The $50 fix: Speed up a slow computer for less
Double your RAM for about 10% of what it costs to buy a new system
New computers often come with the promise that they’re fast, which makes it frustrating when they’re expensive and quickly slow down. According to leading IT managers, the average computer lasts just 3 to 4 years, which means it usually slows down well before it’s disposed of.1 This means you’re likely to buy a new computer more frequently than you probably want to. The good news, though, is you don’t have to. Since nearly every computer operation relies on memory (RAM), upgrading your RAM instantly gives you faster speeds and extends the life of your current system.
Faster speeds that last – at about 10% the cost2
While there are many situations where it makes sense to buy a new computer, it’s not always your best option if you just want a faster system. Here’s why.
About how much does a new computer cost?2 $500
The affordable way to speed up a slow computer:
Double or quadruple your computer’s memory
- Why it works: Your computer is just a few years old and you’d rather fix what’s likely a perfectly good system than buy a new one
- What about your data? Data is stored on your storage drive (not in memory) so all of your data remains safe and unaffected
About how much does a memory upgrade cost?2 $50
Nearly every computer operation relies on memory
- Moving your mouse cursor
- Having several tabs open while surfing the Web
- Typing and composing an email
- Creating a spreadsheet
- Editing photos or videos
- Playing a game, listening to music or watching a video
- Multitasking between applications
the more memory you need
How much RAM can you install?
New computers often ship with minimalist components to keep prices down. That’s why you can probably double or quadruple your system’s memory. Here are some popular systems sold in the past few years and why a memory upgrade makes sense.
| Type | Sample PC3 | Amount of RAM it came with | Amount of RAM you can install | How much more RAM can you install? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Desktop PC |
Acer® Aspire XC-605G | 6GB | 16GB | 2x |
| Dell® Inspiron™ 3847 | 8GB | 16GB | 2x | |
| HP® Pavilion 500-281 | 4GB | 16GB | 4x | |
| Lenovo® ThinkCentre® E73 Tower | 4GB | 16GB | 4x | |
 Laptop PC |
Lenovo® Z50-70 | 8GB | 16GB | 2x |
| Acer® Aspire E5-572G | 4GB | 16GB | 4x | |
| Dell® Latitude™ 3340 | 4GB | 16GB | 4x | |
| HP® 350 G1 | 4GB | 16GB | 4x | |
Close the memory gap! |
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Why RAM is the best way to improve performance for less
Maxing out your system’s RAM gives your current computer the speed of a new one – without the price. For about $50, you can significantly boost your current computer and doing so is often 10x less expensive than buying a new one. Speed up your computer and save money – upgrade today!
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- Data from March 2016 survey of 353 IT decision-makers in the U.S., U.K., Germany and France, with respondents split evenly by region. Survey conducted by Spiceworks.
- According to IDC data, the most-shipped Acer®, Dell®, HP®, and Lenovo® laptops and desktops from 2013-2015 had a list price of $400-600. Within this range, many systems shipped with 4GB of DDR3 memory, and as of 1 August 2016, doubling the amount of memory cost $37.99 on the Crucial manufacturer website (8GB kit of Crucial® DDR3 memory, part number CT102464BF160B). All prices subject to change and claim is for illustrative purposes only.
- Desktop and laptop models selected have compatible Crucial memory upgrades. Specifications are based on internal compatibility data.