I'm new to PC upgrades and have a Lenovo IdeaCentre G5 14IMB05 (Type 90N9) with 8GB of DDR4 RAM, an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 SUPER, and Intel UHD Graphics 630. It handles work well and runs Red Dead Redemption 2 around 50–60 FPS, but I'm seeing lag in some games, especially Planet Zoo. Since the computer otherwise does most of what I need, I'd rather upgrade it than buy or build a new PC. Would increasing the memory to 16GB or 32GB noticeably improve gaming performance? What should I expect to pay, how can I check whether I'm currently using one or two memory sticks, and how difficult is the installation? Advice on other performance improvements is welcome too.
4 Answers
Don’t buy a random stick solely based on ‘DDR4.’ Match the system’s supported desktop DIMM type, capacity, and speed, and preferably buy a matched 2x8GB or 2x16GB kit. Prices vary by location, but 16GB is generally the reasonable first upgrade. Also make sure the monitor cable is connected to the GTX 1650 SUPER rather than the motherboard’s integrated graphics outputs.
First check whether the 8GB is one stick or two 4GB sticks. If it’s only one stick, the system is running in single-channel mode, which can hurt performance. The model appears to have two memory slots, so moving to 2x8GB for 16GB is the sensible upgrade. If you eventually want 32GB, you’d likely need a 2x16GB kit and replace the existing modules.
Installing desktop DDR4 is straightforward. Shut the PC down, unplug it, open the side panel, release the clips holding the old modules, and insert the replacement kit in the correct orientation until both clips lock. The modules need a firm, even push, but don’t force them if the notch doesn’t line up. Afterward, confirm that the full amount is detected in Windows and enable the memory’s rated profile in the firmware if the system supports it.
For modern games, 16GB is usually the best value target. 32GB can help with heavier simulation games, mods, multitasking, or keeping lots of programs open, but it won’t automatically increase FPS if the graphics card or processor is the limiting factor. Use Task Manager’s Performance tab, or an in-game overlay, while playing to see whether memory is nearly full and whether the CPU or GTX 1650 SUPER is actually maxed out.
Planet Zoo may benefit from more memory, especially in large zoos, but check the usage during the lag rather than assuming RAM is the only cause. RDR2 running at those frame rates suggests the graphics card is already doing a lot of the work.
Check the exact installed configuration before buying. Mixing an added stick with the original one can work, but a matched kit is generally the safer choice for stable dual-channel operation.