dv6-3030er RAM compatibility

[Saif_ad-Din]

Hey there!

I've finally decided to add another 4GB of RAM into my HP dv6-3030er laptop, which has two units of Samsung m471b5673fh0-ch9 on board. I checked the specifications of the computer and the RAM beforehand and ran the widely recommended Crucial test as well (the database doesn't include this particular model, but the results for the entire 3030 family are identical).

After some searching, I bought two units of Kingston KVR13S9S8/4 RAM (here's the datasheet). The BIOS acknowledged them, and the memory test results were just fine. However, I haven't been able to get past Windows boot screen: it rapidly fades, and a new screen apears, saying that Windows was unable to load and asking either to "start Windows normally" or to "launch startup repair". Both lead to the same results.

If I install only one stick of RAM at a time, though, the results are even more exciting: the startup ends up with a BSOD saying DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL. At any rate, the new sticks don't appear to be compatible with the laptop, even though the clock speed and che CAS latency are similar.

While surfing through this forum, I read someone mentioning this model's big brother: Kingston KVR1333D3S9/4G (Datasheet) and reporting that it works fine. It has 16 FGBA components agaginst 8 and a lower power operating power rate (1.41W against almost 2W). Could the power usage be the catch? I hear, this problem can be sometimes solved by tinkering with the modules' power values via the BIOS, which is impossible in this case.

Regards,

Ivan.

[pepe999 · Accepted solution]

Hi, Perhaps you should consider buying different memory modules than Kingston. I have checked the specs for your laptop and the cpu should be an Intel Core i5-450M. The modules you have got are 1333MHz ones however, the Intel specs for the cpu say that 800/1066MHz are supported by the processor. It means that the memory would downclock from 1333MHz to 800/1066MHz and there is no point to use 1333MHz modules as you can see they are not even compatible. I believe that 1066MHz Kingston modules will work. I have seen a similar problem with the same series laptop but the user couldn't boot up with the memory at all. He had also an i5 cpu and the service guide states that only i7-720qm and higher processors will work with 1333MHz modules (Intel specs for the i7 processors confirm that too).

[Saif_ad-Din]

Wow, I haven't noticed that. The specs of the current modules confused me. Thanks for the tip, in a few days I'll try to get new modules and see if they work.

The one thing that I can't understand, though, is why the guys at Crucial recommend 1333 MHz modules for the laptops with the similar first-gen i3 and i5 CPUs. They guarantee 100% compatibility, and they know better. Is the BIOS able to downclock the Crucial chips?

[pepe999]

I don't know about guys from Crucial but I check the CPU manufacturer website before a memory upgrade first. It's better to buy something that will work for the first time.:)

[Saif_ad-Din]

I've exchanged those 1333 MHz modules for the 1066 MHz ones. These weren't easy to find in the local area and cost a bit more as they're not in mass production anymore. Anyway, the new modules are the Corsair CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7 - they've been accepted by the laptop instantly and are working like charm. Thanks again for the help!

[pepe999]

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@Saif_ad-Din wrote:

I've exchanged those 1333 MHz modules for the 1066 MHz ones. These weren't easy to find in the local area and cost a bit more as they're not in mass production anymore. Anyway, the new modules are the Corsair CMSA8GX3M2A1066C7 - they've been accepted by the laptop instantly and are working like charm. Thanks again for the help!

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No problem mate! Some user claims that he could actually use 1333MHz modules but with a different specs. However, I don't think you can observe any speed improvement as the hard drive will make the laptop always slow. If you need a fast computer buy a solid state drive and after that you can see the huge difference between a common hard drive and a ssd.

Have a look:

http://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Hardware-Upgrades-Replacements/Memory-Compatibility-for-HP-Pavilion-dv6...