The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Stupid RAM Question

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by Tod58, Apr 18, 2008.

  1. Tod58

    Tod58 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    OK, so I bought a 2gb stick from newegg of Kingston 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) (KVR667D2S5/2G) for my new HP DV9700t. When I tried to install, I notice that the pin edge is "notched" on the opposite side (left vs right) from the other installed hp memory and doesn't seem to fit in the socket. I know I'm overlooking something obvious here... can you guys give me a clue? Thanks much - Tod
     
  2. Johnny T

    Johnny T Notebook Nobel Laureate

    Reputations:
    6,092
    Messages:
    12,975
    Likes Received:
    201
    Trophy Points:
    481
    Is it possible to get a pic? Thanks! :D
     
  3. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

    Reputations:
    6,156
    Messages:
    11,214
    Likes Received:
    68
    Trophy Points:
    466
    heres a clue.. turn it around so the notches line up
     
  4. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    7,197
    Messages:
    28,841
    Likes Received:
    2,166
    Trophy Points:
    581
    What happens if you turn the module over? Does the notch line up.

    I think the sockets can be either way round.

    John
     
  5. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    7,101
    Messages:
    5,757
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    I agree with above, turn it over. If it still does not match up looks like you got the wrong type of RAM. you do need 200pin SODIMM DDR2. Good luck!
     
  6. Tod58

    Tod58 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    So it doesn't matter which direction the card is facing? Duhhhh... I was going to do that, but have no experience installing laptop ram and it seemed strange to me that the memory modules wouldn't all face the same way, since they do have a back and a front.... tonite I accept being the forum village idiot...
     
  7. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    7,101
    Messages:
    5,757
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    OK so it worked out well? If so very good! ;) And a piece of advice, don't try and take my "village idiot" title. I have worked very hard for that! Don't think I have 3'000 posts that are pure brilliance! :p
     
  8. Tod58

    Tod58 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    It worked fine, of course... thanks for being gentle - and we'll see if I don't take that title, esp. given that my next task is upgrading the machine to XP - Tod
     
  9. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

    Reputations:
    6,156
    Messages:
    11,214
    Likes Received:
    68
    Trophy Points:
    466
    You better be be prepared and patient if you wanna go to XP. Drivers arent that easy to find

    You will definately loose some functionality on the dv series, most people either wont be able to use their mic or headphone jack due to drivers.
     
  10. Tod58

    Tod58 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    22
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    5
    I hadn't heard bout the mic or headphone jack being lost... useful features for video editing work that I do, but I can use my old desktop for the mic, and live w/o headphones if need be - XP gives quite a performance boost for video rendering it appears, so that's a part of my motivation.... but I also really dislike the bloatware that is Vista - T
     
  11. powerpack

    powerpack Notebook Prophet

    Reputations:
    7,101
    Messages:
    5,757
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    You can limit Vista's bloatware. Also while flipfire may be correct I bet if you post here the drivers may be found. Even if scavenged from other systems. Just Do your research and post back.
     
  12. John Ratsey

    John Ratsey Moderately inquisitive Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    7,197
    Messages:
    28,841
    Likes Received:
    2,166
    Trophy Points:
    581
    The idiot is the person who is too embarrassed to ask a question. (Slightly off-topic, but I like this FAQ).

    As for streamling Vista, there's the Vista tweaks thread. I start by setting the visual effects to Best Performance plus smooth the screen fonts.

    John
     
  13. flipfire

    flipfire Moderately Boss

    Reputations:
    6,156
    Messages:
    11,214
    Likes Received:
    68
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Go to the HP section and read the sticky Win XP installation for DV models