HP dv6424ca RAM Limitation

I've been thinking of upgrading to the 64-bit version of Vista lately, namely to make use of more memory and for the improved performance and security. Plus I feel like experimenting.

Anyways, according to HP's spec sheet for my model, the unit can only handle a maximum of 2GB of RAM; currently I do have two 1GB chips installed. However, after some searching I found that flashing the BIOS could overcome this limitation. Is this true? My current BIOS version is F.3B, while the most current one online is F.3D. The release notes for that version doesn't say anything about memory limitations. I've also found some entries for Yahoo Answers that attempt to answer my question, but they contradict each other. Other sources are equally inconclusive. Does anyone know for sure?

 

Yes, definately able to run 4gb after a BIOS upgrade. See the HP section, had success stories with this. It will either give you a BSOD or boot/bios errors if you did not update your BIOS

Release notes only show whats fixed for that specific BIOS. The 4gb support was patched a few BIOS updates ago so it wont show on the latest notes

 

You should have no problem installing 4GB of ram. The NVIDIA 7150M/MCP630 chipset should handle it fine. Your bios is like the 2nd latest one out, and they offer 1-4gigs of ram on notebooks using that chipset. You should maybe buy DDR2 800 because I believe your processor supports it at 800 MHz. Go to Newegg.com and look for a DDRII 800 2*2GB SO-DIMM kit.

-J.B.

 

The chipset will handle it but the BIOS wont understand it till you update it. Your model doesnt seem to be that old so you might not even need to update the BIOS

Santa rosa platform only supports up to 667mhz. It will just downclock if you buy 800mhz

 

OK guys, I will try buying two 2GB sticks and booting with them. Maybe I won't even need to flash the BIOS. At least, I hope not.

In any case, you've mentioned that I may be able to run PC6400 SODIMMs. My understanding is that they would merely downclock to 667MHz; is that not true?

 

Yes you can run PC-6400 800mhz but its pointless as it will downclock to 667mhz because thats the max support for your laptop

 

He is AMD so no Santa Rosa issues, he has I think a 1600Mhz FSB. There is some question if it can run 800Mhz, but I think a possibility. Since cost of 6400 vs 5300 is small worth the risk. I say go for it. As of now 3GB does not seem to be an option on AMD but feel free to test and confirm. I have seen no independent tests on AMD and different size sticks, I have many on Intel.

 

Oh your right, didnt notice that. It will still downclock to 667mhz though, just saw the service manual

Some PC-6400 is actually cheaper than Pc-5300, check newegg transcend brand $1 cheaper and for G.skill 6400/5300 is same price.

 

I see the same stuff, but what is supported and what works are two different things. If a decision was made to use 5300 say because of availability? They would not test 6400 therefore would not support, therefor would not publish. I am not saying this is what happened or it will work but this does happen and many have discovered manuals are incorrect. They have to cover themselves, but does not mean it won't work.

 

I don't think I'll risk buying 6400; I'll probably buy two identical 2GB sticks so that I can keep my dual-channel capability. Thanks for the help guys.

 

To reiterate what everyone above said, you should have no problem with over 2+ GB of ram. I have the same basic machine as you (dv6400), and have run 3GB right from the start. Some of the earlier BIOS releases had support for 4GB before F3D.......

 

So I might have to flash my F.3B BIOS to recognize 4GB (assuming I use 64-bit Vista, of course)?

 

Yes you might have too, see how you go when your recieve the RAM. It was mainly the early models of the DV series that needed the update

 

Unless I'm mistaken, F3D was only released to modify the fan control properties (in order to prevent premature board failure due to overheat conditions). I was able to use the installed 3GB on the stock F38 BIOS....

In any case, you are probably better off with F3D anyway just to be on the safe side.

 

The F.38 BIOS isn't for the dv6000 series, is it?

Also, I am unsure of whether or not I should risk flashing my BIOS to F.3D since I don't really know if heat is or is going to be a problem for my laptop...

 

Its not really a big risk. Its more a risk for you not doing it because you could possibly have the flawed AMD model that failed prematurely due to heat.

If all is well then you do not have to update, you should only update if something isnt functioning properly or the update is a neccessary (eg. improvements,security fixes)

 

Good question. I was certain that it was my original BIOS version when new, but I find nothing similar in the dv6400 driver downloads section of HP (unless I'm confusing it with one of my earlier units). lol

Anyway, F25 claims to have support for 3+GB of ram according to the listing, but the "current" BIOS of F2A makes no sense, as F3D should be our latest version.

Somehow, I feel wary of this list (almost as if it is mistakenly listed for the wrong model).....

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...&cc=us&dlc=en&product=3308892&os=2093&lang=en

Can't answer that, but I can tell you that F3D makes the fan run pretty fast and constant. It is somewhat annoying, as the lappy used to idle quietly.......