2009-04-26

Dell Inspiron Mini 9 RAM Upgrade

When I bought my Mini 9, Dell wanted $75 to upgrade the RAM from 512 MB to 2GB. Dell also only puts in 533 MHz RAM when you order the Mini 9, but they sell replacement RAM at 800 MHz. I found on Newegg.com that I could get a 2 GB stick of RAM at 800 MHz for about $17 that would work in the Mini 9. Seemed like a no-brainer to me. NOTE: it appears the price has gone up for this particular stick of RAM.

In order to upgrade the RAM on your Mini 9, you will need:
  • Dell Mini 9
    •
  • RAM - 200 pin DDR2 at 800HMz (533 MHz or 667 MHz will also work)
    •
  • Small phillips head screw driver
    •

Before you get started, remember to ground yourself (that's no TV, no phone, and no internet...) so that you don't ruin your electronics with a static discharge. That means it's probably not a good idea to put on and take off your new sweater a bunch of times really fast or scuff around the carpet in your wool socks.

Let's get started.
  1. Make sure your Mini 9 is turned off and you have disconnected the power cable and removed the battery.
    2.
  2. Remove the two screws indicated above and gently pry the back plate off with the screw driver.
    3.
  3. Carefully use your fingers to pull the metal brackets on the sides of the RAM to the sides, the RAM should pop up at an angle.
    4.
  4. Pull the stick of RAM out and set aside for later.
    5.
  5. Put the new RAM in place. Carefully, but firmly, push it into the connector, it should remain up at an angle like the old RAM just before you removed it.
    6.
  6. Carefully, but firmly, press the RAM down until the side brackets click into place and the RAM stays securly down and parallel to the board.
    7.
  7. Replace the back place, pressing down so that it clicks into place and replace the screws.
    8.
  8. Replace the battery and/or plug in the power cable and boot up your Mini 9 and enjoy your new RAM.
    9.
  9. Get crafty with the RAM you removed from your Mini 9. Make some nice jewelry out of it, maybe a neclace or some earrings, use your imagination!
    10.

Well, we did it, and it wasn't that hard. Next time we'll prep for upgrading the SSD by making a bootable Debian installation flash drive.
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2 comments:

  1. somtimersApril 27, 2009 at 12:20 PM

    This is a great posting. Simple instructions and great visual aids. Good information about the RAM speed and pricing.

    This is something to think about when ordering a new computer. You may be better off ording the bare minimum and then upgrading it yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  2. grabag-linuxApril 27, 2009 at 10:04 PM

    Yes, you do want to be careful when buying a computer from a manufacturer like this. It can be a bit of work to research prices/speeds/etc. on all the parts, but you can certainly come out ahead, as I did with the RAM.

    ReplyDelete

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