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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.
November 12th, 2010 at 6:00 pm
i have a dell latitude d820 ..i need to replace screen. do u have tutorial on that?
November 8th, 2010 at 8:49 am
can Dell Latitude use 1 memory card to work or does it nee both of them?
October 9th, 2010 at 9:03 am
glnz,
1. You can remove just the keyboard as it shown in my guide. After that you get some limited access to the cooling fan. Blow compressed air into the fan until it’s clean. Just block the fan with something before you blow air so the fan doesn’t spin like crazy.
Most likely cleaning the fan this way will fix your problem.
2. If you would like to get full access to the fan, you’ll have to remove the top cover (palm rest).
Take a look at this service guide for Dell Latitude D830 notebooks. Just follow all disassembly steps until the top cover removed.
October 9th, 2010 at 7:27 am
Dear Laptop Tech – Many thanks for your thread
http://www.insidemylaptop.com/replace-upgrade-memory-ram-in-dell-latitude-d830-notebook/
which I used to upgrade my wife’s RAM and install a Dell bluetooth chip.
BUT my wife’s Dell Latitude D830 is overheating like crazy and it’s probably dust. QUESTION – how do I open the laptop enough to get to the dust? Is there a picture guide for opening ALL THE WAY???
Please also see
http://en.community.dell.com/support-forums/laptop/f/3518/p/19310897/19761306.aspx#19761306
for a picture of what the dust looks like inside AFTER the D830 is open — but how do I get there, and then how do I get back?
THANKS!!!
June 23rd, 2010 at 10:38 pm
Thanks your Information. I can confirm that Dell Latitude D830 handles 8GB of Memory.
(on Dell’s webpage it is also stated that the D830 can handle 8GB of RAM with the A15 Bios)
For all folks interested in updating, here my configuration:
* Bios:
A15
* Ram modules:
2x 4GB DMS Certified DDR2 PC2-5300 CL5
(Part number 50191)
For everyone who hasn’t heard of the brand ‘DMS certified’ (which in fact I hadn’t before either), here the link:
http://www.datamemorysystems.com/
I did some research on ‘DMS certified’ in order to figure out if their RAM is worth buying. DMS buys RAM from different manufacturers, and then tests and certifies and *guarantees* that is runs with certain (mostly) laptop models.
The DMS modules I bought run flawlessly. I am pretty impressed, since not even Dell currently offers 4GB RAM modules for the Latitude D830.
I bought my 8GB RAM the from http://www.canadaram.com for 275 Canadian dollar. A really good price, considering that the only other 4GB module which was somewhat confirmed to be compatible with the Latitude D830 are from Kingston and 8GB cost about 500 Canadian Dollar.
Otherwise you can order directly from ‘DMS Certified’ http://www.datamemorysystems.com.
Enjoy, Klaus
June 6th, 2010 at 7:05 pm
suha,
I think this is LCD screen failure. You’ll have to replace the screen.
Have it ever worked? Maybe you can enable/disable this light though a shortcut on the keyboard or in the BIOS menu?
June 6th, 2010 at 2:40 am
hi dear
im using Dell latitude since a year , weeks ago half screen looks dark er than the other half which is much bright, this is if you were near the screen, but if you were far a little, you can see the screen half black and half bright, verticaly ,
the other issue i noticed there is a led light under the screen, suppose to light the key board at night , but it never works , how can i make it work,
thanks in advance.
May 16th, 2010 at 8:35 am
hal williamson,
The wireless card slot is located under the cover on the bottom of the laptop.
Take a look at this Wi-Fi card removal guide, it explains how to replace the card.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/latd830/en/SM_EN/minicard.htm#wp1084976
Before you purchased the card, make sure you have two wireless antenna cables installed.
May 16th, 2010 at 7:07 am
have new dell d830 that came with wireless wlan card not installed were does the card install and how do I install it
thanks hal
May 10th, 2010 at 6:20 am
Thank you very much for the excellent guide!
I would probably have broken something if I didn’t follow it.
Replaced 2x512MB with 2x1GB Kingston in my old D820. Works fine!