HOW TO: Install RAM on your DELL notebook

Hey Tai, know what RAM you're going to buy?

 

I ordered Patriot

 

Is Patriot ram good?

 

That's sort of strange! On my old Inspiron 8200, you can access both modules from underneath the cover the bottom. Both DIMM slots are there, and they sort of "overlap".

The RAM install method sure has got a lot more complicated in new Dell notebooks!

 

I just went through this guide step by step and it was perfect! I don't know if I could be able to do this without the guide.

The wierd thing is that I had the hardest time putting the keyboard and top lid.
On the bottom of the computer, is there supposed to be a small area where one can see through and inside the computer?

 

Probably not the best but I heard it's reliable.

 

If I order a 1520 with 1 gig of RAM, and get a 2 gig stick from newegg, would simply putting the 2 gig in the slot at the bottom give my 2.5 gigs of RAM? Or do they need to be coupled with the same size?

 

Thanks so much Sirius_GTO. this guide is a big help. but does installing more RAM void your warrenty for opening up the laptop?

I might order an inspiron 1520 with 1GB and upgrade to 2GB. if i order it with 1GB from dell, do they give a 1GB stick? or 512MBx2 dual channel? and does anyone know where some good quality but cheap prices for 2GB of ram are? i know about newegg, but my friend works at frys electronics and he might be able to get me a good discount.

Thanks again Sirius!

 

Hey, Dell puts 2x512 modules in there (dual-channel), so both slots will be taken up once you receive your laptop. I ordered a 2GB stick, and I'm just gonna install it in the back of the laptop for a total of 2.5 GB's of ram .

Also, you asked for any good prices for 2 GB's of RAM. I'm not sure if you want 2 sticks or just 1, but this is the RAM I bought from frys... You also said your friend might give you a discount, ask him for a discount on that product.

 

Thanks larson.

i ended up buying OCZ 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-667 SODIMM Notebook Memory - $159.99 from outpost.com. its too bad the ram will get to me before the laptop will... lol

 

you're welcome Finchy

 

alright just a little update for 1520 users:

I got mine from the DHL folks earlier at around 4pm and finally mustered up the courage...

i was crazy enough to already take mine apart and install 4GB (from 1GB). the process is basically the same except on the DIMM A module under the keyboard, you do NOT need to remove the keyboard connector. all you need to do is lift the black piece of plastic and the ram module is right underneath and same procedure follows as said.

and FYI, it reads that i have 3.5GB of RAM from the system readout thing. 3582MB to be exact. running on a T7300 that is.

 

I don't have a dell laptop yet, but I plan to get one sooner or later.

I just wanted to drop by and check out this guide and say:

very well done sirius, I really appreciate your specific instructions and user friendly pictures. Thank you for spending your time, to help out our small community. I really appreciate it!

You made it seem so simple that I've built quite a lot of courage in adding ram to my laptop once I do order it.

 

That's interesting. People thought on 32-bit systems, the max amount of ram you could have was 3.2 GB's, but I guess it's 3.5 GB's. Thanks for the info finchy.

 

Excellent! now I know how dell usually has its systems setup so I know where abouts the ram would be located! Great tutorial!

 

how come your hand is purple?

 

I was opening the door for my dog today when I noticed a small package sitting on top of the steps. I opened the door and picked up the package. I took it to the kitchen and jacked it open with a knife (the glue would be too annoying to remove) and inside I found my recently ordered 2x2GB sticks for $199.98. But they face a dilemma; I have nothing to put them in. They want a home, but Dell isn't being very speedy. They look so sad...but thanks for the guide!

 

thanks guys, thanks for the rep. Glad it helps.

 

great Tutoral! Even a non-computer savvy person seems to know how to do it! I think I might attempt this for my laptop when I order it.

Thanks!

 

Yes on the 2.5GB RAM. The only coupling I can think of is back on the old Pentium systems where you had to pair two 72-pin SIMMs for one memory bank. Though the DIMMs don't need to be coupled with the same size, two of the same size/brand will work in dual channel instead of single channel mode, and give a marginal boost in performance.

The tutorial is great, and I would do only one thing different. I would turn on the system to make sure everything went OK before screwing the keyboard back in (or maybe only screw in one screw so it doesn't move around). This would make it a bit easier and take less time if the module under the keyboard is dead/faulty.

 

Thank you Sirius_GTO for such a comprehensive post! This will help a lot of those out there that do not have the technical savvy to do this. I commend you for taking the time and thank you again!!!

 

Installing new Ram on my 1720

It's slightly different with this model. The screw that's holding down the keyboard above the key "F7" won't budge. I don't want to force it because that can damage the grips in the screw, and I won't be able to twist or turn it counter-clockwise. Dell tighten that screw really really hard...

I notice there are 3 extra buttons at the top. 2 is used for power and home. the other 3 are hidden. Im curious what it's for.

Edit: uh oh, I think I stripped the screw. What philips screwdriver size should I use?

To OP, can you please elaborate the type of screwdriver or scribe to use? Everything you said worked flawlessly for you, but screws are the biggest issues here. some screws will be stuck and this is common, I don't want others ending up stripping the screws in their laptop. What size did you use? what type did you use?

 

WOW! Nice guide. The Latitude D630 has one RAM slot under the keyboard? IS the D830 like that, too? Even the smaller-than-both-of-those M1330 has them both easily accessible from under the unit. I'm surprised Dell designed it that way.

Man, I think I'd just stick with 3 GB (1 from Dell, 2 from zzf or the egg or wherever) rather than have to open up a brand new system.

 

I used a scribe that would resemble a Standard. Don't use a philips because it will be much easier to strip.

If the screw is on tight, press firmly with the flathead and screw slowly.

The flathead scribe I used is about 2 mm

 

!!!!!!
Just to inform all you guys who own the 1720

It is VERY different from the 1520 model.
It is located underneath the keyboard the same as the 1520. It has 4 screws, the 4th one is located above the "end" key in the numpad, the others are the same as the 1520.
One RAM slot is located underneath the laptop in the Center where it has the letter "M" below it.

The Other one is VERY different (but easier) than the 1520.
Remove the panel above the keyboard as usual. unscrew the 4 screws. do NOT lift the keyboard as demonstrated by the OP. There's something preventing it from being lifted upwards (wish I had taken pictures of it). you have to SLIDE it TOWARDS the screen. THEN you can lift it up. There are NO ribbons, cables, pins to worry about. It's connected into a slot the same way a PCM card would connect.
After lifting the keyboard, all you will see is the memory slot, nothing else. From there everything is the same as the OP mentioned. Then put everything back the same way you took it apart.

 

Awesome guide! You did a terrific job. I just finished memtest'ing the new dimm I just installed on my D630 and it works flawlessly. Thank you!

 

Thanks for the great guide. As soon as i saw it i went ahead and bought more RAM for my notebook. Just one difference in my case. Got the Dell inspiron 6400 and both Memory slots are located opposite each other underneath near the battery.

 

Damn, sorry I open the 1st page. OP should have made thumbnails. Anyway, good guide. I used a wrist strap. Easy as cake.

 

Thank you! I am going to have to do this very soon and it is great to see exactly how to do it. I would be very stressed if I didn't have this guide to work with!

 

Hi guys, for those of you who prefer to see this stuff done, Ive created some video guides on how to perform a Hard Disk and a RAM upgrade. Its the same process as the thread starter has created this great guide on, Ive just turned it into a video.

You can find the links to the videos here......

Hope that clarifies any questions etc.

 

E1405 (at least as observed in my laptop) is not having both RAM slots at the back. E1405 is having DIMM B on the back, and DIMM A on the front(keyboard side). To remove/replace at the back is very easy. You need to just remove two screws using scribe. To remove/replace at the front, you would have to remove the battery, then two screws holding the hinge from the back, then remove hinge, and finally keyboard. You could use SERVICE MANUAL available from Dell which could also be downloaded from their site to have a picture filled instructions on how to remove/replace RAM. It is just that simple to replace RAM with these instructions.

 

for god shakes who the h3ll bump this thread

 

Just wanted to add this is a very nice guide, well done!

 

I've worked on Dells for years, starting with the Cx00 series back in the day. (I was a Dell-certified Unisys onsite rep back in the day), now I work on the D-series Latitudes in my current job.

This guide is almost exactly what I would do, though I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND not detaching the keyboard ribbon cable, there's enough slack in it for you to lay it flat on the wrist wrest.

The trouble with these ribbon cables is that they are somewhat fragile and can easily become damaged.

Other than that, awesome pictorial!

 

For those of you who like it in video form...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=205537

 

In the M1530 is one of the RAM slots underneath the keyboard or are they both accessible from the bottom of the computer? I don't want to upgrade my RAM if I'm going to have to take everything apart :\

 

wow wow wow....your a lifesaver....thank you for taking the time...

 

They are both on the bottom.

 

Wow! Amazing job dude!

 

Very nice set of instructions and well documented with the photos - wish all how-to posts were this well done.
I have just upgraded the memory in my D830 with an additional G of memory - to 2G - but have encountered a problem. I got the new card installed and all was well for several days; then I got the "black screen "Resuming Windows"" display. Eventually I found and removed the offending file and was able to boot up again, but I haven't been able to see the second G of memory since. I've pulled it and reseated it a couple of times with no change. Any suggestions as to how to deal with this? (short of pulling the keyboard off and swapping memory cards?)
Thanks
DT

 

If the modules are different (256 vs 1gb), does it matter which one goes in which slot? I've got a B130, both modules are staggered in the back.

 

No, although I would put the 1GB module in slot 1......

 

Hello
I did everything exactly like this guide told me to on a dell d630
And now the system will not power on.

Not with the battery attached and not with the ac.

Please help

Thank you

 

holy cow, thats superb guide

 

Great explanation. I am a teacher and my kids would even be able to follow these directions. The photos are wonderful!

 

lol nice explanation, but I'd probably end up breaking mine if I tried all that

 

Its easier done than said. The harest part is lifting up that top plastic part, but all you have to do really is just keep your fingers close to where you are about to lift up and it comes off without any hitches. Snapping it back into place is also not hard either.

 

Just upgraded my Dell D830 to 8GB RAM by following this. It works perfectly.

THANK YOU!!!!

 

wow, that is an extremely impressive how to!!!

 

wow... its a long guide... thanx anyway, it really simple and helps