Do You Have to Match RAM?

[KingAbassi]

So I have an Acer Aspire V5-552G-8632 and the computer says it came with 4GB of RAM but I guess I was ripped off and only given 3GB soldered to the MOBO, but that is besides the point. What I want to do is upgrade my RAM to at least 6GB. Do I have to match the exact RAM installed already? I can't seem to find any serial numbers or anything while looking inside my laptop. Also, can I get a 4GB stick to work with the 3 to add up to 7GB? If so, that would be nice to know as well. Thanks to anyone who helps!

 

[USAFRet]

What specifically is telling you "3GB"?

From the description at Newegg: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314119
...that thing has but one RAM slot. 'Replace', not 'add'.

 

[KingAbassi]

@USAFRet CPUID is telling me I have 3GB of RAM installed. I've opened my laptop and I also have seen that I have an empty RAM slot. The other piece of RAM is literally part of the MOBO. The laptop does only have 1 RAM slot but it is not used. The RAM soldered to the MOBO is the only Memory being used at the moment.

 

[USAFRet]

@USAFRet CPUID is telling me I have 3GB of RAM installed. I've opened my laptop and I also have seen that I have an empty RAM slot. The other piece of RAM is literally part of the MOBO. The laptop does only have 1 RAM slot but it is not used. The RAM soldered to the MOBO is the only Memory being used at the moment.

OK then. You can 'probably' add another stick of the proper type.

 

[KingAbassi]

@USAFRet Do you have any idea what kind that is? I know the RAM is 1600 MHz. Do I just have to match that?

 

[jaguarskx]

You should be able to install a 4GB or 8GB stick of 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1600 like the following:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820191394

An 8GB stick is likely overkill, so just installing a 4GB stick should be fine.