Vivobooks and the Transformer Book Flips are two series of mid-priced Asus ultrabooks, spanning over a bunch of different models.
You’ll find Vivobooks with screen-sizes between 11.6 and 15.6 inch, while the Book Flips are available as 13.3, 14 and 15.6 inch variants. In fact, I’ve tested a few of these over the last months, including the Vivobook V551LB / S551LB, the Vivobook S301/Q301, the Transformer Book Flip TP300 and the larger TP500 model.
All these devices leave room for user upgrades, as they offer a spare memory DIMM (alongside the 4 GB of memory soldered on the motherboard) and use standard sized 2.5″ 7 mm storage drives. And while the storage is easy to replace, the memory might pose difficulties, mainly because the slot is hard to find unless you know where to look at.
I’ve added a few pictures below with the internals of all these laptops and all of them have one thing in common: a silver rectangular cover placed near the processor. Well, there’s where the RAM slot is, behind that cover. So in order to add more memory on these Asus laptops, you’re going to have to first remove this shield.
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- V551
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- TP300
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- TP500
BTW, if you’re asking what the purpose of this cover, I cannot offer you a clear answer. It’s probably some sort of electro-magnetic barrier, but I cannot confirm this. One thing I can confirm is that Asus only uses this kind shield on their more affordable ultrabooks, while on the Zenbooks (UX301LA, UX303LN or the NX500JK) the memory slot is unshielded and easier accessible.
Anyway, thanks to our reader David Tapp who sent us the pictures below, I could put up together this quick guide that will take you through the steps of upgrading the RAM on the Vivobooks and the Transformer Book Flips. So here we go:
- Buy a compatible memory stick. From what I can tell right now, both the Vivobooks and the Transformer Book Flips can only take an up-to 4GB module in the spare slot, for a total of up-to 8 GB of memory;
Recent update: One of our commenters, Andrew M, confirms that 8 GB modules do work on the Asus V551 and probably the others, however you need to get low-voltage DIMMs: “Hi Guys, I just purchased an 8Gb SODIMM and installed it under the silver cover.I can confirm that the 8Gb module I used works fine and Windows 8 reports my machine as having 12gb of RAM. You have to get low voltage ram – otherwise it won’t work. I purchased a Samsung 1.35v DDR3 1600 SO-DIMM module along with an 840 EVO 500Gb SSD which I’ll install when I get the chance.This particular 8Gb module works for sure… I used the crucial ram tool to find out which one I needed (just google it!).”
- First of all, you’re going to have to unscrew the back panels on these devices and for that you’re going to need an appropriate screwdriver (most of the time these use regular Phillips screws).
- Make sure you touch a grounded metallic object to discharge the static electricity in your body, or better-yet, use an anti-static wrist strap (it’s cheap, up to $5);
- (Optional, but Recommended) Disconnect the battery from the motherboard;
- Get yourself a pair of needle-nosed pliers. Locate the shield on the computer and notice that there are tabs sticking out at each end of the metal cover (see the pictures for details). According to David: “I took thin-nosed pliers, placed them on one of the tabs and gently pulled upwards until that corner of the cover lifted. I then did the same on the tab on the opposite corner and the cover popped off. There’s no risk of slipping, and damaging any components this way as the force is directed away from the mobo.“;
- You now have access to the memory slot. Place your stick in there, just make sure that the cut on the stick aligns with the nib on the slot and then gently press it in till it snaps in place. There’s literally no way to do this wrong;
- Once this is done, put the shield back on, reconnect the battery and power on the computer to see if the newly installed memory is recongnized;
- Finally, put the back panel in place and that’s it.
You shouldn’t encounter any problems while upgrading the RAM and this process should not void your warranty, as far as I know. It’s best to ask the Asus representatives in your country if that’s the case where you live though, some readers reported that Asus claims the warranty is voided by removing the back-panel, but this seems bollocks to me. I sure hope they don’t impose such a rule.
In the event the RAM does not work, you can either have a faulty (but there’s a very slight possibility of this) or an incompatible stick. So make sure to get the right module from starters. As long as you get a similarly specced RAM module to the memory already on the laptop (which is usually a DDR3 1600MHz SODIMM at 1.35V), things should go fine, but I’ve read about incompatibilities on these Asus laptops before. That’s why the best advice I could give you is to go on the forums on notebookreview.com, search for the Owner’s Lounge for the laptop you’re planning to upgrade, and see what others have put on their machines and what worked for them, then get the exact same stick.
David tried to install a Corsair “Value Select” 8GB Module (1x8GB) DDR3 1600MHz SODIMM on his V551LB Vivobook and it didn’t work. This is advertised as a 1.5V module, while the soldered memory works at 1.35V, but that usually shouldn’t be a problem. Either way, laptop BIOS’es tend to be tricky, so it’s better to match the specs exactly. He later tried with a Kingston 4 GB 1.35V module and this one worked fine. Andrew M though, another of our readers, reported in this article that he managed to install an 8 GB 1.35V DIMM on the Vivobook V551, so if you will buy one of these lower-voltage modules, you should be able to get 12 GB of RAM on your units as well.
Anyway, that’s about it for this guide. Thanks for sticking by and I hope it has been helpful. The comments sections is open, in case you encounter any problems or want to share your results with us.
Again, big thanks to David, whose contribution made this post possible.
Phil
August 10, 2014 at 1:08 am
Big Thanks!! This guide is a huge help!
Pepe
March 5, 2020 at 10:19 am
Hi, is it possible to upgrade storage of the asus vivobook s13? Many thanks
Andrei Girbea
March 5, 2020 at 11:12 am
Which S13 version?
RYAN SCHILLING
May 25, 2020 at 8:10 am
Tried a PNY 8GB ddr4 1.2v sodium but it was incompatible
Jonathan
October 13, 2020 at 9:41 pm
Hola puedo aumentar la memoria ram de mi notbook asus x543ma??
Paul
August 16, 2014 at 11:26 am
I have a 4gb stick
DDR3 1333MHZ PC3-10600
Is it normal that it doesn’t work or is it not compatible?
Andrei Girbea
August 17, 2014 at 8:11 am
these use DDR3 1600MHz SODIMMs at 1.35V , so your 1333Mhz might not be compatible
Johnny Woo
June 11, 2015 at 7:45 am
I have the same 4GB 1333Mhz SODIMM, it indeed DOES NOT work. I think it might not be compatible as the builtin RAM of these laptops have a minimum of 1600Mhz frequency It needs to be matched or greater. or possibly the voltage issue
haroon hussain
July 25, 2017 at 9:09 am
can you do this on the tp200sa
Robert
September 4, 2014 at 12:35 pm
Dear Andreai! Great thanks for this! One small queston-after unscrewing the back panel of the notebook I still cannot take it out [model S301LA]. There are 10 screws to be taken out. Is it any other thing I should do in order to remove the panel? Does it require some force to be used? Are there any hidden screws somewhere? Thanks, Robert
Andrei Girbea
September 5, 2014 at 10:06 am
Hi Robert. There could be two screws hidden under the two rubber feet towards the back of the laptop. Not sure if they are on your laptop, but some Asus ultrabooks have them, so it’s worth checking.
Peel the feet off with a blunt tool (I use a plastic knife) and you’ll be able to access them then. Did you get these? Probably not if you mention only 10 screws. There are 10 Torx T5 pr T4 ones visible, plus these two Philips ones hidden.
NO Need for force, the panel with get off easily once you get rid of all those screws
Robert
September 8, 2014 at 9:06 pm
Great thanks!
I have managed, however, there are no any additional screws hidden. I simply had to pull out the panel stronger and it has some plastic clicks. But it went very easy. Same with the metal cover of the memory. I have used Patriot 4GB SODIMM 1600 204 memory and it works fine now. Thanks again! Robert
Andrei Girbea
September 8, 2014 at 9:23 pm
Great it worked out in the end. The Zenbooks have those extra screws and not these. Sry for the confusion.
Brian Ng
October 9, 2014 at 10:37 pm
Thanks.
The bottom cover is a bit difficult to pile off.
I used a Kingston 1.35v 8gb sodimm and it works on TP 300 l .
Olivier
October 15, 2014 at 9:59 pm
hello, i want to buy the TP300la but i don’t now if ther is one or two slots for the memory? thanks for telling me
Andrei Girbea
October 16, 2014 at 1:53 pm
Only one.
Nick
October 11, 2014 at 6:14 am
I can’t get the bottom off for my life. I’m afraid I’m going to break it. I have the Q502L from Best Buy.
Andrei Girbea
October 12, 2014 at 9:44 am
Use a blunt tool, like a plastic knife and work on one of the corners. The plastic back is hold in place by some strong plastic caps and you’ll need to pull a bit harder to make it pop out. Don’t worry, nothing’s going to break. But make sure you removed ALL the screws first.
Anil
October 20, 2014 at 4:52 pm
I have Asus TP500LA laptop. I want to know how we can open the bottom cover. I unscrew all the bottom cover but still i was not able to remove bottom cover. I am trying to replace hard drive to SSD.
Andrei Girbea
October 20, 2014 at 6:20 pm
Check out this post, I found it a bit tricky to remove it as well, but worked out with a bit of effort. https://www.ultrabookreview.com/4551-asus-transformer-book-flip-tp500laln-review/#a5
I don’t remember if there are screws under the rear rubber feet on this model or not (probably not, if I;m not mistaken), you might want to check it out.
Godot
October 28, 2014 at 8:28 pm
Hey guys,
A guy confirmed me on another forum that the Transformer book Flip TP500LN can also take an up to 8Gb module (for a total of 12 Gb).
Here is the name of the thing for those who are interested :
memoire_DDR3_So_Dimm KINGSTON Value RAM 8Go (1x8Go) PC12800 1600MHz CL11 1.35V KVR16LS11/8 | KVR16LS11/8
I will try soon on my computer with a similar module and let you know.
Skulbow
December 1, 2014 at 7:12 am
I have a Transformer Flip with 4GB. I have managed to open the back and insert an 8GB stick with no luck. I also have checked my specs at crucial at it informs me that “not to exceed manufacturers memory” I gather this means that it won’t go above 4GB but I am taking the plunge and buying a 4GB stick which fits all the criteria and keeping my fingers crossed.:)
Andrei Girbea
December 8, 2014 at 12:37 pm
Which 8 GB module did you put in? I’ve seen reports that only lower voltage 1.35V sticks work with most Asus ultrabooks and higher voltage DIMMs don’t
Skulbow
December 8, 2014 at 10:41 pm
The 4GB did work. It was a KIngston stick, 1.35V and was the exact ram recommended for this asus flip. 8GB would probably work as well but I didn’t want to take the risk as the 4GB stick cost me $77 and the 8GB stick was worth over $140.
Emre
December 30, 2014 at 11:03 pm
Hello,
İ have an assu flip 300 with i3 and planning to upgrade ram. Could you please write the exact model of the ram modules. I ma planning to buy this one:
kingston.com/dataSheets/KVR16LS11_8.pdf
SKM
October 18, 2015 at 3:32 pm
Hi
Did you have success with PC3L – KVR16LS118 ?
Can I use it on Asus X202…?
[With existing:
BANK 0
Capacity 4GB
MemoryType 24
Speed 1333
TypeDetail 128]
Mina
May 19, 2016 at 6:16 pm
I was wondering if the 8gb stick and the 4gb onboard worked in a dual channel? cuz maybe your laptop detected the 8 gb but it didnt pair or something..
Syed Khaja
December 3, 2014 at 7:02 pm
Hi Andrei Girbea, I hve a asus S551L and now im hving 8GB of ram. If i want to upgrade and in task manager it say ram slots (2 of 4) does that mean i hve 2 more free slots?
And whats ram limit of total 16GB r 24GB r 32GB ?
Nick
December 22, 2014 at 6:05 pm
Just picked one up at the Microsoft Store for $299 (I3 CPU, 4GB, 500GB HD, 1900×1200 Display) for my wife as part of a 12 Days of Holiday sale. For that price, even with the short-comings, it seems a pretty unbeatable combination for a light user!!! Will probably upgrade the memory though to 8GB (or 12GB if possible).
Erti
January 9, 2015 at 7:12 am
I’ve also been able to successfully upgrade the ram from 4gb to 12gb on my Transformer TP500LA.
Used “Crucial 8GB DDR3 PC3-12800 Unbuffered NON-ECC 1.35V 1024Meg x 64”
As mentioned here in this article (and in the comments section) earlier, only 1.3V models work.
Caio
January 19, 2015 at 4:35 pm
Hello,very interesting,does anybody tried to insert 2 sticks of 8GB (1.3v) making the TP500 (or the 300) to go with 16GB of RAM?
Andrei Girbea
January 19, 2015 at 5:10 pm
there’s a single memory slot on these though and some amount of RAM soldered on the MB.
Caio
January 19, 2015 at 5:28 pm
Thank you, this is a bad news because I was planning to buy it and upgrade to 16GB, I will have to look for a similar model but more upgradable
Nathan
January 27, 2015 at 4:12 am
I just bought the Q502L, does anyone know the brand of ram Asus uses in this laptop?
Andrei Girbea
January 27, 2015 at 5:06 pm
Probably Hynix. You can put HWinfo on the laptop and check out yourself. Still, you don’t have to buy the exact same module, you just need to match it in terms of specs and voltage (1.35V)
Ori
March 3, 2015 at 11:27 am
Just upgrade the SSD to Samsung EVO 850 250GB and add 4 GB memory (Kingston Technology 4GB 1600MHz DDR3L PC3-12800 1.35V Non-ECC CL11 SODIMM Intel Laptop Memory KVR16LS11/4).
Works excellent. very fast.
I do not understand why Asus support told me I can not upgrade the memory.
Thanks for your explanation.
Ori
Ratanak
March 3, 2015 at 2:58 pm
Confirm max RAM upgrade to 12Gb: 4Gb on board + 8Gb (Kingston DDR3L) for TP500LN-CJ088H
SERGi
April 17, 2015 at 3:11 pm
I succeeded to get 12GB of RAM by installing 8GB card from Kingston.
Part number KVR16LS11/8 (8GB PC3L 12800 CL11), which has exact same characteristics as the soldered on board memory banks.
Laptop model TP300LD-C4048H.
Can send photos if required.
Giaco
November 25, 2015 at 12:01 pm
Hi Sergi,
I have the Asus TP300LD and I would like to improve the ram.
could you confirm me the right ram to buy, please?
I wish to expand the laptop to the maximum possible (12 i think).
could you send me some pics also?
thanks!!
Giacomo
Abdelrahman
October 22, 2015 at 7:47 pm
I can Confirm that (Team Group Team-Elite-1600 DDR3L 1.35v ) is working for the TP500LN Laptop .
Obi
November 23, 2015 at 6:05 pm
Hello guys, I have asus transformer book flip pt500. i bought almost a year now and just yesterday i tried to switch on but not even a light will blink. i read from somewhere that i must open it and disconnect the battery,unplug it, press the switch button for 30 seconds, put the battery back and plug it again and it shall work. i just opened it but but the battery seems impossible to disconnect. i wanna if it possible to replace the battery? i need your help. Thanks!
Joe
January 31, 2016 at 5:41 pm
Yes, only low voltage specified at 1.35v will work, and only up to 8gb sticks.
As you can see, it specifies DDR3L = low voltage DDR3, and not the 1.5V (although 1.5V used to be relatively low voltage back in the days). I am using Kingston 8GB, and it had a sticker on the module that said 1.35V, now i have 12GB of RAM :)
Memory: DDR3L 1600 MHz SDRAM, up to 12 G
Thank you for this post and the comments.
Paula
March 13, 2016 at 3:45 am
How do I disconnect the battery? I do not want to pull the cords too hard or break the connector dock! Please help. Tp300L
Mutu
May 24, 2016 at 7:02 am
Hi, can i upgrade the ram & hdd for ASUS Vivobook E200HA?
Please advice and help…
Thanks
Andy
May 30, 2016 at 10:02 am
Unless you know how to solder and wafer around mainboards, this E200HA is a piece of crap, leaving no options for owners to swap better RAMs or HDD. Everything is burned on the mainboard.
Andrei Girbea
May 30, 2016 at 11:56 am
Well, that’s a given with most ultra-portables these days. So I wouldn’t necessarily hold a grudge against that Asus :)
Daniel Perea
June 11, 2016 at 4:32 pm
Sorry guys i have a question i Bought a ram hyper x of 8gb 1.35v 1600 DDR3 and yesterday I try to install in a Asusq301l and the screen have this error IRQL NOT LESS OR EQUAL so this error suppose it’s for a driver not recognize. I don’t know what to do or if I forget something with the bios. Some one can help me?
Note: wen I took out the ram the laptop it’s normally no blue screen.
Sorry for mi English ejejeje
tim
August 31, 2016 at 5:49 pm
download and run memtestx86 it could be bad ram
Ev
January 3, 2017 at 11:00 pm
Is there an extra RAM slot on the ASUS VivoBook Flip TP201SA?
Dominic
April 16, 2017 at 6:01 am
Hi please my Asus atom laptop e200ha developed a fault, like the keyboard and touch pad is not working, I installed new OS since than is not working please I need your help
Carmelo
August 7, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Hi to all. I have an Asus Vivobook E200HA-FD0004TS 11.6'' Windows 10 Home Processor Intel Atom Quad Core 2GB RAM and 32GB of Memory. I would upgrade the memory. Could you suggest something to do it? I am in doubt about purchasing a 128 GB Microsd or an SSD. Is it possible to mount the SSD? How about the upgrade of RAM?
Thank you in advance.
Carmelo
Dr. Drew
January 11, 2018 at 11:14 pm
I need to locate the Ram slot for the ASUS X541NA. Any suggestions?
Cleo
February 10, 2018 at 12:33 pm
Dr. Drew I found a video on YouTube – there is no slot on this model you have to open the case remove the harddrive, CD, and motherboard, and turn the motherboard over to get access to the RAM – may be a job for a professional…. youtube.com/watch?v=OZDd6VbTKfA
Dr. Drew
February 16, 2018 at 8:03 pm
Thanks, Cleo! I wonder why they would make it so hard to upgrade the RAM! Yes, I would probably have a pro do it, if it’s this involved. I appreciate the video!
George
October 25, 2018 at 1:50 pm
Hi Andrei!
Do you know what is the maximum RAM an ASUS S410UN-NS74 can support? At the moment it has 8GB soldered on the motherboard but I wanted upgrade that and was thinking of 16 GB but I am not sure that the motherboard will recognise it.
Any thoughts on this?
Andrei Girbea
October 25, 2018 at 5:59 pm
I think it should work, but can't confirm. Get the memory a place that allows returns, just in case it doesn't work.
FELIPE GUSTAVO DE LIMA
October 28, 2018 at 9:31 am
Guys,
I bought this VivoBook asus.com/2-in-1-PCs/ASUS-VivoBook-Flip-12-TP203NAH/
I didn't find any topic about if it's possible to increase this memory.
This model has 4gb RAM, i didn't find any information about this motherboard, anyone has an idea if it's possible increase this memory.
Andrei Girbea
October 29, 2018 at 9:48 pm
I haven't tested this one, but there's a big chance the RAM is soldered and non-upgradeable. Try to open up the back to double check, should be a fairly easy task: unscrew the screws visible on the back, and be careful that there might also be screws hidden behind the rear rubber feet.
Hermilo Diaz Martinez
February 15, 2019 at 1:56 am
Que tal amigos, hace poco adquirí un equipo ASUS VivoBook 15 X505BA, quiero aumentar de memoria RAM pero quisiera saber si trae dos ranuras, es de 8GB y aumentarle agregarle otra de 4gb, si no para no destaparla y perder la garantía gracias .
Franklin
June 7, 2019 at 11:05 am
Hi, I was wondering, what is the max ssd memory that I could put to replace those tiny 24GB SSD in the cache SSD memory slot ( located behind/ under the Wireless chip) because I don't want to replace my HDD,
Andrei Girbea
June 7, 2019 at 12:09 pm
I don't have an exact answer to that question, but perhaps some of the other users can pitch up with a reply.
Ronal
February 16, 2022 at 3:37 pm
I have Asus tp201sa. It say that it can upgrade to 8gb. But I can't find the slot memory…it's already with 4gb on board. Any suggetion?
Andrei Girbea
February 16, 2022 at 3:41 pm
As far as I remember the RAM is not upgradable on that one.
Revaz
March 30, 2020 at 2:46 pm
HOW TO INSTALL RAM ASUS X541SA LAPTOP THIS DEVICE HAVE 2GB RAM AND I INSTALL 4GB RAM AND HOW TO FIND RAM SLOT
kiarash
June 8, 2020 at 4:55 pm
Hi, is it possible to upgrade storage of the asus vivobook s14 s432fl
Andrei Girbea
June 8, 2020 at 5:27 pm
no, the ram is soldered on that one
muhammed hassan
November 30, 2020 at 10:08 am
Is it possible to change or upgrade the processor of VivoBook X543 ? ( for example change Intel Celeron n4000 with a Intel Core series processors. and then upgrade the RAM )