Laptop ram upgrade - Asus k56cm - 8GB,16GB or 32GB supported? [Linux, dmidecode output Q]

[cookiebowz]

Hello. I have a asus k56cm with 8 GB and would like to upgrade so I can get more use out of ramdisk.

On their website it tells me that it supports up to 8GB memory. What I'm not sure of is if they mean 8x2GB or max 8GB.

DDR3 1600 MHz SDRAM, 2 x SO-DIMM socket for expansion up to 8 GB SDRAM

This is the output from my system:

sudo dmidecode -t 16
# dmidecode 2.12
SMBIOS 2.7 present.

Handle 0x000B, DMI type 16, 23 bytes
Physical Memory Array
Location: System Board Or Motherboard
Use: System Memory
Error Correction Type: None
Maximum Capacity: 32 GB
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Number Of Devices: 4

But when i run this command it states that i have 4 slots:

Spoiler

# dmidecode 2.12
SMBIOS 2.7 present.

Handle 0x000D, DMI type 17, 34 bytes
Memory Device
Array Handle: 0x000B
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Total Width: 64 bits
Data Width: 64 bits
Size: 4096 MB
Form Factor: SODIMM
Set: None
Locator: ChannelA-DIMM0
Bank Locator: BANK 0
Type: DDR3
Type Detail: Synchronous
Speed: 1600 MHz
Manufacturer: Samsung
Serial Number: 96B78341
Asset Tag: 9876543210
Part Number: M471B5273CH0-CK0
Rank: 2
Configured Clock Speed: 1600 MHz

Handle 0x000F, DMI type 17, 34 bytes
Memory Device
Array Handle: 0x000B
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Total Width: Unknown
Data Width: Unknown
Size: No Module Installed
Form Factor: DIMM
Set: None
Locator: ChannelA-DIMM1
Bank Locator: BANK 1
Type: Unknown
Type Detail: None
Speed: Unknown
Manufacturer: [Empty]
Serial Number: [Empty]
Asset Tag: 9876543210
Part Number: [Empty]
Rank: Unknown
Configured Clock Speed: Unknown

Handle 0x0010, DMI type 17, 34 bytes
Memory Device
Array Handle: 0x000B
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Total Width: 64 bits
Data Width: 64 bits
Size: 4096 MB
Form Factor: SODIMM
Set: None
Locator: ChannelB-DIMM0
Bank Locator: BANK 2
Type: DDR3
Type Detail: Synchronous
Speed: 1600 MHz
Manufacturer: Samsung
Serial Number: 96B7833C
Asset Tag: 9876543210
Part Number: M471B5273CH0-CK0
Rank: 2
Configured Clock Speed: 1600 MHz

Handle 0x0012, DMI type 17, 34 bytes
Memory Device
Array Handle: 0x000B
Error Information Handle: Not Provided
Total Width: Unknown
Data Width: Unknown
Size: No Module Installed
Form Factor: DIMM
Set: None
Locator: ChannelB-DIMM1
Bank Locator: BANK 3
Type: Unknown
Type Detail: None
Speed: Unknown
Manufacturer: [Empty]
Serial Number: [Empty]
Asset Tag: 9876543210
Part Number: [Empty]
Rank: Unknown
Configured Clock Speed: Unknown

What makes me wonder is that it tells me I should have 4 memory slots (?). However, I have opened up the computer and come to the conclusion that there is only two. That makes me wonder if my system is realy telling me the truth.

Could someone give me a hint? Does my System support 8GB, 16GB or 32GB?

 

[Ubrales]

Welcome to Tom's Hardware Forums!

The max RAM is 8 GBs. (total)

There are only two memory slots. 2 x 4 GB

 

[Danbuscus25]

ive had a problem where i program says i have 4 slots but i actually only have 2 aswell. and it looks like each slot can support 8gb for a total of 16gb.

 

[cookiebowz]

Two different answers here. Anyone else have anything to add? Someone else who has more experience in how dmidecode and linux calculate this? Are there other factors such as the motherboards firmware version that could prove dmidecodes calculations wrong?

Or am i just reading the output wrong?

 

[Danbuscus25]

ah, did more research on your laptop, it has a system max of 8gb :/

 

[cookiebowz]

Alright, Thanks for your answers!

If anyone have an explanation for why dmidecode gives me a maximum capacity of 32GB it would be appreciated.

 

[Ubrales]

Alright, Thanks for your answers!

If anyone have an explanation for why dmidecode gives me a maximum capacity of 32GB it would be appreciated.

Windows 7 Pro 64-bit has a RAM capability of 192 GBs. However, motherboards depending on the various manufacturers have a much lower capability. My desktop motherboard running Win 7 Pro has a RAM limit of 32 GBs - 4 x 8 GBs capability and I have filled all four RAM slots with 8 GB modules.

Another desktop has 8 GB RAM capability (motherboard) even though it is running Win 8.1 Pro which has 512 GB RAM capability.

 

[cookiebowz]

Windows 7 Pro 64-bit has a RAM capability of 192 GBs. However, motherboards depending on the various manufacturers have a much lower capability. My desktop motherboard running Win 7 Pro has a RAM limit of 32 GBs - 4 x 8 GBs capability and I have filled all four RAM slots with 8 GB modules.

Another desktop has 8 GB RAM capability (motherboard) even though it is running Win 8.1 Pro which has 512 GB RAM capability.

GBs, What does that mean? GB per slot? Could the output "Maximum Capacity: 32 GB" be the theoretical capacity of the ram bus and 8GB the physical capacity set by the manufacturer for my motherboard?

 

[cookiebowz]

If anyone else has similar concerns regarding this computer I have now asked Crucials customer service (Their website states that it can handle 16GB ram) and got the answer that 16GB memory is supported.

Justin _M :
Memory technology changes so quickly that by the time your system actually ships, the manufacturer's original specifications (including memory type, speed, and maximum capacity) can be outdated. Because Crucial extensively researches system specifications, Crucial's data is current.

***: So my laptop does support 16GB, am i correct?

Justin _M : Indeed you are.

 

[Ubrales]

Usually the motherboard manufacturer (or laptop manufacturer) states the max tested RAM and what they will guarantee. In some cases the actual RAM capability may be higher; and maybe not.

 

[cookiebowz]

Usually the motherboard manufacturer (or laptop manufacturer) states the max tested RAM and what they will guarantee. In some cases the actual RAM capability may be higher; and maybe not.

Yes, That's what i suspected.

 

[Ubrales]

Usually the motherboard manufacturer (or laptop manufacturer) states the max tested RAM and what they will guarantee. In some cases the actual RAM capability may be higher; and maybe not.

Yes, That's what i suspected.

It happened on my Z77 motherboard. The specs stated 32 GBs of RAM and the manual stated 16 GBs of RAM. I called the manufacturer and they stated that the real capability was 32 GBs and this was upgraded after the manual was printed. I am running with 32 GBs of RAM and it is working great!

 

[cookiebowz]

It happened on my Z77 motherboard. The specs stated 32 GBs of RAM and the manual stated 16 GBs of RAM. I called the manufacturer and they stated that the real capability was 32 GBs and this was upgraded after the manual was printed. I am running with 32 GBs of RAM and it is working great!

Thanks for your input!