Soldered RAM upgrades are rarely worth it.

Usually not. The price for a soldered RAM upgrade (labor + parts) often costs as much as or more than buying a new laptop with the RAM you want already in it.

The problem is that soldered RAM is a pain to replace. Most shops charge $50–$100 in labor just to desolder and resolder the chips, and you also need to source compatible RAM modules (often from salvaged boards or specialty suppliers). That alone can run $150–$300 for a 16GB upgrade. Meanwhile, you can find a new laptop with 16GB or 32GB for $600–$900 – and it comes with a warranty, a new battery, and current-gen specs.

There’s also risk: heat damage during soldering, voiding any remaining warranty, and zero resale value. If the shop messes up, you’re out the laptop.

If you already own the laptop and love everything else about it, a soldered RAM upgrade might make sense – but only if the total cost is less than half the price of a new equivalent laptop. In most cases, it’s not.

Future You will be happier with a new machine that has the RAM you need from the start.