dv6t-3000 RAM Upgrade

[rkatzwer]

Hi.

I have an HP Pavilion dv6-3000 CTO, product number VX070AV, purchased in 2010, with the following specs

* Intel i3 CPU M350  @ 2.27 GHz

* Windows 7 Home x64

* Motherboard: 144C 65.38, Bus Clock: 1066 MHz

* Ram: 2x2GB, SODIMM Samsung 1067 MHz (non-ECC, pretty sure it is DDR3)

If possible, I would like to upgrade to 2x4GB for the RAM.  I am having a hard time figuring out what (if anything) is compatible.  I was thinking one of the following, but really have no idea.

http://www.smsassembly.com/8gb-ddr3-1066mhz-pavilion-dv6-dv6t-series-ddr3-sodimm-2x-4gb/

http://www.smsassembly.com/8gb-ddr3-1333mhz-pavilion-dv6-dv6t-series-ddr3-sodimm-2x-4gb/

Any guidance would be much appreciated.  Thanks in advance.

EDIT: Just realized this should be in the hardware upgrade subforum!  Whoops, apologies!

[Paul_Tikkanen · Accepted solution]

Hi:

Either one should work.

Since it is the same price, you may want to get the PC3-10600 memory and transfer it to a machine that can run it at the full 1333 MHz, should you get one someday.

Your notebook will only run the memory at 1066 MHz because that is the FSB speed of the processor in your notebook.

[rkatzwer]

Thanks a lot Paul.

I was just concerned as the Crucial memory scanner said there was no compatible memory with my machine, and HP said that some machines are not upgradeable.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

My recommendation is to always consult the service manual for the best upgrade guidance and removal and replacement procedures.

That can be found under user guides on your PC's support and driver page, however I have provided the direct link to the manual below.  See chapter 1 page 2 for the memory upgrade info and chapter 4, page 60 for memory R & R procedures.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c02657339.pdf

[rkatzwer]

Hmmm, yeah, the BIOS recognizes the new RAM (shows 8192 mb), but Windows will not start with the new RAM.  Luckily, swapping back in the old RAM still works fine, so I didn't trash the computer.  Will have to play with this some more, will keep you posted.  The machine is a CTO, so it is always hard to figure out compatibility/specs, etc.  I may just have to eat the $50 on this upgrade  .

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

Sorry to read that didn't work!

I am very surprised--unless the PC doesn't like the brand of memory.

If it was high density memory, it won't work.

HP PC's have to have low density memory which is normally a little more expensive.

Specs: DDR3 PC3-10600 • CL=9 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR3-1333 • 1.35V • 512Meg x 64 •

The # in red is the density.

[rkatzwer]

Hi Paul.

From what I gather, the RAM part number for what I got is

Hynix HMT351S6BFR8C-H9

I found a data sheet [.pdf] here: http://www.skhynix.com/inc/pdfDownload.jsp?path=/datasheet/pdf/module/ds_2Gb_DDR3(B-ver)based_SODIMM...

It says on pg. 3:

• Part Number: HMT351S6BFR8C-G7/H9/PB
• Density: 4GB
• Organization: 512Mx64
• Component Composition: 256Mx8(H5TQ2G83BFR)*16
• # of ranks: 2

I am not sure if this is high- or low-density.  As best as I can tell, the sticks appear to be genuine Hynix sticks, and Hynix is a reputable manufacturer. 

Thanks again for all the help!

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

That appears to be high density memory to me.

Hynix is a good brand of memory but it is cheaper to make high density modules than low because they have to add more chips to the board with low density, I think that is how it works.

All I know is the killer for you was the 256Mx8 part.

That needed to be 512x64.

See if you can get a pair of these modules where you live...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231342

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139482

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145281

or

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820220545

I would stick with the 1.5V chips because they are guaranteed to work with that voltage.

Your PC may be able to take a 1.35V chip too (a little better energy saving), but no guarantee and at this point, you don't want to get burned twice!

[rkatzwer]

Thanks, man.  Well, that is what I get for being a cheapskate!  I am going to try to return the RAM, so wish me luck!  If I can return it, I'll look at these other brands.  

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.

Please post back if you decide to take another crack at upgrading the memory, and let us know how it goes.

With the right (low) density memory modules, your notebook should happily perform with 8 GB of memory.

Best Regards,

Paul