New HP owner has question on first upgrade (RAM memory)

I just bought my first laptop, a dv9207us.

It came with 1GB RAM. I understand that it can be upgraded to 2GB using two 1GB cards, and I think I know how to do the actual swap.

However, I can't figure out what memory specs exactly I'm supposed to shop for. This is the spec sheet for the rig:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/...s&lc=en&dlc=en&product=3369389&dlc=en&lang=en

The only thing it says about memory is:
Memory 1024MB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)

Yet when I look at the memory catalogs they ask for much more information.

So basically my question is -- what specs should I use to seach for compatible memory cards?

Or better yet, can you provide links to compatible memory cards listed with online merchants?

THANKS!

 

200-pin So-DIMM DDr2 667MHz or 533MHz (PC5300 or PC4200) Memory

Like this http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220221

 

Yeah any ram from Patriot/Kingston/crucial/crosair/gskill/ocz/ect ect with the specification Night mention should work with your lappy. Just search around some online retailer(newegg, tigerdirect, zipzoomfly ect ect) and see if you can find a good price.

Guide to installing ram

 

Ummm... I'd go with 667 spec'd ram... That ram that nightfall linked to if it's any good should work in your unit fine... Price is right for sure...


Go here to check spec's-confirm the timmings of the ram:

http://www.crucial.com/index.asp


Go here to HP partsurfer
(Offical HP parts source /parts info) to source part numbers-maybe cull some useful details:

http://www.partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/main


Go to www.HP.com ...

and download a copy of the MAINTANCE and SERVICE GUIDE for your unit.... It will show you "were" the ram is, how to get to it. Most likely (1) stick will be under the KEYBOARD... (remove 2-3 screws, slide 4 catches and the keyboard on most units will come right out)... the other ram stick is accessed via a panel on the BOTTOM of most units.... Simple 1.5 minute job to R&R that module. (Keyboard is about a 3 minute job... or less)... Several of the screws for the "keyboard" are most likely under the access panel for the bottom ram stick..

(PS: Follow ESD guidelines for NOT "zapping" your ram.... DON't for example walk across carpet... then touch the ram (or other internal parts of your PC...)



Last, but not least .... if your in doubt on "what" ram you need... PULL the existing ram and google the id numbers off the ram itself /see if the parts numbers /details are listed on HP partsurfer..


And /or DOWNLOAD CPU-Z which will tell you the timmings of the installed ram via software...

CPU-Z is a freeware that gathers information on some of the main devices of your system.

CPU

* Name and number.
* Core stepping and process.
* Package.
* Core voltage.
* Internal and external clocks, clock multiplier.
* Supported instructions sets.
* Cache information.

Mainboard

* Vendor, model and revision.
* BIOS model and date.
* Chipset (northbridge and southbridge) and sensor.
* Graphic interface.

Memory

* Frequency and timings.
* Module(s) specification using SPD (Serial Presence Detect) : vendor, serial number, timings table.

System

* Windows and DirectX version.


http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php


Note that 667 spec'd ram will ID as 333mhz, as DDR2 ram is pumped on both sides (333.5 x2=667)

Note also that Matched pairs should be installed.

Do the above, then run off to newegg....

.

 

Thanks guys!

This is what I found on http://www.partsurfer.hp.com/cgi-bin/spi/main

512MB, 667MHz DDR2, PC2-5300, SDRAM Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module (SODIMM)

 

crucial 1GB 667 stick works fine for you anyway. I installed it and take one of my original 256 stick. No problem at all.

 

What do you guys think of this in terms of compatibility? Price? Vendor?

http://www.directron.com/jm488q643a6.html

(I think its about $8 shipping)

Thanks guys!

 

May work, but I personally find Transcend ram to be a bit flakey. I've been using PQI on the last few HP laptops without a problem.