Installing and configuring extra RAM is one of the easiest ways to improve performance in Toughbooks and laptops in general.  It must be noted that there are system limitations both through the hardware side as well as software for each computer that limit the maximum amount of RAM that is supported; please verify that your Toughbook is able to be upgraded before purchasing parts to do so.  Also, another word of caution before you attempt to upgrade your Toughbook: installing parts not certified by Panasonic or performing work on a Toughbook if you are not licensed to do so has the potential to void the certifications and warranty of the unit (if it is still under warranty.)  Please check with the manufacturer or the dealer you purchased your unit through to verify whether or not the unit is under warranty if you are unsure.

Checking how much RAM is installed and being utilized by your Toughbook is a simple matter.  If you are in Windows, press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to access Windows Task Manager.  Once in Task Manager, go to the Performance Tab.  In the Physical Memory window you will see the amount of RAM under the Total number.  Note, Total is measured in MB and so divide by 1000 and you will arrive at the amount of RAM your Toughbook is loaded with in GB (note that the number will not be exact due to a variety of reasons; for example your computer might show something like Total: 3895MB which –rounded up- equals 4GB RAM installed.)

To check the physical configuration of the RAM is a bit trickier but with the ease of access a CF-31 Toughbook provides, the easiest route would be to open the back panel as shown in the video below.  4GB of RAM might be installed as 2 2GB sticks or 1 4GB stick, 8GB of RAM might be installed as 2 4GB sticks or 1 8GB stick etc. etc. To install RAM into your Toughbook CF-31, simply follow the easy steps as outlined in our video.  When installing new RAM you will want to make sure your Toughbook is loaded with the operating system that can take advantage of your new RAM (a 32 bit operating system can only utilize up to 4GB RAM so anything higher than that amount will require a 64 bit operating system.)

If you are needing the correct parts, unsure on how to perform one of these steps, just have general questions or would simply like one of our licensed technicians to do the install for you, feel free to give us a call at 1-800-905-6743.