Total Number of Memory Modules

Hi
I have an Acer Laptop/Notebook - Aspire E1-531-2621.
I just added 4GB RAM to the 4GB it came with.
The thing is, before I purchased the memory, I checked to see how much memory it carried and how many slots were available. To do this, I used Windows Task Manager, and Belarc Advisor which both indicated that I had 1 memory card installed, with 3 slots available. After installing the new memory, both tools indicate that I have

Belarc Advisor:
Memory Modules c,d

8008 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory

Slot 'DIMM0' has 4096 MB (serial number 12064B14)
Slot 'DIMM1' is Empty
Slot 'DIMM1' has 4096 MB (serial number 3272003D)
Slot 'DIMM3' is Empty

Windows Task Manager:
Memory
8.0 GB DDR3
Slots Used : 2 of 4

However, on opening the panel to the memory, There appear to be only 2 slots (I don't think there are any underneath them).

Could anyone tell me if my Acer model might have 2 available memory slots in another area of the laptop. Or if this model is limited to 2 slots, and why I would be getting a reading in of 4 slots in Task Manager, if that is the case?
Thanks

Accepted answers

JayW

Hi. I was just about to close this. Thanks for responding.
Before I close... a little brain teaser.

How can you know for sure? How would you explain the info given by the tools? Let's say you own the system. If you did a check with two reputable tools which both confirmed you had 4 memory modules, and gave you all the data of your installed memory and the dimms, would you accept what everyone else was saying? Would you?

Wouldn't your previous experience tell you that, it's not as simple as that to accept? You would likely run a test to be sure. You might remove one of the memory cards, and see what reading you get. If both tools read that you have 1 memory card installed, and gave accurate info on the card... If I were a betting man, I think if I put all my money on the table that you would go with the readings from these tools, I'm convinces I would clean house.

Am I right? I'm sure I am.

Nope, I'm not convinced. I didn't go into the computer, because of the trouble involved - too much disconnecting, but I believe there are two extra modules on the main board. I am even more convinced after digging up the manual. Here's a clause:
"To better fit local market requirements and enhance product competitiveness, your regional office may have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g. add-on card, modem, or extra memory capabilities). These localized features are not covered in this generic service guide."

I know for certain that I have a modified model, because after purchasing it, when I tried updating the graphics card, I was unable to, and it gave me a message to the effect that the card had been modified by... Contact your...
So this proves that it is quite possible the board has two extra slots. Without physically seeing them, the evidence confirms it. I have my answer.
Cheers

All comments

JayW

I just came across this site with this information:

The Acer Aspire E1-531-2621 Laptop takes the DDR3 PC3-10600 / PC3-12800, 1333 / 1600 MHz SODIMM memory type, and comes installed with 4 GB memory.

How much memory does the Acer Aspire E1-531-2621 Laptop take?

You can upgrade your Acer Aspire E1-531-2621 Laptop to up to a maximum memory capacity of 8 GB Memory.

How many total memory slots to install memory?

The Laptop has 2 Slots to install memory, already with 4 GB standard memory installed. For best Aspire E1-531-2621 Laptop performance use the maximum amount of 8 GB, fill all the slots with the max allowed memory per slot for your Laptop.

I suppose this is correct?

JayW

No. I don't think so. Windows Task Manager is accurate, and it's verified by Belarc. So there may be two modules on the motherboard, as the answer here "SOLVED_ Location of RAM Memory Modules - Acer Aspire V5 - iFixit" suggests. I've made up my mind - I'm going in.

brummyfan2

Hi,
You can install only 2 RAM sticks in your laptop.

JayW

Hi. I was just about to close this. Thanks for responding.
Before I close... a little brain teaser.

How can you know for sure? How would you explain the info given by the tools? Let's say you own the system. If you did a check with two reputable tools which both confirmed you had 4 memory modules, and gave you all the data of your installed memory and the dimms, would you accept what everyone else was saying? Would you?

Wouldn't your previous experience tell you that, it's not as simple as that to accept? You would likely run a test to be sure. You might remove one of the memory cards, and see what reading you get. If both tools read that you have 1 memory card installed, and gave accurate info on the card... If I were a betting man, I think if I put all my money on the table that you would go with the readings from these tools, I'm convinces I would clean house.

Am I right? I'm sure I am.

Nope, I'm not convinced. I didn't go into the computer, because of the trouble involved - too much disconnecting, but I believe there are two extra modules on the main board. I am even more convinced after digging up the manual. Here's a clause:
"To better fit local market requirements and enhance product competitiveness, your regional office may have decided to extend the functionality of a machine (e.g. add-on card, modem, or extra memory capabilities). These localized features are not covered in this generic service guide."

I know for certain that I have a modified model, because after purchasing it, when I tried updating the graphics card, I was unable to, and it gave me a message to the effect that the card had been modified by... Contact your...
So this proves that it is quite possible the board has two extra slots. Without physically seeing them, the evidence confirms it. I have my answer.
Cheers

JackE

Go to crucial dot com. Either enter your model or better yet download their scanner if you think your model is modified. That should reveal what you have there and what upgrades should be compatible and work. Crucial guarantees what's recommended will work. Jack E/NJ

JayW

Thanks. I had already downloaded the scanner, but it only reveals what the system has, not what it does not have.
I already know what upgrades work with my system. I always do a thorough check before doing anything. Currently I have 8 GB installed. The speeds are not the same - one is 1600, and the other 1333, but that doesn't create a problem. Apparently it adjusted to the higher speed. The upgrade increased my speed considerably, hence why i am not bothering to pick down the computer in search of the other modules. I might do so later, if I think it is necessary though. Thank you.