9.13 – Anyone who has worked on a laptop before knows that there’s not a lot of room for error within the machines and that forces parts within reach after tons of screws have been removed. In the case of my new -ish HP Pavilion zv6000, a RAM memory upgrade that I expected to be simple provided quite a challenge! Click the image below for a HUGE version.
RadioShack and BrandSmart along with some other retail stores offered a deal that was too good to pass up. A laptop, printer and digital camera were bundled together for about $1,200.00. After recommending this a few times, I finally went for it. Best twelve hundred I ever spent (I’m typing that on the machine this very moment). Under powered, however with only 512MB RAM (maximum of 2GB).
“No problem to just go in through a few access hatches and install more RAM,” I thought. Two hours, twenty-seven screws and several bad words later, I discovered nothing but dead ends. Incredible. Internet research revealed a half-dozen other folks stumbling over the same confusion. The zv6000 takes two sticks of RAM but in two different spots. It’s the second spot that gets you!
As a public service to everyone else enjoying the baby workhorse that is HP’s Pavilion zv6000 models, we present an enhanced diagram right out of HP’s Manual. Keyboard removals beg cleanliness and organization of you.
Find the hard-to-find HP Pavilion zv6000 manual here in PDF.
If the link isn’t working one day, we’ve copied the manual here
One free PDF reader we love over Adobe’s Acrobat is Foxit which we have Setup v2.2 of here as an Executable – save it then run it.
UPDATE 30OCT07 – The zv6000 shipped with AMD Turion 64 Mobile MT-34 processors – the wrong RAM may result in sluggish performace due to mismatched speeds. So, even more helpful than ever, here’s what you need to know:
So, speifically, we can max out at 2GB of memory best of all if it’s PC2700 DDR-SDRAM Dual In-line Memory Module or DIMM. Proper prices for different MB of this memory type are $20 for 256 MB (why bother?), $40 for 512 MB and $80 for 1,024 MB or a Gig. These are not retail prices and don’t include shipping when ordered online. Your HP Pavilion zv6000 memory type would be twice as much retail and about 30 to 40% higher if you order through your friendly computer tech. 28NOV07 SOLVED!
Thanks to everyone who links to this article and reads it for making it a long-standing number ONE page on the site. We don’t have tons of content yet, but would love your questions and future visits… There is no update to this article.
Comment by BryanA. on 1575 days ago #
First of all I’d like to thank you for helping me solve the mystery of the missing RAM. What a stupid place to put it!!
I do however still have a problem. I bought a 1gb stick of RAM, with the intention of buying another one later when I have the cash. The problem is, is that if I put the new RAM in, and it is PC2700 333Mhz, the laptop now won’t boot. It was suggested that maybe the RAM will only work if I remove the second stick, which after much frustration, I did. Still, even with only one stick (the 1gb) it still wont boot up. The power comes on and the fan starts but thats as far as it goes. I tried both slots but still no success.
I have a feeling that I may need two sticks, but this seems a little strange as the laptop works fine with only one 256Mb stick, but not with only one 1Gb, nor with one of each.
Any idea’s? This is puzzling a lot of people.
I am getting another stick now, but not till next week. If it works I will gladly come back and tell all.
Thanks………..C
Comment by Carl on 1551 days ago #
If I were on the scene, there are two more little pieces of information I would look for aside from the RAM manufacturer: BIOS beeps. When you start up and the machine fails, how many short or long beeps are there sounding from the motherboard if any, and; checking for the invisible difference between DDR and DDR2 which might not have been clearly marked. While some RAM will be backwards compatible, let’s face it: Our beloved zv6000’s are at the bottom of the zv heap. I just put $89 on the company card to join you in a test of 1GB of RAM… Results next week.
EDIT: Until I searched Google, "laptop BIOS won't boot with 1GB RAM," I didn't know how far-reaching this problem was. I re-booted, examined BIOS, noticed a discrepency and am making an update by next Friday - I think you're going to help me break my zv too! Stay Tuned!Comment by BryanA. on 1551 days ago #
I too have the 1GB stick problem. I put in a 1GB PC2700 DDR 200pin SODIMM, Team Group INC. brand bought from Komusa for $66 delivered. Put it in, turned it on and it just froze at the logo screen. Now that I know about the other stick – I’m going to open it up and try two 512’s. Thanks for the info!
Comment by MrBill on 1547 days ago #
If I had known about the HP Pavlion ZV6000 ram snafu, I would have bought a Dell.
I now know how to preceed without causing damage to my hp pavilion zv 6000. HP does not have any of the documentation I found here at http://www.dinarius.com/commentable/article/pavilion-zv6000-ram. HP does not
want to publicly document poor/cheap
designs that were put into production.
I will never again recommend HP. I will steer people clear from purchasing HP products.
Thanks to DINARIUS-A vaulabe resource.
Comment by Larry C. on 1528 days ago #
My machine came with 2 256 sticks of RAM. I bought 2 512 sticks but am
not real confident taking the thing apart to get to the second stick.
Will my machine work if I replace the 256 on the bottom with one of the
512 sticks I bought for a total of 768?
Comment by Robert on 1509 days ago #
It will work and if you’re a little timid about messing with the hideen stick – it’s okay, it will wait. That 768MB may not completely register since Windows steals some, but it’s totally safe. My own (used for this site) has 1GB and 256MB installed. My guess is that a local fix-it shop might charge $50 give or take – when it’s worth it, have the second stick installed. Your ZV will thank you!
Comment by BryanA. on 1503 days ago #
I’m not at all clear what the “1GB stick problem” actually is or what I can do to avoid it. I’d like to increase my zv6000’s memory but don’t want to end up with either a dead ‘puter or new sticks that I can’t use. Can I use 1GB sticks or not?
bryan - A: *Too many laptop users are upgrading memory with 1GB sticks that _should_ work, but don't. Machines freeze - so that's the "1GB Stick Problem." We ZV lovers want to avoid this and YOU CAN use 1GB sticks. You can. But there are times when what should work doesn't.*Comment by Bill Campagna on 1500 days ago #
My doubt is: what BIOS version are you using? And what processor? I’ve a zx5000 AND a zv6000 and I wanted to upgrade memory for both (to 2gb each). I’m using f45 bios (the latest) in zv6000 and a Atlhon 4000+ processor. Would it works with 2× 1gb pc3200? And for de zx5000? Can I use 2× 1gb sticks too? Or is better to buy 4x pc2700 sticks to use in the 2 laptops?
bryan - A: *My own BIOS is up to date as your is. The processor is an Athlon 64 3200+ in my ZV used for this site. While PC3200 _should_ work because RAM is reverse compatible, I would recommend the 4 PC2700 DDR333 200-pin RAM sticks from a site with a nice return policy. Open one stick, stick it, test it, repeat for the ZX and act accordingly. Best of luck!*Comment by Bruno Loeffler on 1500 days ago #
Hi!
I just bought 2×1Gb pc3200 ram modules and my system sees it only as 2×512Mb… same zv6000… have anyone had any notice about this problem?
Thanks in advance!
Fabrizio
bryan - A: *You've hit another strange problem. Free trouble shooting says update your BIOS version from HP. DO NOT use another source to fetch BIOS. If that doesn's detect the proper amount or it fails to boot up all together, then, although RAM speeds are reverse compatible, our ZV's don't play well with that - you'll have to get the PC2700 DDR333 200-pin sticks to match bus speed to RAM speed. The problems really are illogical. Your RAM _should_ work fine; but that's why this Comment section is growing so fast! Good luck and congrats in advance!*Comment by Fabrizio on 1498 days ago #
Thanks for the insight – very helpful! I have an AMD Athlon 64 processor 3200+ at 1.99 GHz and am planning to upgrade the RAM. Does the 2GHz also take the SDRAM (like the 1.2GHz)? And, do you know of any specific issues related to this speed? Many thanks!
bryan - A: Good question about the form factor. SDRAM, DDR-SDRAM and SODIMM are all the same thing IF there are the 200 pins. There is, naturally, 168-pin SDRAM but I hope I don't have to say that this will not fit! The biggest resolutions to the problems we've seen are to flash the BIOS to F.1C from hp.com ((most shipped with an earlier F.14)) :: The high-density question only led to more questions, but it seems that double-sided DIMM is more trust-worthy and over-speed RAM should be avoided. PC2700-2533 is a speed code that shows up on the most reliable sticks - go with what works and good luck!Comment by Tim on 1489 days ago #
I have to admit, that this article was a great help for me. I wouldn’t probably even have started without it. More over direct link to the PDF also has been useful.
THE ONLY CAVEAT TO THAT IS, that the picture is WRONG! Red rectangle surrounds the Mini PCI card NOT the internal memory module. The module is HIDDEN underneath silver sticker, which you have to unstick to get to the real slot. Thanks again for the article!
bryan - A: Excellent catch Tad. The picture came from HP's secret manual made for laptop users with near-perfect X-ray vision. I red-squared the hell out of it with nice, big IMPACT font too never suspecting HP's assumption. This will be investigated further in video form for all to see - thanks! And folks, remember to try that Super Pi test to quantify your ZV's increase!Comment by Tad on 1484 days ago #
I read all of these comments before i decided to install my new 1gb of ram. i bought kingston 1gb pc2700 DDR333. i have a zv6000. i finally found the second stick of ram thanks to this discussion and i installed my 1gb in the hidden port and my previous 512mb in the easier slot. now my computer screen is just black when i turn it on. i even took out the new memory and only installed the originally memory and i am still at a black screen. anyone know how to fix this?
Comment by matt on 1441 days ago #
Hi there, I’ve been reading all these comments. Just to let you guys know, my HP ZV6147ea is running on 2*1 GB sticks from OCZ, PC3200 (200 MHz). Initially was 2*512 MB as everybody else. It has been running on this ram for over two and a half year now. At the same time as I upgraded the RAM, I also upgraded my CPU to the Athlon 64 4000+ and the harddisk to a 100 GB (7200 rpm) from Hitach, no problem if you follow the HP service manual for the ZV6000. – Everything worked out just perfect the first time I pressed the power button. This is the type of ram I used: OCZ RAM, Part number OCZ4001024VSO, that’s at least what CPU-Z says. HOWEVER: You will NOT get the 200 Mhz due to the something silly problem with the RAM divider. 2400 MHz / 15 = 160 (320) Mhz, I have no idea why the RAM divider is 15 when it should be 12. I think I read somewhere something about the revision of the CPU (mine is SH-E4, but should perhaps be an E6, not sure), CPU-Z says it’s 12… Strange.. But I just overclock the ram to its ‘normal’ setting, because that’s what it’s for. And this works just fine, as I only do this when I really need the highest possible RAM speed. Hope this was any help
Per
Comment by Per on 1438 days ago #
Does someone know if I can use this type of memory in my ZV6000? I’m planning to upgrade the memory in my other computer, which use this type:
2X —512 DDR2 PC2-5300 667MHz DIMM
Thank you.
Comment by Pat on 1400 days ago #
As silly as this sounds, that memory listed might be too fast for the ZV6000 to process with correctly. There’s a good chance that it will either down-speed the RAM or refuse to run.
If it does accept this RAM, such numbers surprise me – the HP ZV6000 seems to repel faster sticks of RAM especially DDR2 vs. DDR – let us know the outcome and try to perform Super Pi before and after the install! Search this site for the Super Pi explanation/download.
Comment by BryanA. on 1400 days ago #
Hello there, reading the above comments, I find that comment #15(PAT), you will not be able to do such change on that machine, because that memory type you have, is DDR2, and that pavilion uses DDR1 and the highest speed it will get is 400MHz.
As for the picture diagram, the memory is not exactly where it is pointing to, except, it is just a bit across where this picture is pointing to. That chip that you are pointing to on that picture, is actually the wireless card. The actual memory is a bit to the right, underneath an anti static tape, which people might just get confused, and say, “I am not able to take that off.” Well yes, you are able to, just do it cautiously, and don’t brake the tape in order to put it right back.
I hope I have been of some help for some people. If have any questions, email me. (jotorres1@gmail.com)
*BTW – I just got done installing a 1GB 333MHz on that one side.
Comment by Jorge Torres on 1378 days ago #
I have some extra RAM (2 × 512) from when I updated my Dell Laptop. I thought it would be nice to put it in my roommate’s zv6000 since its fan runs full speed all the time.
I opened up the back slot, pulled out the 256 ram, and tried to put in my 512 ram. It didn’t fit right so I put the original back in, closed it up and pushed the power button. Nothing. No fan, no beep, nothing. Essentially all I did was pull out the RAM and put it back in. Now the computer won’t boot at all. The only reaction I get is the battery charging light turns on when I plug it in.
Comment by Rick on 1375 days ago #
Haha, never mind. Looks like the power button is just really finicky. You have to push it 20 times or so for it to register. Apparently there is also a Batman Beyond DVD that somehow lodged itself inside of the computer and is rattling around. Not sure how that happened…
Comment by Rick on 1375 days ago #
so did anyone figure out a way to get 2*(1gb)?
Also should i do a 2*(512mb)?
or just replace my old ram with a 1 GB?
which is better?
Comment by Bhupy on 1361 days ago #
@Bhupy, I currently use 1GB with the original 512 and it does just fine by me. Some other members here have installed 2GB total with nary a hitch.
Comments 14 and 17 will summarize if all this reading has you dizzy – it IS overwhelming at this point.
Comment by BryanA on 1361 days ago #
I added a 1gb pc2700 ddr 333MHz to the expansion slot in the back and it has been running fine for a month or so now. Goto Memory Giant.com and it will tell you which ram will be compatible with the zv6000.
AMD Sempron 3200+
997MHz, 1.12Gb Ram
SuperPi ->2M place values = 2m26sec
Comment by C Thomas on 1357 days ago #
We just added 1 GB PC2700 333Mhz to the “internal” memory slot and the laptop works great so far. However,when we tried to re-insert the original 256MB card into the “external” memory slot, Windows started up to a certain point, then quit working, so we just left out the original cards completely! Thanks for the site and the encouragement, guys!!!
Comment by M Gilmore on 1279 days ago #
Hi Guys I Have a ZV6000 with an AMD Sempron 3000+ 1.79GHz processor and it has only 256Mb memory. I would like to upgrade to 1Gb. Would I be better off using 2× 512Mb (this is actually cheaper as far as I can tell) than 1 × 1Gb? Also what type would you recommend? Will I need to upgrade my Bios? That is something I have never done before. Due to an accident the keyboard needs changing as well so I can kill two birds with one stone. Thanks!
Comment by J.Gough on 1277 days ago #
Thanks to Bryan and all the posters for this thread.
First – Reflashed the BIOS from the HP site.
Added – Cosair 2 × 1gb PC2700 DIMM from Frys($48ea+$25 rbate)
Started right up-no problems, much more responsive.
AMD Athlon 64 3200+
Comment by Dan on 1275 days ago #
A thousand thanks for creating this thread. When I found just one 256MB stick under the laptop I first looked to the ZV6000 manual, which of course didn’t begin to explain what you’ve summarized here so nicely. I will be removing the one easy-access 256mb stick and replacing it with a 1GB. No plans to even try touching the one under the keyboard, but if the move up to 1.25GB isn’t enough of a boost, I know where I’ll turn for instructions.
Comment by Scott on 1260 days ago #
Flash your BIOS before you even think of replacing the RAM modules. I tried to replace one of the 256M SODIMMs with a 1 GB module, and all kinds of problems started with ocassional BSODs. Stuffed in the 256MB module again so that I could have a stable system to flash the BIOS. Now working flawlessly with 1GB + internal 256MB modules.
Comment by S on 1248 days ago #
this really helped me. my zv6009ea model running amd sempron (i know!!!) now maxed out at 2gb although the intergrated GRaphics card (again, i know!!) takes 128mb and xp takes a few meg as well but the system does show and is running smoothly at 1.87GB. not without mishap though, i had to send one of the 1gb sticks back due to thedreaded blue screen but now have two PNY value rams working perfectly in tandem. the only worry i had taking the keyboard up was the initial plastic at the back. it was quite stiff, once it came up though the diagram provided is very simple and took me 7 mins to complete the second stick installation.
i agree flash most updated bios as well.
Comment by raff on 1183 days ago #
hey bro thnx fr helping us all… i also have a zv6000 machine with 64bit athlon n 512mb of ram, i wn 2 update my ram but all i am able 2 get frm the market is Transcend 1GB DDR RAM 333Mhz PC2700. so my question is will this ram work n if yes will it be compatible with my existing 512mb ram? Kindly Suggest.
Comment by deepanshu on 1145 days ago #
When I install more than 512mb it doesnt work at all. It stays at the HP screen and then tries to reboot it self over and over again. What is the problem? How do I fix it?
Comment by Blackscreenofdeath on 1134 days ago #
Blackscreenofdeath, the symptom you describe is the most horrible of all because too many different causes have that effect. Let’s assume (I know we shouldn’t, but we will) that this is directly related to the addition of RAM. Then what’s really happening is that as BIOS does it little POST – Power ON Self Tests – it encounters RAM it doesn’t like and reboots. Until that RAM is gone, this may persist. Are there any BIOS BEEPS? The POST can sometimes provide a series of beeps to alert the user to a problem that results in either the Blue Screen of Death BSOD or reboot cycles…
Comment by BryanA on 1130 days ago #
I already upgraded my zv6007 with 1GB of PC3200, at the advice of a local computer shop. They told me the speed was compatible. I’m looking to upgrade the other chip to 1GB, and after reading all of the posts on this website I’m worried about locking my computer up. Should I just buy 1 PC2700 chip to put in along side the already installed PC3200, or should I buy 2 PC2700’s to prevent any problems?
Comment by Peter on 1129 days ago #
I recently removed both 256MB sticks while I was cleaning my zv6000 for dust. Upon replacing the sticks correctly my computer screen is just black when i turn it on. I fumbled around with the sticks and removed them and installed them back in again and I still get a black screen..no boot up. Anyone know how to fix this?
Comment by John on 1127 days ago #
Just upgraded my zv6000 by adding a 1G stick. At first all systems were go, then a glitch here and there. Someone recommend that I defrag, so I did. I wound up having to reinstall the operating system. The laptop runs well for a spell then all of a sudden I have to shut down. I haven’t yet removed the memory to see if it is the source of the problem. So far I’ve been able to boot up. The reinstallation of the OS helped but didn’t alleviate the problem.
Comment by Melca on 1074 days ago #
started with 2@256 of mem. changed out one stick with one gig but it only sees the 512 it started with. the bios is updated
Comment by hiram on 1028 days ago #
My wife’s zv6000 was running so slow she was ready to throw it out the window. I deleted a bunch of old stuff, uninstalled a dozen programs, fixed the registery and defraged the hard drive. It didn’t help. I noticed the hard drive light was constantly on so I found this web site and bought a 1 gb stick for $46.99 (with free shipping) from ebay seller GBRAM (gbramtech). I thought about buying 2gb but got scared of the install instructions. I flashed the BIOS and then replaced a 256mb stick with the new 1GB stick. Windows XP booted right up…fast and reports 1.2 gb of memory. Everything runs fast. It’s like getting a new computer. Best $46.99 I ever spent.
Thanks for this web site that helped me. And I recommend that ebay seller (I really do not know him) because he shipped really fast and the memory is 100% compatible. I was a little scared when the memory arrived because it was shipped in a flimsy postcard thing but it works without any problems.
Thanks again, this upgrade was nearly effortless.
Comment by Steve on 1024 days ago #
First of all the internal RAM location in the screenshot is incorrect. If you notice the two connectors attached to it wereas the RAM does not have those connectors. That is the Mini PCI communications card. Second, the internal RAM is located underneath the aluminum tape cover behind the touch pad right next to the Mini PCI communications card, you will not miss it. All you have to do is remove the aluminum tape and you will see the RAM there. Hope this clears confusion and if someone already clarified this then good.
Thanks.
Comment by Jose on 991 days ago #
I want to upgrade one of my memory sticks to 1 GB. I’ve gone to a couple web pages and they seem to offer two kinds of ram as the “compatible” upgrade. Which is the least likely to give me problems?
1 GB DDR-333 (PC2700)
1 GB PC-700 SO DIMM HP OEM DC890B
I’m running AMD Athlon 64 3200+ at 997 MHz and I have the standard 512 MB of RAM.
Comment by Chris L on 946 days ago #