$100 per 8GB chip is the baseline for soldered RAM upgrades

Expect to pay around $100 per 8GB chip, sometimes more.

Soldered RAM isn’t a plug-and-play job. It requires a hot air rework station, steady hands, and the willingness to risk destroying the board. Most repair shops charge $80–$150 per chip, depending on your location and the device’s disassembly difficulty. The parts themselves cost almost nothing — you’re paying for skill and liability.

If the laptop is already old or low-end, think twice. That $200 upgrade (for 16GB) might cost more than the machine is worth. And if you find a shop quoting $50 per chip, ask what warranty they offer. Cheap soldering can come back to haunt you.

Unless the laptop holds significant value, this upgrade often isn’t worth it.