Ram Upgrade

I'm about to order a 1520 and was wondering what type of RAM people are getting from NewEgg instead of paying so much money for an extra gig from Dell. With the money Dell charges we could get 4GB from NewEgg.

My question is... Which brand memory will be compatible with the computer, is it worth it to get 4GB or should I just go for 2GB???

 

a side question, if you replace the ram in your dell, would it void the warranty?

 

Just about any brand is fine, just make sure that it's:

200 Pin (notebook)
DDR2 667 Mhz
PC - 5300 (or PC 5400)

This was I got about 1 month ago (~$100 ). RAM prices have been dropping like crazy.

Check out the RAM deals.

 

4GB is useful if you will be using 64-bit OS.

 

No. Your new memory will not be covered by Dell.

 

Would the warranty of the whole laptop be voided though?

 

Hmmm... To be on the safe side, just keep the RAM that comes with the laptop. If there's anything wrong and you need to send the laptop back, then just pop in the old RAM.

 

Get memory from a reputable brand such as Corsair, Crucial, Kingston or OCZ. And no, the RAM upgrade will not void the warranty.

 

That's what I did with my thinkpad. When the motherboard called it quits, I put in the old memory and the motherboard got replaces.


On a sidenote, where is the second memory stick located on the 1520 motherboard? I'm trying to upgrade to 3gb (right now I have a 512 stick and a 1gb stick) but I can't figure out how to get to the second stick.

 

I have a Vostro 1500 (similar to Inspiron 1520). One RAM slot is on the back, one is underneath the keyboard. You would have to take out the keyboard .

 

if you choose to get just 1gb of ram directly from dell will they give you just one stick of 1gb or two sticks of 512mb??? Is there a guide anywhere that tells you how to remove the keyboard and install the RAM???

 

No. You'll have return the laptop with original Dell Memory for repair/replacement.

 

to be completely clear and straightforward:

your warranty will not be voided except for damages done by yourself during the replacement. So be careful. Or else Dell will just not warrant your RAM, so if your RAM breaks you have to take it with the RAM's manufacturer. Usually RAMs come with lifetime warranty so no worries.

 

Anyone know of a guide or step by step directions on how to take out and put in new memory on 1520. newbie here.

also, i heard dell comes with 2 x 512. I want 2 GB. should i take out the 512 and replace with two 1 GB sticks or just add 1 GB stick to 512's. Thanks

 

http://pctipguys.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=1

you will have to take out both sticks unless you replace one with a 2gb stick and then you would have 2.5gbs

 

Here ya go mate!

And you can download the full service manual from here.

nizzy1115 JUST beat me to it as I was typing!

You will need to replace both 512MB sticks with two 1GB sticks! Cos your laptop only has 2 DIMM sockets!

 

Guide: http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/ins1520/en/sm/memory.htm#wp1180190

Yes. The minimum memory Dell ships is 2 x 512 MB.

There are only 2 memory slots. You need to remove the existing modules and replace them.

If you need:
2GB - Replace both 2 x 512 MB modules with 2 x 1024 MB modules.
4GB - Replace both 2 x 512 MB modules with 2 x 2024 MB modules.

Was this information helpful?

 

You guys rock!!! Thanks for all the help!

Cheers,

 

I was thinking about only replacing one under the battery with a 2 GB and leaving the 512 GB in the keyboard. Will I notice a significant difference if only part of the memory in dual channel?

 

No. This is because your total memory will be more than 2GB! Dual channel operation is helpful when the total memory capacity is less than 2GB!