A memory upgrade is the lowest-cost way to extend the working life of a business PC that is otherwise sound. Done across a fleet, it needs a plan: you have to know what each machine takes, which ones can be upgraded at all, and how to order the smallest sensible set of part numbers. This guide covers the steps we see work for IT teams in businesses, schools and government. It applies to Dell, HP, Lenovo and Acer business desktops and laptops; the same method works for other brands.
Step 1: Build the inventory
List every model you run and how many of each. For each machine you want the vendor, the model name (for example Dell OptiPlex 7090 Micro or HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Tower) and the quantity. Dell Service Tags, HP product numbers and Lenovo machine types also identify a model. Your endpoint management tool or asset database usually has this already.
To see what is installed in a Windows machine, run this in PowerShell:
Get-CimInstance Win32_PhysicalMemory | Select-Object BankLabel, Capacity, Speed, SMBIOSMemoryType, FormFactor
Capacity shows the size of each module in bytes, Speed shows the running speed, FormFactor 12 means SODIMM and 8 means full-size DIMM, and SMBIOSMemoryType 26 means DDR4 and 34 means DDR5. Run it on one machine per model, not on every machine.
Step 2: Sort machines into four groups
| Group | Typical machines | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Socketed SODIMM | Laptops, Mini, Micro and Tiny desktops, all-in-ones: for example Dell OptiPlex Micro and HP EliteDesk Mini | Upgradeable; order SODIMM |
| Socketed UDIMM | Small form factor and tower desktops: for example OptiPlex SFF and Acer Veriton towers | Upgradeable; order UDIMM |
| Soldered | Many thin and light laptops | Cannot be upgraded; plan replacement |
| CAMM2 | Some newer mobile workstations and laptops | Needs CAMM2 modules, which are a different product |
Our catalog lists machines with standard socketed memory. That is also a quick filter: if a model is not listed, check the vendor specification to see whether its memory is soldered.
Step 3: Match generation, form factor and speed
DDR4 and DDR5 are keyed differently and do not fit each other's slots, so the generation has to match the machine. Some models shipped in both generations. The Dell OptiPlex 7000 Micro is one, and the HP Pro Mini, SFF and Tower 400 G9 are another, which is why those models have a separate listing for each generation. Check the installed modules before you order. A faster module runs at the speed the system supports, so one DDR5-5600 module can serve a system rated for slower DDR5.
Step 4: Check slots and capacity
Most business desktops have two or four slots, and laptops usually have two. Each vendor publishes a maximum capacity per model, and every NEMIX listing is matched to that figure. On a two-slot machine, install two identical modules so memory runs in dual-channel mode. Ask for the capacity your software needs rather than the maximum: browsers, collaboration tools and virtual desktops are the usual reason a fleet runs short.
Step 5: Standardize the part list
Most fleets end up with a handful of module part numbers covering dozens of models. One 16GB DDR4 SODIMM may fit your OptiPlex Micro, EliteDesk Mini and ThinkCentre Tiny machines alike, as long as generation and form factor agree. Fewer part numbers make spares and future orders simpler. Send us the inventory and we will return the matching module for each model and the shortest list that covers them all.
Step 6: Pilot one machine per model
Install the new modules in a single machine of each model. Confirm it starts, that the BIOS or operating system reports the new capacity, and that the machine behaves normally under your standard image. Then order the full quantity. A pilot costs a day and removes most rollout risk.
Step 7: Roll out and retire
Install in batches, record the new capacity in your asset database, and keep the removed modules together by model. If the project also retires machines, NEMIX RAM offers IT asset disposition.
Where to start in the catalog
Pick your vendors on the business fleet memory page: Dell (all Dell business PCs), HP (all HP business PCs), Lenovo and Acer Veriton. For example, the Dell OptiPlex 7090 Micro and the HP EliteDesk 800 G6 Tower each have their own listing with the supported speed, slot count and maximum capacity. For background on module types, see the SODIMM memory guide, the Dell memory buyer's guide and the Lenovo workstation and PC memory guide.
Ordering for a fleet
Researched, matched, and compatibility-tested by NEMIX RAM, a US-based server memory specialist since 1993, and backed by a lifetime warranty. Purchase orders, net terms and volume pricing are available for businesses, schools and government buyers. Request a quote with your model list, or visit the education and government page for supplier details. NEMIX RAM is an independent memory supplier and is not affiliated with the system vendors named in this guide; their names are trademarks of their owners, used only to identify compatible systems.
Frequently asked questions
Can we upgrade memory on laptops that have soldered RAM?
No. If the memory chips are soldered to the board, there is no slot to add or replace modules. Many thin business laptops are made this way. Check the vendor specification or the installed-memory report before you plan a purchase.
Do we need to buy the same memory for every machine in a model line?
Within one model, yes: use the same module part number for every unit so behavior is consistent. Across models, one part number can serve several systems when the generation, form factor and speed match.
How do we know whether a desktop takes SODIMM or UDIMM?
Mini, Micro, Tiny and all-in-one desktops generally take SODIMM, the short laptop-style module. Small form factor and tower desktops generally take UDIMM, the full-size module. The listing for your exact model states which one.
Can a fleet mix DDR4 and DDR5?
Not within one machine. A machine takes one generation only. A fleet can contain both, so sort machines by generation before you order.
Do you work from purchase orders and net terms?
Yes. Purchase orders, net terms for approved credit applications and volume pricing are available for businesses, schools and government buyers. Use the quote form to start.
What if a model in our fleet is not listed on the site?
Send us the model name or Service Tag and we will confirm a compatible module before you order.