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    Replaced RAM with HyperX 1600 BUT, the original slots were empty! Help please

    Discussion in 'Alienware 17 and M17x' started by windworker, Sep 22, 2011.

  1. windworker

    windworker Notebook Consultant

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    Hello all,

    I bought 8GB of 1600 Mhz Hyperx RAM to replace my 4 GB 1333 Mhz. Well, upon taking the back off I realized those slots were empty and they installed the stock 4GB RAM under the keyboard. The system properties show I now have 12 GB RAM.

    Now, I have read the stock 1333 Mhz RAM is not compatible with the 1600 Mhz RAM. Do I have to remove the keyboard and take out the original RAM for the 1600 Mhz to take effect?

    Thanks guys!
     
    windworker, Sep 22, 2011
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  2. zoolian982

    zoolian982 Notebook Deity

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    You could always remove the 1333 and just put in the 1600's :D
     
    zoolian982, Sep 22, 2011
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  3. Quadzilla

    Quadzilla The eye is watching you

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    Yes to get the RAM running at 1600mhz you will have to take out the old stuff.

    It automatically forces the fast stuff to run at the slower speed.

    If your system is stable though id just leave it all there as you wont see any difference at 1600mhz .
     
    Quadzilla, Sep 22, 2011
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  4. windworker

    windworker Notebook Consultant

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    That was the original plan. I didn't plan on removing the keyboard though, wanted the quick and easily reached under the bottom cover.
    This was the answer I was looking for, thanks. Sucks that they installed the original RAM under the keyboard and not under the bottom cover though. The geek side of me just wants the speed I paid for and get that 1333 outta there.

    Thank you +1rep
     
    windworker, Sep 22, 2011
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  5. windworker

    windworker Notebook Consultant

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    Also, My Windows Experience Index score for RAM went from 7.5 to 7.6.
     
    windworker, Sep 22, 2011
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  6. Quadzilla

    Quadzilla The eye is watching you

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    Yeah i think the RAM score in Windows Experience Index is where you will benefit the most from the faster RAM :D.
     
    Quadzilla, Sep 22, 2011
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  7. windworker

    windworker Notebook Consultant

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    If I take the keyboard out I will be way too tempted to replace that RAM also :p .

    Just bought the M4 SSD, be here the 28th! Hopefully I'm done then ;)
     
    windworker, Sep 22, 2011
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  8. ewitte12

    ewitte12 Notebook Evangelist

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    Its not that hard. Remove battery and power. Remove the bottom cover. All screws with the "I" next to it will release the keyboard.
     
    ewitte12, Sep 23, 2011
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  9. T2TFITNESS

    T2TFITNESS Notebook Enthusiast

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    I'm sure you have already thought of this but I'm putting it out there just in case you get ahead of yourself. If you remove the keyboard please use the correct size screwdriver & expect them to be really tight. Don't strip em out!! There's some videos on YouTube that may help. One last thing. Make sure you put the HyperX in the slots under keyboard so when you do add more it's easy to change. :D Goodluck
     
    T2TFITNESS, Sep 23, 2011
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