FAQ
TL;DR: Max RAM is 8 GB DDR3L; "Up to 8 GB DDR3L memory" is confirmed for Ideapad 100 15IBD. [Elektroda, Freddy, post #17120037]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Lenovo Ideapad 100 owners decide how to upgrade to 8GB, whether HyperX 1866 works, and what settings to change (none).
Quick Facts
- Max supported memory: 8GB, DDR3L SODIMM, 1600 MT/s (1.35V). ["ideapad_100_15IBY_15IBD Platform Specifications"]
- 1866 MHz modules will run at 1600 MHz (800 MHz clock). [Elektroda, kindlar, post #17120065]
- BIOS changes aren’t needed; install and verify detection. [Elektroda, Freddy, post #17122195]
- Use 64‑bit Windows to see all 8GB; 32‑bit is limited to 4GB. ["Memory Limits for Windows releases"]
- Check exact model support via Lenovo Support (100‑15IBD, 80QQ). [Elektroda, Freddy, post #17122116]
Will 8GB RAM work in a Lenovo Ideapad 100 (15IBD, 80QQ)?
Yes. The platform supports a single 8GB DDR3L SODIMM at 1600 MT/s (1.35V). Install one 8GB module. ["ideapad_100_15IBY_15IBD Platform Specifications"]
Can I use HyperX Impact DDR3L 1866MHz (1.35V) in this laptop?
Yes, if it’s DDR3L (1.35V). It will downclock to 1600 MHz on this platform, not 1866 MHz. [Elektroda, kindlar, post #17120065]
Do I need to change anything in BIOS after installing 8GB?
No. "Nothing in the BIOS needs to be changed." Install the module and confirm detection. [Elektroda, Freddy, post #17122195]
How do I confirm my exact model and memory support?
Go to Lenovo Support, type 100‑15IBD, select model 80QQ, and review the hardware specifications there. [Elektroda, Freddy, post #17122116]
How do I install the new 8GB RAM safely?
- Power off, unplug, and open the access panel.
- Replace the existing SODIMM with a DDR3L‑1600 8GB module.
- Boot and check that 8GB is detected; no BIOS changes are required. [Elektroda, Freddy, post #17122195]
Will Windows show the full 8GB after the upgrade?
Yes on 64‑bit Windows. 32‑bit Windows typically addresses only up to 4GB of RAM. ["Memory Limits for Windows releases"]
What performance gains should I expect going from 4GB to 8GB?
You’ll see smoother multitasking, fewer slowdowns, and less disk swapping. "It will be a little faster for sure." [Elektroda, Freddy, post #17122393]
Does the Ideapad 100 (15IBD) have one or two RAM slots?
It uses one SODIMM slot. You upgrade by replacing the existing module with a single 8GB DDR3L. ["ideapad_100_15IBY_15IBD Platform Specifications"]
What memory type and voltage should I buy?
Buy DDR3L SODIMM, 1600 MT/s, 1.35V. Do not use standard 1.5V DDR3 modules on this platform. ["ideapad_100_15IBY_15IBD Platform Specifications"]
How do I verify the new RAM is recognized?
Boot into BIOS or Windows and check installed memory. The upgrade needs no extra settings, only verification. [Elektroda, Adam-T, post #17122161]
Why does my 1866MHz RAM show 1600MHz in BIOS/Windows?
The laptop supports DDR3L‑1600. Faster sticks downclock to 1600 MT/s (800 MHz clock) automatically. [Elektroda, kindlar, post #17120065]
Do I need BIOS or driver updates for the RAM upgrade?
Not for RAM recognition. You can still visit Lenovo Support to fetch the latest drivers. [Elektroda, Freddy, post #17122116]
What if the laptop doesn’t start after installing the new RAM?
Power off, reseat the module, and confirm it’s DDR3L‑1600 at 1.35V as specified for this model. ["ideapad_100_15IBY_15IBD Platform Specifications"]
Can I run dual‑channel or mix 4GB + 8GB modules?
No. The 15IBD design provides one SODIMM slot, so you use a single 8GB module. ["ideapad_100_15IBY_15IBD Platform Specifications"]
