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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.
April 23rd, 2010 at 10:09 am
Phil Lesh,
I believe that 32-bit applications will run in 64-bit OS without any problem.
April 22nd, 2010 at 1:02 am
As far as installing a 64-bit OS, either XP 64 bit or Win 7, how difficult is it to get apps to run on the 64 bit environment? Do I need to buy 64 bit versions of things like Dreamweaver, Illustrator, Photoshop and Office apps? Or will my existing apps run on the 64 bit OSes?
I’m already thinking of upgrading my system HD to a solid state drive, but if I could upgrade to windows 7 and two 4Gb DIMMS, that’s probably a much more cost effective speed increase. I just don’t want to have to buy or upgrade all of my apps all over again.
April 17th, 2010 at 10:27 am
Don,
PC2-6400 memory chips will work but most likely your XP will not see all 4GB. XP has some limitations.
For example, I’m running XP SP3 on my desktop and I have 4GB installed, but in system properties I can see only 3.25GB of RAM.
April 17th, 2010 at 8:34 am
I am currenly running a D830 with XP 2002 service pack 3, with 2GB Ram running at 789 M (According to the System profile). The question I have is can I put the 800MHz PC2-6400 chips in my system to upgrade it to 4GHz?
March 6th, 2010 at 10:27 am
I have just upgraded my lattitude d830 to 4GB of ram. Why doen’t the system recignize the upgrade it still shows 2 GB?
February 12th, 2010 at 3:38 pm
jaume,
According to the specifications, your Dell Precision M65 laptop has 667MHz front side bus. Even if you install faster memory modules (800MHz in your case), they will run at 667MHz. That’s why you see 667MHz in the BIOS.
You see only 3.25GB installed because it’s limitations of your 32-bit operating system (XP I guess). In order to take advantage of all 4GB RAM installed, you’ll have to run a 64-bit OS.
February 12th, 2010 at 3:22 pm
Hi,
I have Dell precision M65 workstation mobile.
I installed 2x2gb ddr2 PC2-6400 (800), but only I can see 3.25GB to 667, but DELL have 800Mhz RAM for M65.
Why this problem whit the memory speed?? I have Kingston KHX6400S2LLK2/4G memory installed.
Thank you for your guide & help!!
February 9th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Heiko,
I don’t think that your problem is related to RAM modules. If the laptop can see all RAM installed and starts properly, it means the laptop and RAM work fine.
Could be software related problem.
Back up all personal data and try reinstalling Windows from scratch.
February 7th, 2010 at 4:42 pm
en2,
According to specifications for Dell Latitude D820 laptop (http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/latit/en/spec_latit_d820_en.pdf) you can install 4GB maximum.
With 64bit OS you should see and use all 4GB.
February 5th, 2010 at 4:21 pm
I have latitude 820 with 2gig (677)RAM i’m thinking about upgrade, there i find out that latitude 830 with 64bit OS supports up to 8Gb RAM. The question is will it be the same with 820?