Can you put an 8GB DDR3L memory card into your laptop?
Can you put an 8GB DDR3L memory card into your laptop?
Hello,
I own an Acer E1-571G Laptop that was initially fitted with two RAM modules (4GB and 2GB). Recently, the device began crashing unpredictably. After checking, I found that the 2-GB stick was responsible for the instability, so I removed it from its place and the laptop has since operated normally. Now I’m considering purchasing a replacement for the removed 2-GB unit to ensure compatibility with the existing 4GB module. Before deciding, I have several queries:
A) What is the upper limit of RAM capacity each slot can accommodate on this machine (please refer to the specifications below)? For instance, if I install an 8GB module in the slot that previously held the 2GB stick, will it function properly?
B) Both original modules are marked as "PC3L-12800S-11-11". In local shops I can’t locate a perfect match, but I see many listings with "PC3L-12800S-11-12" or "PC3L-12800S-11-13". Will these work alongside my 4GB stick?
C) Some RAM units in the store are labeled "1Rx8", whereas my original 4GB stick is labeled "2Rx8". Should I verify that any new RAM purchased is also marked "2Rx8" to avoid compatibility problems?
D) When selecting a replacement, which specifications should I verify to guarantee full compatibility with my current 4GB stick and the laptop’s hardware?
Laptop details:
Model: Acer Aspire E1-571G-73636G75Maks
P/N: NX.M7CEM.006
System BIOS Version: V2.15
GOP Version: Intel® GOP Driver [3.0.12.1012]
CPU: Intel® Core™ i7-3632QM
GPU: NVIDIA ® GeForce ® 710M
Original RAM:
kingston 4GB 2Rx8 PC3L-12800S-11-11-F3 (ACR16D3LS1NGG/4G, PKI 9995428-E10.A00G)
kingston 2GB 1Rx8 PC3L-12800S-11-11-B3 (ACR16D3LS1NGG/2G, PKI 9995417-E13.A00G)
Please remember that the 2GB RAM has already been removed, and I plan to install the new stick in the same slot where the old one was. Also, note that according to Task Manager, the laptop has four memory slots (currently using one of them), which might be important.
Note 1: I’ve searched the official Acer website for the maximum RAM capacity per slot for this model but haven’t found the exact figures. I also attempted to join the Acer forum, but encountered issues due to ISP problems.
Note 2: Sorry if my questions seem simple—I’m not very familiar with tech.
Thank you ahead of time.
If you purchase RAM directly from a memory maker using their scanner, they promise compatibility and won’t charge any restock fee or return shipping if it doesn’t fit. However, it won’t be Crucial since they’ve stopped selling consumer items. There’s no assurance any unit will function because it won’t match the original stick, and no one has ever verified that setup. The laptop maker and RAM maker don’t test these configurations, so you’re taking a risk being a first user. Certain models that worked on a motherboard are shown in the QVL, but after 15 years that list would be nearly impossible to find. RAM manufacturers will test sets to ensure compatibility.
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
Referencing the provided link, the maximum capacity is 8GB, which equates to a 2x4GB DDR3-1600MHz RAM package. With this in mind, choosing a DDR3 1.5v dual channel kit would be more reliable compared to DDR3L, as some systems struggle with DDR3L modules.
For the i7 processor you have, the memory controller actually supports DDR3L memory.
Intel® Core™ i7-3632QM Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.20 GHz) BGA - Product Specifications | Intel
Intel® Core™ i7-3632QM Processor (6M Cache, up to 3.20 GHz) BGA quick reference with details, features, and technologies.
www.intel.com
Ensure you're using the most recent BIOS version for your laptop's motherboard before installing any RAM kits.
Thank you for your message.
The details you mentioned match a previous version of the Acer E1‑571G. My device is from 2013, and based on what I see in the files, it likely supports more memory than the current spec suggests.
I’m here to clarify the exact capacity per slot for my specific notebook.
Please let me know if you need further help.
Based on these details, I believe my laptop is a 2013 Acer E1-571G. The document you provided seems to refer to an earlier version. Therefore, I’m seeking the highest RAM capacity each slot can handle for this specific notebook. If you examine the page titles in green, they state:
Aspire E1-571 / 571G
The chipset in both versions is HM77.
There are four memory slots; Task Manager shows the system uses all four, indicating more than two modules are possible.
Opening your laptop reveals two physical SO-DIMM slots, similar to this image.
Usually, laptops have memory limits that are lower than what the CPU or chipset makers specify. To test this before purchasing, you might bring the laptop to a computer store and try the 2x8GB sticks. The motherboard maker could have set a fake limit, so you’d only find out if it’s actually there by trying to go beyond it.
The Ivy Bridge on H77 chipset supports up to 32GB DDR3 across four slots, or 8GB per slot. Having just two slots doesn’t mean you can use two 16GB sticks, because memory density also imposes restrictions. The CPU’s memory controller only works with low-density 4Gbit chips, so an 8GB So-DIMM must contain 16 chips.
It doesn’t matter if the chips are single-rank or dual-rank (2R); there must be sixteen chips for an 8GB stick, and eight or sixteen for a 4GB stick. Keep in mind that Haswell and AMD often use high-density 8Gbit memory chips as well, which means you might encounter 8-chip 8GB sticks that won’t fit.
Ivy Bridge officially supports DDR3-1600/PC3-12800, but Sandy Bridge can run the same RAM at 1333MHz only. Since laptops are designed to save power, overclocking memory isn’t an option.
Ivy Bridge was the first to support 1.35V DDR3L, and while the spec allows it to run at 1.5V regular DDR3, the motherboard may not permit this due to power-saving features. Therefore, a pair of 8GB DDR3L-1600 So-DIMMs is recommended—ideally matched in timing so they work together smoothly.
4 years ago
the scanner indicated 16GB. The linked post references a user benchmark with someone using 16GB installed. It's typical for OEM devices to exceed their listed specifications because they weren't officially certified or tested for them by the manufacturer.
Hello everyone,
Thank you all for your thoughtful responses – @Lutfij, @BFG-9000, and @Bob.B – they’ve been really useful.
I’m planning to go with a 2x4GB setup, which is the official recommendation from Acer. I intend to buy an extra 4GB stick that will complement the module already in my notebook. I’d like to stay in this discussion thread instead of creating a new one, and would value your thoughts on which replacement stick would be the most suitable.
Here are the six 4GB modules currently available nearby:
A) Kingston 4GB 2Rx8 PC3L-12800S-11-13 (refurbished, 12-month warranty)
B) ADATA DDR3L 1600MHz Notebook Memory 4GB (refurbished, unknown latency, 1-rank, 24-month warranty)
C) Samsung 4GB 1Rx8 PC3L-12800S-11-12 (refurbished, 6-month warranty)
D) Samsung 4GB 2Rx8 PC3L-12800S-11-13 (refurbished, 6-month warranty)
E) Crucial DDR3L 1600Hz SODIMM 4GB (refurbished, 1rank and latency 11-12, 3-month warranty)
F) Carlstein 4GB 1Rx8PC3L-12800S-11-11 (brand new, 12-month warranty)
My current module is:
: Kingston 4GB 2Rx8 PC3L-12800S-11-11
Main Questions:
1. Which of these sticks would best fit my existing module? If I choose option A, will it integrate perfectly with the one I already have?
2. One seller mentioned that pairing a CL 11-13 stick with my CL 11-11 won’t cause any problems because (according to them) Windows will automatically manage both at CL 11. Do you agree?
3. Same seller noted that new DDR3L modules from top brands are becoming rare, so I might need to opt for refurbished RAM from reputable companies or even a new module from lesser-known brands like Carlstein. Have you heard of Carlstein? Is it reliable?
4. I confirmed via CPU-Z that my current RAM is DDR3L SO-DIMM at 1.35V. So yes, I definitely need a low-voltage DDR3L stick. Are you right?
Please forgive the long message and any mistakes. Thank you very much for your guidance. Also, let me know if I should open a new thread for this discussion.