Trying to Upgrade RAM to no avail

angelsheart

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Hey - I have been trying to upgrade my RAM to 16GB, rather than the stock 6GB, and it's not working.

I'm running an Intel Core i5 5200U 2.20GHz CPU, currently with 6GB (4+2) DDR3 RAM @ 798MHz (11-11-11-28). My OS is 8.1.

I bought a 16GB RAM set (8+8) which is DDR3 (11-11-11-28) and is compatible with 1066, 1333, and 1600MHz. I have tried several different setups and arrangements of the cards, but my computer is just not recognising either of the new cards. I've heard you need to change the BIOS to accommodate a RAM upgrade - and I tried that, but my BIOS isn't changeable. I can see it, but I can't change the RAM settings.

I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. Does anyone have any advice?
 
Cnet review and ArkLa Intel both say max of 16GB RAM. Isn't this a model that requires removing the keyboard etc. just to get to the RAM ?
 
Nah I just undo about 14 screws and pop off the back cover. The RAM slots are right there, easy access.
But if it supports 16GB max... why is it not even registering when I pop in just 8GB?
 
I'm inclined to say that the RAM is bad. Can You post a link to what You bought to make sure it's the right RAM for Your laptop. Truth is 16GB is Overkill. I run a 2x4 8GB set in My Lenovo G780 because I always have a second OS running in a VM, and I can't use anywhere near that amount with the limitations of the i5-3210m.
 
I can post a picture of the package --- as I bought it in store, not online. IMG_20160611_105028.jpg
 
Does the BIOS see the new RAM? If the BIOS does not see it, Windows will not.
Sometimes resetting the BIOS will pick up new RAM, if that is the problem.
 
I guess that You've already tried one module at a time putting it in the bottom slot ? There aren't any timing adjustments You can make on the OEM laptop MOBO. You can try what's suggested above, disconnect the power and remove the battery, then press and hold the power button down for 30 seconds.
 
fireberd -
Nope, my BIOS doesn't recognise either of the new cards. How do I reset it though?

Bat-
I've tried one at a time, inserting it alongside the older 4GB card. My BIOS only sees the old one when I do that. But it's entirely possible I didn't put the new one in the bottom slot -- that's the one closest to the motherboard, right? I put the 8 card where the 4 was located in the stock 4+2 setup.
 
Resetting the BIOS requires, in most cases, to remove the CR2032 CMOS backup battery (with the PC Powered off) for at least 10 minutes. Reinsert the battery, observing battery polarity. Power on and see if it recognizes the memory. If not, either the memory is defective or not compatible.

May be a hassle to access the CMOS battery on some laptops and may even require taking off the back.
 
Umm...Nah the only battery for this is held on by 2 of the 14 screws it takes to get the back off and access the RAM

I have the 8+4 setup in again, and the battery is out. Will wait 10 minutes...and if that doesn't work, I suppose the new memory isn't compatible?
 
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There IS a small battery on EVERY motherboard that is used to retain the BIOS setup (CMOS memory). Some boards also have a physical jumper pins that can also be used. If there were no battery, your BIOS would reset every time you powered your PC off and on, regardless of the rechargeable laptop battery.
 
There're be a 2 pin plug usually close to the RAM, if You follow the wires it'll end in a black shrink-wrapped "object" that'll be round on the end opposite the wires. That'll be the battery. So just disconnect the plug in the MOBO.
 
fireberd; bat --

Okay I understand what you're saying. I will have a look at that. Are you saying that if I install a new RAM card, and then I unplug that small battery for a bit, it should reset and recognise the RAM?
And is that any different from going into the BIOS menu and loading the setup defaults?

derekimo -

I have the E45-B4100 - and yeah that looks right. 6GB installed stock, with a limit of 16GB. Is DDR3L any different from standard DDR3? Because the stock RAM is just plain DDR3 - it says on the sticks themselves, and I use a programme called Speccy which also agrees with that.
What does it mean by "memory not user replaceable"?
 
derekimo -

I have the E45-B4100 - and yeah that looks right. 6GB installed stock, with a limit of 16GB. Is DDR3L any different from standard DDR3? Because the stock RAM is just plain DDR3 - it says on the sticks themselves, and I use a programme called Speccy which also agrees with that.
What does it mean by "memory not user replaceable"?

The L is for lower voltage, you say your stock RAM was just DDR3 but I wonder what the voltage was set for in the BIOS.

Here's some interesting info,

It won't damage anything. Your CPU is specified to be able to use regular DDR3. BUT, you have an Ultrabook, and your vendor (Lenovo) may or may not have programmed the BIOS to accept regular voltage DDR3, for the sake of heat and battery life, if the BIOS support is not there, the computer simply won't boot, but I doubt that Lenovo has gone above and beyond on this. It is a bit of a gamble unless you know someone else who have done it.

DDR3 on DDR3L slots [Solved] - DDR3 - Memory

I know that's for a Lenovo but the basic information may be relevant.

I really don't know what that means about not being user replaceable if you can physically take them in and out. I could see if they were soldered in there, someone else might know why, I just thought it was worth pointing out.
 
Ohhhhhhh I see - so the voltage could be important? That's the only difference I've been able to tell between the RAM cards I bought, and the stock ones in the computer.
If I'm remembering correctly, and without digging into it a second time today, I have 1.35V. The new cards I got are 1.5V. Could that be the problem? That would explain it perfectly, because with the new cards, it simply doesn't boot.

I did an online compatibility assessment through Toshiba's site a while ago, and I found an identical 16GB kit that it told me was compatible. And the only difference was 1.35, rather than 1.5. I just don't want to spend that kind of money twice just to run into the same problem.
 
I do think it's important, and just like that tidbit I posted I would check to see if you have an option in the BIOS to change voltage, if not you may be stuck having to get the 1.35V kit.

It's unfortunate you didn't double check first if the voltage would be an issue but you live and learn.
 
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