Solved! RAM upgrade for Dell Latitude 15" 5580

[solarwills]

Hi all,

I wanted to add a little DDR4 RAM on this notebook since this machine runs unusually slow and uses a lot of memory (when checking task manager).

Just to note, I don't know much concerning the different formats (SODIMM, DIMM , UDIMM etc) and compatibility issues. Some site previously recommended me a UDIMM chip for this specific computer model and I ordered one. Upon receiving it, I saw it didn't fit in the slot and had it returned to the seller.

I added a photo of the RAM ports, there's already a 4 gb chip in there and there's a free slot left. I take it that I have to order straight up DIMM RAM? I once again
checked an other site - the Crucial brand's site to be more specific - for recommendations and they suggested a SODIMM chip. I heard laptops usually use SODIMM but checking the picture below it seems ordinary DIMM is what I need... could anyone confirm this? Anyone got links for a suitable model? I'd prefer putting a chip with high memory like 16gb if available...

Much thanks!

 

[VirtualLarry]

Should just need a DDR4 SO-DIMM, of the appropriate speed, voltage, and compatible timings. What are the specs on the existing stick? You may have to temp. remove it to take a picture of the label. Or crucial.com should be able to tell you.

"DIMM" == desktop RAM
"SO-DIMM" == laptop RAM

You definitely don't just want to buy a "DIMM", you do need an "SO-DIMM", and it needs to be a DDR4 SO-DIMM, of at the very least, a matching voltage.

 

[Muadib]

Dude, Dells have a service tag. Did you look yours up on their site?
I agree with Larry, as it looks like a SO-DiMM to me too.

 

[solarwills]

Thanks for the answers guys! I'll check the service tag with Dell's site. Good to know SO-DIMM is what's needed. Don't know why it isn't labeled as such in the comp though, seems confusing to me hehe.

I'll report back once done.

 

[VirtualLarry]

If you're capable, take the existing SO-DIMM out, and take a picture of the label on it, it should have capacity, timings, and voltage (and hopefully brand) listed.

To remove an SO-DIMM, put your fingernails on each of the two side clips, and pull slightly outward, until the SO-DIMM itself springs up a bit, free from the clips.

To re-insert it, carefully insert at a slight angle into the gold fingers / contacts, making note of the "notch" position (it's closer to one side than the other), and then press down until both sides' clips' "catch" and the SO-DIMM snaps into place.

It's pretty simple.

 

[LunaticN]

Your laptop uses the SO-DIMM RAM. Just check and get information about your RAM (speed, frequency, timing) before buying the RAM.

 

[solarwills]

Hello again, thanks to the others who replied in the meanwhile.

So I wrote to Dell and provided them with my service tag. This is what they answered :

"Unfortunately, SODIMM is not compatible and will not work on this computer. We will be able to provide you with the DIMM memory. "

Is it possible that they're wrong? Anyways at this point I should just open up the laptop and check the chip's label/info and buy an other unit of whatever that is...

Never thought it would get this complicated just to add some RAM.

 

[C1]

I always download the user manual for my computers to reference repairs, upgrades and part specifications.

DELL has a nice one for your machine showing access to essentially any part of the unit.

https://topics-cdn.dell.com/pdf/latitude-15-5580-laptop_owners-manual_en-us.pdf

Page 84 cites the RAM specification:

FeatureSpecification
- Memory connector: Two SODIMM slots
- Memory capacity: 4 GB, 8 GB, and 16 GB
- Memory type: DDR4
- SDRAMSpeed :
•2133 MHz
•2400 MHz
NOTE: 2133 MHz supports only in Intel Dual Core.

and beginning page 19 shows how to remove/replace/upgrade memory.

Here's reference to Crucial's ram upgrade/replacement recommendation:

https://www.amazon.com/d/Computer-Memory/Crucial-Single-PC4-17000-SODIMM-260-Pin/B015HQ9TGW

Good Luck

 

[solarwills]

Wow C1, thanks so much, this is some really great info! Pretty much answers everything I needed to know.

Can't believe Dell fails like this at providing me correct information...the hell is up with that?

 

[bigboxes]

Can't believe Dell fails like this at providing me correct information...the hell is up with that?

They want you to buy the ram from them. Overpriced, of course.