How To Upgrade Your Laptop For Better Performance In 2024

Is your trusty laptop starting to feel a bit sluggish and struggling to keep up with your daily demands? You’re not alone. Over time, even the best laptops can start to slow down and show their age. But before you rush out to buy a brand new machine, consider this: upgrading your laptop’s key components can provide a major performance boost at a fraction of the cost of replacing it entirely.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to upgrade your laptop for better performance, breathing new life into your portable powerhouse. We’ll cover which components are realistically upgradeable, provide step-by-step instructions for upgrading your RAM and storage drive, and discuss other ways to speed up your system without breaking the bank. Get ready to revitalize your laptop and enjoy lightning-fast performance once again!

Can You Actually Upgrade a Laptop? What Components Are Upgradeable?

While laptops are generally less upgradeable than desktop computers, there are still certain components that you can upgrade yourself to boost your laptop’s performance and extend its usable life. The most common upgradeable laptop components are:

RAM (memory)
Storage drive
Battery

On the other hand, core components like the CPU (processor) and GPU (graphics) are usually not user-upgradeable in most laptops. The screen is also very difficult to upgrade.

RAM – The Easiest Laptop Upgrade For Most Users

Upgrading your laptop’s memory is typically the most straightforward way to improve its speed and multitasking capabilities. Most laptops allow the user to access the RAM module slots by removing a panel on the bottom of the case.

The benefits of adding more RAM include:

Faster performance when running multiple programs
Reduced lag when switching between applications
Ability to run more demanding software

Most laptops support upgrading up to a certain amount of RAM, usually 8GB, 16GB, or 32GB. Check your specific model to see how much it can handle.

Storage – Upgrading To An SSD Can Provide Major Speed Boost

Another very effective laptop upgrade is replacing your old hard disk drive (HDD) with a newer solid state drive (SSD). Studies have shown that upgrading from an HDD to SSD can result in up to 5x faster boot times, 30% faster application launches, and 4-5x faster file copying speeds.

The process involves cloning your existing hard drive to the new SSD, then physically swapping the drives. While more involved than a RAM upgrade, an SSD laptop upgrade is still doable for many users and provides a major speed boost.

Battery – Replacing An Old Battery Can Improve Laptop Longevity

If your laptop is a few years old, you may notice the battery doesn’t last nearly as long as it used to. While not directly related to speed, replacing your laptop battery once it starts to degrade can significantly improve your laptop’s mobility and usable lifespan.

Most laptop batteries last 2-4 years before their capacity drops notably. Replacing an old battery with a new one will allow you to use your laptop unplugged for much longer.

Other Potential Upgrades – CPU, GPU, Screen Are Difficult or Impossible

Unlike desktops, laptops have most of their core components soldered directly to the motherboard, including the CPU and GPU. Therefore, upgrading a laptop’s processor or graphics is not feasible for the vast majority of models.

Some very high-end gaming laptops have upgradeable GPUs, but this is rare. The laptop’s screen is also not realistically upgradeable, as it requires major disassembly and custom parts.

So in summary, the RAM, storage drive (SSD vs HDD), and battery are the most practical laptop upgrades that can have a big impact on performance and usability. Upgrading core components like the CPU and GPU is sadly not an option for most laptop owners.

Step-By-Step Guide: How To Upgrade Laptop RAM

Upgrading your laptop’s RAM (memory) is one of the simplest and most effective ways to boost its performance. With more RAM, your laptop will be able to run more applications smoothly, with less lag and fewer slowdowns.

While the thought of opening up your laptop may seem intimidating at first, the RAM upgrade process is actually quite straightforward. Just follow these steps and you’ll have your laptop running better in no time!

Determine How Much RAM Your Laptop Supports

Before purchasing any RAM, you need to find out:

How much RAM your laptop currently has
The maximum amount of RAM it can support
What type and speed of RAM it’s compatible with

To find this info, you can:

Check your laptop’s manual or original specs sheet
Look up your exact laptop model number on the manufacturer’s website or online memory sellers like Crucial.com
Use a system scanning tool like Crucial System Scanner to automatically determine your laptop’s RAM specs

Most modern laptops support at least 8GB of RAM, while higher-end models may support 16GB or even 32 GB. The RAM will typically be DDR3 or DDR4 type, with speeds like 1600MHz or 2400MHz. Be sure to note your laptop’s specific RAM type and max supported amount before buying.

Purchase Compatible RAM Module(s)

Once you know your laptop’s RAM specs, it’s time to buy your new RAM module(s). The most important factors are:

Type: DDR3 or DDR4 (must match your laptop’s existing RAM type)
Speed: Measured in MHz like 1600 or 2400 (get at least the same speed as your current RAM)
Size: 4GB, 8GB, 16GB per module (don’t exceed your laptop’s max supported total RAM)

For example, if your laptop currently has 8GB (2x4GB) of DDR4 2400MHz RAM and supports a max of 32GB, you could upgrade to 32GB (2x16GB) of DDR4 2400MHz RAM.

I recommend buying from a reputable brand like Crucial, Kingston, or Corsair. You can purchase RAM online or at most electronics retailers.

Open Laptop Case and Locate RAM Slots

Now it’s time to get hands-on! Before opening your laptop, take these precautions:

Shut down the laptop fully and unplug the power cable
Remove the battery if possible (many modern ultra-thin laptops have non-removable batteries)
Ground yourself by touching a metal object to avoid static discharge
Work on a flat, non-conductive surface like a wooden table

Most laptops have a removable panel on the bottom to access the RAM slots. Consult your manual to find the exact panel location. It’s typically secured with a few small Phillips screws.

Once you’ve removed the panel, you should see the existing RAM modules, usually two, inserted in the slots. The RAM slots may be located under a layer of protective foil or tape that you’ll need to gently peel back.

Remove Old RAM and Insert New Module(s)

To remove the old RAM modules:

Note which way they are facing, with the notch on one side
Gently push apart the clips on either end to release the module
The module should pop up at a 45-degree angle, allowing you to pull it out

Laptop RAM removal diagram

Now, to install the new RAM module(s):

Line up the notch on the module with the notch in the slot
Insert the module at a 45-degree angle
Firmly press down on the module until it clicks into place flat and the end clips lock-in
Repeat for the second module if applicable

Be sure the modules are fully clicked in and lay flat. They should not wiggle or move once seated properly.

Close Case and Power On To Verify Successful Upgrade

After installing the new RAM, replace any protective foil/tape and re-attach the bottom access panel. Secure it with the screws, then re-insert the battery if applicable.

Plug your laptop back in and power it on. It should boot up normally, but may take a minute or two longer than usual on the first boot after the RAM upgrade.

To verify your laptop recognizes the new RAM:

Windows: Open System Properties and look at the Installed Memory (RAM) value
Mac: Click the Apple menu > About This Mac and see the Memory value
Linux: Open a terminal and run the command free -h to see the total available RAM

If the full new RAM amount shows up, congrats – you’ve successfully upgraded your laptop’s memory! Enjoy the improved multitasking, faster app loading, and smoother overall performance.

If the RAM amount hasn’t increased, double check that the new modules are fully seated and compatible with your laptop model. In rare cases, you may need to reset your laptop’s BIOS to factory settings to recognize the new RAM.

How To Upgrade Your Laptop’s Storage Drive To An SSD

If your laptop is feeling sluggish, one of the best upgrades you can make is replacing the old hard disk drive (HDD) with a modern solid state drive (SSD). The difference in speed and overall performance is astounding – your laptop will boot up in seconds, apps will launch instantly, and files will transfer at lightning speeds. It’s like getting a whole new machine!

Benefits of Upgrading From HDD To SSD

The traditional spinning hard drives found in most laptops are a major performance bottleneck. Even if you have a fast processor and plenty of RAM, the slow read/write speeds of HDDs hold everything back.

Studies have shown that upgrading to an SSD can provide:

Up to 5x faster boot times
30% faster app launches
4-5x faster file copying speeds

In practical terms, this means your laptop will go from taking a minute or more to boot up to being ready to use in 10-15 seconds. Large apps like Photoshop that took 30+ seconds to launch will be ready in under 10 seconds. Copying a 20GB file folder might drop from 10 minutes to just 2 minutes. Everything will feel so much faster and more responsive.

Check Laptop Supports a 2.5″ SATA SSD

Before purchasing an SSD, you need to make sure your laptop supports the common 2.5″ SATA III form factor. Most laptops made in the last decade use 2.5″ SATA hard drives, but some newer ultra-thin models use smaller mSATA or M.2 SSDs that may not be user-upgradeable.

To check what type of storage drive your laptop uses:

Look up your laptop’s model number and specs on the manufacturer’s website
Check under the “Storage” or “Hard Drive” section and note the type/interface
If it says “2.5-inch SATA” or “SATA III”, you’re good to go with a standard SSD
If it mentions mSATA, M.2, PCIe, or NVMe, your upgrade options may be limited

For the vast majority of laptops, a 2.5″ SATA SSD will work just fine. I recommend getting at least a 500GB drive to have plenty of room for your operating system, programs, and files. Popular options include the Samsung 860 EVO, Crucial MX500, and Western Digital Blue 3D NAND.

Clone Existing Hard Drive To New SSD

You could install your SSD as a blank drive and reinstall Windows/macOS from scratch, but that’s time-consuming and requires re-downloading all your programs and files. An easier approach is to clone your existing hard drive onto the new SSD, so everything gets transferred over exactly as-is.

To clone your laptop drive to the new SSD:

Connect the SSD to your laptop via USB (using a USB-to-SATA cable or enclosure)
Download and install a free drive cloning tool like EaseUS Todo Backup or Macrium Reflect
Launch the cloning software and select your laptop’s hard drive as the source
Select the SSD as the destination (make sure it has enough space to fit everything from the HDD)
Start the cloning process and wait for it to complete (may take a few hours for larger drives)

Once the cloning is done, you can shut down your laptop and move on to the physical drive swap process.

Open Laptop Case and Swap Out Old HDD For New SSD

Physically installing the SSD is very similar to the RAM upgrade process covered earlier. As always, start by fully powering down your laptop, unplugging the power cable, and removing the battery if possible. Ground yourself and work on a non-conductive surface.

Locate the storage drive compartment (refer to your laptop’s manual or support pages if needed) and remove the bottom panel. You should see the existing 2.5″ hard drive in a mounting bracket or cage.

To remove the old hard drive:

Unplug the power and data cables from the drive
Remove any securing screws or mounting hardware
Lift the drive out of the bay

Now grab your SSD that has your laptop’s data cloned onto it. Carefully place it into the drive bay, securing it with the same screws/brackets that held the old HDD. Plug in the power and data cables – they should only fit one way.

Double check the SSD is snug and all cables are connected, then replace the bottom panel and screws. Re-insert the battery if applicable and plug your laptop back in.

When Is It Better To Buy a New Laptop vs Upgrading?

If your laptop is still performing well overall and you just need a bit more speed, upgrading individual components like the RAM or storage drive can be a cost-effective way to improve performance. These upgrades are relatively inexpensive and can extend the useful life of your laptop by a few years.

However, if your laptop is more than 5 years old, is struggling to run the latest software, and/or has other issues like a failing battery or broken screen, it’s probably time to consider buying a new laptop instead of upgrading. Newer laptops have much faster processors, better graphics capabilities, longer battery life, and other features that can’t be upgraded on an older machine.

Another factor to keep in mind is the warranty – if your laptop is still under warranty, opening it up to perform upgrades will likely void that coverage. For laptops with significant warranty time remaining, it may be better to leave it as-is and put the upgrade money towards a new machine with a fresh warranty instead.

Ultimately, the decision to upgrade or buy new comes down to the age and overall condition of your current laptop, as well as your specific needs and budget. If your laptop is still in good shape and just needs a small speed boost, upgrading can be a great option. But if it’s showing its age and can’t keep up with your demands, it’s time to start shopping for a new laptop that will last you for years to come.

Other Ways To Improve Laptop Performance Without Hardware Upgrades

In addition to physical upgrades like adding more RAM or swapping in an SSD, there are also several software and settings tweaks you can make to boost your laptop’s performance without spending any money. These adjustments can help your laptop run faster and more efficiently, squeezing extra life out of an older machine.

Update Operating System and Drivers

One of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your laptop’s stability, security, and performance is to keep your operating system and hardware drivers up to date. Newer OS versions often include performance optimizations and more efficient use of system resources.

To check for and install OS updates:

Windows: Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates”
macOS: Open the App Store and click Updates in the left sidebar
Linux: Use your distribution’s package manager or update tool, like apt update on Ubuntu

Hardware drivers are the software that allows your laptop’s components to communicate with the operating system. Updating drivers, especially for the graphics card and chipset, can improve compatibility and performance.

You can usually find the latest drivers on your laptop manufacturer’s support website. Download and install any that are newer than your current versions.

Uninstall Unused Programs and Remove Bloatware

Over time, we tend to accumulate a lot of programs on our laptops that we no longer use. Each of these applications takes up disk space and may run background processes that consume system resources.

Go through your installed programs list and remove anything you don’t use anymore:

Windows: Open the Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
macOS: Open the Applications folder and drag unused apps to the Trash
Linux: Use your package manager, like apt remove on Ubuntu

Many laptops also come with pre-installed “bloatware” from the manufacturer, like trial software and vendor-specific utilities. These apps take up space and often run unnecessarily in the background.

Feel free to uninstall any manufacturer bloatware you don’t want, being careful not to remove any essential drivers or hardware management tools. Clearing out this digital cruft can boost laptop performance by freeing up disk space and RAM for the apps you actually use.

Free Up Disk Space

In addition to removing unused programs, it’s a good idea to keep a decent amount of free space on your laptop’s storage drive. Aim for at least 10-20% free space if possible.

When your drive gets too full, there’s less room for temporary files, virtual memory swapping, and file system overhead. This can slow down your laptop’s performance, especially if you have a slower hard disk drive.

Here are a few ways to free up disk space on your laptop:

Uninstall unused programs as discussed above
Delete old files you no longer need, like outdated documents and media
Move large files like movies and archives to an external drive
Clear your web browser cache to remove accumulated temporary files
Run the Disk Cleanup tool (Windows) or use a cleaning app like CCleaner

According to computer repair company Geeks on Site, performing regular maintenance like disk cleanup and defragmentation can improve system performance by up to 30%. Removing unnecessary files and optimizing disk access can make a noticeable difference in speed, especially on older computers.

Adjust Power Settings For Better Performance

Most laptops have power management settings that try to balance performance and battery life. When you’re plugged in, you can adjust these settings to favor performance over power savings to keep your laptop running at its best.

Here’s how to check and adjust your laptop’s power settings:

Windows: Open the Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options. Click “Change plan settings” next to your current plan and set the “On battery” and “Plugged in” options to “High performance”.
macOS: Open System Preferences > Energy Saver. Drag the “Computer sleep” slider to “Never” and uncheck “Put hard disks to sleep when possible”.
Linux: The process varies by distribution and desktop environment, but look for “Power Manager” or “Power Settings” in your system preferences.

Keep in mind that high performance power settings will use more energy and generate more heat, so you may want to switch back to balanced settings when using your laptop on battery power.

By keeping your operating system and drivers up to date, removing unused programs and files, and optimizing your power settings, you can boost your laptop’s performance for free. Combine these software tweaks with some strategic hardware upgrades, and you’ll have your trusty laptop running like new again in no time!

Conclusion

By following the steps and advice in this guide, you should now have a laptop that feels faster, snappier, and more responsive than it has in years. Whether you upgraded your RAM, swapped in a speedy SSD, or simply optimized your operating system and settings, these tweaks can make a noticeable difference in your day-to-day computing experience. No more waiting ages for programs to load or dealing with frustrating slowdowns and freezes.

With your newly upgraded laptop, you can work more efficiently, play more smoothly, and enjoy a machine that keeps up with your needs. And the best part? You didn’t have to spend a fortune on a brand new laptop to get these performance gains. So congratulations on breathing new life into your trusty portable PC – may it continue to serve you well for years to come!