How to Upgrade Your PC Memory
Upgrading your computer’s memory is still one of the simplest and most satisfying ways to breathe new life into your PC. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, building AI models, or just tired of Chrome eating all your RAM, adding more memory can make a huge difference.
At BuySellRam.com, we’ve seen thousands of systems come through our doors — from aging DDR3 desktops to brand-new DDR5 workstations. And no matter the year, memory upgrades remain one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. In this post, we will illustrate how to upgrade your PC memory (RAM).
But before you start shopping, here are a few key things to know about upgradi…
How to Upgrade Your PC Memory
Upgrading your computer’s memory is still one of the simplest and most satisfying ways to breathe new life into your PC. Whether you’re editing 4K videos, building AI models, or just tired of Chrome eating all your RAM, adding more memory can make a huge difference.
At BuySellRam.com, we’ve seen thousands of systems come through our doors — from aging DDR3 desktops to brand-new DDR5 workstations. And no matter the year, memory upgrades remain one of the most cost-effective improvements you can make. In this post, we will illustrate how to upgrade your PC memory (RAM).
But before you start shopping, here are a few key things to know about upgrading RAM in 2025.
Why Upgrading RAM Still Matters
Modern CPUs and GPUs are lightning-fast, but they can’t shine without enough memory to feed them data efficiently. RAM acts as the bridge between your processor and storage — and when it’s full, your computer starts swapping data to slower drives, causing those frustrating slowdowns.
So whether you’re gaming, rendering, or running large datasets, more (and faster) RAM means smoother multitasking. Even with lightning-fast NVMe SSDs, physical memory still matters for responsiveness and real-time performance.
Next, we will go through the steps on how to upgrade your PC memory.
Step 1: Check What You Already Have
Before upgrading, it’s worth spending a minute to find out exactly what’s inside your system.
Windows (All current versions: 10 & 11)
The Task Manager method does still work — but you must open it properly and click the right tab. Here’s the correct and tested process:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. 1.
Click Performance on the left sidebar. 1.
Select Memory.
You’ll now see the total installed memory, speed (MHz), type (DDR4 or DDR5 if supported by your system), and slot usage. (Note: Some older BIOS/firmware combinations won’t show DDR type here — in that case, use CPU-Z.)
macOS (Ventura / Sonoma and later)
Apple has changed the “About This Mac” layout slightly.
Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner. 1.
Select System Settings → General → About. 1.
Look under Memory for the installed amount and type.
On Linux: Run free -h or lshw -C memory.
Take note of:
Total capacity (8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, etc.)
Memory type (DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5)
Speed (e.g., 3200 MHz, 5600 MHz, 6400 MHz)
Number of slots used vs available
This helps you avoid overbuying — or worse, purchasing RAM that doesn’t fit.
Step 2: Know Your Memory Type — DDR4 vs DDR5
If you’ve been using your system for a few years, chances are you’re still on DDR4. It’s been the standard for almost a decade, but newer systems now use DDR5, which brings higher speeds, lower power draw, and better efficiency.
| Feature | DDR4 | DDR5 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Speed | 2133–3600 MHz | 4800–8400 MHz |
| Channels per DIMM | 1 | 2 |
| Voltage | 1.2 V | 1.1 V |
| ECC Support | Optional | Built-in On-Die ECC |
| Compatibility | Older systems | Intel 12th-Gen+, AMD Ryzen 7000+ |
Tip: DDR5 is not backward compatible. You’ll need a motherboard and CPU designed for it. So if you’re upgrading an older build, stick with DDR4; if you’re building new, go DDR5 for future-proofing.
Step 3: How Much RAM Is Enough in 2025?
| Use Case | Recommended Capacity |
|---|---|
| Web & Office Work | 8 GB – 16 GB |
| Gaming | 16 GB – 32 GB |
| Video Editing & Design | 32 GB – 64 GB |
| Virtualization / AI Workloads | 64 GB – 128 GB+ |
| Servers or Workstations | 128 GB+ (ECC preferred) |
If you’re running modern games like Starfield or Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, 32 GB is becoming the new “sweet spot.” And if you’re working with AI models or video projects, you’ll want at least 64 GB.
Step 4: Speed, Latency, and Channels Matter
Not all RAM is created equal — and not all MHz numbers tell the whole story.
Speed: Higher MHz means faster data transfer. DDR5-6400 outperforms DDR4-3200 in most real workloads.
Latency: Lower CAS latency (CL) is better, but newer DDR5 modules can have slightly higher CL without losing real-world performance.
Channels: Always install memory in pairs (dual-channel) for better bandwidth.
Ranks: Dual-rank modules can boost performance slightly through interleaving.
XMP / EXPO: Enable these BIOS profiles to unlock your memory’s advertised speeds.
If you’re building a Ryzen system, enabling EXPO can deliver a noticeable jump in gaming FPS. Intel users can look for XMP 3.0 profiles.
Step 5: Check Compatibility Before You Buy
Motherboard limits: Check your manufacturer’s spec sheet for supported memory type, speed, and max capacity.
CPU controller: Your processor’s memory controller may cap how fast your RAM can run.
Laptop upgrades: Many modern laptops use soldered LPDDR5/LPDDR5X chips — not replaceable.
ECC vs Non-ECC: ECC RAM is mainly for servers and workstations that need extra reliability.
If you’re not sure, tools like Crucial System Scanner or CPU-Z can help identify your exact configuration.
Step 6: What to Do With Old Memory
When you upgrade, don’t let your old sticks collect dust — they still hold value. You may sell them on some platform like eBay.
At BuySellRam.com, we help individuals and businesses:
Sell used DDR4, and DDR5 memory
Recycle or refurbish hardware responsibly
Get fair quotes for bulk or single units
Sell Your Used RAM Here — quick, secure, and eco-friendly.
We’ve seen plenty of businesses recoup thousands of dollars by recycling old DDR3 and DDR4 memory through our ITAD program — instead of letting it sit unused in storage racks.
Additional Tips of Memory Upgrade
Tip 1: Mixing Modules and Brands
Mixing different RAM capacities or speeds can work, but it’s not ideal. Systems will default to the lowest common speed and timing, and mismatched kits can occasionally cause instability.
Mixing brands is usually fine as long as specifications match (DDR type, MHz, CAS latency, voltage). However, when enabling XMP/EXPO or overclocking, using identical modules is strongly recommended.
Tip 2: Using XMP, EXPO, and Overclocking Safely
XMP (for Intel) and EXPO (for AMD) are profiles that allow your memory to run at its rated performance.
Enable them in BIOS only after confirming your system’s stability. If errors occur, disable the profile or reduce the speed slightly. Always test with tools like MemTest86 before relying on the system for critical workloads.
Tip 3: Handling Retired RAM: Recycle or Reuse
At BuySellRam, we care about green computing. Memory modules contain valuable materials that can be reused, and proper recycling prevents toxic e-waste from ending up in landfills.
If you’re upgrading servers or office systems, consider partnering with an ITAD provider like us. We help companies safely dispose of:
RAM: desktop, laptop, and server.
CPUs: high end desktop and server CPUs.
GPUs: high performance video cards for gaming and AI accelerators from data center.
SSDs: SSD and all enterprise hard drives.
Servers and test equipment: all server equipment and test equipment.
Each responsible upgrade contributes to a circular technology economy — extending the life of components and reducing environmental impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mix DDR4 and DDR5 memory? No — they are physically incompatible.
Q: Is DDR5 worth it for gaming? Yes, especially with new CPUs. Gains can reach 10–20% in memory-sensitive titles.
Q: How can I test if my new RAM is stable? Use MemTest86, AIDA64, or Prime95 Blend test for several hours.
Q: Can I reuse my old DDR4 in a new system? Only if your motherboard specifically supports DDR4 slots. Many new boards (Z790, X670E) are DDR5-only.
Ready to Upgrade or Sell?
Before buying new RAM, get a quote for your old ones — you might recover more than you expect for your business!
Sell used computer RAM memory, or other computer components
Upgrading smartly and recycling responsibly — that’s how we keep both your PC and the planet running efficiently.