Soldered RAM means paying a premium upfront.

Yes, buying a higher-config model with soldered RAM costs you more compared to upgrading replaceable RAM yourself. How much? Usually $200-400 for 16GB more, when a stick of DDR4 or DDR5 costs $30-60.

Manufacturers charge like you’re never leaving. Apple will ask $200 for a 8GB bump. Dell or Lenovo on soldered models do the same. They know you have no other option. Meanwhile, a laptop with replaceable RAM lets you buy a base model and toss in a stick later for under a hundred bucks.

The catch: most thin-and-lights are soldered now. You can’t get the savings unless you pick a model with SODIMM slots. That means trading thinness for repairability. If that trade works for you, DIY is the better deal.

If you can find a laptop with replaceable RAM, you’ll save money and future-proof it.