How to add Ram chip?

cgm707 · 05-23-2007, 06:51 PM

I have an Acer TravelMate 2480, and just purchased additional RAM. It's my first notebook PC, and don't know how to add the RAM chip.....

Can anyone provide a good guide (pictures are always good :) ...I am not even sure which panel on the back to take off. Tried both, but doesn't look clear as to how to remove anything....

Also wondering if it's recommended that an intermediate user such as I attempt such a thing...I've added memory to a desktop.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

Chip

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 05-23-2007, 07:17 PM

Anyone can do this, here is a guide http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...7057&CatId=150

scroll down to video install guide.

**8210GUY** · 05-23-2007, 07:41 PM

I see someone has hooked you up with a guide while I was trying to find info for you, so I'll leave the how to with that video they mentioned, only thing I will add incase that doesn't is make sure you are earthed, an earth strap is the ideal, but my guess is you wont have one, so try touching the copper pipe of a radiator to earth yourself, memory is a very delicate thing, and you can fry it by handling it without being earthed, that said many people probably aren't even aware of this and handle the stuff daily without any problems, so far anyway, but I would be lacking if I didn't mention it so your aware.

That said I couldn't find much on the acer site, but in the manual for this notebook they show 3 items on the back, there is a long section on the edge, that is the battery as you may well be aware, in which case you will know the sliding switch just above it is the release for the battery, now the part you want to be dealing with is a square section toward one of the ends of the notebook, it doesn't go to the end, but it doesn't look to far from it, maybe an inch (or 2.5cm if you prefer), now as best I can see there are 2 screws on the edge closest to the end of the notebook, at least as far as I can see, incase you have the manual check out page 8, Ah just found a better pic, in the manual go to page 40, they show and explain what to do from there downward, if you don't have the manual, or you don't see what I'm looking at, you can view the manual from >>>Here<<< it is in pdf format and a direct link, first thing you will see is the pdf manual front page, so if you have a slow connection give it a chance to load, and between that to show you where, and the video to show how you should be set.

cgm707 · 05-23-2007, 10:18 PM

Wow, 2 great replies! Thanks, fellahs! I appreciate the quick replies!

However, the video guide is for a desktop PC, and I have inserted memory into a desktop. I'm just not familiar with how to do it on a laptop.

I'm not sure which manual you are using, but neither page you quoted had anything about installing memory. I found these instructions, but what if there is already a memory stick in place?

Chip

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 05-23-2007, 10:36 PM

The slot in my notebook atleast has to be put in diagnaly and push twards the notebook ithe ram is under on of the panels on the back of the laptop.

cgm707 · 05-23-2007, 11:08 PM

Well, I just tried again. There appear to be 2 panels that I can unscrew, and I don't see where to slide in the stick of memory. I don't want to break the machine, I wish the diagrams that Acer provides to add memory were better. I may have to just take it in, oy vey.

**8210GUY** · 05-24-2007, 05:22 AM

Did you get the manual I linked above ? the page numbers I quoted are from that, it's why I linked to that manual so if yours wasn't quite the same you would still be able to see what I saw by getting that one.
The panel to unscrew is the square panel which appears to have 2 screws, from the picture of the back they supply in that manual there are no other square panels on there, there is also a diagram with arrows showing the direction the ram should be moved to access\change it, now from that manual it sounds like you have 2 slots in there, and obviously 1 slot will already be used leaving 1 slot free, the max you can put in there is 2gig, so what have you got currently ? I mean on the system now, and what you want to add, what are each of those ?

But putting how to insert the ram in words is near impossible, it looks like the ram will be more on it's side rather than stood up, it will be at an incline (diagonal probably as said above), the arrowed diagram kind of shows that you rock them into it, locate and insert the stick of ram into the arms that will receive it, then it's a kind of push the ram into the bottom of that while rocking it into it's slanted position where it should click home.

cgm707 · 05-24-2007, 08:35 AM

Thanks again for the replies.

I've attached 2 pictures of the back of my computer. Removing the panel for one of the covers is no problem, as you can see. But I don't see what there is to take out. The hardware doesn't appear to be removable there. I don't see anything under the cover that appears to have slots. The other panel cover doesn't come out after I unscrew the cover. Not sure if these photos help explain.

**8210GUY** · 05-24-2007, 09:40 AM

That looks like you have removed the wrong cover, possibly more in the centre of the back ? probably the back of the CPU at a guess so close that panel up again.
Now I think I know where the confusion is coming from here, just went back to the manual I linked and it only took me to the index, so I navigated to the manual again and it was different, turns out they have 2 manual's, so what I've done is taken screenshot's of the two different backs to show you what to look for and hopefully where, then I'll post the clear one showing the ram, your may vary but with these you should be able to see what and how to do.

>>>Back Pic 1<<< >>>Back Pic 2<<<

I'll also quote their guide to doing it here as well for you.

Quote:

Memory upgrade
Memory is expandable to 2 GB, employing DDR266/333 256MB/512MB/
1GB SDRAM modules. Two DDR DIMM slots. The computer supports
shadow RAM.
There are two memory slots on your computer, one of which is
occupied by standard memory. You can upgrade memory by installing
a memory module into the available slot, or replacing the standard
memory with a higher-capacity memory module.

Installing memory
Follow these steps to install memory:
1 Turn off the computer, unplug the AC adapter (if connected) and
remove the battery pack. Then turn the computer over to access
its base.
2 Remove the screw from the memory cover (a); then lift up and
remove the memory cover (b).
3 Insert the memory module diagonally into the slot (1), then gently
press it down until it clicks into place (2).
4 Replace the memory cover and secure it with the screw.
The computer automatically detects and reconfigures the total
memory size.

>>>Ram Pic 1<<< and >>>Ram Pic 2<<<

Hopefully now you will be able to achieve your goal.

cgm707 · 05-26-2007, 09:03 PM

I dont know if these pictures are clearer, but I have 2 panels on the back of my Acer Travelmate 2480. The smaller panel covers what appears to be the hard drive. I took it out and that does not have space for adding. The other much larger panel has 2 screws at one end. When I unscrew these, that end of the panel lifts up slightly. But the other end of the cover will not come off. I tried as hard as I could to ease the cover off, sliding it, pulling, but if I exhert any more pressure, the panel will break.

You've been incredibly helpful, but I dont know what else I can do, except pay a tech to insert the chip for me, which seems ridiculous.

Chip

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 05-26-2007, 09:59 PM

Take offf the big one and take a picture of what is inside plz?

cgm707 · 05-27-2007, 10:13 PM

There are only 2 screws at the one end of the cover. The cover doesn't come off, and I'm afraid if I use more force, it will break.

**TheMatt** · 05-29-2007, 04:07 PM

To remove that cover, you have to slide your fingers along the sides. There are places where the panel *appears* to be connected and breakable, but they really snap in and out of place. Once the screws are removed and the panel is snapped out of place, lift it up from the end with the screws. You will see two DIMMs and your wireless card.

ebackhus · 05-29-2007, 05:34 PM

FYI: The other device is the HDD.

**1 g0t 0wn3d** · 05-29-2007, 05:58 PM

I wonder if he did actualy break and that why he is not posting back =\

Pterosaur · 03-19-2008, 10:38 AM

Hey guys, I thought I'd post this question here because I am also having a problem upgrading my memory and I have the same model laptop. When I put it in, the laptop will not boot up unless I put only the memory that came with it back in. Does that mean the memory is incompatible or is there something else I could be doing? BTW, here is the information for the memory I am trying to use:

DDR2667 PC2-5300 2048MB X 2 CL5-5-5-15 So-Dimm

**TriggerFinger** · 03-19-2008, 10:53 AM

Hi,

it can be caused by an incompatible or defective RAM. try your new RAM on another system that accepts the same RAM specs and see if it works there.

dancinangel67 · 03-19-2008, 07:50 PM

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ram5.htm

This website maybe able to help you

05-23-2007, 06:51 PM	#1 (permalink)
cgm707 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 152 OS: Windows XP	How to add Ram chip? I have an Acer TravelMate 2480, and just purchased additional RAM. It's my first notebook PC, and don't know how to add the RAM chip..... Can anyone provide a good guide (pictures are always good :) ...I am not even sure which panel on the back to take off. Tried both, but doesn't look clear as to how to remove anything.... Also wondering if it's recommended that an intermediate user such as I attempt such a thing...I've added memory to a desktop. Any help is appreciated, thanks. Chip

05-23-2007, 07:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: How to add Ram chip? Anyone can do this, here is a guide http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...7057&CatId=150 scroll down to video install guide. __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

05-23-2007, 07:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
8210GUY TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,558 OS: xp Pro	Re: How to add Ram chip? I see someone has hooked you up with a guide while I was trying to find info for you, so I'll leave the how to with that video they mentioned, only thing I will add incase that doesn't is make sure you are earthed, an earth strap is the ideal, but my guess is you wont have one, so try touching the copper pipe of a radiator to earth yourself, memory is a very delicate thing, and you can fry it by handling it without being earthed, that said many people probably aren't even aware of this and handle the stuff daily without any problems, so far anyway, but I would be lacking if I didn't mention it so your aware. That said I couldn't find much on the acer site, but in the manual for this notebook they show 3 items on the back, there is a long section on the edge, that is the battery as you may well be aware, in which case you will know the sliding switch just above it is the release for the battery, now the part you want to be dealing with is a square section toward one of the ends of the notebook, it doesn't go to the end, but it doesn't look to far from it, maybe an inch (or 2.5cm if you prefer), now as best I can see there are 2 screws on the edge closest to the end of the notebook, at least as far as I can see, incase you have the manual check out page 8, Ah just found a better pic, in the manual go to page 40, they show and explain what to do from there downward, if you don't have the manual, or you don't see what I'm looking at, you can view the manual from >>>Here<<< it is in pdf format and a direct link, first thing you will see is the pdf manual front page, so if you have a slow connection give it a chance to load, and between that to show you where, and the video to show how you should be set. Last edited by 8210GUY; 05-23-2007 at 07:41 PM. Reason: Typo

05-23-2007, 10:18 PM	#4 (permalink)
cgm707 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 152 OS: Windows XP	Re: How to add Ram chip? Wow, 2 great replies! Thanks, fellahs! I appreciate the quick replies! However, the video guide is for a desktop PC, and I have inserted memory into a desktop. I'm just not familiar with how to do it on a laptop. I'm not sure which manual you are using, but neither page you quoted had anything about installing memory. I found these instructions, but what if there is already a memory stick in place? Chip

05-23-2007, 10:36 PM	#5 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: How to add Ram chip? The slot in my notebook atleast has to be put in diagnaly and push twards the notebook ithe ram is under on of the panels on the back of the laptop. __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

05-23-2007, 11:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
cgm707 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 152 OS: Windows XP	Re: How to add Ram chip? Well, I just tried again. There appear to be 2 panels that I can unscrew, and I don't see where to slide in the stick of memory. I don't want to break the machine, I wish the diagrams that Acer provides to add memory were better. I may have to just take it in, oy vey.

05-24-2007, 05:22 AM	#7 (permalink)
8210GUY TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 1,558 OS: xp Pro	Re: How to add Ram chip? Did you get the manual I linked above ? the page numbers I quoted are from that, it's why I linked to that manual so if yours wasn't quite the same you would still be able to see what I saw by getting that one. The panel to unscrew is the square panel which appears to have 2 screws, from the picture of the back they supply in that manual there are no other square panels on there, there is also a diagram with arrows showing the direction the ram should be moved to access\change it, now from that manual it sounds like you have 2 slots in there, and obviously 1 slot will already be used leaving 1 slot free, the max you can put in there is 2gig, so what have you got currently ? I mean on the system now, and what you want to add, what are each of those ? But putting how to insert the ram in words is near impossible, it looks like the ram will be more on it's side rather than stood up, it will be at an incline (diagonal probably as said above), the arrowed diagram kind of shows that you rock them into it, locate and insert the stick of ram into the arms that will receive it, then it's a kind of push the ram into the bottom of that while rocking it into it's slanted position where it should click home.

05-26-2007, 09:59 PM	#11 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: How to add Ram chip? Take offf the big one and take a picture of what is inside plz? __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

05-27-2007, 10:13 PM	#12 (permalink)
cgm707 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 152 OS: Windows XP	Re: How to add Ram chip? There are only 2 screws at the one end of the cover. The cover doesn't come off, and I'm afraid if I use more force, it will break.

05-29-2007, 04:07 PM	#13 (permalink)
TheMatt TSF Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Boston Posts: 13,701 OS: Win 3.1, 98, NT 4.0, XP Debian 4.0, Kubuntu 6.06 My System Blog Entries: 3	Re: How to add Ram chip? To remove that cover, you have to slide your fingers along the sides. There are places where the panel appears to be connected and breakable, but they really snap in and out of place. Once the screws are removed and the panel is snapped out of place, lift it up from the end with the screws. You will see two DIMMs and your wireless card. __________________ - Matt M - KB1OSC - Folding@Home 85015 [url="http://www.techsupportforum.com/hardware-support/"] If TSF has helped you, please consider donating. If I have stopped responding to a thread, feel free to send me a PM with a link to the thread. It is advisable to subscribe to threads so you will receive updates when replies are posted. You can subscribe to threads from the "Thread Tools" Menu. »Memtest86 »Prime95 »UBCD »SpeedFan »NHC Personal »Everest »Sandra »PC Wizard »RivaTuner »ATi Tool Click here for Useful Articles and Guides

05-29-2007, 05:34 PM	#14 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,137 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: How to add Ram chip? FYI: The other device is the HDD. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

05-29-2007, 05:58 PM	#15 (permalink)
1 g0t 0wn3d TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Sedona, az Posts: 6,528 OS: Vista basic 32bit My System	Re: How to add Ram chip? I wonder if he did actualy break and that why he is not posting back =\ __________________ Bench Test \| PC Wizard \| System specs \| PSU info \| PSU calculator \| Memtest86+ \| Speedfan

03-19-2008, 10:38 AM	#16 (permalink)
Pterosaur Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 3 OS: Windows XP	Re: How to add Ram chip? Hey guys, I thought I'd post this question here because I am also having a problem upgrading my memory and I have the same model laptop. When I put it in, the laptop will not boot up unless I put only the memory that came with it back in. Does that mean the memory is incompatible or is there something else I could be doing? BTW, here is the information for the memory I am trying to use: DDR2667 PC2-5300 2048MB X 2 CL5-5-5-15 So-Dimm

03-19-2008, 10:53 AM	#17 (permalink)
TriggerFinger Moderator Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: USA Posts: 11,784 OS: Vista SP1, XP SP3, PCLinuxOS2007	Re: How to add Ram chip? Hi, it can be caused by an incompatible or defective RAM. try your new RAM on another system that accepts the same RAM specs and see if it works there. __________________ DBAN - Memtest86+ - BartPE - Linux LiveCD - ImgBurn - HDD Diags - Disk Copy HOW TO BURN AN ISO FILE Last edited by TriggerFinger; 03-19-2008 at 10:54 AM.

03-19-2008, 07:50 PM	#18 (permalink)
dancinangel67 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 19 OS: vista	Re: How to add Ram chip? http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ram5.htm This website maybe able to help you Last edited by dancinangel67; 03-19-2008 at 07:55 PM.