How to Clean RAM Sticks | Complete Guide In 2022

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How to Clean RAM Sticks

If your computer running slow, freezing up frequently, or if it just won’t start at all – the problem could be as simple as dirty RAM sticks. This blog post will tell you everything you need to know about how to clean RAM sticks and maintain them for optimum performance.

Simply, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe any dust or debris from the stick’s surface. Be careful not to touch any of the circuitry on the underside of the stick. Use rubbing alcohol to wipe the stick’s connector pins. Use a cotton swab to apply to rub alcohol to any difficult-to-reach areas.

How to Clean RAM Sticks On Desktop & Laptop

If your computer is running slow or having issues like no display signals, blue screen, sudden shut-off, and many more like this then it’s time to clean your RAM sticks. If you want to do it yourself you can just follow the below instructions:

Necessary Tools/Components:

  • Screwdriver Set
  • A microfiber cloth or a lint-free cloth / Paper Towel
  • Rubbing alcohol ( isopropyl alcohol)
  • A toothbrush
  • A cotton swab
  • A can of compressed air

Warning: If you follow the steps in this tutorial, you will void your warranty.

How to Clean Laptop Ram

It’s important to keep your laptop’s RAM clean and functioning properly. Here are step-by-step guides to clean the RAM on your laptop.

Step By Step Guides:

Step 1: Shut Off Your Laptop if It Is Running

You can simply shut off your laptop from the start menu or shut down the computer by pressing and holding the power button for 15-30 seconds.

In most cases, your operating system will tell you to close all programs before it shuts down. This is so that programs do not continue to run in the background when your laptop turns off.

Step 2: Unplug the Power Adaptor

Disconnect the power adaptor from your laptop. Otherwise, it can cause damage if you accidentally leave it plugged in.

Step 3: Remove the Battery

Removing a laptop battery is usually pretty easy. On most laptops, there’s a release button on the bottom that you can press to pop the battery out. Some laptops have a latch that you need to unlock before you can remove the battery.

But some laptops come with non-removable batteries, which means that you can’t remove the battery without unscrewing it.

Step 4: Locate the RAM Where It Stays In

In most laptops, the RAM is located under the keyboard. It is typically in a removable panel that can be easily accessed by popping it out from the bottom of the laptop. The RAM modules will be clearly labeled and are usually easy to remove and install.

On the other hand, some of the laptops come with different functionality. They don’t allow access to RAM from outside. They require unscrewing the case to remove the modules.

Step 5. Remove All of The Screws from Your Laptop

Removing screws from a laptop can be a complex task, as there are many different types of screws that may be used in the device. In order to remove screws from a laptop, it is necessary to identify the type of screw that is being used and use the appropriate tool to remove it. For example, if a Phillips head screw is being used, a Phillips head screwdriver should be used to remove it.

Step 6: Remove the RAM module

Now it’s time to remove the RAM. The module will be held in place by a clasp or spring-loaded mechanism. Gently push down on the clasp or mechanism to release the module, then pull it out of the slot. The module may be hot to the touch, but it will not be damaged if it is removed from the slot.

Step 7: Clean the Gold Plated Connectors

Gold-plated connectors can be easily cleaned by using a small amount of isopropyl alcohol on a cotton ball. Gently rub the connector until it is clean. Be careful not to use too much alcohol, as this can cause damage to the connector.

Step 8: Blow the RAM Slot

To blow the RAM slot on a laptop, you will need to use compressed air. To do this, simply remove the battery from the laptop. Then, carefully blow into the RAM slot until it is clear.

Step 9: Reassemble the System

Press the RAM module back into place. Then, slide it back into the slot and gently push down on the clasp to secure it in place. At this point, you should be able to put the motherboard back in your case and close it up. With any luck, your system should boot.

Note: If after following the method above, your laptop doesn’t work well, or you see yellow or brown streaks on your RAM module, then you may have problems with your RAM module. The cause of the problem may be dust, dirt, or even memory circuit problems. The laptop’s motherboard and RAM module need to be removed from your laptop in order for you to clean it.

How to Clean Desktop Computer RAM

Desktop computer RAM can be cleaned with a few easy steps:

Step 1: Unplug The Power Sources

First, locate the power cord and unplug it from the power outlet.

Step 2: Locate the RAM Sticks

Now, Identify where the RAM sticks (or chips) are located on your desktop computer. You can find it on the motherboard, like in the picture below.

Step 3: Use a Pencil and Remove the Dust

Use a pencil to gently push down on the RAM stick, so it can be removed. Use a pencil because you don’t want to damage your computer’s motherboard.

Step 4: Remove the RAM Sticks

Gently pull out the sticks from their socket. There is a locking mechanism. Simply unlock it and pull out the RAM sticks.

Step 5: Remove Dust and Other Particles

To remove the dust, use a vacuum cleaner to suck up all of the dirt and particles from around the RAM chips. Otherwise, you can use the air compressor to blow the dust away from the chips to allow them to be installed.

Step 6: Install RAM Chips

With the dust removed, install the RAM chips into their respective slots. And it’s done.

Step 7: Power On the Computer and Test RAM

Turn on your computer and test the RAM. It should work fine.

Note: If it doesn’t fix the problem If the computer still doesn’t turn on, you can try to remove the RAM and check whether the RAM chips are bad. Since this is highly subjective, it is best for you to try to replace your RAM yourself.

What Are the Benefits of Cleaning RAM Sticks?

When it comes to computers, there are a lot of different ways to make them run faster. One way is to clean the RAM sticks. This may seem like a daunting task, but it can be done fairly easily, and it offers a lot of benefits. Benefits are:

  1. This is the best way to get RAM sticks that are running at their peak performance. The best part about having the RAM sticks cleaned is that it can help you to increase your computer’s speed.
  2. This is the best way to ensure that your computer will not crash or malfunction. RAM sticks are important because they store all of the information that you need for your programs and files.
  3. It is the best way to make sure that your computer’s RAM sticks will not be damaged.
  4. This is the best way to ensure that your computer will have a longer life span.
  5. This is the best way to keep your computer’s RAM sticks stable and working properly.

Overall, it is best to have your computer’s RAM sticks cleaned and upgraded regularly. You will be able to enjoy a faster, more efficient, and more reliable computer.

How Often You Should Clean Your RAM Sticks?

It depends on how often you use them; generally speaking, however, cleaning them at least once every six months is recommended. If this sounds like a lot of work, you might be happy to know that there are also companies out there who can clean and maintain your RAM sticks for you. Contact one today and get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does RAM work?

Whenever you open an application or start up your computer, that information is stored in memory temporarily before the CPU processes it.

Why Should I Clean My RAM?

It’s important to make sure your computer’s memory is free of junk in order for it to run efficiently, and cleaning out the dust will help you do just that.

How Can I Tell if My RAM needs to Be Cleaned?

If there are any big chunks of dust or dirt on your RAM, it may be time to clean them out. It can also help if there is a lot of heat coming from the fan which could indicate that you need a new thermal paste (more information below).

Regardless, cleaning RAM is always good for your computer’s health.

How Do I Clean My RAM?

As mentioned above, it is best to use a can of compressed air. This will let you spray the dust and dirt away without causing any harm to your computer’s delicate components.

When Should I Clean out My Dusty CPU Fan?

It’s also important to clean out your CPU fan when they are dirty because it will help prevent overheating and system crashes–this usually happens because the dust builds up on your fan’s blades which cuts down airflow.

What Are the Different Types Of RAM Sticks?

There are two main RAM stick types: DDR-SDRAM & DDR. The difference is that DDR stands for Double Data Rate, whereas SDRAM means Synchronous Dynamic Random Access Memory.

RAM Sticks have different speeds and bandwidths depending on the type of memory they use. It also depends on how many modules you have plugged into your computer.

The speed of the RAM sticks you have is important because it will determine how fast programs or applications can run, especially when there is more than one running at once. If the speeds do not match up between all of them, they cannot communicate with each other and their processors either work on two different tasks simultaneously (multi-tasking) or take turns, which will slow down their processing speed.

How do you know if your RAM sticks are working correctly? 

The answer to this question is difficult because so many variables come into play here. Ensure the cables are plugged in properly and securely on both ends before assuming any problems with them.

What is a DIMM? 

A DIMM (Dual Inline Memory Module) is an older type of RAM stick that DDR sticks have replaced because they are faster and more energy-efficient. It is still used in older computers though, so it’s good to know the differences between them.

How do you clean a memory stick if it is dirty or dusty?

First, you need to make sure your computer is turned off and unplugged from the power source. If it’s a laptop, remove the battery as well as any other removable parts that are attached to the machine.

To clean a memory stick, use canned air or an electrical duster spray can with its nozzle set at a 90-degree angle and hold it about a foot away from the RAM stick. You should move it in small, circular movements so you don’t damage anything and accidentally knock any of the components off of their current locations inside your computer.

How Do You Clean a Memory Stick If It Is Dirty or Dusty?

How do I know what type of memory sticks are?  

Memory sticks come with different specifications depending on which manufacturer made them. The best way to find out what kind of memory the sticks are is by looking at their model numbers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, RAM sticks need to be cleaned from time to time. The process is fairly easy and can be done in a few minutes if you have the right tools for the job. In this tutorial, we’ve shown you how to clean your computer’s random access memory by using an air compressor or canned air. We hope you found this tutorial to be helpful and if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to leave a message below.

Also Read: How Does RAM Affect Music Production?

Kelly Smith is a Senior Editor at Provaat. She has a special affinity for gaming peripherals, laptops and virtual reality. Before, Kelly covered technology terms, including hardware, software, cyber security and other IT happenings on our community.