dv9500z memory upgrade

Hello all,

I ahve been lurking for a while and now that my new laptop has arrived I finally have a question. I ordered my dv9500z with 2GB of memory because I just didn't have the extra $400 for the upgrade at the time I ordered. I also planned on blowing away Vista without forethought to driver issues and such, the laptop was a gift and i had to make a choice on the spot. Looks like I am going to just keep Vista and upgrade to 64 bit unless I can find a way to run XP x64.

So here are my questions

can I upgrade to 4GB of RAM without voiding the warranty?

Where can I find the memory at a decent price?

Does anyone know of a way to load and have working drivers for XP x64?

 

I don't know if it will void the warranty or not, but HP will never know that you upgraded the RAM. Just make sure you put the stock RAM back in it if you send it back to HP (if the RAM goes bad HP could take your 4GB and put back in 2GB or not cover it at all). RAM is very easy to install, look at the bottom of your laptop and all you have to do is unscrew the panel with the memory logo by it and take out the old sticks and pop in the new ones. It will literally take you 2 minutes to do.

Go to www.newegg.com and you'll be able to get 4GB of RAM for under $200.

You won't find a lot of driver support for XP64-bit, you can search around the internet, but if you were going to upgrade to 64bit stay with Vista. There is a lot of driver support for Vista 64-bit and you won't have problems getting all the drivers for your laptop because they offer Vista 64-bit as an option

 

Awesome! Thanks for the quick reply. I figured that I could probably just put the old memory back. I am currently studying to become a certified HP ASM technician since i am a server administrator and it will give me access to all the HP servicing CBTs, so it should tell me how to swap out everything.

 

Upgrading RAM won't void the warranty. Just remember to unplug the battery before doing the swap.

I recommend Crucial DDR2-667 SODIMMs, especially for AMD CPUs. Worth the extra money.

 

Thanks Brianstretch that is what I came back to ask... suggestions on memory.

I am a server engineer and can build a mean server, little out of touch on my desktop hardware but have been brushing up to build a new one... but laptops, forget it, this is a totally new domain for me and I love this site for all the info it has. You guys (implies gals as well) are awesome!

 

If you are interested SheSpawn I have 4GB of G.Skill RAM 667Mhz RAM that I used for one week. I sent the laptop back because I didn't like it and am saving for a better laptop and I don't need this RAM anymore. If you are interested let me know.

 

And honestly with HP's notebooks you're not gonna be able to overclock the ram anyway, any OEM manufacture "value" ram will be sufficient.
I use 2X2gb Transend DDR5300 on my dv9500t

For my desktop, im usin Corsair's XM2 DDR2 800mhz ones that let u overclock =D

 

What if I upgrade my HDD will that void the warranty?

 

Nope, the only thing I always tell people is that you should take out aftermarket parts when you sent the HP for servicing. I say that because you don't want them taking out the aftermarket part and replacing it with the stock part that came with the original laptop.

 

SOrry foro slacking I was working all weekend and this site is blocked :\. thanks for all the replies everyone, also thank you for the offer for the memory, I am going to hold off a little bit on it for now. With Christamas aroundthe corner I need to spend some money on my kids. I have seen a few incredible deals lately only I miss them by a day or two, so if another too good to pass up comes up I will upgrade, and then share it will all of you .

I am sure I will be back with loads of questions. Thanks again!

 

SheSpawn,

It has been a little while since you wrote on this question, and I have just started researching how to get a Vista Ultimate 64 bit edition to see all 4 GB RAM in a dv9500. According to many other postings in other HP forums, it looks like it could be a major problem right now. Many posters are saying that they could only boot into Safe mode. because they got BSODs with Vista 64 bit and 4 GB memory. Additionally, MS says that to see all 4 GB you have to have a number of mobo features, all of which the dv9500z has with the possible exception of memory remapping above 4 GB aka support for the memory hole. I have a question about that into HP tech support because the F.22 BIOS does not have an option to remap memory above 4 GB. Most posters have been stuck with 3 GB or less WinXP-64 would also be expected to have the memory mapping issue.