If you have a nice ASUS N56VM or N56VZ series laptop you may be wondering how to upgrade it for maximum performance. So here is a photo tutorial on how to upgrade the RAM on these particular ASUS laptops. You can also see get a feel for how to remove the hard drive & upgrade to an SSD as well as seeing the location of the wifi card.
#1 My memory recommendation is this Crucial 16GB memory kit. It has a lifetime warranty and is confirmed to work in the N56 series, plus right now it is only about $80*.
This Corsair 16GB memory kit* is also recommended as it has a lifetime warranty and is confirmed to work in the N56 line.
(or if you only need 8GB, here is a nice kit for about $35)
*Note: I generally try to buy my memory directly from Amazon and not from a 3rd-party seller that lists on Amazon. Unfortunately, when I post these memory links directly to Amazon sometimes when they are out of stock they then list 3rd party sellers… So please pay attention to the ‘Sold by’ information directly below the buy button on Amazon.
Overall it is a very easy process:
- one screw secures the access panel
- both memory slots are your standard DDR3 SODIMM type slots
- the SATA hard drive caddy is secured by four screws, a standard 9.5mm SATA SSD is an easy and effective upgrade for this powerful machine
- there are no particularly proprietary parts, they are all industry standard
Overall, the N56VM and N56VZ are both very user-serviceable machines. The only slight annoyance is the tiny rubber cover that is glued over the screw that holds the access panel in place. I would have preferred that ASUS simply left that screw uncovered.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
+always remove the laptop’s battery* before beginning any component removal/upgrade
+be careful of static electricity as it can damage your laptop. To ground yourself, periodically touch a metal object (other than your laptop) to discharge any static electricity -or- invest in an anti-static wrist band.
TIP: Make sure to click the photos to see them full size, as the thumbnails below are somewhat cropped…
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- Underside of the N56 with battery removed
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- Gently pry the adhesive screw cover off the with a blade/pen or similar object
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- The single access screw is now visible after the adhesive cover is removed
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- Remove the single screw that secures the access panel
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- Gently pull toward you to remove the access panel (I recommend using one hand on each of the laptop ‘feet’ to pull against)
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- (1) Using a card to help remove the access panel if necessary
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- (2) again, if you have difficulty disengaging the panel, try a thin plastic card
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![Easy access to components once the panel is removed! [the HDD caddy is secured by four screws and has a pull tab for removal]](http://www.jdhodges.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/DSC_7483-200x200.jpg)
- Easy access to components once the panel is removed! [the HDD caddy is secured by four screws and has a pull tab for removal]
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- Gently slide the new memory module(s) into their slots at the appropriate angle (to module shown here)
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- Gently press down on the memory until the retention clips click/lock into place
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- Position the access panel and gently push it all the way back into place
These instructions are applicable to at least the following models and potentially many more ASUS laptops!
- ASUS N56VZ-DS71
- ASUS N56VM-AB71
- ASUS N56VZ-ES71
- ASUS N56VM-TB71
This laptop line is one of my favorites as they have an excellent blend of CPU performance, discrete graphics (with Optimus as well) and nice LCD displays including 1080p on some models!
Overall I rate this laptop 4.5/5 stars on easy of upgrade-bility, good job ASUS!
Upgrade ASUS N56VM/N56VZ SSD & RAM,
great post my friend. just a simple question, can you tell me exactly which is the memory limit for this laptop, I am willing to buy 2 modules of 8 GB and 1600 Mhz, can you ensure that these new modules will fit. The information on the web is not clear about this.
thanks in advance
Abel
Hi Abel,
Thanks for your great question!
Yes, these laptops will support (2) x 8GB modules. If you’re looking for a nice set of high speed 1600MHz DDR3 RAM that will work, my recommendation is:
Corsair Vengeance Laptop Memory Kit 16 GB w/free shipping and a lifetime warranty
If you have any other questions or have any issues, just let me know!
Best regards,
-JD
Great article, I have one question though – which is kind of an off-topic.
Is the cooling system easily accessible on this laptop? (for cleaning purposes)
Thanks in advance,
Emannxx
Hi Emannxx,
Thank you for your comment. No, I do not believe the cooling system is super easily accessible. I believe you have to remove the large bottom cover which likely requires removing the keyboard. So not a terrible task, but not super easy either…
Sorry to not be of more help and I apologize for taking so long to reply to your comment!
Best regards,
-JD
So I could install a regular Samsung 830 SSD made for desktops or should I get the laptop kit version? (obviously the regular / desktop version is cheaper) Thanks.
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your comment.
The regular 2.5″ Samsung 830 SSD (non-kit version) is the better deal IMHO.
As you may know, the only difference between the ‘desktop’ version and the laptop kit is that the laptop kit comes with:
+a SATA-to-USB adapter
+Norton Ghost 15
those two items are only used if you want to clone your existing HDD to the SSD. There are also free/cheap options out there for doing the same thing.
So if you are comfortable with (re)installing Windows or cloning your existing OS using hardware you already own, definitely go with the regular 830 package. If you need the cloning software and the USB -> SATA adapter, then the laptop kit is an okay (but not essential) option.
I hope this helps, sorry to not be able to make it more concise!
Best regards,
-JD
I stumbled on your website while I was researching for disassembling Asus N56 in order to upgrade the WiFi card. It is really a very useful post! Well done! However, I could not upgrade my WIFI with the above post as further dis-assembly is needed. Did you happen to do anything further on N56 beyond the above post? In order to reach the other end of the antennas and replace them, the large cover needs lifting off which I failed to do for some reason. I unscrewed all the visible screws ( I think they are about 16 of them) but still could not take the cover off. I was not sure if the keyboard needs to come out either.
Further instructions (if you have any) would be very much appreciated.
Kind regards
Alex
Hi Alex,
Thank you for your comment. I apologize for not responding sooner.
Unfortunately I did not dissasemble my N56 further than what is shown. However, I believe that the (large) bottom cover is likely secured by a screw that is under the keyboard.
Sorry to not be of more specific help!
Best regards,
-JD
Hi, the msata connector is not shown here, can you explain and to access it? Thanks.
Hi Etienne,
Thank you for your comment.
I do not believe that the N56 series has an mSATA connector, sorry.
Best regards,
-JD
Thank you for this guide! As a new N56VM owner looking to switch to an SSD, I really appreciate the help.
Hi Jason,
Thank you for your nice comment, I am very glad that the upgrade guide was helpful! If you install an SSD feel free to let us know which one you chose and how you like it.
Best regards,
-JD
PS I enjoyed checking out your cool website!
The N56VZ does not have an mSATA connector. You can install a regular SSD in the regular HDD location and it will operate as SATA III. Then use a caddy to mount a 9.5mm HDD in place of the optical drive, which will operate as SATA II. The optical drive can then be mounted in an external USB enclosure, although not sure if BluRay movies will play correctly at USB 2.0 speeds.
Hi Allan,
Thanks for the confirmation of no mSATA and the great tips on using a caddy / external-enclosure for the HDD & ODD.
Best regards,
-JD
I have a question.
I’m thinking of buying version of N56VZ with 6 Gb RAM preinstalled (because it is a bit cheaper).
Would all your techniques of placing 2×8 Gb memory stick still work with my chosen hardware options?
Thank you.
Hi soshial,
Thank you for your question.
Yes, these techniques will work with the 6GB model.
Best regards,
-JD
Hi JD,
I installed a Crucial m4 SSD into my N56VM. I had a problem using the data transfer kit: I copied all the data over, but the laptop wouldn’t boot to the cloned hard drive. Fortunately this laptop is nearly new, so I wiped out the SSD and did a clean install of Windows. I copied the few files I needed from the old drive using the data transfer kit.
The Windows Experience Index went from 5.9 up to 6.7 for this model. The hard drive score went from 5.9 up to 8.1 and is now the strongest score for my laptop; it’s graphics that are apparently holding it back. The PC is now very fast and responsive. Can’t wait to put it through its paces for the rest of this weekend.
–
Jason
Hello,
Im interested in adding an SSD , but i want to put it in instead of the dvd drive. How exacly do i go about removing the DVD drive and replacing it with a caddy? Also would it be better to put my SSD in the actual hard drive slot (and my original drive into the dvd drive)? Maybe this has higher speed , i’m not sure.
Hi mic585,
Thank you for your excellent question. The simplest way to replace an optical (DVD) drive with a HDD or SSD is by buying an adapter such as this:
http://www.newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_36&products_id=304
Unfortunately I do have access to the N56 anymore so I cannot determine the exact steps for removing the DVD drive. However, it is generally pretty easy on ASUS laptops and you will probably just need to look for a retention screw that needs to be removed. This is similar to the instructions here:
http://www.newmodeus.com/shop/index.php?main_page=page&id=7&chapter=0
I hope this helps some!
Best regards,
-JD
I used the Silverstone TS06 kit to mount the hard drive in the optical bay, and mount the optical drive in an external enclosure. The TS06 comes with everything you need (except the hard drive and very small cross-head screwdriver) and clear instructions (follow the Lenovo instructions). For the SSD I chose a Samsung 830 128GB drive primarily for proven reliability, although it is also fast – 6 seconds from cold boot to login screen! You only need the bare SSD drive so buy whichever retail package is cheaper.
Important clarification to my last comment: if you clean install Windows 7 and all the Asus drivers you only need a bare SSD. If you want to transfer the existing hard drive contents to the SSD you need the laptop transfer kit version of the SDD.
Hi Allan,
Thanks for the great additional information!
Best regards,
-JD
Hi, Does upgrading/replacing the hard disk avoids warranty?
Hi Christopher,
Thank you for your question. Upgrading/replacing the hard drive should not void your warranty. I do not have a specific ASUS page that says so, but (easily) user accessible components are generally upgradeable and you can view more verification of this on various forums/threads/company-websites:
http://xoticpcforums.com/showthread.php?12372-Custom-ASUS-Questions-Warranty-hard-drive-upgrade
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus-gaming-notebook-forum/652616-replace-hdd-voids-warranty.html
http://rog.asus.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-16480.html?s=93a6b050bae326293af3a2d2d3714351
Best regards,
-JD
Hi J.D.,
I just purchased this laptop and would like to install a 256 GB Samsung or other reliable SSD. I do not require a huge hard drive storage as this laptop is mainly used for wb surking and some light gaming and homework. It appears ASUS has already partitioned the stock hard drive so I am a bit nervous about performing this action. Can you recommend a good tutorial on how to do this without losing all the drivers. Also, should I make a recovery disk with the ASUS utility installed on the computer as they no longer include the recovery disk with the computer. How would I do a fresh install of Windows 7?
Thanks!
Thank you.
I’ve upgraded the ram on my ASUS R501 MV4142M from 4 gig on a single stick to 12 gig. Added single 8gig.
Easy
Again, thanks for the guide.
Paul
Hi Paul,
How does everything run with 12GB of memory?
Thanks for your comment. That’s awesome that you have 12GB of RAM now! That’s more than any of my home computers, most of which are at 8GB or less.
Thanks again for commenting and congrats on the awesome upgrade!!!
-JD
An ASUS reseller in the UK sold me a N56VM with 16GB of RAM. They put in 2 x Corsair 8GB DDR3 SODIMM Memory (CMSO8GX3M1A1333C9).
The laptop features has an Nvidia GeForce GT 630M graphics with 2GB of DDR3 RAM and an Intel HD Graphics 4000. Nvidia’s Optimus real-time switching functionality lets the GeForce kick in when it’s needed and kick back the rest of the time, limiting power drain and maximizing battery life.
I have had persistent problems with the laptop crashing due to this feature. I believe it is a clash between the RAM when the Optimus feature switches, primarily when down-shifting to the Intel HD Graphics 4000.
The laptop got sent back to ASUS support in Germany (LetMeRepair) and they rather unhelpfully only replied that the memory that the reseller used was “non-ASUS” and “not compatible”. Their BurnInTest was successful, and they sent me the laptop back without any fix, nor any suggestion of which RAM is compatible.
Has anyone else seen this happen? If so, has anyone got a RAM recommendation to run 16GB of RAM in this laptop without issue?
Get back to me on http://twitter.com/junto if you have!
Hi Ben,
Thank you for your comment. I am very sorry to hear that the ASUS reseller’s choice of memory did not seem to work well with your N56VM when the switch from GT 630M to HD4000 occurs.
A few suggestions and a memory recommendation follow:
#1 Have you tried updating your BIOS, NVIDIA video drivers, and Intel video drivers?
#2 Have you tried adjusting video settings in the BIOS and in the video drivers?
Barring those suggestions solving the problem,
#3 My memory recommendation would be: Crucial 16GB KIT 2X8GB PC3-12800
++Reason for recommending this RAM: there is a confirmed report of this memory working in the N56VM (specific details are in the comments after the review at that link).
+Likewise, Crucial also guarantees compatibility with a similar (2x4GB) configuration on their website and this leads me to believe the 16GB kit would operate similarly (alas, since ASUS states a max 8GB of memory for the laptop, I doubt Crucial will actually guarantee the 16GB kit)
Thanks again for commenting Ben, I hope some of this info has been helpful to you!
Best regards,
-JD
Hi Ben Powell,
Have the answer for that problem, you buyed the memory ram with CL9 and must be at least CL10, they are the only one compatible with the i7 3rd generation,
P.S: JD, Nice tutorial.
JD could you please tell me what wifi card from intel can fit in these laptop? As my laptop (N56VZ) comes with a Atheros, and i like to change it to a Intel card, do you know in Amazon if someone is selling one?
Hi Alexandre,
Thank you for your great tip for Ben, I am forwarding that info to him!
I apologize for the delay in responding to your question, my top recommendation for a wifi card is the:
Intel Ultimate N 633ANHMW it is readily available from Amazon at a great price and its performance is unbeatable IMHO. I have this card and get a 450MBs connection to my ASUS router, equating to a real world transfer rate of 20-30mbs over SAMBA (Windows file sharing).
NOTE: I have not personally tested this card in the N56VZ, but since it does an amazing job in my current work laptop (and I bought it from Amazon) that is why I am recommending it to you…
However, since I believe the N56VZ only has two antenna connectors, you can use one of these kits to add one more antenna internally if you so desire.
I hope this info helps!
Best regards,
-JD
Hi
Thanks for this nice post, i should have visited it before, anyway i managed to replace HDD in my Asus N56VM, i7 3610QM, 8GB RAM, Nvidia 630m, 750GB 5400 rpm model with Samsung 256GB 830 series SSD, initially i had problems as this laptop has UEFI instead of BIOS and hard disk is partitioned using GUID patition table (GPT), though i couldnt figure out how to make this machine to boot from MBR partitioned SSD, i managed to do GPT partition on SSD and install windows8 pro on it and it worked well.
now my laptop boots just in 8 sec, its very responsive and opening any heavy application is just a click way. in future i would like to upgrade RAM to 16GB, my question is does this model has any empty SO DIMM slot ?
Thanks in advance!
Hi Pradeep,
Thank you for your helpful comment. Congratulations on your nice upgrade!
Yes, I believe that the N56 series supports an empty SODIMM slot.
Best regards,
-JD
I need to replace my keyboard ASUS N56VZ DS71 Spanish version, you know how I can do, or any manual for dismantling my equipment
Hi Luis,
Thank you for your question. With most laptops of the past (Dell, HP, even ASUS) it was a fairly simple task to replace the keyboard. However, with the new ‘island style’ keyboards it can be a more difficult task. There is a specific forum post on this topic and the N56VZ:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/671487-replacing-laptop-keyboard-asus-n56vz.html
there are some options discussed there, but I believe the consensus is that unless the keyboard you are switching has the exact same layout as the original then you would need a different matching chassis piece (the top piece that goes over the keyboard. Also, removal is going to be inherently more difficult than a conventional style laptop as not just the keyboard has to come off (the entire top chassis is going to need to be removed).
Unfortunately I do not still have my ASUS N56 series laptop to try to disassemble, so my knowledge goes only as far at the photos in this tutorial.
Perhaps another commenter will have some more info for you, sorry that I was not more helpful!
Best regards and good luck,
-JD
On the SSD upgrade, would you recommend starting from scratch on a new Windows install? Or cloning the drive? My laptop came with a driver’s disc, not sure if that’s all I need or not.
Thanks.
Hi J.B.,
If you are installing Windows 7 then much of your laptop’s hardware will be innately supported by Windows’ built in drivers or by Windows Update, what remains can likely be found on your driver disc.
Thank you for your email. My recommendation for ULTIMATE performance is to start from scratch with a new Windows install, with that option you can configure the machine exactly as you like and there will be no bloatware installed and you won’t have to worry about partition alignment issues that can occur during cloning.
On the other hand, if you just want a quick change from HDD to SSD then cloning is not a bad choice. If I am short on time I will often just clone a machine.
Please let me know if you have any specific questions and keep us posted on how your project goes!
Best regards,
-JD
Is upgrading to 16GB RAM only compatable with the four ASUS models listed (ASUS N56VZ-DS71, ASUS N56VM-AB71, ASUS N56VZ-ES71, ASUS N56VM-TB71)? I was looking into the ASUS N56VZ-RB71 or the ASUS N56VZ-RH71 and both say that 8GB memory is the max amount of supported memory and another forum I read said some people’s computers would not boot after upgrading. Also, Crucial says that their 16GB upgrade is not compatible.
Hi Ian,
Thank you for your good question. While you are correct that ASUS & Crucial do no list 16GB (8GBx2) as compatible with the N56VZ-RB71 or N56VZ-RH71 (or any of the N56 line), I believe some modules will work, while other modules may require a BIOS mod to work… Here are the modules that are reported to JUST WORK!
Source: http://forum.notebookreview.com/asus/677457-asus-n56vz-16gb-ram-thread-3.html
From further reading in other forums and online reviews I believe those modules will also work in the ASUS N56VZ-RB71 and the ASUS N56VZ-RH71. My recommendation would be to buy directly from Amazon (not a 3rd party seller on Amazon), whereby you would have 30 days to return the memory for a full refund if for some reason it did not work 100% correctly for you.
I hope this info was helpful Ian!
Best regards,
-JD
NOTE: for people doing a first time laptop upgrade, I would like to clarify that the issue Ian mentioned of people’s laptops not booting after upgrading is of course related to incompatible memory modules… and once those modules are removed and correct modules installed, the computer will boot again.
Hi JD,
Unfortunately, the CL10 keep the same problem with the Asus N56VZ but only if you play heavy games, for work is great, what i have been recomended is to buy the Kingston Technology KVR16S11 / 8 GB de RAM, that is a CL11, i will keep posted, if i have good news.
Thanks for the update Alexandre, I will let Ben know that info too.
I appreciate you keeping us posted!
Best regards,
-JD
Currently in a world of pain trying to install a Samsung ssd in mine! It’s win 8 and I think the secure boot UEFI function makes cloning and swapping drives a nightmare/impossibility without an os disk , which you don’t get these days.
Worst thing is that on my 40th ssd/hdd swap I have dropped a screw into the device. Scouring the net for how to split the case without damaging it now….just removing screws isn’t enough!
So beware painful ssd swaps on Win 8 preinstalled…it may not even be possible…
Hi Devans,
Thank you for your comment. I have not performed a Windows 8 clone yet so I appreciate the warning!
I hope you are able to get things going the way you want soon.
Best regards,
-JD
Hello. I bought reccomended Crucial 8GB kit, instaled it, but my Asus still sees only 4 GB Ram. Do you have any idea what is wrong with it?
Asus N56VZ-ES71
Win 7 x64
Thank You!
Hello,
Thank you for your comment. Can you verify a couple things for me?
#1 What does the BIOS list as the amount of installed memory?
#2 What version of Windows are you using? 32-bit or 64bit?
With that additional information I can more accurately troubleshoot your issue. I am guessing that perhaps all 8GB is installed and operating correctly, but that Windows is just not utilizing it all.
Thank you!
-JD
1) I have Win 7 64-bit.
2) Memory Information in the Bios List shows me 4096MB of total memory.