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In this post I explain how to replace or upgrade memory (aka RAM) in a Dell Latitude D830 notebook. Also, these instructions should work for a Dell Latitude D820 notebooks and maybe some other models. Please mention you notebook model in the comments if this guide works for you.
You can check the amount of installed memory in the BIOS setup menu. As you see, in my laptop I have 1024MB (or 1GB) memory installed.
Dell Latitude D830 notebook requires DDR2 memory modules. You should use PC2-5300 SODIMM memory which runs at 667MHz.You can use same memory type for a Latitude D820 notebook too.
Dell Latitude D820/D830 can take up to 4GB memory total. You can install up to 2GB memory in each slot (there are two slots available).
Now the tricky part.
If you remove the memory slot cover from the bottom of the notebook, you’ll find only one slot – DIMM B. Where’s the first slot – DIMM A?
It’s hidden under the keyboard. Yep, in order to access the first memory slot we’ll have to remove the keyboard.
Before you start, please turn off the laptop, unplug the AC power adapter and remove the battery.
STEP 1.
Lift up one side of the keyboard cover with a small flat head screwdriver.
STEP 2.
Remove the keyboard cover.
STEP 3.
Remove three screws securing the keyboard.
STEP 4.
Lift up the keyboard and placed it on the display panel or palm rest, so you can access the memory slot A. Be careful, the keyboard is attached to the motherboard via a flat ribbon cable. Are you replacing the keyboard? You can get a new one here.
STEP 5.
The memory slot A is located just above the touch pad buttons.
In order to remove the existing memory module carefully spread latches on both sides of the memory slot.
The memory module will pop up at a 30 degree angle.
Pull the memory module from the slot A by the edges.
The slot DIMM A is empty and you can install a new RAM module in there.
In this notebook memory can run in dual-channel mode which doubles the amount of available memory bandwidth and improves the notebook performance.
In order to run your notebook dual-channel mode you must have two identical memory modules in slots A and B.
For example, if you have a 1GB module installed into the slot A, you have to install an identical 1GB module into the slot B. In this case the total amount of memory installed into the notebook will be 2GB and will run in dual-channel mode.
Here’s another example. You have a 1GB module in the slot A and install a 2GB module into the slot B. In this case the total amount of memory installed into the notebook will be 3GB but it will run in regular mode, not dual-channel mode.
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:07 am
I have some problem with D830. In slot A theres a 2Gb. I´ll put a another 2Gb (or 1Gb) RAm into the Dimm B. The system starts fine, the Bios setup recognize the new RAM, but in the WinXp prof there I get some problems. I can´t get to the controll panel, some licences manager doenst work.
I changed also the DIMM A and put there 2 Gb of the same manufacture like the 1G bin DIMM B – no success. Who can help me?
Thanx Heiko
February 2nd, 2010 at 4:50 pm
Thanks for this detailed “how-to”. I watched a video on Dell’s website, but being able to read it was easier to grasp.
I noticed one used indicated he dented his case trying to get the keyboard cover dislodged. I am concerned about that as well. Should we use a plastic/carbon screw driver. I used to have a couple of those to keep from pinching bicycle tubes when changing a flat, but have no idea where they are today.
Thanks again.
January 28th, 2010 at 2:46 pm
Thank you. Only saw 1 space for memory until I found this site.
January 22nd, 2010 at 3:07 pm
I have 2 gig (667MHZ) in my machine now. I opened up the back and discovered that the DIMM B slot is empty which would mean that I have one 2 gig DIMM in the DIMM A slot… when I ordered new memory from DELL they sent me two 2 gig (800MHz) DIMMs and it appears that the 667MHz DIMMs are not longer available. The question I have is, How critical is it to be using tow DIMMs rated at the same speed? Can I just install one of the new (800MHz) DIMMs into slot B and leave the (667MHz) DIMM in slot A?
January 21st, 2010 at 2:01 pm
Thanks, Great Instructions!
December 25th, 2009 at 11:41 am
Memory upgrade for my D830. Presently has matching 512gb chips. Want to increase performance and baught single Dell 2GB stick 9PC2-5300 SODIMM). If I remove one of the 512 sticks (slot B) and replace with the 2GB stick you indicate it will not run as dual-channel. Would I get better performance with 2-1GB sticks so that it will operate in dual-channel mode? Would it perform better with the 1-512 stick and the 1-2Gb stick?
December 21st, 2009 at 4:04 pm
uanianu,
Your laptop has two memory modules, correct? Try removing them one by one and test the laptop when only ONE memory module installed. Try different slots. It’s possible that one of the modules is bad.
December 14th, 2009 at 9:53 am
sir/madam
i have dell latitude 820 i encounter problem while booting, It never go farther than dell logo when power button is pressed, tried several times it just stays at dell logo screen even though completion bar goes 100 %. well i thought i could be the memory problem and i open back
cover took memory out after shutting down power and put same module back into the
slot, now i am having another problem? when tried to boot sys
system memory have changed
if you have not changed..
please reseat the memory
which i already did ? what could be the possible problem?
i had dual boot system window xp an linux on it.
uanianu
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
I have a Dell D830 running Windows 7 64 bit with 2 x 4gb RAM installed, so I have a total of 8 GB!!! The machine really flies!!!
November 30th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
Gaurav,
I’m saying that you can put 4GB in a Dell Latitude D830, not Latitude D810.