RAM upgrade on Q551

[Dray83]

Hi, I have a Asus Q551 laptop (with Windows 10). Looking to upgrade the RAM. I happen to have a PNY DDR3 PC3-12800 8 GB chip (part # MN8192SD3-1600) that I decided not to put into my Asus G751J once I discovered it was significantly more involved to add those last 8 GB (take off keyboard etc). Was looking at YouTube video to replace the RAM on the Q551 (link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOuSVMyhUaQ) and they said to "make sure that it is 1.35 V". I can't find any info on if this RAM is compatible with the Q551 or not- and what will happen if I install it? Will it mess something up or just not work? I have experience upgrading RAM but never worried about the voltage at all, so was thinking maybe this was something new? Or maybe not... Any advice is appreciated! Thank you!

 

[voltoid27]

You can tell what voltage the RAM runs by its designation; regular DDR3 runs at 1.5V, while DDR3L runs at 1.35V which is what you need to use to avoid issues with your CPU's memory controller. Unfortunately that 8GB stick of yours is plain DDR3, and I wouldn't risk damaging something by trying to push the memory controller at that higher voltage.

If your current setup is running in dual-channel, I'd leave it alone tbh. (You can check this using CPU-Z) Installing an 8GB SODIMM with the 4GB that's soldered onto the motherboard would put the memory controller in single-channel mode and you'll actually lose performance in some cases.

 

[Dray83]

That is exactly what I needed to know- Thank you VERY much!

 

[voltoid27]

Happy to help!

 

[Dray83]

Okay, have the right ram now. Cover is off. Already have 8 GB stick in the obvious bay (under the silver cover). Where is the other bay? May be blind. Ha. Crucial says it can take 16 GB. Thanks!

 

[voltoid27]

Crucial is wrong, there are 4GB of memory soldered to the motherboard, and only 1 SO-DIMM slot, so 12GB is as high as you can go

 

[Dray83]

Crucial scan comes up as Asus Q552UB even though box for PC says Q551. Don't know if that makes a difference though.
May be maxed out as your said. is right. FML. ha.
Know anything about the DIMMs on a HP 17-P110NR...has 6 gb now. Easy to throw it in that one?
THanks again for your help and quick responses!

 

[voltoid27]

The 17-P110NR also takes DDR3L, but has 2 DIMM slots instead of just one. I wouldn't use that RAM in it either, because of the voltage. That and the memory controller can go up to DDR3L-1866 so that RAM will not maximize performance either.

 

[Dray83]

Fail. Foiled again.
As always, thank you!