RAM Upgrade Questions for Laptop

all.in.onemktg · Sep 27, 2018

Im planning on upgrading the RAM of my laptop. Laptop is an Asus Vivobook X442UF. Specs indicate 4GB onboard RAM which can be upgraded up to 12GB.

Memory slots based on Task Manager is 4. CPU-Z says its also 4 but none of the slots are used. However, I can only see 1 memory slot (which is vacant) under the maintenance cover. Where are the other 3 memory slots?

Second question is how to know if my laptop supports dual channel mode? CPU-Z indicates Channel# is Single. Could this be because only 1 stick of RAM is installed or this laptop doesn't support dual channel?

Last question, what is the best way to upgrade my RAM to maximize its performance? Should I fill the empty slot with 1x4GB to match the onboard RAM or install 1x8GB to max out the supported 12GB?

These may be a lot of newbie questions, but your answers will be of great help in this concern of mine. TIA!

julienruc · Sep 28, 2018

You are correct. According to Asus' website, this laptop only have 2 DIMM slots and it does not support dual channel. If you took the 4Gb model, you can add 8Gb to make it 12Gb in total. If you took the 8Gb model, you can upgrade to 16Gb total.

Since it doesn't support dual channel, you can simply purchase an extra RAM stick to add onto the second DIMM slot. Note that even if you get another 4Gb of the exact same RAM stick, it will not be dual channel. Dual Channel is when you buy a RAM package that has 2 sticks inside. If both sticks are both separately, it's 2 single channel DIMMs, which is what you're looking at here with you Laptop.

My recommendation would be to find a 8Gb SO-DIMM stick at 2400Mhz to add to the second slot.

all.in.onemktg · Sep 28, 2018

julienruc :

You are correct. According to Asus' website, this laptop only have 2 DIMM slots and it does not support dual channel. If you took the 4Gb model, you can add 8Gb to make it 12Gb in total. If you took the 8Gb model, you can upgrade to 16Gb

Since it doesn't support dual channel, you can simply purchase an extra RAM stick to add onto the second DIMM slot. Note that even if you get another 4Gb of the exact same RAM stick, it will not be dual channel. Dual Channel is when you buy a RAM package that has 2 sticks inside. If both sticks are both separately, it's 2 single channel DIMMs, which is what you're looking at here with you Laptop.

My recommendation would be to find a 8Gb SO-DIMM stick at 2400Mhz to add to the second slot.

It makes sense now. But why does task manager and cpu-z show 4 ram slots?

julienruc · Sep 28, 2018

all.in.onemktg :

Software that automatically give you information like this rely on the motherboard itself to give them the information.

Sometimes it's just misinformation given by the motherboard because it doesn't follow information format on the software, or information is misread by the program because components are older.

It says on Asus' website that there is x1 SO-DIMM expansion slot. So there should be only 2 slots in total. Although we both could be wrong.

Doesn't hurt to pop it open with a screwdriver to have a look, you can also clean the dust inside while you're at it.

all.in.onemktg · Sep 29, 2018

julienruc :

all.in.onemktg :

Software that automatically give you information like this rely on the motherboard itself to give them the information.

Sometimes it's just misinformation given by the motherboard because it doesn't follow information format on the software, or information is misread by the program because components are older.

It says on Asus' website that there is x1 SO-DIMM expansion slot. So there should be only 2 slots in total. Although we both could be wrong.

Doesn't hurt to pop it open with a screwdriver to have a look, you can also clean the dust inside while you're at it.

Im afraid opening it up is not possible due to warranty issues. Its still a few weeks old and warranty is 2 years. I can only open the “maintenance door” where there is only 1 RAM slot, which is vacant.

julienruc · Sep 29, 2018

In that case you have 2 choices here. Either you adf 1 RAM stick (with matching speeds to exisiting ones) or you send it back to the manufacturer or official retailer that will help you upgrade it for you. But this may be costly.

I think you should just add an extra 8Gb

all.in.onemktg · Sep 30, 2018

julienruc :

Im more inclined to just adding an 8gb stick. Will there be a noticeable improvement after adding the 8gb? Looking at cpu-z Im using on average 70-80% of my current 4gb ram.

julienruc · Sep 30, 2018

Yes, definite improvement. The fact that you have more RAM will automatically make things smoother. Even if you're not using 100% of current capacity. Everything will have be much faster because even if usage is 70% sometimes programm will pull up to 100% in fractions of seconds (usually during opening or closing programs) but it just won't show it on CPU-Z because it's too fast.

gyeung743 · Oct 13, 2018

If anyone is looking for a great upgrade for ddr4 2400mhz laptop ram like an Asus Vivobbok or anything with ddr4, just get this Corsair Vengeance. I have used it and am still using it for about 2 years now. It is great, fast, and reliable. And I bought it from this seller. You should go check it out. Plus it’s a great price

Corsair Vengeance 16 GB (2 X 8 GB sticks) DDR4 2400 Laptop Memory https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F332834257743

I just wanted to point this out to anyone looking for an upgrade from 4gb, 8gb, or even a 16gb.

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