Memory

[Si Hunt]

Someone has a reasonably old laptop at work with 512Mb of memory, which is consequently quite slow.

And we have 1Gb of memory in a packet sitting laying around.

Can I open up the laptop and stick the memory in? Is there any way I could "overload" the laptop by putting too much memory into it?

Si.

[Rob McCow]

Prepare to enter a complicated new world!

You have to check that it's the right kind of memory. It's unlikely that PC memory will fit in with Laptop memory.

There should be a number on the memory stick that tells you what type it is. Like 3200 DIMMS or something. It'll need to be compatible with the motherboard, which you can check online.

[Si Hunt]

It's not a stick, it's a card/chip.

It has lots of numbers on it:

512Mb 2Ex16 PC2 - 5300S-555-12-A3
M470T6554EZ3-CE6 0812

Is that laptop memory? We don't have many desktops in the office, so I'd be surprised if none of it was laptop memory. There's a whole box of cards like the above.

Si.

[Si Hunt]

There are others with SODIMM DDR2 on them, they're in little box like packets.

Si.

[Si Hunt]

http://www.computerlaptopmemory.com/...op_memory.html

This suggests SODIMM memory will fit into a laptop.

If it's the wrong type, will it damage the laptop?

Si.

[Philipnet]

If it's the wrong type, it won't fit.

Also, try rotating the memory and see if it fits the other way round.

Then, once firmly fitted (it can take a bit of force to get it in) boot up the laptop.
If it beeps, then take out the memory as the laptop doesn't like it .

[Si Hunt]

Hi Phil,

Thanks! The memory cards seem to be of two sizes, so perhaps this is why. Is it possible for me to damage the laptop by putting the wrong memory in?

Si.

[Philipnet]

No.

[Rob McCow]

Thank heavens someone else knows something about it! My knowledge of memory is somewhat limited.

[Philipnet]

Well, some people do become a bit forgetful