs at basic JEDEC speeds (like 2133MHz for DDR4) rather than its rated speed until you enable XMP/DOCP profiles.

Download CPU-Z (free): This tool provides detailed RAM information including actual speed, timings, and dual-channel verification. Look for 'Channel #' showing 'Dual' and 'DRAM Frequency' showing half your RAM's rated speed (DDR memory is 'Double Data Rate' so 1600MHz = DDR4-3200).

Enter BIOS/UEFI: Restart your computer and immediately press the BIOS key repeatedly during startup. Common keys include Delete, F2, F10, or F12 - check your motherboard manual or look for 'Press [key] for Setup' message during boot.

Find memory settings: Look for sections labeled 'Memory,' 'DRAM,' 'Overclocking,' or 'AI Tweaker.' The exact location varies by motherboard manufacturer.

Enable XMP/DOCP: Look for 'XMP' (Intel systems) or 'DOCP/AMP' (AMD systems). Change this setting from 'Disabled' to 'Profile 1' or 'Enabled.' This allows your RAM to run at its advertised speed.

Save and exit: Press F10 (common save key) or find 'Save & Exit' option. Confirm when prompted. The system will restart with the new memory settings.