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I have a Dell Inspiron 2650 and I need more RAM

E

edprush

Platinum Member
Everything I have read says that only one slot is user accessible.

Does that mean that I would need to send the entire laptop back to Dell to increase the RAM from 256MB to 512MB?

Thanks.
 
You can get to the other slot, it's just more work than it should be. Here are the instructions: Link . Once you have the EMI shield out, you can access the RAM.

Looks like this laptop only supports up to 512MB, 256MB in each slot.
 
Originally posted by: Nick5324
You can get to the other slot, it's just more work than it should be. Here are the instructions: Link . Once you have the EMI shield out, you can access the RAM.

Looks like this laptop only supports up to 512MB, 256MB in each slot.
Click to expand...

Oops, I should have read your reply before responding to corkyg.

This laptop obviously isn't top-of-the-line but it does (mostly) what I need. It does bog down quite a bit due to only 256MB ram.

I'll give a try to installing 256MB into each slot.

Thanks folks!
 
Good move. My response was not intended to be computer specific, but rather, generic. You have good input - go for the added RAM.

Generically speaking, if you put a 512 MB in the slot that only reads 256, you should get 256 out of it.

I just upgraded my HP dv1000 by putting a 1 GB SODIMM in each of the two slots. It loves the 2 GB and so do I.
 
I just upgraded my Wife's old Gatway Solo 1450ls it is also limited to 256/slot (PC133 😱 ) It does run way faster with the 512 and it was well worth the $30.00 investment even for The light use it gets. Now I need to spring for a new Batt for it as it will only run about 20 min off the grid 🙁
 
Originally posted by: Nick5324
You can get to the other slot, it's just more work than it should be. Here are the instructions: Link . Once you have the EMI shield out, you can access the RAM.

Looks like this laptop only supports up to 512MB, 256MB in each slot.
Click to expand...

May I ask how you know the RAM slot is under the EMI Shield?

I'm very hesitant to do this because I'd hate to screw it up and ruin the laptop.

Thanks.
 
Originally posted by: edprush
Originally posted by: Nick5324
You can get to the other slot, it's just more work than it should be. Here are the instructions: Link . Once you have the EMI shield out, you can access the RAM.

Looks like this laptop only supports up to 512MB, 256MB in each slot.
Click to expand...

May I ask how you know the RAM slot is under the EMI Shield?

I'm very hesitant to do this because I'd hate to screw it up and ruin the laptop.

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Sorry, should have given you both links. Here is the info for replacing the "easy" memory module. You'll notice that there is a hint that says: "A second memory module resides on the upper surface of the system board under the EMI shield. To replace the memory module under the EMI shield, perform the procedure for removing the EMI shield." The link I put in my other post is the procedure for removing the EMI shield.

You should be fine doing this, just be careful. Those screws are tiny, so make sure you keep track of them, not just sit them on a desk to roll around. Also, there may or may not be different screws for different areas of the laptop, so I'd keep track of which ones go with each part.

While I had the damn thing open like that, I'd give the inside a quick cleaning with some canned air (remember to hold the can upright). I had to replace the motherboard in a laptop once, couldn't believe the dust on the CPU fan.
 
Nick5324, thank you very much for the thorough reply.

I will replace the RAM and blow clean the inside of the laptop.

Regards,
edprush
 
I just went to crucial.com to buy the RAM and I noticed that it said that my laptop had DDR PC2100 sticks currenlty installed.

It also said:
Each memory slot can hold DDR PC2700 with a maximum of 256MB per slot
Click to expand...

Should I buy PC2100 or PC2700?
 
Whichever is cheaper. My boss brought this laptop in work today for remove spyware and other crap. I tried putting in a 512mb stick and it would not take it at all. It would only read the 128mb that is in the other slot. Im going to try 256mb sticks tomorrow see how that works out.
 
You can still get PC2100: Link

I'd just get the PC2700, if the system can only do PC2100 speed, it will just run the 2700 at 2100 spped: Link

The price at crucial is fairly close, I'd just order that.
 
Nick5324 and everyone that took the time to help me,

I received the RAM today and was able to remove the old stick and install the new.

Thanks again!
 
Hey guys, just wanted to say that I just got a 2650 from my girlfriend (it was her old computer), and the first thing I did was find this thread! Thanks for all the help, I ordered the RAM and the machine is like new with 512. Just wanted to say these threads help more than the person who is asking the questions!
 
Actually I opened the whole thing up and about 8 lbs of dust blew out of the CPU fan when I cleaned it. I was stunned at how much had accumulated inside that machine. Anyway, I did that right away when I got it from her, and I have never noticed perpetual fan action... Maybe you have a lot of crud inside?
 
Mine fan runs 90%+ of the time since the day I bought.

I have read that many 2650 users have this complaint.
 
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