How to Add Memory to Acer Aspire 1690 Laptop

Your laptop is getting slower and slower even though you reinstall the system? Don’t rush to buy a new one. Your old laptop may just need more memory (RAM) to run the new software. If you’re just using the laptop to surf internet and do word processing, a $40 memory (1 G) may improve the performance of the laptop significantly.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• New Memory
• "+" Shape Screw Driver
• Plastic Card (i.e.:credit card...)

1. Knowing the memory capacity of your laptop: how many bays does it have? What is the maximum memory (same as RAM) that your laptop can support?
   
   Usually, the laptops produced in 3 – 5 years ago have TWO BAYS, and can only support maximum of 2G of memory.
   
   This information can usually be found on your product package/user manual, or the manufacture’s website.

2. Knowing how much memory your laptop is currently equipped (Right click “My Computer” -> “Property”). And how they are distributed (i.e.: two 256MB in two bays = 2 X 256 ; or one 516MB in one bay = 1 X 516 … if two bays have been used already, you will need to remove 1 memory module before adding a new one)
   
   What is the current memory's MODEL? If your user manual doesn’t specify, you may need to disassemble the laptop and read the label on your original memory module. Refer to Step 4-7 for the disassemble process
   
   Acer Aspire 1690 is using PC2700+DDR+333MHZ+200PIN model of memory.

3. Now you can go buy a new memory based on your memory info. If you plan to use the old memory as well, you must make sure the new memory matches the old memory’s MODEL (PC2700+DDR+333MHZ+200PIN). Otherwise, either the new or the old memory will not work properly. And of course, the total add-up memory/RAM should not excess the memory capacity of the laptop.

4. 
    
   Location of Cover and Screws

   Disassemble the laptop. Don’t be frightened, you will only need to unscrew the portion that covers the memory bays.
   
   Unplug the laptop and remove the battery. Flip your laptop. The location of the cover is shown in the picture.

5. 
    
   Use Plastic Card to Pick Up the Cover

   Unscrew the 2 screws. You’ll not be able to take the screws out, as they are attached with the cover. So stop unscrewing when you feel the screws are not getting up any more. Use a plastic card (i.e: credit card, grocery store key tag, ect.) to carefully pick up the cover. The advantage of using a plastic card instead of screw driver is to avoid scratching the laptop.

6. 
    
   Uplift the Cover

   Hold the cover, carefully move left and right to lift the cover up.

7. 
    
   Memory Location and Info

   After removing the cover, you will see the memory. The memory information can be clearly read at this point.

8. 
    
   Unlock the Memory

   If you need to remove 1 memory module, follow this: There are one holder on each side of the memory module. Slightly pull out the holders to unlock the memory (See Picture).

9. 
    
   Raise and Pull Out the Memory

   The memory should get up once you pull out the holders from both sides. If not, use a finger to carefully raise it. Then pull the module out. (See Picture!!)

10. Place the new memory module in the bay. Insert in 30 degree (the same direction as you pull the old one out), carefully press it down (the same direction as you raise the old one up), then the holders should automatically lock the module. Put the cover and the screws back, done!

Tips & Warnings

• New memory modules with slow speed are getting harder and harder to buy, as many manufactures have disconntinued the products. Therefore, craigslist or other similiar websites may be another good choice for getting an old standard memory.
• UNPLUG the laptop and REMOVE the BATTERY before doing anything!
• Keep your hand DRY!
• DO NOT use wet paper to wipe anything in the laptop!

[karileighk]

on 6/26/2009 You never know when this could come in handy. *5