Upgrading RAM on a D630

I recently ordered the D630 with 1gig (DDR2-667 SDRAM, 1 DIMM) of RAM and I plan on upgrading it with another 1gig stick.


I was set on finding a cheap stick on newegg but I read in the RAM guide ( http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=2612) that you have to use identical sticks when using dual-channel RAM. So...what exactly qualifies as "identical?" Is it just the speed and capacity? or does it have to be as specific as brand name? Hell, I'm not even all that sure that this RAM is even dual-channel

if you order only 1 stick of RAM does that mean the the slot under the laptop is free? or would Dell be completely evil and free up the slot under the keyboard instead?

Finally, are there any D630 owners out there who can recommend a brand of RAM that has worked well for them?

Thanks!

 

For dual-channel capability, only the speed and capacities must be matched, although having identical sticks is an easy way to ensure that. Personally, I wouldn't stress too much about the dual-channel-ness, and instead I'd buy a 2 gig stick. You'll benefit more from having 3 vs. 2 gigs than having that 2 gigs in dual channel.

In my case the slot on the bottom was available, but that's not guaranteeing anything about yours. I do plan on ordering another 2 gig stick in a matter of weeks, and that'll have to go underneath the keyboard. From what I've heard it's not too difficult of a task.

As far as brands of RAM go, for the most part you're alright with the cheapest that fits your needs. I've been using a Transcend stick for a few months now, and have not had any problems with it.

 

I use two of these, for a total of 4GB. No problems so far, and I push memory hard because of my VM's. D630 specs below.

User manual says to "install RAM module in DIMM A slot first if using one module only", so they'd be going against their own manual if they filled the bottom slot first. DIMM A slot (on the D630 at least) is under the keyboard.

Like you said changing the ram is easy on the D630. The toughest part is figuring out the wiggle technique to remove the hinge cover.

Regards,
Paolo

 

I ordered my D630 with 1 stick of 1GB ram. Yes, the bottom slot was open. If you want dual channel, both sticks has to be same size and speed (ddr2-667). Doesn't have to be specific brand or latency.

My other 1gb stick is from Adata. Pretty much all brand types have lifetime warranty so I say you don't really have to be brand specific. I've been running this setup since August. No issues, rock solid.

 

As said before with 3GB you will be running 2GB in "Dual Channel" (Intel) so not too much to worry!

 

Haha, actually, powerpack, I think you're the first to say that, but you're very right. I know I didn't say that

 

wait..so if i have 2+1 gb, i'll have 2gb running in dual channel, while the remaining 1 from the 2gb won't?

 

I have 2GB of same RAM (2x1) but the bios reports that 1GB is being reserved for system use, so only 1GB is available to the OS. Does anyone know a quick way to force the second slab to be available?
Thanks for any answers.

 

I have a D630 which I upgraded from 1GB to 2x1GB by adding a new identical slab, but the (latest) BIOS rather cheekily reports that 1GB is "reserved for system use, whichever way round they are, how do I get the BIOS to allow the RAM upgrade?
Thanks for any ideas.

 

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