Feeling like your laptop's running slower than a wet week? Before you rush out to buy a new one, upgrading your RAM or swapping in a faster SSD might be exactly what you need to breathe new life into your machine. But when does it make sense, and when are you just throwing good money after bad?
Hi guys, Emmanuel here again. After 12 years of upgrading laptops for folks across Australia, I've seen firsthand how the right upgrade can transform a sluggish machine into a productivity powerhouse. I've also seen people spend money on upgrades that barely made a difference to their daily experience.
Let me share what I've learned about when laptop upgrades are brilliant investments, and when you're better off putting that cash towards something new.
The Quick Decision Framework
Before we dive deep, here's my simple test to determine if upgrades are worth it:
Upgrade Makes Sense When:
- Your laptop is less than 4 years old and generally runs well
- You're hitting specific bottlenecks - slow boot times, running out of memory, or long file transfers
- The upgrade cost is under 30% of a comparable new laptop's price
- Everything else works perfectly - screen, keyboard, ports, battery life
Skip the Upgrade When:
- Your laptop is over 5 years old and showing multiple signs of age
- The processor is the main bottleneck (you can't upgrade this)
- You need better graphics performance for gaming or professional work
- Multiple components need attention - battery, screen, keyboard issues
RAM Upgrades: When More Memory Makes All the Difference
RAM (Random Access Memory) is like your laptop's workspace. If you've ever tried to work on a tiny desk with papers everywhere, you'll understand why having enough RAM matters. When your laptop runs out of memory, it starts using your storage drive as makeshift RAM, which is much slower and creates that frustrating lag.
Signs You Need More RAM
- Slow performance with multiple programs open - browser, email, Word documents
- Your laptop freezes when switching between applications
- Opening large files takes ages in Photoshop, Excel, or other demanding software
- Video calls stutter when you're also running other programs
- Your laptop's fan runs constantly even during light tasks
How Much RAM Do You Actually Need?
8GB: Fine for basic web browsing, email, and light office work
16GB: The sweet spot for most users - handles multitasking, photo editing, and moderate gaming
32GB or more: Only necessary for professional video editing, CAD work, or running virtual machines
| RAM Amount | Best For |
|---|---|
| 8GB | Web browsing, email, light office tasks |
| 16GB | Multitasking, photo editing, moderate gaming |
| 32GB+ | Professional video editing, CAD, virtual machines |
The RAM Upgrade Reality Check
Here's what I tell customers: if you regularly see your laptop struggling with everyday tasks - slow to respond, programs crashing, or the dreaded spinning wheel of doom - and you're running 8GB or less, a RAM upgrade is often the best bang for your buck.
But if your laptop already has 16GB and you're still having performance issues, the problem likely lies elsewhere, and more RAM won't solve it.
SSD Upgrades: The Single Best Performance Boost
If I could only recommend one upgrade for most laptops, it'd be swapping a traditional hard drive (HDD) for a Solid State Drive (SSD). This upgrade can make a 5-year-old laptop feel brand new.
Why SSDs Are Game-Changers
- Faster boot times - from 60+ seconds to under 15 seconds
- Instant program launches - applications open immediately instead of after coffee breaks
- Better battery life - SSDs use less power than spinning hard drives
- Silent operation - no more clicking, whirring, or spinning sounds
- More reliable - no moving parts means less chance of mechanical failure
- Better durability - can handle bumps and drops better than HDDs
| SSD Size | Best For |
|---|---|
| 256GB | Basic users, students, light storage needs |
| 512GB | Most users – balance of speed and storage space |
| 1TB | Heavy users – large files, media, games |
| 2TB+ | Professionals – video editing, CAD, large datasets |
Before You Upgrade: Compatibility Considerations
Not all laptops are created equal when it comes to upgrades. Here's what you need to check:
For RAM Upgrades:
- Slots available - some laptops have RAM soldered to the motherboard
- Maximum capacity supported - older laptops might max out at 8GB or 16GB
- RAM type compatibility - DDR3, DDR4, or DDR5
- Speed specifications - faster isn't always better if your motherboard can't use it
For SSD Upgrades:
- Connection type - SATA, M.2, or NVMe
- Physical size - 2.5-inch drives vs M.2 form factors
- Capacity limitations - some older laptops don't recognize drives over certain sizes
- Cloning requirements - you'll need to transfer your existing data
The Real Cost of Laptop Upgrades
Let's talk money. Upgrade costs can vary significantly depending on your laptop and requirements:
Our Laptop Upgrade Costs
Professional Installation Service: From $30 (includes installation, data transfer, and setup)
RAM Upgrade Examples (parts + our service):
- 8GB addition: From $60 total
- 16GB upgrade: From $100 total
- 32GB upgrade: From $220 total
SSD Upgrade Examples (parts + our service):
- 256GB SSD: From $90 total
- 512GB SSD: From $120 total
- 1TB SSD: From $150 total
Final costs depend on your specific laptop model and component requirements. We'll always provide a clear, no-surprise quote before starting any work.
DIY vs Professional Installation
While some folks are comfortable opening up their laptops, we generally recommend professional installation for several reasons:
- Warranty protection - incorrect installation can void manufacturer warranties
- Expert data migration - we handle transferring your files, programs, and settings safely
- Compatibility testing - we ensure everything works properly before you take it home
- No surprises - if we discover compatibility issues, you're not stuck with parts you can't use
- Complete service - our comprehensive laptop services include system optimisation and performance testing
When Upgrades Make Perfect Sense
The 3-Year-Old Business Laptop: Sarah brought in her ThinkPad that was running like molasses. It had a decent processor and 8GB of RAM, but was still using the original hard drive. A $150 SSD upgrade transformed it completely - faster than buying a $1,200 replacement.
The Student's Budget Machine: Tom's laptop was struggling with basic multitasking - browser, Word, and Spotify would bring it to its knees. Adding another 8GB of RAM for $100 solved his problems for a fraction of the cost of a new laptop.
When You Should Skip the Upgrade
Sometimes it's better to put that upgrade money towards a new machine:
- The 6-Year-Old General Purpose Laptop - While an SSD might speed things up, you're likely looking at other issues soon
- Gaming Performance Issues - RAM and SSD upgrades rarely solve graphics-related problems
- Multiple Component Failures - When you need a new battery, keyboard fixes, AND performance upgrades, replacement often makes more sense
However, if it's a quality machine worth saving, our comprehensive laptop repair services can address multiple issues cost-effectively.
Not Sure What Your Laptop Needs?
Every laptop is different, and what worked for your mate's machine might not be right for yours. At Landmark Computers, we've been helping folks make smart upgrade decisions for over 30 years.
Free Assessment Available: Bring in your laptop and we'll run comprehensive diagnostics to identify exactly what's slowing you down. We'll give you honest advice about whether upgrades are worthwhile or if it's time to start shopping for a replacement.
Call us on 1300 133 165, use our live chat, or contact us online for expert advice with no obligation.
FAQs: Laptop RAM and SSD Upgrades
Is upgrading laptop RAM worth it in 2025?
Yes, if you have 8GB or less and do lots of multitasking. Going to 16GB is the sweet spot for most people.
Will an SSD make my laptop faster?
Almost always. Boot times, app launches, and file copies get much faster. It's the biggest speed boost for older laptops.
How much does a RAM or SSD upgrade cost?
Our service starts from $30, plus parts. Total costs: RAM upgrades from $60, SSD upgrades from $90. Exact prices depend on your model and requirements.
Can every laptop be upgraded?
No. Some models have soldered RAM or limited SSD slots. We check your model first so you don't buy parts you can't use.
Should I upgrade or just buy a new laptop?
If the laptop is under 4 years old and only slow, upgrade. If it's 5+ years and has other faults, replace.
This guide was written by Emmanuel from Landmark Computers, where our experienced team has been providing expert laptop upgrades and honest advice since 1994. We're here to help you get the most from your technology investment.
