ACER ASPIRE 5024wlmi RAM upgrade.

Hello everyone,

I have difficulties with memory upgrade for my Asprie 5024wmli.

I have got the model with 512MB(2x256MB Nanya NT256D64SH8C0GN-6K) memory and 80GB HDD.

I tried to install a new 1GB module from Transcend TS128MSD64V3A . I took out one 256MB module out from the machine and put the new 1GB module to it. Unfortunately after the upgrade, the system was very unstable. It crashed all the time with blue screen complaining -too quick to read or note down. Sometimes Windows can restart and said "recover from serious error" but for a while it crashed again and again.

If I put only the new module it works ok for sometimes. Sometimes the computer doesn't boot with 2 beeps sound when the only new module was installed.

So I returned the new module to the shop and got full refund (14-day full refund guarantee). The machine runs fine now with the old two 256MB modules.

I already read the "Guide to Notebook memory" but still have questions..

I checked the online manual, it said...

ASPIRE 5020 SERIES
System memory: 512 MB of DDR333 memory, upgradeable to 2 GB
using two soDIMM modules

1. Does it mean that I have to install RAM to fill both slots? Do they have to be indentical? Do I have to waste both of my old memory for this upgrade? Will there be anything compatible with old ones?

2. What is the cheapest way to have 1GB+ for my system? I need more memory but price is also important for me Can I use faster memory such as DDR 400 or DDR 533, or any 200-pin SO-DIMM with the machine? The price for faster RAM is quite cheaper than DDR333, (why?). And 2x512 is cheaper than just one module of 1GB. Which brand is good?

Please kindly help...

 

1. No. It is not necessary for the RAM to be identical. I have run 1Gb + 256MB modules on both my laptops and have never really encountered any troubles. It is always a good idea to test the new memory by running Memtest. You can generally get BSOD's for a couple of reasons A. incompatible RAM B. the RAM is faulty. Running Memtest would have shown if the RAM was faulty or if you system was picky about the RAM it needed.

2. You can use faster memory, but do remember that it will run only at that speed if the motherboard supports it and if it is not paired with a slower running RAM. If you pair with a slower running RAM then it will downclock and run at the same speed as the other slower RAM. DDR533 is not recommended since very few makers support, DDR 400 should be alright. Just get any 200 pin DDR SODIMM. Production is moving upwards and also away from DDR RAM, so higher speed modules become cheaper and cheaper as production of lower speed memory decreases.

Stuffing 512MB memory onto 1 stick is easier and more cost effective than stuffing all of 1GB onto 1 stick. So 2X512MB tend to be cheaper than just 1X1GB sticks. Crucial, Kingston and Crosair are the three top brands. They are generally costlier than generic brands like Transcend but their modules go though more testing and compatibility tests than those of generic versions. They also produce value RAMwhich is their lower end cheaper versions more similar to generic brands but still are a bit more reliable than gereic brands.
Also crucial, kingston have online memory configurators where they list compatible memory for almost all models of laptops. Might be a good idea to check them out before buying RAM.

 

Thank you very much, Miner. Now I've got 1GB (2 x 512MB) Value Ram from Kingston. It is working fine I can notice performance improvement. Very happy with it.

 

Hi there I was wondering if the Aspire5024 has both ram slots accessable under the unit or is one slot accessable under the unit and one slot under the keyboard? Thanks.

 

Both of them are under the unit, protected by 3 screws.