How to Upgrade Your RAM and SSD on Ubuntu: A Complete Guide 2025 - 2026 midway

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Upgrading your RAM and SSD is one of the easiest ways to boost performance on your Ubuntu system. Whether you’re struggling with slow app loading, multitasking lag, or limited storage, knowing how to upgrade your hardware can give your laptop or desktop a new lease on life. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know — from checking your current hardware to selecting compatible upgrades and installing them safely.

Step 1: Check Your Current Hardware

Before buying new RAM or an SSD, you need to know what’s inside your machine. On Ubuntu, you can check this using built-in commands:

Check RAM:

`sudo dmidecode -t memory`

Check SSD type and speed:

` lsblk -o NAME,MODEL,SIZE,TYPE `

` sudo lshw -class disk -class storage `

Check NVMe PCIe info (if applicable):

` lspci -v | grep -A8 -i nvme `

Knowing your current hardware helps you select compatible upgrades. For example:

• RAM type: DDR4, DDR3, etc.

• RAM speed: MHz supported by your motherboard

• SSD type: SATA or NVMe

• SSD interface: PCIe 3.0 or 4.0
  
  
  
  

Step 2: Choose the Right RAM Upgrade

Key Considerations:

1. Type: DDR4 (most modern Ubuntu laptops use DDR4)
2. Speed: Use the speed your motherboard supports (e.g., 2666 MHz for HP ProBook 440 G7)
3. Capacity: Check max supported RAM — most laptops support 16–32 GB
4. Configuration: Dual-channel works best (two identical sticks)

Step 3: Choose the Right SSD Upgrade

Upgrading your SSD dramatically improves boot times, app loading, and file transfer speeds.

Key Considerations:

1. Interface: SATA vs NVMe (PCIe)

2. Form Factor: M.2 2280 (common in laptops)

3. Capacity: 512 GB or 1 TB is ideal for most users

4. PCIe Version: Gen4 SSDs will work in Gen3 slots, but speed will be capped
   
   

Backup Your Data

1. Before upgrading, always backup your important files. This is critical if you plan to replace your SSD or clone your current drive. Use tools like:

   
   

Enjoy Your Upgraded System

1. With upgraded RAM and SSD, you’ll notice:

   • Faster boot times and application loading

   • Smooth multitasking with multiple apps open

   • Better performance for programming, gaming, and media tasks