How Do I Change the RAM in a Dell Inspiron 1521 Laptop?
The Dell Inspiron 1521 is a 15.4-inch widescreen notebook with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 or AMD Turion 64 X2 processor. In its base configuration, the Inspiron 1521 includes 1 GB of RAM, which is a respectable amount but may not provide the desired level of performance with high-end operating systems such as Windows Vista and 7. Upgrade your Dell Inspiron 1521 with up to 4 GB of DDR2-SDRAM for maximum performance.
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Things You'll Need
- Flat head screwdriver
- Phillips head screwdriver
- Two PC2-5300 (DDR2-667) DDR2-SDRAM notebook memory modules (maximum 2 GB each)
Instructions
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1
Shut Windows down and remove all external devices and the power cable from the Inspiron 1521. Remove the battery. Place the computer on a soft but sturdy surface and open the screen as far as possible.
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2
Place the flat head screwdriver in the notch on the right side of the plastic strip between the keyboard and the display. Pry the strip up until you are able to lift it the rest of the way with your fingers. Work your way to the left until the strip is removed from the computer, exposing the two keyboard screws underneath.
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3
Remove the two screws holding the keyboard in place and rotate the keyboard assembly down so it is out of your way. You do not need to disconnect the keyboard from the computer. Under the keyboard is the first memory upgrade slot, which is protected by a swinging plastic cover.
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4
Swing the plastic cover down to access the first memory module.
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5
Remove the first memory module by pushing the metal arms on each side apart until the module tilts up, then pulling it out of the computer.
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6
Push the bottom of the first replacement memory module into the connector, then push the top part of the module straight down until the metal arms snap around it.
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7
Rotate the plastic memory cover back to its original position and swing the keyboard back into the body of the computer. Replace the screws at the top of the keyboard, and push the plastic strip down, working from left to right. The first memory module is ready to use. The second memory slot is on the bottom of the computer.
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8
Close the screen of the Inspiron 1521 then turn the computer over so that the bottom faces you. On the bottom of the computer, you will find a plastic cover, slightly larger than a memory module, with vents.
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9
Remove the screw securing the plastic cover and lift the cover away from the computer.
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10
Remove and replace the second memory module using the same method as explained in Steps 5 and 6, then replace the vented cover. The computer is now ready to use.
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References
- Photo Credit memory image by Zbigniew Nowak from Fotolia.com
