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Dell Latitude D610 laptop has two memory slots available for upgrades. This laptop can take up to 2GB, so you can install up to 1GB memory module in each slot.
You should use PC2-4200 DDR2-533 SODIMM memory modules. Your laptop will work in dual channel mode (recommended) if you install two identical memory modules. In my case, I’m going to install two 1GB PC2-4200 modules.
One of the memory slots (Slot B) can be accessed through the door on the bottom of the laptop. The second slot (Slot A) is hidden under the keyboard, so we’ll have to remove the keyboard. If your laptop was configured with only one memory module, you’ll find it in slot A.
Before you do anything, do not forget to remove the battery.
Let’s remove the keyboard. Insert a flathead screwdriver between the keyboard bezel and laptop case and carefully lift up the bezel. Remove the bezel.
You’ll find two screws securing the keyboard. Remove both screws.
Now carefully lift up the keyboard. You’ll see the default memory module under the keyboard, right above the touch pad buttons. It’s possible to replace the memory module without disconnecting the keyboard.
I will disconnect the keyboard so I can make better pictures for you. Simply grab the blue tag attached to the keyboard connector and pull it up. Now you can remove the keyboard.
On the picture below you can see the default memory module installed into the slot A. In order to remove it, spread latches on both side with your fingers.
The memory module will pop up at a 30 degree angle.
Now you can pull the default memory module from the slot and replace it with a new one.
I’m installing a 1GB module into this slot.
Finally, install another 1GB module into the slot on the bottom. Turn on the laptop and you are ready to go!
Static electricity can kill your laptop. I recommend wearing an anti-static wrist strap while working with internal parts of your laptop.
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October 4th, 2008 at 7:05 am
Good job, thanks.
October 4th, 2008 at 10:39 am
[...] 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. [...]
October 5th, 2008 at 2:53 am
Thanks for your help, I would have stuggled without it.
October 11th, 2008 at 8:46 am
Thanks so much for your clear, easy to follow directions. I suspected the other slot was under the keyboard, but had no idea how to get to it. You made it easy!
October 20th, 2008 at 5:40 am
Dear
Thanks very much for your efforts.
Your describeing is very accurate particularly the pictures.
You succeeded
Thanks again.
Dr.Magdy Sobhy Nazeer
October 20th, 2008 at 6:29 am
that was great and most helpful to
October 23rd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Good job man…
Really helpful.
October 26th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
My computer will not see the new memory on the bottom. I’ve changed both memory around and both are good. The computer only sees the memory under the keyboard. I’ve checked the CMOS and there’s no way to add memory there. Any ideas?
October 31st, 2008 at 2:23 pm
Did this with my old Dell Inspiron which was very easy but confused as to where the other stick of ram was hiding. Thanks for the pictorial steps.
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:00 pm
This was a great help – I couldn’t find the addtional memory slot until I found your article.
just brilliant
many thanks
KC
November 6th, 2008 at 7:44 am
Superb advice !
November 10th, 2008 at 11:38 am
where is the hard drive on a dell 610 and how do i replace it thanks
November 10th, 2008 at 4:43 pm
Thanks for the assistance, it was straight forward and I was able to do this myself saving me tons of money.
November 21st, 2008 at 6:27 am
Thanks. I was wondering where this illusive RAM slot was.
November 26th, 2008 at 12:14 am
Thanks, this will help. I need to upgrade the memory in the A slot.
Recently, my D610 would not power up. It fired up for about 10 seconds then quit with no message. It turned out that the B slot was the culprit. Now the D610 works fine but only if I leave the B slot empty.
Do you know of any inexpensive fix for that?
November 26th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Jay,
Here’s how I fixed a faulty memory slot with a guitar pick.
If one of the memory slots is bad, I guess you’ll have to replaced the motherboard and use it as is. There is no easy fix for that.
It’s possible that the memory slot fails because one of the solder joints is cracked and has to be resoldered but I doubt you can repair these type of failures at home. You have to have the right equipment and lots of soldering experience.
December 9th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Thanks, never had a laptop apart before,very easy.
December 13th, 2008 at 8:57 am
It couldn’t have been made any easier. My eleven year changed ours. Thanks.
December 15th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Thanks! Nice pics made it simple..
December 24th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Wow, I would never have thought a 2nd slot was concealed under the keyboard. Even if I did know, I would never have tangled with it without your pictures. Wow, that was easy! Thanks!
December 27th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Thank you very much! The instructions were easy to follow. I would have had a tough time with the under-the-keyboard memory socket without these instructions. Thanks!
January 7th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Excellent description and illustrations. Sites like this are few and far between.
January 9th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Wow thanks! I was about to remove every screw from the bottom in hopes of reaching the memory slot inside (I know nothing about laptop innards). This saved me a BUNCH!
January 11th, 2009 at 6:09 am
This was great! I’m normally and “electronically challenged” individual, and even I could do this! Thanks so much!
January 19th, 2009 at 12:12 pm
This is great info. I am awaiting my new 1Gb module from Dell as I write this. Question, my current system has a single 512Mb module in I suppose slot A. If I add this new DIMM, should I put it in B or switch them around. Is there a benefit to having the larger module in a particular slot? thanks so much for this site!
January 20th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Rachel,
It doesn’t matter. You can leave the 512MB module in the slot A and install a new 1GB into the slot B.
January 21st, 2009 at 8:59 am
Thank you! Very helpful. I was able to upgrade easily… never have upgraded memory before.
January 26th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
I would love to be able to put 4GB of RAM on my Dell Latitude D610. Do you know of a way to do it? — a bios hack, or a replacement motherboard, or ???
February 7th, 2009 at 6:57 pm
I replaced my 256Mb SODIMM with a 1 GB DDR2(667/533/400Mhz)SODIMM in slot A(Underside) of my Dell Latitude610 notebook and it power/booted up just fine. Then I opened slot B(under keyboard) and did the same and made the exact same replacement and it wouldn’t power/boot up. I ended up restoring the original 256Mb SODIMM in B out of necessity and will use it at 1.25Gb total RAM since it wouldn’t allow the upgrade on slot B. Any advice?
February 8th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Rich,
1. It’s possible that the second 1GB module is defective. Here’s what you can try. Remove RAM modules from both slots. Now insert the first 1GB module into the slot under the keyboard and test the laptop. After that move the module into the slot on the bottom and test again. If the laptop works fine with this module, remove it and do the same with the second 1GB module.
Will it work with both modules installed into both slots? If the laptop starts fine with the first module but not with the second one, the second module could be defective.
2. Could be some kind of memory compatibility problem. Take a closer look at both 1GB modules. Are they exactly the same? Do they have the same type of chips installed?
3. It’s possible that Dell added support for your memory with the BIOS update. Go to their website and find if there is a newer BIOS available for your laptop. Try updating the BIOS. Be careful doing that, read instructions.
February 20th, 2009 at 6:30 am
Many thanks for the clear instruction especially for pointing out that one needs to install two identical memory modules in order to make the laptop work in dual channel mode.
February 24th, 2009 at 11:22 am
Thanks for the illustrated step-by-step instructions. It made the work of replacing both memory modules a breeze.
February 27th, 2009 at 9:01 am
Great information. Thanks so much for posting these clear & concise instructions!!!
March 5th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Excellent tutorial… clearly illustrated step by step without wordiness! Thanks for the help.
March 5th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
the procedure is very professional and well guided. Excelent job. Thank you.
March 10th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Thanks for the step by step, very good info.
March 17th, 2009 at 11:08 pm
Let me add my voice to the chorus of thank-yous. I just installed 2 1GB modules in my Dell D610 with no problems following your very clear instructions. The system booted and the new 2GB memory was recognized with no problem. THANKS!
March 20th, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Awesome!! your step by step instructions made my upgrade easy. Zero issues adding 2-1 GB modules and it only took minutes. Thanks
March 23rd, 2009 at 9:57 am
Excellent instructions & photos. I installed 2 1-gig sticks in minutes with no issues. Now it’s running much faster than before.
March 26th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
How do I check that my d610 takes ddr2 and not ddr memory?
March 26th, 2009 at 2:46 pm
Frank,
In the service manual for Dell Latitude D610 it says:
NOTE: You can only use DDR2 memory modules in your computer.
April 4th, 2009 at 7:09 am
You must not install 2×1GB modules. It works also one 2GB module inside for example slot B (under the bottom cover). Slot A should be free (under keyboard). It was checked many times. Enjoy
April 6th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Thanks….you made it extremely simple!
April 7th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
how do i change my labtop cover model Dell studio 1535???
April 7th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
dina,
It’s explained in the service manual for Dell Studio 1535/1536 laptops. Here’s the link.
April 19th, 2009 at 10:30 pm
Hi,
Thanks, you made it really easy.
April 21st, 2009 at 3:40 am
Good guide, thanks.
April 21st, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Man, You Awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 22nd, 2009 at 7:33 am
Great Job, This was very helpfull! Thank you!
April 26th, 2009 at 4:40 am
I followed your easy to follow instructions and installed 2×1GB modules. The laptop started and then shut off almost immediately. I checked to make sue that the memory was installed correctly and retried with the same results. I reinstalled the original 512 card and it still does the same thing. Any suggestions on what I could have done wrong?
April 29th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Thank you for the walk through. I’ve built many towers, but never worked on a laptop before. The example photos and explanations that you gave were superb.
Keep up the great work.
–chris
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:33 am
Many thanks , this will help to upgrade 20 laptops in my company
May 5th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
Hi all – what would be faster – to install ONE 2gb chip that is 800mhz, or to install TWO 1gb chips that are the standard 677 mhz (and benefit from dual channel mode)? Also, if I go with the one 2gb chip, can I leave in the existing 512 mb chip in the device (for a total of 2.5gb ram), or will this wreak havoc because they are different speeds?
Thanks all!
-Dave
May 5th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
david,
If the laptop memory bus speed is 667MHz, you will not benefit from installing a 800MHz memory module. It will work, but will run at 667MHz.
I would definitely go with two identical 1GB modules and benefit from dual-channel mode.
Shouldn’t be any problem and you’ll get 2.5GB RAM total, but the faster memory module will run at the speed of the slower module.
May 5th, 2009 at 9:05 pm
Terry,
Make sure that memory modules are installed correctly. Apparently, they are not pushed all the way down the slot.
Try reconnecting them again.
May 5th, 2009 at 9:13 pm
i have a acer aspire 5100 and the mouse or keyboard wont work any ideas
May 5th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
al foster,
If both, the keyboard and touchpad failed at the same time, most likely there is a problem with the motherboard. Both devices are connected to the motherboard through different cables and I really doubt that it’s just a connection related issue.
There is a discussion about Acer Apire 5100 laptop here: Taking apart Acer Aspire 5100 laptop
May 6th, 2009 at 10:53 am
Very cool. My uncle just sent me a D610 that had been used at his office. It has 1GB of mem right now, but I’ll consider upgrading it. I’m going to have to open it up to see if it has just one 1GB stick or two 512 sticks.
Hey Laptop Tech, any recommendation on where to purchase replacement batteries? The one on mine seems to be completely dead and I think Dell sells them for $120. That’s probably more than the laptop is even worth at this point.
May 6th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Dave,
I think $120 is too much. You can find a new battery for Dell Latitude D610 laptop here for less than $40.
May 7th, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Hi,
I’ve got a D610 that no longer works on the USB ports. I’ve gone through driver upgrades, and nothing appears to work. Is this a motherboard replacement issue? Thanks for any assistance!
Best,
Phil
May 9th, 2009 at 2:18 pm
Thanks Tech. This guide is very helpful in upgrading my laptop. thanks again.
May 10th, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Hey I found this on newegg. Will this work? 2GIG for 19.99 seems like a good deal. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146517
May 12th, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Thank you for the guide. Very helpful!! Keep you the good work man!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:04 am
I bought the ram from newegg I mentioned on the 10th. Thanks for the tutorial. It was a lot easier to take off the keyboard than I expected.
May 25th, 2009 at 1:55 am
How do i find the graphics card inside the laptop???
i can’t determine what one i have as i installed windows 7 and drivers got reset…? and 3d acceleration was disabled…. hellllpp!!??
May 25th, 2009 at 9:22 am
Dan,
I guess you can find some information about your video card in the laptop specifications. Can you find laptop specification on the manufacturer’s web site?
May 28th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Very important information is provided in easy steps. safety may also need to be mentioned while working with electronic circuit boards to avoid static hazard.
June 1st, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Worked perfectly as you described on my newly purchased refurbished 610 from Dell Direct. The pictures in the tutorial were wonderful as well
Took the suggestion of Dave above and got the 2X1 GB kit from NewEgg for 19.99. great deal and works perfectly.
June 5th, 2009 at 1:57 am
Can D610 Detect 4GB (2×2GB) of RAM ?
June 5th, 2009 at 6:01 am
Excellent instructions and exceptional pictures. Can’t wait to complete my upgrade. Thanks for taking the time to be so accurate.
June 6th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
Azan,
Dell says this laptop will take up to 2GB total. Can it detect 4GB? I don’t know. You’ll have to try.
June 22nd, 2009 at 1:01 am
i ‘ve upgraded my dell d610. using PC6400 memory 2GB, is it OK for my notebook?
thanks for your answers.
i think my dell D610 work faster now.
June 24th, 2009 at 12:00 pm
ken,
It’s OK.
June 24th, 2009 at 10:33 pm
need i clean fan?how?
: )
June 27th, 2009 at 10:36 am
Well replaced the RAM module (B) with a 1gb just as required.
However, now I turn lap top on and it says MEMORY CHANGED, then it turns itself off.
What can I do?
June 29th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Emma,
Isn’t it asking you to press a button to accept the memory change? Can you enter the BIOS setup menu at all?
June 29th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
I have a std D610 with 512m. Can I install a second 512 using a different number….PC2-5300S-555-12-A1?
June 29th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
The upgrade worked like a charm.
Thanks for the clear explanation.
July 1st, 2009 at 11:26 am
Harry Johnston,
Yes you can. As long the second module is PC2-5300 it should work.
July 2nd, 2009 at 7:30 am
Can I upgrade RAM memory using a different bus speed?
Currently I have 256MB DDR2 533 MHz, can I install an additional 1GB 667 MHz or a 2GB 800 MHz ?
Will this work ?
Thanks.
July 2nd, 2009 at 8:12 am
Hey man… awesome tutoriall… one issue though, I have same problem as Emma, the computer says: Memory Changed and it stays there. no response from keyboard.
I used 1gB X 2 PC2-5300 memories.
The one it used to have it’s a 512mB PC2-4200
It’s ok to change from 4200 to 5300 or it will not work?
July 6th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Thanks for the tutorial! I changed my ram out by myself and everything worked perfectly!!
July 7th, 2009 at 8:47 am
installed 2 identical 1 gig memory modules ddr2 4200 533, but computer only recognizes 1 gig installed
July 15th, 2009 at 5:45 am
Great guide – gave me the confidence to tackle the upgrade. It was as easy as described. Initially it only recognised 1GB but I found that the second module hadn’t been pushed firmly enough into its socket. I removed and replaced it and it then found 2GB on start up.
On restart you will get a ‘memory has changed’ message. Wait a few minutes and eventually you will have the option to press F1 to continue. I see that some people just get the ‘memory has changed’ message and nothing else. Maybe the module under the keyboard isn’t pushed home enough and this causes this error? Worth trying I guess.
PC is much quicker. 2 x 1GB modules cost me £27 from Crucial with next-day delivery and it was well worth it. I was thinking of buying a new laptop – don’t need to now
July 17th, 2009 at 4:21 am
For the Dell D610, what about using PC2-5300 667MHz? is that better, the same, or worse than using 533MHz?
July 19th, 2009 at 12:01 am
fatherdaddy,
If the laptop bus runs at 533MHz than you will not benefit from using a 667MHz memory module. This module will work fine but will slow down and run at 533MHz.
You can use a 667MHz module but it doesn’t mean that your laptop will run faster. It will be the same as using a 533MHz module.
July 19th, 2009 at 12:35 am
This is a very common mistake. If you laptop recognize only one module after the upgrade, make sure the second module is seated correctly.
July 21st, 2009 at 4:39 pm
Worked like a charm. Excellent instructions.
July 24th, 2009 at 5:38 am
Thank you. This made it so easy. My wife thanks you too. She has no patients for the old slow laptop, now she has a new friend in the fast easy laptop.
July 25th, 2009 at 5:27 am
Very helpful! Worked just like you said it would. My donation was a good investment. Thanks.
July 27th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
I’m wondering If it is needed to install one on the bottom, or is that just to have more ram?
August 2nd, 2009 at 5:56 pm
My D610 latitude is showing 1016 MB memory my bottom slot is empty do you think I can add a 556 meg of ram chip under the keyboard and a 2 gig chip in the bottom slot and have 2.5 GIG of ram?? will it work ?? or do you know… thanks Grant ps please send me a note to my e-mail address so I can find your reply… again tks
August 8th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
THANK YOU!
August 11th, 2009 at 9:11 am
@Grant, I would advise against that, mixing memory is never a good idea. If it’s possible get 2×2gb if the mobo will allow it. If you have XP/Vista 32bit that’ll only recognise 3 or 3.5gb of that. Or you just get another 1gb one.
August 13th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
Thank you! This was easy!
From Newegg.com, I bought this for $26.99 with free shipping. Best deal they seemed to have listed this week for a pair.
Kingston 2GB (2 x 1GB) 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 533 (PC2 4200) Dual Channel Kit Laptop Memory Model KVR533D2K2SO/2GR – Retail
Item #: N82E16820134804
September 29th, 2009 at 3:08 am
how to clear Dell d610 latitude laptop bios password (foto please).thanks
September 29th, 2009 at 5:43 am
your instructions were perfect!! thanks.
October 13th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
HI, I HAVE A LATITUDE D610 AND IT HAS A 400MHZ RAM AND i BOUGHT A 533 MHZ RAM TO PUT IN THE B SLOT. WILL THESE TWO WORK TOGETHER OR WILL I HAVE TO BUY ANOTHER 533 FOR THE A SLOT?
THANKS MUCH…..STEVE
October 15th, 2009 at 6:37 pm
Thanks for this invaluable advice! I hadn’t realised the default memory slot is under the keyboard.
The instructions were so much clearer than the YouTube video provided by the memory manufacturers, Crucial (though the memory price and remaing service is fantastic!)
November 4th, 2009 at 11:07 am
It got a little tricky after I dropped the screw in the machine and then finally found it but tried to put in the wrong one . YOU did a FANTASTIC JOB with instructions and I was able to upgrade my laptop to the full 2GB!! Thanks again
November 6th, 2009 at 6:01 pm
That really helped! Thx. I had truble on the screw removeing the keyboard but eventuly got it.
November 18th, 2009 at 1:44 am
Fine guide. Thanks.
When inserting the new memory module, check that the connector has completely sunk in the socket. The brass on the connector must only barely be visible.
To avoid static electricity it is best to work bare-footed. Easy and effective advice.