Where is RAM located in a laptop: 3 locations + how to find it

You decide to increase the volume RAM (RAM) in your laptop, but don't know where it is physically located? This problem is familiar to many: manufacturers hide modules RAM in different places - under the keyboard, on the back of the case, or even soldered to the motherboard. In this article, we will analyze all possible placement options, show you how to determine the type of laptop you have (with replaceable or soldered memory) and give step-by-step instructions for popular brands - ASUS, Lenovo, HP, Acer And Dell.

It is important to understand that in 70% of modern ultrabooks (thin laptops), the RAM is soldered to the motherboard and cannot be replaced. This applies to models with processors 12th generation Intel Core and newer, as well as most devices on Apple M1/M2. However, in gaming, office and budget laptops, slots DIMM or SO-DIMM often remain available. Next we will tell you how to find them.

1. Three main places where RAM can be located in a laptop

Manufacturers use three standard layouts RAM. Each has its pros and cons, from ease of access to the risk of damaging other components during disassembly.

• 🔧 Under a separate cover on the bottom - the most convenient option. The memory slot(s) are covered with a small removable panel that can be unscrewed with one screwdriver. Typical for gaming laptops (MSI, ASUS ROG) and some business models (Lenovo ThinkPad).
• 💻 Under the keyboard - Requires complete disassembly of the top panel. Often found in thin laptops (HP Pavilion, Acer Swift). Risk of damaging cables or latches during careless dismantling.
• 🔌 Soldered into the motherboard - without the possibility of an upgrade. Characteristic for MacBook (all models from 2016), Dell XPS (starting from 2020) and most ultrabooks with processors Intel 11/12/13th generations.

How do you know which option you have? Take advantage compatibility table by model below or check via Task Manager (instructions in the next section). If the laptop was purchased after 2020 and is thinner than 18 mm, there is a 90% chance that the memory is soldered in.

2. How to check if your laptop has a slot for upgrading RAM

Before disassembling the device, make sure that an upgrade is possible at all. Here are three reliable ways:

1. Via Windows Task Manager:

   Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to the tab Performance → Memory. The top right corner will indicate how many slots are in use. For example, the inscription Slots used: 1 of 2 means there is a free slot.

2. Via command line:

   Run cmd as administrator and enter:

   wmic memphysical get MemoryDevices

   If the result is 2, which means there are two slots (one may be empty).

3. Through utilities:

   Programs like CPU-Z (tab SPD) or HWiNFO will show the number of slots and occupancy. For example, in CPU-Z if in the dropdown list Memory Slot Selection only one item - one slot.

⚠️ Attention: On some laptops (eg HP Spectre x360) even if there are two slots, the second one can be blocked at the BIOS level. Before purchasing a new bar, check the model documentation!

3. Step-by-step instructions: how to get to the RAM under the cover on the bottom

If your laptop falls into the first two categories of list above, start by inspecting the bottom panel. We are looking for a small cover (usually 5x5 cm or 10x5 cm) with a microcircuit icon or inscription RAM/Memory.

Required tools:

• ⚒️ Phillips screwdriver (usually PH0 or PH1).
• 🧲 Magnetic mat or tray for screws (so as not to lose fasteners).
• 📸 Phone for photographing the location of the screws.
• 🧴 Plastic spatula (for lifting the lid if it is tight).

Procedure:

1. Turn off your laptop and unplug the power cable. Remove the battery, if it is removable (in modern models it is often built-in).
2. Turn the laptop over and remove all the screws on the memory cover. Usually there are 1–4 of them. Screws can be of different lengths - remember which comes from where!
3. Carefully pry off the lid with a plastic spatula. Do not force it - if it does not budge, check that all screws are unscrewed.
4. Under the cover you will see 1–2 slots SO-DIMM (long black connectors with latches on the sides). To remove the bar, move the latches apart and pull the module up.

⚠️ Attention: Some laptops (eg. Lenovo Legion) under the memory cover may also be hidden M.2 SSD. Don't confuse the slots - RAM is always longer and has latches on the sides, and M.2 It looks like a short connector without latches.

What to do if the screws won't come off?

If the screw is “slipped” (the cross is worn out), try:

1. Use a screwdriver with a rubber tip (for example, for repairing phones).

2. Drop superglue onto the head of the screw, apply a screwdriver and wait 1 minute - the glue will set and allow you to turn it.

3. As a last resort, carefully drill out the screw with a drill (only if the laptop is not under warranty!).

4. How to get to the RAM under the keyboard: disassembling the laptop

If there is no separate cover on the bottom, then the RAM is hidden under the keyboard. This process is more complicated and requires complete disassembly of the top panel. Risks: damage to the touchpad cable, keyboard or screen cable.

General algorithm (for example HP Pavilion 15):

1. Unscrew all the screws on the bottom (including those hidden under the rubber feet).
2. Carefully pry the latches around the perimeter of the case with a plastic spatula. Start in the corner next to the touchpad.
3. Disconnect the keyboard cable (usually it is located under the black tape with the inscription KEYBOARD). To do this, lift the lock up.
4. Remove the keyboard. Under it you will see the motherboard, and on it there are slots SO-DIMM (usually next to the cooler).

Features for different brands:

• 🖥️ ASUS: In models ZenBook And VivoBook The keyboard is secured with latches + 2 screws under the touchpad.
• 💼 Lenovo ThinkPad: The keyboard cable is not secured with a latch, but with a rotating mechanism (turn the black lock 90°).
• 🎮 Acer Predator: There may be a metal frame under the keyboard - this also needs to be unscrewed.

⚠️ Attention: In laptops Dell Latitude And HP EliteBook often used spring latches for fixing the keyboard. If you don't press them at the same time, you can break the mount!

💡

Before disconnecting the cable, take a photo of its location. Some laptops (eg. MSI) the keyboard and touchpad cables look the same, but are connected to different connectors on the motherboard.

5. Table: where is the RAM located in popular laptop models

To save time, we collected data on the most common series. If your model is not on the list, check on the manufacturer’s website (section Service Manual) or on NotebookCheck.

Brand and model	RAM location	Max. volume	Memory type	Notes
ASUS ROG Strix/Zephyrus (2018–2023)	Separate cover on the bottom	64 GB (2x32 GB)	DDR4/DDR5 SO-DIMM	B Zephyrus G14 (2020+) one slot can be soldered
Lenovo ThinkPad T/X/P-series	Under the keyboard or separate cover	128 GB (4x32 GB)	DDR4 SO-DIMM	Models with suffix -s (For example, T14s) have soldered memory
HP Pavilion/Omen 15/16	Under the keyboard	32 GB (2x16 GB)	DDR4 SO-DIMM	B Omen 16 (2021+) one slot can be occupied by a soldered module
Dell XPS 13/15 (2020–2023)	Soldered into the motherboard	32 GB (max)	LPDDR4X/LPDDR5	Upgrade is not possible. B XPS 17 (2021) there are SO-DIMM slots
Acer Swift 3/5, Aspire 5	Under the keyboard	16–32 GB	DDR4 SO-DIMM	B Swift 3 SF314 (2020) memory soldered in

✅ Key Takeaway: Gaming laptops (ROG, Legion, Omen) almost always have removable memory, and ultrabooks (XPS, MacBook, ZenBook) - soldered. Business models (ThinkPad, EliteBook) often offer a hybrid option: one slot is free, the second is sealed.

6. How to determine the type of memory (DDR3/DDR4/DDR5) and its characteristics

Before purchasing a new stick of RAM you need to know:

1. Memory type — DDR3, DDR4 or DDR5 (incompatible with each other!).
2. Frequency - for example, 2400 MHz or 3200 MHz.
3. Form factor — SO-DIMM (for laptops) or LPDDR (soldered in).
4. Dual channel support — if there are two slots, it is better to install two identical strips.

Verification methods:

• 🔍 Via CPU-Z:

  Download the program from the official website, open the tab Memory. In the field Type the type will be specified (for example, DDR4), in Size — volume, in Channels — number of channels.

• 📋 Via documentation:

  On the manufacturer's website in the section Specifications Support for memory types is indicated for your model. For example, for Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 4 this is DDR4-3200 SO-DIMM.

• 🛠️ Visually:

  If you've already reached the slats, look at the sticker. Inscription PC4-25600 means DDR4-3200 (25600 ÷ 8 = 3200 MHz).

⚠️ Attention: In laptops with processors Intel 12th generation (Alder Lake) and newer used DDR5 or LPDDR5. Planks DDR4 physically will not fit, even if the slots look the same externally!

💡

If the laptop already has one slot (for example, 8 GB), and there are two slots, do not rush to buy a second 8 GB. It's better to replace both with 16 GB: dual-channel mode (16+16) will give a performance increase of up to 15% compared to (8+8).

7. Frequent mistakes when searching and replacing RAM

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to the laptop not working. Here are the most common:

• ❌ Buying the wrong type of memory - for example, DDR4 instead of DDR5. The laptop will not turn on or will constantly restart.
• ❌ Ignoring BIOS restrictions - some models (HP ProBook) support a maximum of 16 GB, even if there are physically 2 slots.
• ❌ Incorrect installation of slats — if you don’t insert the module all the way, the laptop won’t see the memory. You should hear the click of the latches!
• ❌ Forget about static electricity — before work, touch the metal case of the laptop to remove the charge.
• ❌ They do not check the work after replacement - be sure to run the test (for example, MemTest86) for errors.

💡 Helpful tip: If after replacing the RAM the laptop does not turn on, try:

1. Remove and reinsert the strip (possibly poor contact).
2. Reset BIOS (remove battery CMOS for 30 seconds).
3. Check if your model supports this amount of memory (see documentation).

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to add RAM if it is soldered into the laptop?

No, if the memory is soldered to the motherboard (as in MacBook or Dell XPS), it cannot be replaced or added. The only solution is to buy a new laptop. Exception: some service centers offer re-soldering of microcircuits, but this is risky and expensive (from 10,000 ₽).

How can you tell if your laptop doesn't have enough RAM?

Signs of low RAM:

• The laptop freezes when opening several browser tabs.
• When starting games or heavy programs (for example, Photoshop) active noise of the cooler can be heard.
• B Task Manager (tab Memory) RAM load is constantly close to 100%.
• The system uses swap file (seen in Resource Monitor).

If these symptoms exist, it’s time to think about an upgrade.

How much RAM do you need for gaming in 2026?

Minimum and recommended requirements:

• 16 GB - minimum for modern games (Cyberpunk 2077, Alan Wake 2) at medium settings.
• 32 GB - optimal for streaming, recording gameplay or games with modding (GTA V with ENB).
• 64 GB - redundant for games, but useful for professional tasks (rendering, machine learning).

Important: For games, not only capacity is critical, but also frequency memory. For example, DDR4-3200 will give an FPS increase of 5–10% compared to DDR4-2400.

Is it possible to put memory from another laptop into a laptop?

Yes, if they match:

• Type (DDR4 SO-DIMM ≠ DDR3 SO-DIMM).
• Frequency (eg 2666 MHz And 3200 MHz may not work together).
• Volume (if the laptop has a maximum of 16 GB, the 32 GB bar will not work).

It is better to use planks from one set (kit) - they are tested for compatibility.

What to do if after replacing the RAM the laptop does not turn on?

Diagnostic algorithm:

1. Turn off the laptop, remove the battery, and disconnect the power. Press the power button for 30 seconds (capacitor discharge).
2. Check that the bar is installed correctly (the latches should click).
3. Try inserting the old memory back - if the laptop works, the problem is in the new stick.
4. Reset BIOS (remove battery CMOS on the motherboard for 1 minute).
5. If all else fails, contact service (the motherboard may be damaged).