If you've got yourself a Dell latitude e5450 then you've either got 4 GB or 8 GB of RAM onboard depending on the model. However, even 8 GB of RAM can be limiting for the more intensive multitaskers out there.
If you, like me, don't like to coddle your machine and want a powerhouse device that can deal with numerous programs at a time then you're going to need to upgrade the RAM on the Dell latitude e5450. Today we're going to do just that. It will be so easy and so fast you'll wonder why you waited this long to upgrade the memory on your laptop. Without further ado, let's get cracking.
Upgrade the RAM on the Dell latitude e5450
What type of RAM can I use? How much RAM can I use?
The first step to actually upgrading the memory is going to be to know which type of memory is compatible with the Dell Latitude e5450. In this case, this particular model takes a PC3-12800 DDR3L SODIMM 204-Pin memory module. That's just a fancy way of saying it uses DDR3 RAM with 204 pins.
As for how much RAM you can use, the e5450 takes a maximum of 16 GB, 8 GB per available slot. Depending on the model you've bought you'll either have a single 4 GB module or a single 8 GB module already within the laptop.
How much RAM should I get?
If you're a hardcore multitasker who wants to make the most out of their laptop and work full speed ahead then we would definitely urge you to upgrade to 16 GB of RAM. You can do so by buying two 8 GB of compatible RAM modules.
It's generally recommended to have both models of RAM be identical for optimal performance. However, if you already have a single 8 GB module on your laptop and you would rather only buy a single 8 GB module then that's also a possibility though it's not recommended.
Finally, if you've got 4 GB on your laptop and you're thinking about just getting a single 8 GB module and upgrading to 12 GB we're going to encourage you to not do that.
Basically, when you place different sized RAM modules on your laptop it will treat them as single band RAM instead of dual-band RAM. Sure, you'll have more memory on your device but it won't be as snappy as it could be if you use two identical modules. If that's your case and you've got 4 GB then we recommend purchasing, two compatible 4 GB modules for a total of 8 GB dual-band RAM.
RAM Upgrade step-by-step
You're going to need a Philips screwdriver and a flat screwdriver to remove the lower case.
Step 1: Turn off your laptop. Place it upside down and remove the screws on the bottom lid. Once the screws are removed you're going to want to use the flat screwdriver to act as a lever and detach the lower case.
Step 2: Now that the internal of the e5450 are exposed you're going to unplug the battery for safety.
Step 3: Once the battery is unplugged you need to turn your laptop right-side up and press the power button for a cool 15 seconds, that's going to help us make sure there's no residual electricity in the circuits that could potentially get damaged.
Step 4: Locate the RAM slots. As you can see, they're right above the battery. Depending on if you've decided to switch up both slots as recommended or just add an additional module you're going to unclasp the sides of the RAM slots. To do so simply pull from the sides outwards. That will "release the RAM" at a 45-degree angle.
Step 5: Grab the RAM you've bought and place it at a 45-degree angle. You'll see that both the RAM slot and the RAM module have a notch that's slightly off-center, these should align together to place the RAM properly.
Step 6: Now that the RAM has been properly inserted with the notches aligned you want to firmly press down and you should hear a "Clicking sound".
Step 7: Connect the battery back on. Place the lid on the laptop and screw it back on. Turn the laptop on and under "Device specifications" you should see your new amount of RAM under the "installed RAM" line.
Congrats! You've successfully upgraded the RAM on the Dell Latitude e5450! Now you can sit back and enjoy the possibilities that your new memory will afford you!