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How to upgrade memory on the Asus 1018P and Asus 1215N

By Andrei Girbea , updated on June 4, 2014

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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Andrei Girbea, Editor-in-Chief at TLBHD.com. This project was born as part of my search for capable mini-laptops that I could easily lug around to work, and still provide the performance that I'd need on a daily basis. I'm primarily using such ultracompact devices and have been testing them since 2006.

42 Comments

  1. ariel

    August 23, 2010 at 6:35 am

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

    can you feel any change in gaming/etc?

    • Andrei Girbea

      August 23, 2010 at 6:44 am

      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 ๐Ÿ™‚

  2. James McButthole

    August 23, 2010 at 11:28 am

    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

    • Andrei Girbea

      August 23, 2010 at 11:40 am

      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 ๐Ÿ™

  3. James McButthole

    August 23, 2010 at 12:00 pm

    “James, hopefully it will come with 1ร—2 GB. Still, Iโ€™ve heard some got it in Norway and Sweden with 2ร—1 GB, so Iโ€™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

    • Andrei Girbea

      August 23, 2010 at 12:19 pm

      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 ๐Ÿ˜›

  4. Jimmy

    August 25, 2010 at 1:38 pm

    Help! ๐Ÿ™‚ 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.

    • Andrei Girbea

      August 25, 2010 at 4:07 pm

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

  5. Jimmy

    August 26, 2010 at 12:37 am

    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.

  6. Jamal

    August 26, 2010 at 12:45 am

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

  7. Jimmy

    August 26, 2010 at 5:02 am

    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?

    • Andrei Girbea

      August 26, 2010 at 5:18 am

      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.

  8. Jimmy

    August 26, 2010 at 6:22 am

    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?

  9. Jimmy

    August 27, 2010 at 5:05 am

    Mike, sorry but I've just realised you actually have had 4 GB in the 1215N. I thought it was only 2 GB. Sorry. ๐Ÿ™

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

    • Andrei Girbea

      August 27, 2010 at 1:23 pm

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

  10. DeathDemon

    August 27, 2010 at 1:41 am

    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??

  11. siuam

    August 27, 2010 at 4:06 am

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

  12. zeo

    August 28, 2010 at 7:43 pm

    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…

  13. Jimmy

    August 29, 2010 at 3:10 am

    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.

  14. DeathDemon

    August 29, 2010 at 5:15 am

    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

  15. Vincemaul

    December 19, 2010 at 3:35 pm

    what is the reference of 1215 Ram by Crucial?

    Thanks

  16. Simon

    January 1, 2011 at 9:11 am

    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 ! ๐Ÿ™‚

    NB : I have the BIOS version 604.

  17. ghelmers

    February 25, 2011 at 3:11 pm

    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!

  18. ghelmers

    February 25, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    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…

  19. Mike

    March 10, 2011 at 1:38 pm

    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.

  20. Maky

    March 26, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    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.

  21. Pippa

    July 3, 2011 at 3:54 am

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

  22. Arjan

    August 15, 2011 at 11:09 am

    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

  23. Blablabla

    October 13, 2011 at 1:48 pm

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

  24. Martin

    May 22, 2012 at 9:39 am

    Hi, I have asus 1215n with win 7 64bi do you think this RAM http://www.alza.cz/EN/kingston-2gb-so-dimm-ddr3-1333mhz-cl9-d149202.htm work on my netbook this is it http://www.alza.cz/EN/asus-eee-pc-1215n-ion2-cerny-d229548.htm
    THX ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Andrei Girbea

      May 22, 2012 at 5:34 pm

      Hey Martin. That module seems right but I can’t tell for sure if it’s going to work… Incompatibilities are always a possibility and the best approach is to try and get exactly the same type of memory that you have preinstalled on your 1215N. I think it’s a Hynix, right?

  25. Martin

    May 22, 2012 at 5:52 pm

    I dont know wath Hynix is but I think it is Hynix i want to buy it or do you know other RAM card which work on my netbook ?
    thank you in advance for your answer.

  26. Martin

    May 22, 2012 at 5:58 pm

    Ooo wait yes i now wath hynix is but i dont know how i can find out it .
    thank you in advance for your answer.

    • Andrei Girbea

      May 24, 2012 at 10:27 am

      Martin, theoretically any DDR3 1333 MHz module should work. But I cannot vouch for that, there might still be issues. Can’t you just buy a module and return it afterwards if it’s not working? Don’t know if things work like that where you’re from, but that would be the best approach

  27. Martin

    May 24, 2012 at 12:18 pm

    Yes! I think it must work. Look at this page http://skyup.rajce.idnes.cz/nastenka#typ.jpg ther a typ of my RAM card it hynix card. I think when i buy this http://www.alza.cz/EN/kingston-2gb-so-dimm-ddr3-1333mhz-cl9-d149202.htm it will work. When not i got warranty 36 month :-). Do you think now it will work?

    thank you in advance for your answer.

  28. Martin

    May 24, 2012 at 12:51 pm

    OMG, Mike you use Kingston KVR1333D3S9 but this is it http://www.alza.cz/EN/kingston-2gb-so-dimm-ddr3-1333mhz-cl9-d149202.htm is the same Mike it must work!!! Yes Mike i watch comments and i see you BIOS is 0701 and i have 0902 have you got same version now?

    • Andrei Girbea

      May 24, 2012 at 9:22 pm

      I no longer have the 1215N Martin. It was just a test unit I got when I wrote this review… As for that memory module, seems about right, but once again, it’s impossible for me to be 100% sure that it will work unless I can try it in advance, which i cannot in this case ๐Ÿ™‚

  29. Aviad

    December 2, 2013 at 1:06 am

    Thanx! great post!

  30. sebzhd

    July 1, 2014 at 2:48 pm

    Hi,
    I’ve got a problem. It was the original Ram (2x1gb) her:
    http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/8156551gborigine.jpg

    And I buy 2x2gb same brand Hynix, same frequency here and the 1215n don’t boot :(:
    http://img4.hostingpics.net/pics/4218562gbupgrade.jpg

    What can I do? send back ram and do what? than you.

    • Andrei Girbea

      July 2, 2014 at 1:19 pm

      Sorry, these laptops are so old and I can’t remember much about them. Try to boot the laptop with a single DIM in place, maybe one of them is defective? You could also try to look for sollutions on the forums over at notebookreview.com, I’m sure others dealed with the same issue back in the days

  31. Raphael Lin

    July 27, 2016 at 3:34 pm

    Atom can run 64bit OS, Intel’s specfication list it.
    And also it can run 4Gx1 DDR3 RAM.
    But BIOS lock it.
    I have install Win7 x64 on Asus 1018P and running.
    Does anyone can release Unlock version BIOS?

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