RAM upgrade guidance

[dpm_dpmartin]

Hi all,

I have a T41 (2373) and it has a paltry 1GB of RAM. I upgraded some software I use regularly recently and experienced notably more slowdowns, semi-hangs and disk trashing. My page file usage seems to have increased.

So, instead of spending ages trying to figure out if I could remedy the software side, I have decided to throw hardware at the problem with a much-delayed RAM upgrade.

I looked into the optional DIMM slot and I can see FRU 31P9833 - which is a 512MB module. I assume the same is in the standard DIMM slot.

What I would like to know - if you can help me - is whether there is a good website where I can find the FRU or P/N for a 1GB module. Then I am wondering whether I should just upgrade the easy optional DIMM module and go to 1.5GB - or go the whole hog and do both, getting me to 2GB... removing the keyboard to get at the standard module looks significantly more involved.

Finally... I think the supported maximum is 2GB total... but has anyone ever taken this further by using 2 x 2GB modules in a T41? I realise the OS I'm using can't address all that, but it can easily see more than 2GB.

Hope to hear from some experts.

[RealBlackStuff]

Your machine supports only up to 2GB RAM (2x1GB).
You will need 1 or 2 PC2700 SODIMMs, which cost from $24.- upwards on eBay (search with this: pc2700 sodimm 1gb -256* -512* ).
You will probably find them cheaper in our Market forum.
You can go to the websites from Crucial, Corsair, Kingston etc. but you pay too much there.
To remove the keyboard for the 2nd RAM module, you only need to remove 4 (14.1") or 3 (15") screws depending on the T4x size.
1.5GB will be fine, but 2GB is better.
If you have money to burn, read more on larger SODIMMs in this thread: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=103935
It is very doubtful though that any module over 1GB will even run in a T4x!

[dpm_dpmartin]

I would be happy with going from 1GB to 2GB, so I'll do that instead of going to 1.5GB or considering if higher is even possible.

Is there anywhere that I can easily look up the P/N or FRU of the 1GB DIMM? As I'd like to do that.

[RealBlackStuff]

Just buy whatever cheapest you can get, they all work. Check that eBay search I gave you.
Mind you: whatever you get will have to be NON-ECC (and 95% or more is non-ecc).
Buying a part with an IBM P/N or FRU only costs you extra (wasted) money.

[dpm_dpmartin]

If you don't know, that's OK - but I want to know that information if possible. I've not yet been successful by searching.

[Neil]

http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/PC2700

[dpm_dpmartin]

Brilliant. Many thanks.

[dpm_dpmartin]

Just an update, I got 2 x Crucial 1GB DIMMs.

I have replaced the easiest one - the one that requires a single screw - to take me to 1.5GB and I can already perceive a difference. Page file usage is certainly down by about 300MB when doing normal stuff.

I will install the other DIMM when I steel myself to removing four (!) screws and the keyboard.

[Neil]

Just FYI, those four screws that hold the keyboard are not a big deal to remove. Once they are out, just give the keyboard a little nudge to the north (toward the screen), and slide a butter knife, or something similar, under the lower edge of the keyboard, and lift up. Once the keyboard is out of the way, pop that other SODIMM into the socket. Three minutes total, and you will be done!

[dpm_dpmartin]

OK, I finally got around to this today... all-in, took me about four and a half minutes.

I will invoice you, Neil, for the other 90 seconds of my time!

Page file usage is down even further.

I might be able to play some Flash-based games with known memory leaks for more than 15 minutes now.

I wonder what else I can upgrade...