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This guide explains how to access both RAM sockets and replace memory in a Dell Latitude D630 laptop. This set of instructions is very similar to the memory upgrade tutorial I just posted for a Latitude D610 laptop.
How much memory can you install into a Dell Latitude D630?
According to the Dell specifications this laptop will take up to 8GB RAM total. You can install up to 4GB RAM into each socket. 4GB RAM modules are not available at the time of writing this post. At this time you can install maximum 2GB module into each socket. I was wrong, I found a 4GB RAM module made by Kingston (part number: KTT667D2/4G) but it’s only $395. LOL.
There are two sockets in this computer available for memory upgrades.
Socket B can be accessed through the hatch on the bottom.
Socket A is hidden under the keyboard. Yes, you’ll have to remove the keyboard in order to access this socket.
What memory type should you use?
You should use DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) SODIMM modules for notebook computers.
Can you install different size RAM modules into the laptop?
Yes, you can. For example, you can have a 1GB module in the socket A and install a 2GB module into the socket B. Your laptop will see 3GB total.
But if you want your memory to operate in dual-channel mode (better performance), you’ll have to install identical size and type memory modules into both sockets.
November 7th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Hieu T,
Try reconnecting the memory module, maybe it’s not making good contact with the memory slot.
Try moving the 2GB module from the slot B to slot A. Test the laptop.
Try moving the old module from the slot A to slot B and test the laptop. Maybe the slot B is not good.
Nope. The new memory module should be detected by the laptop automatically.
November 6th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
Not sure if the 2GB memory I just bought is bad… but my Dell Latitude D630 would not boot after installing it in slot B.
Do I have to do anything special to the bios before installing the new memory?
Thanks in advance,
August 28th, 2009 at 4:42 pm
Great instructions, thanks a million!
August 27th, 2009 at 8:18 am
Windows 7 runs faster than Vista. Where vista is very sluggish on 1 gig windows 7 is acceptable. 2gig is what I run with it and I even run a VM on top of that sometimes and it’s still ok.
July 28th, 2009 at 2:29 am
Anyone know how much memory Windows 7 will need to run well? I have 2 GB memory on my D630 running Vista Business and i already find that quite slow at times
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:19 am
Yep, overkill unless you need it and have the OS to address it. For the current £/GB you’ve got to really want/need it. I’ve just put 8GB in my D630, formatted to Vista64, and it works like a charm (I have a need to run some throwaway VM’s so 8GB really helps) but at £230 it’s way more than the £40 that would have got me 4GB.
My only gotcha was a lack of touchpad driver from Dell for Vista64 (and I *really* like the scrolly up and down at the side of the touchpad) but a quick search and the drivers for the D830 restored this functionality.
Now to persuade the boss for a bigger, faster hard disk
June 13th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
Based on experience, here’s the deal on PC ram memory in summary,
1) Windows 32 bit can address a max of 3.5 GB (approx) due to the operating syst’s addressing
limitation. It may show 8 gb, but cannot access it.
2) Windows 64 bit can see up to 8 GB and beyond.
Bottom line is:
Ram memory over 3.5 GB is overkill unless you are running some really big applications.
Comments?
May 24th, 2009 at 10:02 pm
Gary,
You are correct. It’s limitation of Windows OS.
May 24th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
I put in 2x 4GB RAM sticks in a D630 running Ubuntu Linux 64 bit and it recognizes all of it. So it is possible. I am not sure about Windows but if it is 64 bit Windows I would guess it would recognize it too.
March 17th, 2009 at 7:43 pm
To answer JohnBs question. I have successfully installed 8GB of RAM in a D630 and have Windows Vista Ultimate 64 running on it like a top. I use it for VMWware Workstation testing. Just flash the BIOS the latest version before putting the memory in. Hope that helps!