want to upgrade RAM on HP Pavilion dv6000

[lazarussid]

Computer currently has 2GB RAM.

Runs Vista 32-bit

Looking upgrading RAM.

Had a couple of questions:

1. Is it a matter of adding or replacing?
2. Is there a max?
3. Is it a farily easy DYI porject?

Thanks,

Sid

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

I have attached the link to your service manual. Page 1-2 states you are already at the max with 2 GB.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01035677.pdf

If you know someone who may have a 2 GB PC2 5300 chip, you can remove one of your 1 GB chips and see if it works, and reports 3 GB. If it reports 3 GB, then it would report 4 more than likely.

The chipset supports up to 4 GB of memory, but the BIOS may not allow it, and there are no BIOS release notes that add support for 4 GB of memory, so it would have to be an experiment on your part.

Installing memory is relatively easy. read Chapter 5 of the service manual for how to do it. Specifically chapter 5, starting on Page 5-12. Remember to remove the battery and A/C power before taking anything apart.

Paul

[ivonnekey]

I installed 2 2GB chips in my DV6338se. My BIOS reports 4GB but Vista only reports 3GB.  Windows 7 would utilize all 4GBs.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

It wouldn't make a difference whether or not you run Vista, W7 or XP for that matter--32 or 64 bit.

The reason you are only seeing 3 GB out of 4 is due to memory reserved for hardware such as graphics.

The good news is apparently you can install 4 GB in the notebook where the specs state only 2 GB is the max.

Paul