Thinkpad T60p 2623D8U additional RAM installation

Hi all ,

I need some assistance from you guys here. My ThinkPad T60p 2623D8U came with 1 GB RAM pre-installed. I thought it would be enough for the work I do (some time-pass simulations). But you never have enough RAM do you? I soon realized that 1 GB RAM is getting used very easily.

So I have decided to install additional RAM in my machine. I also own a 600X (9 yrs old and still working like a bull, although the battery performance has gone down). In the 600X its very easy to install an additional RAM, but it seems that in my T60p, I would need to put in a lot of work before I install an additional RAM.

I also hear that there are conflicting RAM modules, which can cause problem. So I need some suggestions from you guys about the whole procedure. I know all this is given in the manuals that came with the machine, but I am more comfortable when I get answers here .

I am interested in installing 2 GB of addition RAM. I have Windows XP (pro) installed. Please help me with the following:

1. Which make of RAM (2GB) should I go for?

2. Is there a cheap and best option for me?

3. Are there any conflicting issues?

4. Precautions to take while installing new RAM module.

Thanks a million in advance for the help.

JM

 

According to Kingston RAM, the RAM modules must be installed and ordered in pairs, and although it is possible to insert more than 3GB of RAM, the PC will only recognise 3GB.

It also says that the system is configurable and can ship with either DDR2-533 (KTL-TP3840/2G) or DDR2-667 (KTL-TP667/256, 512, and 1G). When mixing DDR2-533 and DDR2-667 modules, the system will default to DDR2-533 speed.

So if you want 2GB of RAM, I would go for 2 x 1GB RAM sticks running at 667Mhz. Both RAM sticks of exactly the same Model from the same manafacturer.

If I were you, I would buy 2 x 1GB DDR2-667 RAM Modules, such as:

Kingston KTL-TP667/1G Module.

I would buy two of these modules direct from Kingston:

http://shop.kingston.com/partsInfo.asp?ktcpartno=KTL-TP667/1G

At $189.00 each, it is pricey, but its worth it. Kingston is a very reputable make. And Lifetime Warranty makes the RAM very reliable.

As with Installation Instructions, there is a video on how to do it here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-63770

There are step by step diagrams here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/document.do?lndocid=MIGR-62825


When Installating the RAM, make sure you remove the battery and power cable and leave the PC for 10 minutes or so.

It is helpful to have a PC screw and repair kit to hand and it is IMPORTANT to make sure you touch one of the protuding metal pins on one of the ports throughout the time during which you open up your PC, and especially when you touch the RAM Modules.

If you have been using your laptop for a while, it may be useful to have a can of compressed air to blow away dust before removing the existing RAM module.

to be on the safe side of system stability, dont just order one 1GB Module of RAM and stick it in the empty RAM slot to make 2GB. Make sure BOTH Modules are the same, and make sure that BOTH Ram Modules you buy are either both 533mhz or Both 667Mhz. If you buy one 553Mhz and one 667Mhz RAM sticks to save money, the 667Mhz stick will only run at 533mHz.

You can look around on crucial.com and other websites for cheaper RAM, but make sure that it covers the criteria I mentioned above.

Hope This Helps,
Mayz

 

Lil Mayz,

Thanks a million for the tips. This is really helpful and I will follow your guidelines while installing the additional RAM.

I actually want to install an additional 2GB RAM module in the ( only) one slot available in my unit so as to make it a total of 3GB RAM. The unit came with 1GB preinstalled and I want to keep it as well.

What are my choices? Please advice.

Regards,

JM

 

This is what the tab book says about the already installed memory.

PC2-5300 667MHz DDR2 / non-parity / CL5 / dual
channel capable / two 200-pin SO-DIMM sockets / std mem in 1 socket / 1 socket avail

 

well that Kingston site does say that the two RAM sticks need to be identical. if you buy from Kingston, you could buy a 2GB stick and try it out together with the 1GB you already have. The Modules come with lifetime warranty so you wont be losing anything.

However, DO check the return and warranty terms and conditions before ordering.

If your still worried, just use the Crucial System Scanner and look the recommendations it gives.

http://www.crucial.com/index.asp

You can also buy the Kingston 2GB stick

http://shop.kingston.com/partsInfo.asp?ktcpartno=KTM-TP3840/2G

That only runs at 553Mhz though, and is around $700.00. It sounds like you really do not need 3GB of RAM. For $500 more, you are only getting 1GB more of RAM, which will actually run slower than the 1GB Module you already have, slowing down your existing RAM Module and holding back overall performance. It is an utter waste of money for the applications you are running and the known compatability issues with the Thinkpad.

I highly recommend 1GB Kingston RAM Module to make only a total of 2GB. If you are prepared to spend $800.00 or so for that little extra performance, then do check out the Crucual RAM Advisor. I would only buy from Kingston, Crucial or newegg.com because of reliability.

 

Thanks Lil Mayz for the help. I will do as you suggetsed.
JM

 

No problem. Feel free to leave a REP point