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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.
July 5th, 2011 at 5:45 am
Hi all,
Just to explain my success with my latitude D820… I have upgraded to 4GB (2 x 2GB modules) with standard PC2 5300 Kingstong memory, and it works very well (HACKINTOSH OSX 10.6.7). The model is KVR667D2S5/2G KINGSTON. I was doubting about official dell memory or specific, but for me it runs well with standard memory (667Mhz – 5300 CL5)
The problem was that laptop usually fails on first recognition (at least my case, even with its original memory). I can see “reseat memory” or “system is not well configured” or something else. My solution was unplug battery and unplug bios battery connector. Then change both modules and then plug bios battery and laptop AC, then it boot perfect!
I just want to share with you. Thank you for your info.
March 21st, 2011 at 2:08 pm
This was very helpful. Changed out in no time flat! Awesome Illustration. More Please!
Thanks,
C.J.
March 11th, 2011 at 8:22 am
oocand,
There is no jumper. In order to test the laptop without keyboard, you’ll have to unplug the keyboard cable from the motherboard.
If the laptop still doesn’t start, even when keyboard disconnected, you have another problem.
First, I would check memory modules. Try removing memory modules one by one. One of the modules could be bad.
March 11th, 2011 at 6:39 am
Buenos días, tengo una Latitude D830 y no prende la fuente esta buena, estoy sospechando que es el teclado, quisiera saber si hay alguna manera de prender en computador sin el teclado usando un puente o jumper?
Si alguien me puede ayudar se lo agradecería,
Muchas gracias.
February 12th, 2011 at 7:12 am
I put in 2 x 2 gb cards but system shows on 3.5gb. will it operate as a 4 gb machone or would i have to upgrade the os to 64 bit? if so, how complicated, costly is that? is it worth it?
January 20th, 2011 at 9:04 am
am having dell d800 with ram of 512mb how can i boost my ram apart from entering another ram into slot
December 8th, 2010 at 11:30 pm
John,
I don’t have motherboard replacement instructions for this model but you can get it from the Dell website.
Here it is: Dell Latitude D830 manual.
December 8th, 2010 at 4:34 pm
Arsalan,
I would go with another 1GB module in the second slot. If you have two identical RAM modules (1GB in your case) installed in both slots, the laptop memory will run in dual-channel mode which is better performance.
December 8th, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Hi, i have dell lat 820 with 1 gb ram, now i just wanna upgrade to 2 gb. Tell me should i install another 1 gb ram in slot b or should i remove 1 gb and install a 2 gb ram in one slot, which way is better as far as performance and speed?
December 2nd, 2010 at 3:28 pm
Great information. Was wondering… I have a Dell Lat D830. I need to replace the old MB with a new one that Dell just sent me. Do you have instructions to replace the MB on a D830 or should I check Dell sites for instructions.
Thanks