Adding RAM is often the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to speed up a computer. When a computer runs short of RAM, it’s forced to swap the overflow data on and off of the hard drive, which can significantly slow performance. Fortunately, upgrading netbook memory is often one of the easiest computer upgrades. Do you want to get a little more power out of your Toshiba NB305 / NB300 Intel Atom N455 powered Netbook? Upgrade that 1GB DDR3 memory module with a 2GB SODIMM. It will speed up opening new applications, running multiple applications at once, and switching between software applications (multi-tasking). Here’s a complete and easy guide on how to upgrade your Toshiba NB305 (or NB300)’s memory.
Note: The Toshiba NB305 / NB 300 comes either with an N455 CPU and DDR 3 memory or with an N450 (Pineview) CPU and DDR2 memory. For an upgrade tutorial of the N450 DDR2 powered netbook CLICK HERE.
Purchase the right memory.
Intel Atom N455 based machines can’t access more than 2GB of DDR3 RAM in total. A 1GB DDR3 memory module is installed in the memory slot at the bottom of your computer. There is, however, only one memory slot on the motherboard, so this means that you’ll have to remove the current RAM module in order to insert a new one. For your Toshiba NB305 or NB300 with the latest Intel Atom N455 CPU and DDR3 RAM memory you need a 204 pin DDR3 SODIMM laptop memory module (not desktop memory). Select a 2GB DDR3 SODIMM memory module of 1066MHz. This may be referenced as PC3-8500. The 1066MHz stick will work, but the speed is throttled down to the motherboard bus speed of 800MHz. Recommended memory brands include, but are not limited to, Corsair, Kingston, Patriot, Hynix and Viking.
Examples
It appears many people are experiencing problems when upgrading DDR3 powered netbooks. Toshiba acknowledges there is a problem too. Only certain (upcoming) models of RAM will work with this netbook. Confirmed working SODIMMs for this netbook (updated Sept 25, 2010):
1) 2GB, 204-pin SODIMM, DDR3 PC3-8500 memory module CT1290294
Module Size: 2GB
Package: 204-pin SODIMM
Feature: DDR3 PC3-8500
Specs: DDR3 PC3-8500 / CL=7 / Unbuffered / NON-ECC / DDR3-1066 / 1.5V / 256Meg x 64 /
2) Kingston 2GB 1066Hz Single Rank Module KTT1066D3S/2G.
This SODIMM is available from Amazon: Kingston KTT1066D3S/2G RAM Module 2 GB (1 x 2 GB) DDR3 SDRAM 1066MHz DDR31066/PC38500204pin SoDIMM KTT1066D3S/2G
3) Toshiba PA3856U-1M2G should work too, but I can’t find an online retailer selling it.
A DDR3 memory module is installed in the memory slot at the bottom of your computer. There is, however, only one memory slot on the motherboard so this means that you’ll have to remove the current RAM module in order to insert a new one. The procedure to replace the memory is described below.
1. Shut down the computer completely.
2. Power off your NB305 / NB300 if it’s on. Also, unplug the AC power adapter.
3. Prepare your netbook by placing it upside-down on a flat surface with some form of soft padding. Static electricity can damage your module and other computer parts. Make sure that you are working in a static-safe environment. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your work space.
4. Remove the battery. This will prevent you from accidentally shorting anything on the system board during this process. The spring battery lock keeps the battery pack secure. When removing the battery pack, this spring lock must be retained in the unlocked position.
5. If the computer has been running recently, the memory module may be hot. The surrounding area may also be hot. Allow the module to cool to room temperature before replacing it.
6. Discharge residual power by pressing the power button.
7. Be sure to ground yourself. Touch something metal, like a tap, for a couple of seconds and you should be fine.
8. The solid-state drive and memory are secured in a dedicated compartment. Remove the Memory compartment cover.
a. Use a small Electronics Repair Screwdriver Set
(#ad or paid links)
to remove the screw that secures the compartment cover.
b. Remove the compartment cover.
9. Press outwards on the latches on both edges of the socket at the same time, remove the SODIMM; The memory module pops up slightly. Gently lift the memory module to a 30-degree angle and slide it out of the slot. Be sure to save the old SODIMM for future use.
10. Most memory will be sold in a piece of hard, clear plastic. Gently remove the new module from the packaging by pressing on it from the plastic side. Avoid bending the module or applying too much force to the packaging. When you remove the SODIMM memory module from its packaging hold it by the edges, try not to touch the gold colored contacts as this can damage the memory.
11. Turn the module so the teeth are facing the SODIMM slot and the sticker is face down. It’s impossible to put the memory module in backwards thanks to the notches which “key” it with the slot. Position the module toward the socket, aligning the connector’s notch with the matching key in the socket. This is important; you want to stick in the new memory module at a 30 degree angle. Firmly press the memory module into the memory slot’s socket. The module should be seated so that you don’t see any of the gold contacts.
12. Once the module’s connector is fully inserted into the socket, press downward on the top edge of the module to seat the module into the latches at the sides of the socket. These latches should “snap” into place securely with the corresponding cutouts in the side of the module. Make sure that it is firmly fixed in the slot and does not move easily. If the memory does not fit easily or if the latches and cutouts do not line up correctly, repeat step 9 and 11, take it out and try again.
13. Before you close your case, replace the battery. When the battery pack is inserted, it will automatically lock.
Test it.
14. Turn your computer back on. The BIOS automatically detects the amount of memory in the system and configures CMOS accordingly during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) process. There is no hardware or software (including BIOS) setup required after the memory is installed. You should see the new amount of memory displayed on your startup screens or in the properties for “My Computer”. Right click on the “My Computer” icon and select “properties”. The screen which appears should show approximately 2GB of RAM. The memory capacity reported in Windows might be less than the actual capacity of memory. This is because BIOS or the onboard graphics uses a portion of memory or claims it for further use.
15. If everything works correctly, you are done and you can reinstall the memory compartment cover. If you have any problems, go to step 16 for troubleshooting tips.
16. Troubleshooting. If you have trouble with your new RAM, check these things first. Check the power cords. Is everything plugged in properly? Check the module. Try removing the module and replacing it to make sure it is seated properly in the slot. If you’re still having difficulties with your RAM, check the Crucial FAQ section. You may find an easy solution for your problem.
17. Close the Hard Disk Drive/Memory compartment cover.
Enjoy!
