Best Laptop Upgrade · Memory (RAM)

Crucial DDR5 SO-DIMM 32GB (2x16GB) 5600MHz

If your laptop or mini PC has replaceable DDR5 memory slots, this Crucial kit is a simple way to double up to 32GB for smoother multitasking and gaming.

Brand: Crucial
Best for: Upgrading laptops and mini PCs
Price range: Budget
Our score: 8.0/10

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Our take

If your laptop or mini PC has replaceable DDR5 memory slots, this Crucial kit is a simple way to upgrade to 32GB for smoother multitasking and gaming. It runs at standard speeds with no setup at all.

Can you upgrade your laptop?

Many thin laptops, including all MacBooks and most ultrabooks, have their memory soldered to the motherboard, so it can't be upgraded. Gaming laptops, business laptops and mini PCs often have two SO-DIMM slots. Check your laptop's specifications or use Crucial's online System Scanner, which tells you exactly what's compatible.

This kit is DDR5. Older laptops with DDR4 slots need DDR4 SO-DIMM memory instead, and the two aren't interchangeable.

Performance

Going from 8GB or 16GB to 32GB makes a big difference if you run many browser tabs, use creative apps or play modern games, which increasingly need more than 16GB alongside Windows. The kit runs at DDR5-5600, and laptops limited to slower DDR5 speeds such as 4800 or 5200 run it at their own maximum, so it's safe to buy.

Install both sticks as a pair so the laptop runs in dual-channel mode, which is noticeably faster than one stick, especially for laptops with integrated graphics.

Installing it

Upgrading usually means removing the laptop's base panel, unclipping the old sticks and pressing the new ones in at an angle. Many manufacturers publish guides for their models. Turn off the laptop and unplug it first.

Crucial is the consumer brand of Micron, which makes the memory chips itself, and the kit comes with a lifetime warranty.

Who should buy it

Buy this kit to upgrade a laptop or mini PC with DDR5 SO-DIMM slots. For desktops, choose a standard DDR5 kit.

Key specifications

Capacity	32GB (2x16GB)
Type	DDR5 SO-DIMM (laptop)
Speed	5600MT/s
Latency	CL46
Voltage	1.1V
Compatibility	Runs at lower speeds in laptops limited to 4800 or 5200MT/s
Warranty	Limited lifetime

Strengths and weaknesses

Pros

Easy, worthwhile upgrade
Runs at standard speed with no setup
Reliable Crucial (Micron) memory
Backward compatible with slower DDR5 laptops

Cons

Many thin laptops have soldered memory, so check yours first
Not for desktop motherboards

Verdict

If your laptop or mini PC has replaceable DDR5 memory slots, this Crucial kit is a simple way to double up to 32GB for smoother multitasking and gaming. It earns our Best Laptop Upgrade award in our guide to the best memory.

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