Adding Memory To My Dell Inspiron 1440

[lostinisaan]

Hello and Sawasdee khrap,

My notebook must be around six to seven years old, but running pretty well. I've got W.7 (32 bit) on it, with 2 GB of memory. As I sometimes use more programs at the same time, I'd love to upgrade it to 3 GB.

Is there another slot, where I could just add one more GB of RAM? Or would I have to buy a 3 GB RAM card?

Any input would be deeply appreciated. \

[2008bangkok]

Download the software speccy it will tell you how many slots you have and what's in them you'll probably have 2x 1 gb. In which case you will need to swap 1 of the 1's for a 2 as you cannot buy 3gb u get 1, 2, 4 or 8

[Crossy]

That machine appears to have two 200 pin DDR-2 memory slots, as to what's in them (apart from looking) the BIOS may be able to tell you, otherwise time to get out the small screwdriver.

If you're lucky it has one 2GB memory module so just plug in another, if you're unlucky it has two 1GB modules which you will have to replace with two 2GB units. With 32 bit windows no point going over 4GB as windows can't use it. The machine may or may not work with differing memory in each slot, take it with you when you go shopping the chaps at the shop should be able to sort out what's in it and what you can do about upgrading.

You may have problems getting the memory for an old machine, it's certainly going to be priced at a premium

[ETatBKK]

more details from Kingston, just for your information :

http://www.kingston.com/en/memory/search?DeviceType=3&Mfr=DEL&Line=Inspiron&Model=57994

you can get any brand, but it will be difficult for such aged 200-pin DDR2 RAM.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

You can install up to 8GB RAM within that particular model.

2GB modules are not expensive. 4GB module tend to be. You can install Windows 7 64 bit to take advantage of 4GB of RAM and above.

I'm guessing that you have a 'Thai Special' Windows 7 installed.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

I can pick up 4GB (2x2GB) DDR2-667 PC2-5300 Laptop (SODIMM) Memory (RAM) 200-pin in the UK for 1500 baht. Don't know how much you'd have to pay in Thailand.

[lostinisaan]

Thanks for all the good posts.

[lostinisaan]

That machine appears to have two 200 pin DDR-2 memory slots, as to what's in them (apart from looking) the BIOS may be able to tell you, otherwise time to get out the small screwdriver.

If you're lucky it has one 2GB memory module so just plug in another, if you're unlucky it has two 1GB modules which you will have to replace with two 2GB units. With 32 bit windows no point going over 4GB as windows can't use it. The machine may or may not work with differing memory in each slot, take it with you when you go shopping the chaps at the shop should be able to sort out what's in it and what you can do about upgrading.

You may have problems getting the memory for an old machine, it's certainly going to be priced at a premium

Thanks a lot!!!!

[aarn]

You can check the RAM specifications/capacity for almost any laptop by googling 'crucial memory upgrade [laptop make/model]'.

Then check local availability eg. by searching 'ddr2' at advice.co.th or such sources. AA

[GuyL]

Nothing beats visually checking what is actually installed in your computer (as suggested by Crossy), but you should be able to check easily (among many other information) your current memory exact type, capacity, along with slot availability for instance with SIW (free portable version): http://download.cnet.com/SIW-Portable/3000-2094_4-75449686.html

Edited September 23, 2014 by GuyL

[dddave]

Nothing beats visually checking what is actually installed in your computer (as suggested by Crossy), but you should be able to check easily (among many other information) your current memory exact type, capacity, along with slot availability for instance with SIW (free portable version): http://download.cnet.com/SIW-Portable/3000-2094_4-75449686.html

Your SIW suggestion looked good to me so I tried to download it from the link you provided. When I tried to install it I got a message "This destination folder is invalid. Please choose a valid folder" I know nothing about folders for installing downloads. Any suggestions?

[Crossy]

Stick c: (or the letter of your pen drive) in front of the installation directory.

[Crossy]

Stick c: (or the letter of your pen drive) in front of the installation directory.

Bu99er, doesn't run on W8 Enterprise

[GuyL]

dddave, on 23 Sept 2014 - 11:59, said:

GuyL, on 23 Sept 2014 - 09:27, said:

Nothing beats visually checking what is actually installed in your computer (as suggested by Crossy), but you should be able to check easily (among many other information) your current memory exact type, capacity, along with slot availability for instance with SIW (free portable version): http://download.cnet.com/SIW-Portable/3000-2094_4-75449686.html

Your SIW suggestion looked good to me so I tried to download it from the link you provided. When I tried to install it I got a message "This destination folder is invalid. Please choose a valid folder" I know nothing about folders for installing downloads. Any suggestions?

It seems that you are trying to install this application at one location where you don't have writing rights under your current user account (most likely a system folder). A definition of the folder term is available here, for instance: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/F/folder.html

At one point, the installation process ask you where you want to install the program. As it is a portable version, you don't need to install it in a specific folder, but you must have writing rights on this location. You may create a new folder for this installation or use one of your already existing folders. You can do this while browsing your computer contents ([browse...] button).

In the following example, I have selected a "temp" folder on drive C, and am installing the program in a subfolder (SIWPortable) of this c:\temp folder.

Hope this helps...

[lostinisaan]

You can check the RAM specifications/capacity for almost any laptop by googling 'crucial memory upgrade [laptop make/model]'.

Then check local availability eg. by searching 'ddr2' at advice.co.th or such sources. AA

Thanks for the tip. Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me. Whenever I work with other notebooks, I always appreciate my old Dell.

It's like having an old Mercedes Benz. Now trying to find one in Sisaket area, I know these parts are pretty expensive.

As another guy mentioned, there's no need to put a 64 bit version of Windows 7 on it. I'm quite okay with the machine's performance.

I do have a lot of programs installed. Thanks a lot and a good week.-

[GuyL]

lostinisaan, on 23 Sept 2014 - 12:58, said:

aarn, on 23 Sept 2014 - 07:52, said:

You can check the RAM specifications/capacity for almost any laptop by googling 'crucial memory upgrade [laptop make/model]'.

Then check local availability eg. by searching 'ddr2' at advice.co.th or such sources. AA

Thanks for the tip. Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me. Whenever I work with other notebooks, I always appreciate my old Dell.

It's like having an old Mercedes Benz. Now trying to find one in Sisaket area, I know these parts are pretty expensive.

As another guy mentioned, there's no need to put a 64 bit version of Windows 7 on it. I'm quite okay with the machine's performance.

I do have a lot of programs installed. Thanks a lot and a good week.-

Advice Distribution is a nationwide chain of shops. You should find (at least) one in Sisaket. I would recommend that you add exactly the same type (size, speed, etc.) of memory that you already have in your occupied slot. Depending on type and size, notebook DDR2 memory stick prices range from 470 up to 1150 THB on Advice Distribution's website: http://www.advice.co.th/products/

[Crossy]

Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me.

Are you certain it will run with different memory in each slot, some won't.

[lostinisaan]

Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me.

Are you certain it will run with different memory in each slot, some won't.

Are you saying that the other DDR should also have 2 GB? I thought it's pretty easy and just add one BG to have three then???

[GuyL]

Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me.

Are you certain it will run with different memory in each slot, some won't.

Are you saying that the other DDR should also have 2 GB? I thought it's pretty easy and just add one BG to have three then???

Yes, that's what we are saying. You won't have any compatibility problem if you install exactly the same memory module (that means also the same capacity) in the second slot than the one that you have in the first one. Moreover, for using DDR memory optimally in dual-channel configuration, the RAM sticks in each slot must be identical to each other.

For more information about this topic, read for instance this webpage: http://forums.cnet.com/7723-10149_102-194111/7-28-06-computer-doesn-t-recognize-the-new-ram-i-installed/

[Jiu-Jitsu]

lostinisaan, on 23 Sept 2014 - 12:58, said:

aarn, on 23 Sept 2014 - 07:52, said:

You can check the RAM specifications/capacity for almost any laptop by googling 'crucial memory upgrade [laptop make/model]'.

Then check local availability eg. by searching 'ddr2' at advice.co.th or such sources. AA

Thanks for the tip. Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me. Whenever I work with other notebooks, I always appreciate my old Dell.

It's like having an old Mercedes Benz. Now trying to find one in Sisaket area, I know these parts are pretty expensive.

As another guy mentioned, there's no need to put a 64 bit version of Windows 7 on it. I'm quite okay with the machine's performance.

I do have a lot of programs installed. Thanks a lot and a good week.-

Advice Distribution is a nationwide chain of shops. You should find (at least) one in Sisaket. I would recommend that you add exactly the same type (size, speed, etc.) of memory that you already have in your occupied slot. Depending on type and size, notebook DDR2 memory stick prices range from 470 up to 1150 THB on Advice Distribution's website: http://www.advice.co.th/products/

They have only 2GB modules and I see only 900 baht to 1150 baht. Are you looking at a different link?? http://www.advice.co.th/products/

[Jiu-Jitsu]

You can check the RAM specifications/capacity for almost any laptop by googling 'crucial memory upgrade [laptop make/model]'.

Then check local availability eg. by searching 'ddr2' at advice.co.th or such sources. AA

Thanks for the tip. Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me. Whenever I work with other notebooks, I always appreciate my old Dell.

It's like having an old Mercedes Benz. Now trying to find one in Sisaket area, I know these parts are pretty expensive.

As another guy mentioned, there's no need to put a 64 bit version of Windows 7 on it. I'm quite okay with the machine's performance.

I do have a lot of programs installed. Thanks a lot and a good week.-

You'd do better to clean up your install or at least to install a clean copy of Windows 7 to your laptop. Do you currently have a hacked 'Thailand Special' installed?

I run Windows 7 with a lesser CPU and 2GB of RAM and have no problems....and that is with two or three Browsers open, with perhaps thirty to forty tabs open and music playing via WMP.

[lostinisaan]

You can check the RAM specifications/capacity for almost any laptop by googling 'crucial memory upgrade [laptop make/model]'.

Then check local availability eg. by searching 'ddr2' at advice.co.th or such sources. AA

Thanks for the tip. Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me. Whenever I work with other notebooks, I always appreciate my old Dell.

It's like having an old Mercedes Benz. Now trying to find one in Sisaket area, I know these parts are pretty expensive.

As another guy mentioned, there's no need to put a 64 bit version of Windows 7 on it. I'm quite okay with the machine's performance.

I do have a lot of programs installed. Thanks a lot and a good week.-

You'd do better to clean up your install or at least to install a clean copy of Windows 7 to your laptop. Do you currently have a hacked 'Thailand Special' installed?

I run Windows 7 with a lesser CPU and 2GB of RAM and have no problems....and that is with two or three Browsers open, with perhaps thirty to forty tabs open and music playing via WMP.

I always clean my machine with Superantispy Prof., sometimes running "Your Uninstaller", plus the 2014 AVG Anti virus.

I do have loads of programs installed. Starting from SKYPE to Nitro 8, etc....My system isn't freezing in, or so. Just thought a little bit more memory can't be bad though.

Using the same AVG Anti virus on my PC shows me that Google's sometimes using more than 1 GB of memory. I do not see such a message when using my notebook, but I do believe all the extensions count.

Hard drive and program is pretty new, just changed two months ago. Got an update able program, might consider to not let some programs start up, when booting.

I sometimes have four browsers open, listening to music and doing office bs. Thanks for the tips, guys. Yep, the Advice shope seem to be the best place to get parts all over this country.

There's even one in Sisaket, near the tiny Tesco Lotus. Had my notebook cleaned there for 300 baht, as it got too hot, which had also destroyed my former HD.

I'm really surprised about the reliability comparing to an Acer.......

Edited September 23, 2014 by lostinisaan

[lostinisaan]

dddave, on 23 Sept 2014 - 11:59, said:

GuyL, on 23 Sept 2014 - 09:27, said:

Nothing beats visually checking what is actually installed in your computer (as suggested by Crossy), but you should be able to check easily (among many other information) your current memory exact type, capacity, along with slot availability for instance with SIW (free portable version): http://download.cnet.com/SIW-Portable/3000-2094_4-75449686.html

Your SIW suggestion looked good to me so I tried to download it from the link you provided. When I tried to install it I got a message "This destination folder is invalid. Please choose a valid folder" I know nothing about folders for installing downloads. Any suggestions?

It seems that you are trying to install this application at one location where you don't have writing rights under your current user account (most likely a system folder). A definition of the folder term is available here, for instance: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/F/folder.html

At one point, the installation process ask you where you want to install the program. As it is a portable version, you don't need to install it in a specific folder, but you must have writing rights on this location. You may create a new folder for this installation or use one of your already existing folders. You can do this while browsing your computer contents ([browse...] button).

siwpins1.jpg

In the following example, I have selected a "temp" folder on drive C, and am installing the program in a subfolder (SIWPortable) of this c:\temp folder.

siwpins2.jpg

Hope this helps...

I only select drive C on both machines, PC and notebook. No problems.

[GuyL]

Jiu-Jitsu, on 23 Sept 2014 - 17:39, said:Jiu-Jitsu, on 23 Sept 2014 - 17:39, said:

GuyL, on 23 Sept 2014 - 13:06, said:GuyL, on 23 Sept 2014 - 13:06, said:

lostinisaan, on 23 Sept 2014 - 12:58, said:lostinisaan, on 23 Sept 2014 - 12:58, said:

lostinisaan, on 23 Sept 2014 - 12:58, said:

aarn, on 23 Sept 2014 - 07:52, said:aarn, on 23 Sept 2014 - 07:52, said:

aarn, on 23 Sept 2014 - 07:52, said:

You can check the RAM specifications/capacity for almost any laptop by googling 'crucial memory upgrade [laptop make/model]'.

Then check local availability eg. by searching 'ddr2' at advice.co.th or such sources. AA

Thanks for the tip. Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me. Whenever I work with other notebooks, I always appreciate my old Dell.

It's like having an old Mercedes Benz. Now trying to find one in Sisaket area, I know these parts are pretty expensive.

As another guy mentioned, there's no need to put a 64 bit version of Windows 7 on it. I'm quite okay with the machine's performance.

I do have a lot of programs installed. Thanks a lot and a good week.-

Advice Distribution is a nationwide chain of shops. You should find (at least) one in Sisaket. I would recommend that you add exactly the same type (size, speed, etc.) of memory that you already have in your occupied slot. Depending on type and size, notebook DDR2 memory stick prices range from 470 up to 1150 THB on Advice Distribution's website: http://www.advice.co.th/products/

They have only 2GB modules and I see only 900 baht to 1150 baht. Are you looking at a different link?? http://www.advice.co.th/products/

It's the same link, but you have to scroll up a bit to see the beginning of the product listing for this category.

What you have seen is probably the following:

But it actually starts here:

Edited September 23, 2014 by GuyL

[lostinisaan]

Just read something that SKYPE's using so much memory. Mostly got that on and will try to not let it start up, when I need to do other stuff.

[GuyL]

lostinisaan, on 23 Sept 2014 - 18:56, said:

Just read something that SKYPE's using so much memory. Mostly got that on and will try to not let it start up, when I need to do other stuff.

Windows Task Manager allows you to check many aspects of your computer usage, such as the processes launched, memory and CPU usage, etc. It may help finding out what is slowing down your computer at a given time.

[Jiu-Jitsu]

Jiu-Jitsu, on 23 Sept 2014 - 17:39, said:Jiu-Jitsu, on 23 Sept 2014 - 17:39, said:

GuyL, on 23 Sept 2014 - 13:06, said:GuyL, on 23 Sept 2014 - 13:06, said:

aarn, on 23 Sept 2014 - 07:52, said:aarn, on 23 Sept 2014 - 07:52, said:

aarn, on 23 Sept 2014 - 07:52, said:

You can check the RAM specifications/capacity for almost any laptop by googling 'crucial memory upgrade [laptop make/model]'.

Then check local availability eg. by searching 'ddr2' at advice.co.th or such sources. AA

Thanks for the tip. Just found out that I've got one empty slot, so a 1 GB would do it for me. Whenever I work with other notebooks, I always appreciate my old Dell.

It's like having an old Mercedes Benz. Now trying to find one in Sisaket area, I know these parts are pretty expensive.

As another guy mentioned, there's no need to put a 64 bit version of Windows 7 on it. I'm quite okay with the machine's performance.

I do have a lot of programs installed. Thanks a lot and a good week.-

Advice Distribution is a nationwide chain of shops. You should find (at least) one in Sisaket. I would recommend that you add exactly the same type (size, speed, etc.) of memory that you already have in your occupied slot. Depending on type and size, notebook DDR2 memory stick prices range from 470 up to 1150 THB on Advice Distribution's website: http://www.advice.co.th/products/

They have only 2GB modules and I see only 900 baht to 1150 baht. Are you looking at a different link?? http://www.advice.co.th/products/

It's the same link, but you have to scroll up a bit to see the beginning of the product listing for this category.

What you have seen is probably the following:

adddr2end.jpg

But it actually starts here:

adddr2beg.jpg

You are quite right. When I opened the page on my large screen Desktop, I could see all. Just didn't show on the laptop unless you scrolled.