Provide specific directions for replacing memory - 4G to 8G - in LENOVO Y650
Already Tried: I have replace memory in laptops with a door in the back, but never required to remove the keyboard. Surely there are instruction on how a novice can do that. I have the memory to upgrade 4G > 8G. Not sure of all the steps.
Welcome to JustAnswer.com My name is XXXXXX XXX I am here to help! My apologies for the long delay in someone getting to your question, I just seen this one on the list when I logged in today, and wanted to assist you. Before you can upgrade to 8 gigs of ram. You must be running a 64 bit version of windows. Please check if you have 64 bit windows first.do you have 32 bit or 64 bit windows 7 ?> if your not sure. click start, right click on computer, left click properties.. Then.. where it says system type it will say 32 or 64 Thanks!
I have been running Windows 7 for over a year and the machine arrived with 64-bit (verified on SYSTEMS screen). I am not comfortable removing the keyboard to replace the memory. I have exchanged the memory chips many times before, but only in a towers or laptops with a door in the back.
Thanks for getting back to me Jim, and my apologies for the delay. After reading over the user guide to familiarize myself with t hat specific model , in the appendix it says that the ram modules are behin a small plate that you can unscrew with a screwdriver from the bottom of the laptop, without removing the keyboard. ( this is the case with nearly every modern laptop I have seen) So what you want to do is remove power from the Lenovo, remove the battery. Then flip it over so you are looking at the botton. There should be one or two plates on the bottom held in place by a screw. Unscrew those plates, and underneath one of them are your Ram modules. They have metal side clips, you spread the metal side clips apart ( away from the ram chip) And it allows the ram chip to pop up, and then you slide it out. Pay attention to how the chip pops up, and out, Because when you replace them, You will do that process in reverse. Once both chips are removed, Insert the new chips, and make sure they are seated firmly, and they lock into place. Then, screw the plate back in. And insert the battery and power on the computer. All should now be working properly.. If you run in to any issues, send me a reply.Please remember to rate the effectiveness of the answer given before you go, as thats the only way it shows whether or not I was able to help you. Remember that in some cases you cant always repair or solve the issue, and in those cases getting a correct answer to your question is the best solution possible. If you feel like leaving a one or two star rating please contact me first so I can try and resolve the issue in a more effective manner.Thanks, D.Sandlin
D,
Let me see if I can locate a proper replacement guide.. This may take some time Jim, Can you send me a check up message later this evening, or in the morning .. Thanks!
As you requested - Able to find anything?
On page 7 of the manual, im showing two square plates on the bottom of the Lenovo Y 650..http://www.manualowl.com/m/Lenovo/Y650/Manual/32229 whenyou have t he laptop turned over.. There are two square plates to the left of the battery pack. Those plates are should be removable, and are hiding your ram chips. Let me know if your model does not match the schematic for the y650 im seeing.. Thanks!
Since my words were ineffective, I have provided some pictures. I even removed the battery to insure there was no opportunity there. There is a one inch square door, but that is not sufficient for memory swapping.
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Thanks for clarifying, im afraid I am going to have to opt out, everything im seeing for that model of lenovo, is showing a different bottom plate. Hopefully, another expert can help you resolve this issue, thank you for your patience Jim.
Relist: Incomplete answer.I am asking for specific instructions on cahnging laptop memory on a model that does NOT have a memory access panel on its base. I even provided a picture to convince the expert there was no bottom access door. I understand I am going to have to remove the keyboard and want the exact steps to complete the task. Once the memory slots are exposed, I can handle it, but what are the steps in between?? (Please review the previous interactions) XXX XXXXXXX
It appears that the specific model you have does not have a specific compartment for replacing/upgrading memory. I have found references stating:
I too cannot find any specific diagrams of this procedure so unfortunately I cannot give you the specific instructions you are looking for. But if you are working on a clean organized surface with the proper tools then you should be able to work through the process.
Give that a shot. I'm going to keep looking to see if I can track down some pictures. Unfortunately I don't have access to one to inspect myself.
If you proceed and this works for you, then please let me know. As I said, I will continue to research until I hear back from you or I find specific details/diagrams.
Joe,
I understand. Unfortunately we can only talk you through it. Ultimately it's your hands on the laptop. I searched for better documentation on that specific model. All i could find was a similar process on replacing the hard drive. Again it referred to the 20 screws. I could not find any diagrams. And yes....Laptops are definitely more sensitive to work on than towers.I'm sorry but I don't have any other suggestions at this point. I can refer this out to other experts again. Perhaps theres someone with experience with this specific model.
Please forward out. Maybe there is someone familiar with the process. Thanks, Jim
Hi Jim,I'll be happy to help advise on this issue. To upgrade the laptop (a crosshead screwdriver should be all you need) can you use the following steps?1) Power down laptop and remove battery2) Turn laptop over and remove 20 screws from base3) Turn laptop over and gently pull keyboard towards you, there is a cable behind the keyboard connecting it to the motherboard. Follow this back and gently disconnect from the motherboard, freeing up the laptop to work on.4) The memory slots should now be visible so upgrade the memory as required5) Gently place keyboard back into position and reconnect cable to motherboard6) Turn laptop over and reinsert screwsLet me know if that helpsCheersSteve
Steve,
I think I am in trouble. Either I need someone with stick fingers or there is some tool I am missing to detach these connectors and reconnect them. There is very little squirm room to get my fingers into there.
1) No problem here.
2) You we right on - There were three screws that had a keyboard image beside them, but I couldn't move the keyboard until all 20 were out.
But ...
any advice on what tool I need to obtain to disconnect the connectors.
Radio Shack is near by if I need to go there.
Jim
Hi Jim,There shouldn't be any tool required to remove the keyboard - where it connects to the motherboard should be a little white connector above the ribbon cable.The white connector above the ribbon should flick upwards to release the ribbon cable and allow you to remove the keyboard
The white cable popped out. Going to be difficult to reinstall. But there still seems to be some resistence to lifting the keyboard. I see numerous connectors causing the issue. Is there one or two to free the keyboard. Starting to realize I should pay for the service. :-(
Hi Jim,Don't worry - the ribbon cable is supposed to come out like that. Reinstalling simply requires you to push it back into the white 'gate' and then close the connector back down onto it.As for the keyboard itself there are usually a couple of edges (1 on each side) to keep it in place, it should be possible to lightly flex it a fraction to remove it completelyCheersSteve
1) One bank replaced
2) While trying to get the second one out, another ribbon cable came out.
3) Second bank out
4) Second bank replaced.
5) Now what is the secret to reseating these connectors?
Hi Jim,The ribbon cables should just be pushed back into the connector assembly and the white gate pushed down over them to keep them in place.Did the screenshot I sent previously come through ok?CheersSteve
1) I see the picture you send
2) Both cables pulled out with any flicking on my part
3) Had one partially seated with the curved forcepts I just bought from Radio Shack, but from the side, I could tell it was not fully seated.
4) Removed the tape that was holding the cables to the bottom of the keyboard to give me some more flexibility.
5) Do I need to purchase another tool to do this?
Hi Jim,No you should be ok to do everything without any additional tools - the cables should either clip into place if they have a connector on the end or if they are a ribbon with no connector it should just be a case of pushing them gently into the connector.So at the moment the memory is replaced but the keyboard cable is disconnected along with another cable?CheersSteve
1) Memory has been replaced - not sure if it works yet.
2) But I need to get leverage to push the connectors in. My fingers are too big for the 3" gap (it opens maybe four inches, but then the cable does not reach the connector for me to push it down.)
3) Just ordered some 8" forcepts from Amazon and they will be here Thursday. If I can get my fingertips in the forcepts out of the way should have some hope.
Once I get those in, should be doable.
If anyone else asks you this question, tell them to get some 8" forcepts first of some similar tool.
Will have to recycle to Thursday.
Hi Jim,Thanks for the update - looking at it again it does depend on finger size and I'm only just able to get the connections done again. Will keep an eye on that.Worth double checking though and taking your time to get it right. Let me know how it goes on Thursday.CheersSteve
Once all the cables are back in place, can I power up the PC to make sure the memory is recognized and all the cables are working - what screws are required just to test?
Expected responses:
a) All 20 scews should be installed
b) No screws are required for a test
c) at least install one screw on either end of the laptop to insure there is connectivity between keyboard and case
And the appropriate response is ___?
Hi Jim,Yes - it's a good idea to test before completely reassembling. No screws are required to test the laptop. Once all cables are connected, insert the power adapter and switch on to verify the memory configuration.If memory configuration works as expected then power down, insert all screws and that should be job done.CheersSteve
1) Good news - white and golden central cables have been reseated and the surrounding clips locked
2) Bad news - when powered up (no screws) - DVD noise normal, seems to cycle the DASD, but the screen does shows anything - no light, errors, nothing.
Any suggestions?
Hi Jim,Thanks for the update - just to confirm, if the original memory sticks are added back to the system it boots normally?CheersSteve
I didn't try that. All the computers' BIOS I have ever used paint the screen with some text before the memory tests are run.Nothing appears.Jim
Hi Jim,Yes, usually some form of display would appear but might need to check with the original modules back in to see what is happening.I would try with the 2 x 2 GB in and verify it is working ok and then if so try with just 1 of the 4GB modules so we can work towards what exactly is causing the issue.Where were the 2 x 4GB modules purchased from?CheersSteve
At this point, I have determined this effort is above my capacity at 65. I took my PC to a local shop and asked them to see if they could recover it a working state. Should have a report by Monday, hopefully with it is working and ideally with 8G of memory.
The memory was purchased on EBAY for specifically a LENOVO Y650 from a vendor with high ratings. I don't expect to have a report that the memory is faulty. I have not responded to EBAY yet confirming it works, so I can go for a replacement or refund.
If the initial power up requires some of that RAM memory be working to power the screen, that would support your approach of replacing the memory. I was going to have to fight those ribbon cables again and possibly further damage the PC and was not ready to do that.
Just hope I didn't damage something else in my endeavor to reseat the ribbon cables. That effort was 90% of the time consumed.
Would recommend you telling someone they need computer forcepts 10 inches or longer for this effort. I bought 8 inch one from AMAZON and I could have used another inch or two.
Thank you for your efforts they were helpful. I just don't have the talents and patience for this. Will look for laptop with bottom door next time.
Hi Jim,Thanks for the detailed update - let me know how it goes.CheersSteve