Upgrade memory on Asus 1018P and Asus 1215N

A couple of you guys asked me if it’s complicated to upgrade memory on the Asus 1018P/PB and 1215N i tested recently. That’s why I’ve shot a quick video that should help you.

First, the 1018P. This one comes with a bay on the back and you get access to it by removing the battery first. You don’t need to unscrew anything, just pull the plastic cover off, take the aluminum protective foil off also and get access to memory slot.

There’s a single slot on this machine and it can use up to 2 GB DDR3 modules. I’ve noticed a thread on EEEForum (thanks @ZEO for mentioning this) where people had problems upgrading memory for their machines, I can’t say it was the same for me.

Anyway, I only tried it on the black 1018P (don’t have the white 1018PB anymore) and it worked just fine. There are pictures with the BIOS currently installed and the exact type of DIMM I used. Hopefully those will help.

2GB DDR3 DIMM used for upgrades

2GB DDR3 DIMM used for upgrades

BIOS version on the 1018P

BIOS version on the 1018P

Now, on the 1215N, upgrading RAM is slightly more complicated. There is a big bay on the back that will give you access to memory. However, you will need a screwdriver to unscrew the cap and a sharp tool to take it off (i used a knife). There are 2 slots for memory and the device can use up to 4 GB of DDR3 memory. However, the 2 modules will not work in Dual Channel on this machine (platform does not allow it).

Of course, it is best to check if your device only comes with a 2GB installed from start. That way, you’re only going to need another 2 GB one. However, if it comes with 2x1GB modules, you’ll have to replace them both and will be more expensive.

You can see the exact Hynix modules i used for upgrades in the pic below.

2 memory slots on the 1215N EEE PC

2 memory slots on the 1215N EEE PC (sry for the fussiness of the pic)

Like you can see, getting a module in and out is fairly easy. Press the metal clams sideways to get it of and just place the module in place and press it gently downwards to get it in. The clip below will show you exactly what you have to do.

All in all, in both cases, RAM upgrades are extremely easy to perform by even the unskilled of you. Won’t require any special tools (except a screwdriver) and won’t void warranty.

Also see my Asus 1018P review and Asus 1215N EEE PC review for more details.

Upgrading HDD on the other hand is a lot more complicated, as you will have to take the entire device apart, removing the entire bottom cover, plus palm rest and keyboard. And yes, you will have to break warranty seal during the process.

Unfortunately I am not allowed to dismantle these test machines I have here so I can’t actually show you how to install a HDD, not for the time being at least.

That’s about it. As always, if you got any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.

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Last updated: August 23, 2010 | Published: August 23rd, 2010 | See the comments or add yours!

Author: Mike - wrote 636 posts - see all posts by

Andrei Girbea, aka "Mike", is the Owner and Editor in Chief at netbooklive.com . He's been dealing with gadgets and writing about them for years and now focuses more on portable computers, like netbooks, mini laptops and touchscreen tablets. You can follow him on Twitter.

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  • ariel

    can you show us the BENCH for upgraded memory on 1215n?

    can you feel any change in gaming/etc?

  • http://www.netbooklive.com Mike

    There were 4 GB of memory in teh 1215N for all the benchmarks and games here on this site. I removed a module before shooting this clip, just so I can show you guys how to upgrade ram (the version in stores will only sell with 2 GB). So no need for updates :)

  • James McButthole

    Is it possible to install a 64 bit OS on this machine (1215n)?

    and also, do you know if the 1215n will come with 2x1GB sticks or 1x2GB stick of RAM? or is this unknown?

    Sorry if these questions have been asked before, and thanks for all your work on the 1215n!! This is like the only site putting out good information about this netbook

  • http://www.netbooklive.com Mike

    James, hopefully it will come with 1×2 GB. Still, I’ve heard some got it in Norway and Sweden with 2×1 GB, so I’m not sure what to say.

    As for getting 64 bit OS on that one, I can’t actually as I have no spare Windows license. Plus, being a test unit, I’m not sure the guys at Asus would be too glad with me messing with their device. So I can’t really help with this request, at least for now :(

  • James McButthole

    “James, hopefully it will come with 1×2 GB. Still, I’ve heard some got it in Norway and Sweden with 2×1 GB, so I’m not sure what to say. ”

    That’s what I was afraid of…I was hoping the 1215n would be sold with 4GB of RAM pre-installed so I wouldn’t have to buy it all myself. Coming with 2x1GB is the worst of all because then you have to replace it all with 2x2GB sticks…

    oh well thanks

  • http://www.netbooklive.com Mike

    Yea, i know the feeling. Hopefully you can ask those selling the devices about this detail and even more, hopefully they will know what to answer :P

  • Jimmy

    Help! :) I just bought 2×2 GB for my 1215n. This is the package: ttp://tinyurl.com/3a454yb

    However nothing happens when I turn on the computer and I have disabled the boot stuff.

    I can see that the RAM is dual channel so is that the reason? I just thought that the computer would only use single channel even though it was dual channel.

  • http://www.netbooklive.com Mike

    What kind of 2 x 2 GB ? Maybe you can share the specs…

  • Jimmy

    Mike, you can see it here: http://tinyurl.com/3a454yb

    RAM Memory Technology: DRAM, DDR3 SDRAM
    Form Factor: SO DIMM 204-pin
    Memory Storage Capacity: 4 GB
    Memory Speed: 1333 MHz
    Memory Specification Compliance: PC3-10600

    After I’ve inserted the RAM I can turn on the computer but nothing happens on the screen. Just black.

  • Jamal

    Does anybody know what version is the HDMI port on the Asus 1215n, is it 1.3 or 1.4?

  • http://www.netbooklive.com Mike

    Hmm, this is weird. That’s the memory I had in : http://www.netbooklive.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/dimm.png . worked OK. Yours seems pretty much the same.

    I’ve seen similar problems on the 1018P, in this thread here: http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?id=87902 . So it might be a BIOS problem. try updating to the latest you can find and hopefully will work…

    It’s a shame still that there are these types of incompatibilities on this machine, but hopefully they will sort them out soon…

  • Jimmy

    Thanks. I’ve been in contact with Asus and they say the computer should support 1066 MHz.

    Maybe the computer only supports 1333 MHz and 2 GB RAM as max. If one wants to use 4 GB RAM it should be 1066 MHz.

    Anyone that can confirm this maybe?

  • http://www.netbooklive.com Mike

    No way it supports 2 GB Max. I had 2 x 2 GB on it, two of those Hynix DIMMs . Managed to check that BIOS? I’ve seen they got a new one for the 1018P tht should solve the problems, they should get the same for the 1215N soon, if they didn’t already.

  • Jimmy

    OK, but I meant that maybe 2 GB was max if you were using 1333 MHz (PC3-10600) RAM. And you could only have 4 GB if you were using 1066 MHz (PC3-8500)

    Asus told me: “No it seems that the memory time that you purchased is not compatible with the machine. Its not a bios issue.”

    I’ll try to look for the BIOS when I get home later. You wouldn’t happen to remember what the module no. was for the Hynix you’ve tried?

  • DeathDemon

    Hmm.. I was wondering weather i shud still go in for this 1 after all these flaws…. Guys wht do u think i shud do??

  • siuam

    I tried to install only 1 x 2GB 1066MHz RAM to my 1215N but failed to boot

  • Jimmy

    Mike, sorry but I’ve just realised you actually have had 4 GB in the 1215N. I thought it was only 2 GB. Sorry. :(

    The ones you’ve had in was these Hynix right?
    2GB 1Rx8 PC3-10600S-9-10-B1
    HMT325S6BFR8C-H9 NO AA

    I can see those can be bought here:
    http://www.asusparts.eu/index.php?cPath=163571_66920_97343_170469_170470_170487

  • http://www.netbooklive.com Mike

    yeah, seem like those are the ones. But 150 + VAT euros each? That’s outrageously expensive…

  • zeo

    Believe it or not I’ve seen it for even higher. Seems Asus has exclusive rights deal with Hynix or something along those lines… But you can get it cheaper on eBay, just they won’t list the exact model and you’ll have to check with each seller and it’s a good chance it’ll be second hand…

  • Jimmy

    Yes, that’s just insane prices!

    I got this reply from Asus:


    The type is first DD3 not DD2 with 204 pins and not 200 pins. We are using this memory in our own production;
    HYNIX/HMT325S6BFR8C-H9(44NM)

    I’ve ordered the Kingston KVR1333D3S8S9/2G as they seem to have the same specs as the Hynix one. Also 1 rank.

  • DeathDemon

    Hey Jimmy … Pls Could u Post If it Works As i am keen to go in for this netbook as well as upgrade the RAM

  • http://www.netbooklive.com Mike

    +1 . Please post if that one works Jimmy

  • zeo

    You can check the Eee User Forum on the 1215N and 1018P. So far two different RAM have worked on the 1215N.

    http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?pid=730794#p730794

    http://forum.eeeuser.com/viewtopic.php?pid=730908#p730908

  • Vincemaul

    what is the reference of 1215 Ram by Crucial?

    Thanks

  • Simon

    Hi guys,

    I just received my Asus 1215N and I want to bye 4 Gig of DDR3 for it but I read a lot of issue about it.

    What’s the best (which work) 2×2 kit of DDR3 RAM for the Asus 1215N ? Thanks a lot ! :)

    NB : I have the BIOS version 604.

  • ghelmers

    Hi,

    I just got me a new ASUS 1215N, It came with two 1GB ’1Rx8 PC3′ from Hynix.

    I tried to replace it with two 2GB SO-DIMM DDR3 1333MHz CL9 from Kingston.

    When I try to boot, I get a blank screen and nothing happens.

    Does anyone know if there is a way to make this work, or should I give up?

    Does anyone know of other brands that are guaranteed to work?

    Thanks!

  • ghelmers

    I just called the Asus helpdesk, they said the 1215N supports only up to 667Mhz, so it’s never gonna work.

    One of the reasons I bought this Asus was that its memory could be extended to 4GB. The above issue, together with the complaints I read about only 2.74GB out of the 4GB being used, makes me think it may not have been the right choice…

  • Mike

    Had the same frustrations as you guys, but I got it working.

    First UPDATE your BIOS! There is a tool shipped with the eeePCs, pretty straightforward (i got version 0701).

    Then I just used the Kingston RAM I had bought: 2x Kingston KVR1333D3S9/2G PC1333 2GB Arbeitsspeicher (DDR3) Retail

    Hope this helps.

  • Maky

    Hi Mike,
    How did you update the BIOS? Is there any guide for this? In the ASUS site only gives the BIOS utility for MS-DOS and does not work in Win 7.

  • Pippa

    excellent!  thanks for posting this, just what I was looking for and easy to follow

  • Arjan

    Thanks for this, I’ve been looking around for user experiences on upgrading the memory. The eee user forum has a lot of people where the newly bought ram wouldn’t work. Do you have an idea what the specifications should be because I can’t even find what kind of DDR3 it ships with, or what will work (800, 1066, 1333, 1600?) Mine came with 2×1 Gb and I plan to upgrade to 2x2Gb. Also saw a review that said there’s a 2.8Gb data limit, but that seems like rubish, since Asus says it supports up to 4 Gb, only not which type of ram

  • Blablabla

    bullshit! It works in dual channle but Hynis ram does not support this future.You’ll have to buy Kingston