How to upgrade memory in a Dell Latitude 7490

[@GuerreroUrbano100]

Thanks for the video, Mike! I"m going to be doing this very soon and will be following your instructions! I'll also be replacing the stock thermal paste for a better one, I'll be using Prolimatech PRO-PK3.

[@CompTechMike]

You're welcome! Glad to help. Personally I usually just use one of the higher grade Arctic Silver thermal pastes, but the Prolimatech sounds good, as well. Good luck!

[@GuerreroUrbano100]

@@CompTechMike Funny enough, I was going to re-up on Silver Arctic-5 which I've used in the past but the Prolimatech got better temps in the reviews I read.

[@reynaldomcaba]

Very nice and easy. Thanks for the video!

[@CompTechMike]

You're welcome! Glad to help! 😊

[@CompTechMike]

A short video showing how to upgrade the memory in a Dell Latitude 7490 laptop. Steps shown in this video should be applicable to similar models from the 7000-series, including 7470 and 7480. Memory kit shown in this video: Crucial RAM 32GB Kit (2x16GB) DDR4 2400 MHz CL17 Laptop Memory CT2K16G4SFD824A amzn.to/4fmlMZO (link updated 7/26/2024) If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments. If this video was helpful, please 'like' and 'subscribe' to my channel. I hope to do a lot more computer upgrade videos in the future. Thanks!

[@ChristianMercadoAcevedo]

mike, this is a great tutorial. Can you show us how to upgade the storage SSD?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi! Thanks for the comment. Glad to help. The Latitude 7490 uses an M.2 2280 SSD hard drive. You can see it highlighted in these pictures: imgur.com/a/sxph8vX (images hosted on Imgur) I believe they can take either a SATA or NVMe drive. The physical process of removing the drive (once you open the case) is only a single Philips screw, located at the bottom. Since most 74xx series laptops come with either 256GB or 512GB we usually upgrade ours to 1TB, but higher capacities are available. Here's a link to one drive that should be compatible and offer good performance: www.amazon.com/SAMSUNG-MZ-V8V1T0B-AM-980-SSD I would recommend making sure your BIOS is updated to the latest version and also install all your Windows/Dell/Intel updates for best performance, and also Samsung Magician (if you go with a Samsung drive). Since the physical install process is pretty simple, the more complex process is to move your data over onto the new drive. You can use a variety of tools (both hardware or software) to accomplish this. One common method would be to make an image backup of all your data onto an external drive, perform the hardware upgrade, and restore your image onto the new drive. A variety of tools exist to do this, ranging from CloneZilla to Acronis TrueImage to the Windows built-in Image backup tool. Another method would be to back up just your data and perform a fresh install of Windows off a USB flash drive (made with the free Windows Media Creation Tool). I don't have a video that directly shows this, but many exist. I can certainly make one in the future. In the meantime, here are a couple that may be helpful: How to copy a hard drive with Clonezilla: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKjPammEar-Mq6M How to install Windows 10 - easy!: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKjbpHeFp66frrs Hope this helps!

[@GuerreroUrbano100]

Do you think the Corsair Vengeance 32gb kit is worth it over the Corsair kit? It's only $18 more on Newegg but I'm not sure if it's worth the price bump.

[@CompTechMike]

Hi again! Thanks for checking out my videos. What are the exact part numbers for the two kits you are comparing? In general, is the "Vengeance" line overclocked? If so, that won't give you any benefit on a Dell Latitude 74xx series laptop (as shown in my video here). The Dell BIOS does not have any capability to overclock the RAM. Personally I'd stick with the stock rated speed. Let us know how it goes!

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

Mike, I had a battery expand in a laptop I had a long ago.

[@CompTechMike]

Yikes! Did it damage the laptop?

[@n-scaleunionpacificevansto6569]

@@CompTechMike I'm afraid so, Mike. I had to get a new laptop. That's when I switched to MacBooks.

[@topteninfo9413]

Hello I have a Dell Latitude 7490 core i5 7300u generation I want to to upgrade its RAM but I didn't find I checked on bios it accept DDR4 2133 MHZ but I didn't find any ram like this online so I want ask Can I used 2400mhz instead of 2133mhz Thank you

[@CompTechMike]

Hi Rasul, thanks for checking out my video! Yes, 2400MHz should work fine as well.

[@topteninfo9413]

Hello, Does it speed of laptop will increase after changing Ram from 8 to 32 because I have a dell 7490 with 8gb variant and thinking to upgrade ram ? Thank you

[@CompTechMike]

Hi Rasul! Thanks for checking out my laptop upgrade videos. To clarify your question, no, the laptop is still the same speed because the processor is still the same speed. However, going from 8GB of RAM to 32GB is a huge jump, and anything that can benefit from the increase will be able to perform faster. This would include things like browsers with multiple tabs open, large databases, and any complex process that previously used hard drive space as a page file. So yes, the laptop will seem much faster due to the increased resources. Hope this helps!

[@louisdelarge4101]

any other brand of compatible ram memory, cheaper, that you recommend?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi Louis! Thanks for checking out my video. As far as memory recommendations, the old saying "you get what you pay for" is true here. The Latitude 7490 shown in this video uses 260-pin SODIMM DDR4 2400 memory, also known as PC4-19200. It is also compatible with DDR4-2666 PC4-21300 memory, although I don't believe this particular model can take advantage of that slightly faster speed chip. RAM works best when it's installed in matching pairs, and this system supports a maximum of 32GB, or 2x16GB sticks. You can also use 2x8GB sticks for a total of 16GB of memory. Any memory that meets those minimum specs should work in these systems. You can verify that in Dell's technical guidebooks (available online) or on memory manufacturer's compatibility charts. Just did a quick google search and it looks like the current price (as of Feb. 2023) for a 32GB kit from Crucial is $92. Hardly breaking the bank in my opinion, and will give a tremendous performance boost to most basic laptop tasks. Other brand I've used in the past include G.Skill, TeamGroup, A-Tech, PNY, Samsung, and Corsair. I would avoid the lower cost units, but you can always compare prices across sites like Newegg, Amazon, eBay, Microcenter, etc., to find the best deals. Good luck, hope this information is helpful to you!

[@CovenantGolden-rh3eo]

Hello I have a Dell Latitude 7490 core i5 7th gen. Lately whenever i turn it on, it brings up the lights on the keyboard, but the screen remains blank for almost 5 - 7 minutes until the Dell icon pops up on the screen. After that it still remains the same with the dell icon on the screen for another 5 minutes. Later is shows nothing except " (a7) me fw downgrade - request mespilock failed." That's what happens before finally working. Also i can't access the wifi settings on the laptop. Its like its vanished. Please Is it something minor i can sort out myself or do i need to get it to an engineer?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi Covenant! It sounds like you have multiple issues going on. Tough to say without seeing it. I'd suggest start by trying to troubleshoot the boot issues and firmware (BIOS) error. You can download the latest firmware from Dell's website. I'd try re-flashing that first to see if it helps. Here's a link to the download on Dell's website: dl.dell.com/FOLDER11452111M/1/Latitude_7X90_1.38.0.exe Give that a shot and let us know how it goes. From Dell's website you can also download updated drivers for the WiFi, etc. Might want to give those a shot as well. Good luck! www.dell.com/support/home/en-us/product-support/product/latitude-14-7490-laptop/drivers

[@CovenantGolden-rh3eo]

@@CompTechMike I really appreciate your quick response. I tried everything you said, followed the steps after clicking the links, most of my drives were on critical so I used tethering to install everything. After restarting my laptop, all was back to normal ND I was really happy. But the next time I turned it on later today, it reverted back to the way it was. Wifi is disappeared again and it's again taking forever to turn on.

[@CompTechMike]

@@CovenantGolden-rh3eo Hi again! So unfortunately what you're telling me still doesn't seem to determine one way or another if this is a hardware issue or a software issue. Without having the system in front of me, I'd suggest try running the built-in hardware diagnostics. You can access those by pressing F12 when the laptop is first turned on and the Dell logo appears. Is anything detected by those tests? You'd also want to carefully analyze the Windows Event Viewer, to identify if anything is flagged there as being the cause of the issue. If the issue has only started recently, you might try doing a Windows System Restore to restore the system back to a point before the issues occurred. Sometimes despite one's best efforts at troubleshooting, you wind up sinking more time into troubleshooting a system than it's worth. In those cases it may be a more effective use of your time to just back up your data (documents / pictures / music) off the machine, and format the hard drive and reinstall Windows. Then reinstall the latest drivers and latest versions of any software you use (for example: Microsoft Office). This is the "nuclear approach". Wipe it and start over. Obviously this won't help if you have a hardware problem (detected by those tests I mentioned earlier), but if you have a software problem -- format the hard drive and reinstall Windows is the most certain way to take care of that. Good luck!

[@haroonhanif1325]

my friend has 2 x 16 GB 3200 MHz, can i use it instead of 2400MHz ones

[@CompTechMike]

Hi! It should work, just it probably won't work at the fully rated speeds due to limitations of the motherboard.

[@freddylackey2344]

i would like to know more about Installing an LTE card. Would that be helpful? And how does it work?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi Freddy! Thanks for the comment. An LTE card connects to the WWAN slot on the motherboard. You can see that location on the motherboard of this particular laptop just to the left of the system fan when I have the case open. These cards use a SIM and connect to your local carrier, such as T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon. They are typically automatic and connect automatically once the laptop is turned on (sometimes they require additional software), and provide a 4G cellular data connection the same way as a cell phone or MiFi or portable hotspot. Not all laptops have a slot for a WWAN card; this is typically a feature of business-class laptops. Consumer grade laptops do not typically have this slot. It's usually pretty easy to determine if your laptop does or does not have this slot by googling a picture of the motherboard, or reading your manufacturer's specs online. For laptops that do not have a WWAN slot you can sometimes add this capability through an external USB card, however I like the convenience of having it "built in" if that's an option. To purchase a WWAN LTE card & SIM you can usually purchase those on sites like Amazon or eBay, from your laptop manufacturer, or from your cellular carrier. If you buy one on a site like Amazon you may need to purchase a separate SIM from your cell carrier (AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, etc.) to have the line of service activated. Some cards have an integrated SIM, and you'd just need to provide your carrier with the IMEI number. The process is basically just like when activating a new cell phone. I can't recommend a particular card for you, but if you search on sites like Amazon or Google for things like "WWAN LTE card" or "wwan lte card mini pci-e" plus the model number of your laptop, you should find some that are compatible. Here's links to a few examples to get you started: www.amazon.com/s?k=dell+WWAN+card www.amazon.com/s?k=HP+WWAN+CARD Good luck!

[@RobertoGimenezR]

Hello, very good video. I have the same notebook giving me blue screens and I couldn't find the damaged component, because the error codes are various. I noticed that the fingerprint reader gets hot and doesn't work, could that be the problem? Can it be disconnected?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi Roberto! Thanks for checking out our video. Yes, in most laptops the fingerprint reader can be disconnected. Depending on your particular model you'd need to remove the bottom cover, then trace where the wiring connector is coming from and disconnect it. Usually this goes to a flat ribbon cable latched to the motherboard. To disconnect you'd just lift the latch and wiggle the cable free. This would help you rule out whether this component is somehow causing errors for the system. That said, most causes of erratic BSOD's ("Blue Screen of Death") can be traced back to bad memory. I'd try researching any error messages or codes given on the blue screen. Usually there's some additional information displayed there. Also run the built-in BIOS level hardware tests. At the Dell logo (after reboot) press the F12 key several times until the boot menu appears and select "Diagnostics". This can be helpful in detecting hardware issues. Good luck, let us know if you're able to figure it out!

[@RobertoGimenezR]

@@CompTechMike I have not been able to solve the problem. It only works with either SpeedSpet or TurboBoost enabled, one at a time, not all at the same time. But the frequency does not go above 1.9 Ghz. I tried with different memories, with different storage disks, even recovering the Bios. But the problem persists.

[@CompTechMike]

@@RobertoGimenezR Did you run the hardware diagnostics in BIOS? What did the diagnostics report? You may be coming due to replace the motherboard. We had many replaced under warranty in the last year or two of their life. It's pretty easy to do with basic hand tools. Good luck!

[@mukhtarjaballa8800]

What about ddr4 3200 is it compatible

[@CompTechMike]

Hi Mukhtar! Thanks for checking out my laptop repair videos. Yes, DDR4 3200 should also work. As should DDR 2666 or DDR 2133, however my recommendation is to use the memory the motherboard is rated for (2400). Using 3200 won't make it any faster (if that's what you're going for?). Hope this is helps!

[@mrxg61]

Bro how do you have intel 7 as GPU???? mine only has i5 8th gen

[@CompTechMike]

Hi! Thanks for the comment. The Dell Latitude 7490 typically came with an 8th generation Intel i5 or i7 processor. The 7480 came with a 7th generation i5 or i7 processor, and the E7470 came with a 6th generation i5 or i7 processor. The processors are soldered to the motherboard on these machines, so if you want to upgrade the i5 on yours to an i7, you would need to replace the motherboard. They're typically pretty cheap on sites like Amazon and eBay. Hope this helps!

[@hichmedj7518]

Hi, how are you, I have a Dell Latitude 7490 computer and I want to run a 4g sim card

[@CompTechMike]

Hi Hich! Thanks for checking out my video. You can definitely run an LTE card in the Latitude 7490. We have several of them in newer model laptops and it's very convenient, being able to go online and do work from anywhere. One of our employees commutes by train and really likes using it there. In any case, you'll need a couple things to do this. You'll need the LTE WWLAN card itself, which goes into the available slot near the top left of the motherboard (visible in my video marked as "LTE WWAN" and with an extra antenna wire going to the space). You'll also need the SIM card, which you can normally get from your carrier (such as Verizon, AT&T, etc.). You'll also need to work with your carrier to get an appropriate data plan and make sure your WLAN card is compatible with the carrier. We typically use Verizon for everything. On our laptops that have this feature we pay $20/month for data plan. Of course, your costs may vary. The most challenging piece may be finding the LTE WWAN card. Suggest checking sites like eBay & Amazon. Let us know how it goes!

[@hichmedj7518]

@@CompTechMike Thank you very much. Can you explain how to install the antenna wires from both sides?

[@CompTechMike]

@@hichmedj7518 Hi! The antenna wire should already be in-place. It runs from the physical antenna itself (behind the LCD panel) through the case hinge and to the card mounting area on the motherboard. Look for a gray wire near the black and white wires going to the WiFi card. If your laptop is missing this wire, you would need to disassemble the screen assembly and install the antenna and run the wire. It's been pre-installed on all of this model laptop I've seen but obviously will require visual confirmation to confirm presence on your particular unit.

[@hichmedj7518]

@@CompTechMike Thank you very much

[@hichmedj7518]

Is there a place to install the antennas behind the screen, or are they just placed there?

[@EyesPlayz]

should i remove the sticker?

[@CompTechMike]

Hi! Thanks for checking out my laptop repair & upgrade videos. I assume you mean the sticker on the memory stick? Personally I wouldn't recommend it. The sticker helps identify the make & model of the RAM, and can be helpful to anyone in the future who needs to identify it for any reason. Only reason you might want to remove it is if it has an impact on heat dissipation. Personally in my opinion, "the pros outweigh the cons" in this instance, and I'd suggest leaving it on. Thanks for asking!

[@EyesPlayz]

@@CompTechMike thanks for the help but does it help removing it to make it more cooler? cuz im running on a toasty 73celsius

[@CompTechMike]

Hi! You probably want to clarify - is it your memory that's running at that temperature? Or your processor? What software are you using to measure that? What is the exact make and model of the system? In any case, if cooling your memory is a primary concern, I'd suggest adding something like a cooling pad or additional cooling fan. You can also buy memory with built-in heatsinks or a heat spreader, or add aftermarket heatsinks if your case has sufficient room. Personally I'd probably start by dusting the machine out and giving all the fans and heatsinks a good cleaning. Just removing the sticker isn't really going to do much for you.

[@EyesPlayz]

@@CompTechMike well thanks for telling because under stress can get upto 60 (dimm meaning memory) so im going to remove it thanks for letting me know.

[@CompTechMike]

@@EyesPlayz you do you. But I don't think you're reading my responses, and don't think that's going to help your problem. In any case, good luck!