Laptops are harder to improve than desktops due to their more compact internal architecture, which is often owned by the laptop manufacturer. Nonetheless, it is possible to expand the memory of a laptop, and replace hard drives and sound and video cards.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Expand Laptop Memory
Step 1. Determine if you already have the maximum amount of memory your laptop can handle
Check the manufacturer's specifications for your laptop to find this information. You can also consult a third party referral website.
Step 2. Learn what kind of RAM your laptop supports
You will also find this information in the user manual. You will need to purchase RAM of the same type to expand your laptop's memory.
Step 3. Open the access panel
On many laptops, this panel is located under the case and is secured by a screw.
Step 4. Remove the old memory cards
This is only necessary if all RAM slots are full or if you are adding enough memory that you need to remove the old cards.
Step 5. Install the new memory cards
Push the cards into place gently and firmly.
Step 6. Reattach the access panel
Method 2 of 3: Upgrade the Laptop Hard Drive
Step 1. Connect your laptop to the power supply
Before installing the new hard drive, you will need to copy the contents of the current hard drive to the new one. Although many laptops have long-lasting batteries, this can take a long time.
Step 2. Back up your data
If something goes wrong during the process, you will have a copy of the data to recover.
If you want to reinstall the current operating system on the new hard drive or if you want to switch to a new operating system, for example from Windows Vista to Windows 7, you will not have to follow the steps below to copy the data. Instead, you will need to reinstall your programs and then copy the data from the backup to the new hard drive after installing them
Step 3. Connect the new hard drive to your laptop's USB port
You can do this with a SATA to USB adapter or by putting the new hard drive in an external drive enclosure.
Step 4. Install the disk cloning program on your current hard drive
Some hard drive manufacturers include their own proprietary programs; you can also use a third party application. You may need to restart your computer after installing the program.
Step 5. Start the copy process
The cloning program will scan both disks and give you the automatic or manual copy option. In most cases, you will be able to select the automatic one, and the copy will be done entirely by the program. However, if your current hard drive is partitioned, you will need to use the manual option to preserve the partition.
The manual option could offer you more customization, for example to keep partitions at their current size, expand them proportionally to occupy the same percentage of the new disk, or set their size manually. Generally you will be able to use the proportional option, unless one of the partitions contains system recovery information, in which case you will have to copy the partitions to their size and manually adjust them later using your operating system utility or application. of third parties
Step 6. Turn off the laptop and unplug it from the power supply
Wait about a minute for static electricity to dissipate from the system before continuing.
Step 7. Remove the laptop battery
This will help avoid getting a shock, and you may need to do this to get to the laptop's hard drive.
Step 8. Remove the old hard drive
As mentioned earlier, you may be able to reach the hard drive from the battery compartment. On other laptops you may need to remove the entire external case or keyboard. Some laptops offer direct access to the hard drive from a panel on the bottom.
Step 9. Install the new hard drive
Step 10. Reassemble the laptop and start it
If you need to make changes to disk partitions or reinstall your programs, now is the time to do them.
Method 3 of 3: Improve the Laptop Graphics Card
Step 1. Remove the cover
Gently pry the cover off the computer body; be careful, pulling too hard will break it.
On some high-quality laptops, you will be able to remove a panel on the bottom to access the graphics card. For others, you will need to follow the remaining steps to access the card slot
Step 2. Remove the laptop keyboard
For most laptops this means removing the screws from under the cover and then lifting the keyboard and disconnecting its connectors. In some laptops the keyboard is secured with hooks that allow you to remove it without having to unscrew it.
Step 3. Remove the screen
Remove the screws that secure the monitor in place, then disconnect the video and wireless antenna cables.
Step 4. Remove the CD / DVD drive
On most laptops, this means pushing the release latch and sliding the drive to the side.
Step 5. Remove the top shell of the laptop
Remove the screws that secure it to the base of the laptop.
Step 6. Remove the old graphics card
Step 7. Install the new graphics card in the slot
As with desktops, push the card straight and firmly.
Step 8. Reassemble the laptop
Put the laptop components back in their place in the reverse order of the one you took them apart.
You can update your laptop's sound card with the same procedure
Advice
- Some laptop components are difficult or impossible to replace for the average user. In some cases, such as the CD player, it is possible to "improve" it by purchasing an external player to be connected via USB.
- When you remove the screws and other parts of the laptop, tidy them up in a place where they will be easy to find. One method you can use are labeled paper cups or an egg carton.
Warnings
- While desktop computers usually allow users to choose RAM and graphics cards from any manufacturer, laptops often require you to install components from the same manufacturer as the computer.
- While it is possible to upgrade a laptop in the methods described above, you shouldn't buy one thinking you can improve it in the future. In most cases, it will cost less to buy a laptop with all the features you need out of the box, rather than a less powerful machine to upgrade later.
