upgrade RAM in Acer Aspire Z1-611

There isn't much information about how to do this... But, essentially this machine has a single memory slot that comes from the factory with 4GB, which you can remove and replace with an 8GB module. Suppliers like Crucial and Kingston offer the correct specification.

However, the hard part is opening up the unit and replacing the memory. It's not straightforward, which explains why Acer don't provide instructions. It's probably best done by an experienced computer technician- but for those wanting to do the upgrade themselves here are the steps:

1. With the unit turned off and disconnected find a table to work at. Turn the unit over, face down, and place it on something soft that won't scratch the screen or generate static. A wool blanket or something like that should do.

2. Prise off the small square white plastic cover above the stand. You should be able to do this with your fingers - don't use a screwdriver because you'll scratch the plastic surface.

3. With the cover off, you'll see the HDD. The are two Philips screws that hold the HDD and its caddy into the back of the unit. Unscrew the two screws and keep them safe.

4. Slide the HDD across, you will feel it come away from the SATA interface. You will then be able to lift the HDD out. Handle it with care, put it with the screws somewhere safe.

5. Now to prise the back off... You don't need any tools for this. Looking round the gap between the front and back mouldings, gently pull each mould away from each other. Slowly work round all the edges, the back will come away from the front and you will be able to lift the back away from the front.

6. When you lift the back off, you'll see it comes away with the DVD drive. There is a data cable and power cable from the DVD to the processing unit. Gently pull the cables off the motherboard which is visible through gaps in the shielding. Lift the back plastic clear and put it somewhere safe.

7. There are 4 screws holding the processing unit (motherboard in its shielding) against the front moulding. Unscrew these screws and keep them safe. You will now be able to lift the unit clear of the plastic front - however it will still be connected to the micro speakers, camera, ground wires and power on/off cables. Only disconnect what is absolutely essential and then turn the unit over to reveal the underside of the motherboard.

8. There are 5 screws that hold the motherboard into metal shield. Undo these and keep them safe with the other screws. Then, work the motherboard out of the shield (USB and other connectors protrude through it) and you will then be able to remove the memory!

Only do this if you are an experienced PC engineer. These instructions are given on the basis that I take no responsibility for the end result or for any inaccuracies. This is fiddly and complex work and it will be easy to damage wires and plugs if you are not experienced.