Memory is a pretty big deal on a laptop and getting the right amount of RAM can mean the difference between having a slow and sluggish laptop vs a quick and responsive notebook that can handle multitasking like a pro. If you've got yourself the Dell Latitude E7450 you'll find that you have one of two RAM configurations: 4 or 8 GB onboard.
However, not all is lost, as you can upgrade the RAM on the Dell Latitude E7450 quickly and easily, and today we're going to explain to you exactly which RAM is compatible, how much RAM you can upgrade to, and take you on the step-by-step process to do so.
Dell Latitude E7450 RAM Upgrade In 3 Minutes or Less
What type of RAM does it take? How much RAM can I upgrade it to?
Much like the Dell Latitude E5450 RAM upgrade we've walked you through a couple of days back, the E7450 takes a maximum of 16 GB of RAM, with either 4 or 8 GB already placed on the laptop.
The good news, in any case, is that the onboard RAM is removable so you can use two identical modules when you upgrade the RAM as recommended.
Specifically, this particular model uses the DDR3 PC3L-12800 1600 MHz SODIMMs memory modules.
How Much RAM Should I Get?
Ideally, to get the most out of your laptop and multitask to your heart's desire we would recommend you max out the RAM configuration. Especially when doing so isn't particularly expensive considering the improvement in performance you're bound to get. From that standpoint, we recommend getting two identical compatible 8 GB modules for optimal performance at a total of 16 GB of RAM.
Alternatively, if you're E7450 features 4 GB of onboard RAM and you don't foresee a significant amount of multitasking in your future you could always get two compatible 4 GB of RAM for a total of 8 GB of RAM.
However, if you work with image processing, handle numerous programs at a time, and don't want your laptop to freeze up when you have a couple of dozen Chrome tabs open at the same time then we would seriously encourage you to get the maximum 16 GB allowed by this model.
Should I replace the RAM I have?
This is a question we get asked a lot and the answer is yes. We generally recommend replacing the onboard RAM because each RAM module is made to certain specifications including voltage, cas, and speed. If you buy two identical modules and replace the onboard RAM you can be a 100% sure that it will work properly.
Otherwise, as RAM specifications change with time you might find yourself in a tricky situation where both RAM modules are different and don't work in a uniform way.
Step-by-step upgrade
First off you're going to need a Philips screwdriver.
Step 1: The first thing you're going to do is power off your laptop. After you've powered it off turn it upside down and remove the battery. Fortunately for you, this battery can be easily removed. Once the battery is removed you will then proceed to use your screwdrivers to remove the two visible screws below the battery.
Step 2: Slide the lid towards you for easy removal. Now you've got quick access to the internal components of the laptop and you can readily view the two available RAM slots. One of them had the onboard RAM whilst the other one is empty.
Step 3: Remove the RAM module that's already on the laptop. To do so simply pull outwards on the clasps located on the sides of the RAM slot. This will release the RAM at a 45-degree angle which you can then proceed to remove.
Step 4: Now that you've removed the onboard RAM you need to place the two modules you've bought into the RAM slots at a 45-degree angle. If you're not sure which side is up don't worry. Both the RAM module and the RAM slot have a visible notch that's slightly off-center. If both your RAM module and the RAM slot's notch align then you're placing it correctly.
Step 5: Once the RAM has been placed onto the slots you need to firmly press down to get the RAM properly integrated. You'll hear a "click" sound.
Step 6: Attach the bottom case once again, place the screws where they were and re-insert the battery.
Step 7: Turn on your laptop, a message should pop up that the memory has changed (this is good). If not, simply go ahead and open "Device configuration" where you can easily check the Installed RAM line. It should be either 8 GB or 16 GB depending on what you've upgraded to.
That's it! Easy peasy! Now that your laptop is going to perform much better you'll wonder why you didn't do it before. Enjoy!