Lenovo Ideapad 330S RAM Upgrade

Yes, you need to. When we first switched on the Ideapad 330S and were running it we could see how slow the computer was in terms of response and general speed. Once we upgraded the RAM, we saw a totally different computer. To keep it short, 4GB is not enough for this laptop and it has to upgraded ideally to the maximum limit which is 12GB for ideal performance. So please go for it as it is worth.

First and foremost you have to check what is the amount of existing RAM present and also crosscheck the RAM Type used by your Laptop. Download the hardware maintenance manual for Lenovo 330S Laptops here. The hardware maintenance manual is a very important document and it is better that you take a printout of it as it may come handy in the future or during this upgrade operation.

Referring Fig 1.1 above, which is from page 30 of the manual, the RAM specification is given which tells us the below

1. RAM frequency : 2400 MHZ
2. RAM Type : DDR4
3. Maximum RAM per slot : 8GB

It is also always better to cross check your system for the current condition in case there was RAM installed or not. To do this head over to Task Manager by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE, once in the task manager click on the Performance tab besides Processes. In Performance click on Memory below the CPU section. Here you will have to note down 2 things as shown in the red boxes

1. Slots Used : This has to be 1 of 2, if it is 2 of 2 it means all the slots are utilized.
2. RAM Speed : Please note down this speed if it is not the same i.e.2400 MHZ mentioned in the Manual.
3. RAM Size : This should be 4GB normally. In case it is more, you have to check the number of slots used. If only one slot is used, you can upgrade the RAM.
4. RAM Type : As there is no mention of RAM Type, it is assumed it is DDR4, if there is mention of DDR3 then the RAM is DDR3.

So once we are set in what we require, we now have to now lets go ahead an buy the RAM. When buying the RAM you need to see the follows

1. Amount of RAM : Since the already present RAM is 4GB, you have two options by either adding 4GB of RAM or 8GB of RAM to make it 8GB or 12GB respectively. The max you can add is 8GB of RAM as it is mentioned in the manual.

2. Speed of RAM: Ideally go for the speed that is mentioned in the manual i.e. 2400MHZ. In case, you found the speed to be different in the windows task manager, please opt for that speed.

3. RAM Type: This should be DDR4 as standard. In case it is DDR3, then you have to strictly buy DDR3 RAM.

You can buy any of the below recommended RAM for this Laptop (Amazon.in affiliate links are provided), we have used HyperX RAM from Kingston which based on superior performance. We recommend that you install 8GB of RAM as we have only one slot and hence installing the maximum capacity that the slot can take will enable the full potential of this laptop.

8 GB RAM:

4 GB RAM:

Now lets setup for the upgrade by keeping ready the follows:-

1. RAM : Carefully handle the RAM and make sure it is kept in the plastic case and should be only taken out during the upgrade to avoid any damage.
2. M2.0 (+) Screw Drivers : Since we will be dealing with M2.0 screws, you will need an M2.0 Plus Head Screw Driver.
3. Vacuum Plug (Optional) : A suction plug will be required to safely open the laptop covers as opening by other means may damage the cover when opening forcefully.

4. Anti-Static Strap(Optional) : An anti-static cable will ensure no static charge from our body damages any laptop circuit.

5. Pry Stick (Optional) : Pry Sticks can be useful especially when dealing with small laptop components like cable connectors and stuff which is difficult to be handled with fingers. Pry Sticks will also ensure that our body contact with the laptop electronics is minimized which is desirable.

6. Plastic Container (Optional): A container will ensure that the screws are in place which are more likely to be misplaced during operations like this. If you have all the tools in place, they will help you to ease the process and ensure that there is no damage caused to your laptop due to exertion.

Ok, now that we have done all the hard work, lets dive in and do some more. Please strictly note the following before carrying out the Upgrade Operation:


1. First step is to switch off your laptop and wait for at least 2 minutes so that any hard disk movements will not be present.

2. Turn your laptop upside down as shown, Fig 4.2 shows the back cover with the location of screws. Unscrew all the screws holding the back cover as shown in Fig 4.2a. Apply the suction cup on the back cover as shown in Fig 4.2b, refer Fig 4.2 for location and with the help of the pry stick slowly remove the back cover as shown in Fig 4.2c. This step has to be done with patience and the pry stick has to be used to slowly open by going through the middle and the corners shown in Fig 4.2.

3. Now you will need to unplug the battery connecting to the circuit. Fig 4.3 shows the view of the battery pack in the laptop along with the location of the items to be dismantled. For this first remove battery connector shown in Fig 4.3a and 4.3b. Next, unscrew the battery as shown in Fig 4.3c. Unseat the cable shown in Fig 4.3d and remove the battery out.

4. Now you will have to remove the cover which protects the RAM. Fig 4.4 shows the view of the protective cover in the laptop and the location of the items to be dismantled. Unscrew the cover by removing the screws as shown in 4.4b and unclipping the clips as shown in Fig 4.4c. Care has to be taken when unclipping the clips.

5. You can now see the RAM slot as shown in Fig 4.5. A more closer view can be seen in Fig 4.5a. Insert your RAM, as shown in Fig 4.5c and press the RAM down to clip it into the slot as shown in Fig 4.5d. Light, Slow and equal pressure has to be put when pushing the RAM. The Installed RAM should look like the one shown in Fig 4.6e. 6. You now have to box-up the laptop. Put back the protective cover as in Fig 4.6, please ensure they are clipped properly and the screws are put back. Install the battery by ensuring the cables are not jammed. Do this by first placing it properly as seen in Fig 4.6a. Please properly seat the wire shown in Fig 4.6c and Fig 4.6c and ensure the wire in Fig 4.6b it is not jammed. Screw in the battery and connect the battery cable connector as seen in Fig 4.6e.

7. Alas, time to take a deep breath and switch On your computer. Open up RAM section in the Task Manager by pressing CTRL+ALT+DELETE. You have to see the upgraded RAM displayed as shown in Fig 4.7a and the slots used.

If you have added 8GB, it should show 12GB or if you have added 4GB it should shown 8GB. If the upgraded capacity is okay then you have successfully upgraded the RAM. Congrats and its time to cheer. You should see a notable increase in you laptop's performance with the RAM upgrade.