DIY: Quick Upgrade / Replacement: Notebook / Netbook Memory

A computer’s memory (called RAM aka Random Access Memory) is one of the simplest components to replace or upgrade. Expanding the amount of memory is one of the most cost-effective solution to increase the life into an older system and extend its capabilities. We show you start to finish how to replace memory modules in a notebook computer in this guide.

Disclaimers:

This DIY is meant to be a guide only; the steps are ambiguous to apply to the largest array of notebooks. In other words, the steps listed here are not step-by-step for any notebook in particular.

Follow this DIY at your own risk; geekypinas.com takes zero responsibility for any damage you cause during an upgrade procedure.

Computer Memory (Basics)

A computer’s Random Access Memory (RAM) is a computer’s temporary memory. RAM is not related to the computer’s storage drive (often called a hard drive) where files are kept. A computer uses RAM storing data that programs and the operating system need to access rapidly. The more RAM a computer has, the performance increases, especially when running multiple applications at the same time and it may depend on which operating system you will use.

Physically speaking, a notebook RAM module is a rectangular computer chip; the black squares on it are the actual memory chips and the green circuit board or black circuit board (depends on the manufacturer and model) holds and connects them together. The gold pins on one edge insert into a dedicated slot on the computer’s main circuit board (the motherboard) and allow the computer to transfer information via electrical signals. Notebook or netbook computers typically have one or two RAM modules commonly using "SODIMM" type of memory, Designed for notebooks but now the newer models of motherboard form factors use SODIMM Memory for ITX Systems.

Getting Started

We need two pieces of information to make a memory upgrade/replacement if possible: the type of memory your computer uses and how much memory it can handle. Then we’ll search for memory that is locally available.

• What kind of memory does your computer use?

Use a freeware tool called CPU-Z to identify the type of memory currently in the notebook. Download the software here: http://www.cpuid.com/softwares/cpu-z.htm or you can google for the application if you wish.

• Installation instructions are listed on the page.

Go to the SPD tab and look at the “Max Bandwidth” option; per the screenshot on the right, my computer has PC3-8500 memory. That designation isn’t a make or model; it’s the specification of the memory (kind a like how “AA” is a type of battery with detailed information on it). The type of memory you buy must match what’s listed there. Some computers can use multiple kinds of memory, but that’s beyond the scope of this guide. We’ll assume what your computer needs is what’s listed.

How much memory can my computer handle?

The simplest way to figure out how much memory your computer can address is to look it up on the manufacturer’s website; go to google and type in the make and model of your computer. I searched for ‘Dell Latitude E6410 memory upgrades’; the first result was a link to Dell’s website which had the product specifications, including the maximum listed memory. My computer has a maximum of 16GB via two 8GB modules. Documented by dell and recommended parts are also listed there as 1st priority option if you don't have it locally and you can get other brands such as Kingston, Corsair, Crucial, Team etc as long as it is contrasting with the detailed specifications on the memory in hand by pulling the part number. There is a tool called Memory configurator you can search it on your Manufacturer's web site. 

For example from Corsair

The next simplest way to go about figuring this out is calling or emailing the manufacturer’s support line for details and service support.

How much memory can my operating system handle?

Like the computer itself, the operating system also has a limit on how much memory it can address; this limit may be higher or lower than what the computer can handle. This limit determined by the operating system is 32- or 64-bit (Windows, Linux)

Make sure you buy NOTEBOOK memory!

Stressing this part since there are things needed to be check if using DDR2 SODIMM Memory or DDR3 SODIMM Memory. It should be listed as memory for notebooks in the product description. Desktop memory is incompatible with notebooks.

Installation Process

The required tools for upgrading a notebook computer’s memory are a Phillips head screwdriver (a small one), a skid proof rubber placemat and a well-lit area.

First we’ll take some safety precautions.

• Unplug the notebook from power adaptor
• Place the notebook on the skid proof rubber placemat so it will get scratched
• Remove the notebook’s battery (virtually this may not be possible with all notebooks or netbooks)
• Hold down the notebook’s on/off power button for 10 seconds to drain any excess electricity
• Prepare a small tray where to place screws

Most notebooks will have a process similar to what’s illustrated below.

Unscrewing the marked screws on the photo above using Philips screw driver.

The Internals of the Notebook.

Memory is generally considered a user-serviceable component; the access panel should be located on the bottom of the notebook. The Dell Latitude E6410. I’m using as an example has an access panel specific to RAM; take out the few screws for the whole, gently pop the cover and you see the RAM modules:

For the detailed information you can check this out since Dell Latitude E6400 memory upgrade guide this is very much similar to Dell Latitude E6410.

Once the module is out, be careful to avoid touching the gold metal pins / terminals at the bottom; oils, water residue or any liquid residue from your fingertips can affect or damage the module’s performance.

Note: Your notebook may have more than one RAM module installed; if you intend on replacing all of them, it’s best to remove all the modules at the same time.

Installing a memory module is the opposite. Pay extreme attention to the notch in between the module’s gold pins / terminals ; the module will fit into the slot exactly one way. Once you have the module lined up, apply a small amount of pressure and push the module into the slot. When the module goes no further, reorient your finger and push the module sideways so the white tabs catch its edges and it snaps into place. It may require slightly more pressure than you’re use to for this to happen.

Once it’s installed, close the panel and screw it up to secure in place.

See the BIOS or Basic In Out Operating System for Verification

Run Memtest86+

The newly-installed RAM should be working – there are no drivers to install or further configuration that is necessary. However, testing the memory modules for integrity is very important because errors can happen during the manufacturing process and it may take time to check all over. Windows 7 has a built-in memory diagnostics tool that will attempt to find errors in the memory: 

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/diagnosing-memory-problems-on-your-computer

Unfortunately, this tool built into Windows isn’t that precise; the ideal way to test memory is using memtest86+.

http://www.memtest.org/

Memtest86+ is a free memory diagnostic tool. You can either burn the .ISO to a CD or create a bootable USB flash drive.

Once you do either option, restart your computer with the media inserted (CD or USB flash Drive); it should boot to memtest86+. Memory testing will begin immediately and continue indefinitely; to stop the testing, just push the computer’s power button. The testing should be running for 24 hours straight which is ideal (but yes, that seems like a long time). If there’s even a single error detected, the memory is found defective and should be RMA’d to the manufacturer for replacement or to your local store.

If the notebook has more than one memory module and there’s an error with the physical memory, you’ll need to figure out which module is causing the issue. Remove one of the modules using the steps in this guide, re-run memtest86+ for 24 hours and repeat for the other module. Both need to be tested independently as both could have errors. (Again this will take a lot of time)

Note: Many seemingly phantom issues with computers (crashes/freezes at random, any unexplained behavior) are caused by defective memory. Beware problems related to bad memory can occur at any time without warning which could mean a loss of important work or corrupted files. It’s vital that any new memory be tested extensively.

Conclusion

Upgrading your computer’s RAM (Physical Memory) is one of the best cost efficient ways to extend the usable life of a computer (namely the notebook). RAM is essentially the computer’s short-term memory; the more it has the better. When upgrading or changing a computer’s memory modules, it’s important to understand how much can be added. The new memory must be thoroughly tested after installation using a memory test program like memtest86+. 

Source

• http://www.notebookreview.com/howto/how-to-replace-or-upgrade-laptop-memory/