Gateway LT20 (X) Netbook RAM Memory Upgrade Guide

A memory upgrade is often the best way of increasing overall computer performance, and upgrading a 10.1-Inch Gateway LT20(X) Series Netbook is very easy, even when you’ve never done something like this before. Do you want to get a little more power out of your Gateway LT20(X) Netbook? Upgrade that 1GB 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 Gateway LT20(X)’s memory.

Purchase the right memory. For your 10.1-Inch Gateway LT20(X) Series Netbook with an Intel Atom Processor N270 or N280 you need a standard 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM laptop memory module (not desktop memory). Select a 2GB DDR2 SODIMM memory module of 667MHz. This may be referenced as PC2-5300. The PC2-5300 667MHz SODIMM is the most popular netbook memory upgrade and a faster module is backwards compatible, so a 667MHz SODIM will definitely work, even when the original SODIMM is a 533MHz module. Recommended brands include, but are not limited to, Crucial, Corsair, Kingston, Patriot, and Viking.

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A 1GB 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 your Netbook completely.

2. Disconnect all external devices connected to your LT20(X).

3. Power off your LT20(X) if it’s on. Also, unplug the AC power adapter.

4. 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.

5. Remove the battery. This will prevent you from accidentally shorting anything on the system board during this process. To remove a battery pack:
1 Slide the battery release latch to release the battery.
2 Pull the battery from the battery bay.

6. Discharge residual power by pressing the power button.

7. If your device has WWAN capability, remove the 3G SIM card (only for certain models, like the Gateway LT2016U).

8. Be sure to ground yourself. Touch something metal (like a tap) for a couple of seconds and you should be fine.

9. Loosen the captive screw that secures the memory module compartment cover to the computer.

10. Spread the retaining tabs on each side of the memory module slot to release the memory module. (The edge of the module opposite the slot rises away from the device). Remove the memory module by pulling the module away from the slot at an angle.

11. 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.

12. Insert a new memory module into the memory slot at an angle of approximately 30 degrees aligning it to the angle of the memory slot. Memory modules are designed with a notch to prevent incorrect insertion into the memory module slot.

13. Push the memory module down so that it’s completely fixed. If the memory does not fit easily, push the memory module down while puling the memory module latches outward. The module should be seated so that you don’t see any of the gold contacts.

14. Test it. Before you close your case, insert the SIM (only if you have one) and replace the battery. To install the battery again, slide the battery into the system. 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 start-up screens or in the properties for “My Computer”. You can also hold <F2> during the POST; while the notebook PC logo is being displayed. The BIOS Setup Utility screen will open and the System Memory item shows the total amount of memory installed in your netbook. If everything works correctly, you are done and you can close your case. If you have any problems, go to step 15 for troubleshooting tips.

15. 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. Did both side clips snap to hold the module firmly in place? 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.

16. Close the memory compartment cover and fasten the screw.

How-to upgrade your HP Mini 110’s Netbook’s memory

A memory upgrade is often the best way of increasing overall computer performance, and upgrading an HP Mini 110 Netbook is very easy, even when you’ve never done something like this before. Do you want to get a little more power out of your HP Mini 110? Upgrade that 1GB 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 HP Mini 110’s memory.

Purchase the right memory. For your HP Mini 110 you need a standard 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM laptop memory module (not desktop memory). Select a 2GB DDR2 SODIMM memory module of 800 MHz or 667MHz. These may be referenced as PC-6400 or PC-5400. Recommended brands include, but are not limited to, Crucial, Corsair, Kingston, Patriot, and Viking.

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  • Crucial 2GB Single DDR2 667MHz (PC2-5300) CL5 SODIMM 200-Pin Notebook Memory Module CT25664AC667
    This is by far the most popular Netbook memory replacement at the moment.
  • Crucial 2GB Single DDR2 800MHz (PC2-6400) CL6 SODIMM 200-Pin Notebook Memory Module CT25664AC800
  • Corsair VS2GSDS667D2 2GB (1x2GB) DDR2 667 MHz (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory
  • A 1GB 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 your Netbook completely.

    2. Disconnect all external devices connected to your Mini 110.

    3. Power off your Mini 110 if it’s on. Also, unplug the AC power adapter.

    4. Prepare your Mini 110 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.

    5. Remove the battery. This will prevent you from accidentally shorting anything on the system board during this process. Slide the battery release latches to release the battery.

    6. Discharge residual power by pressing the power button.

    7. If your device has WWAN capability, remove the SIM.
    a) Press in on the SIM (1). The module is partially ejected from the SIM slot.
    b) Remove the SIM (2) from the SIM slot.

    8. Be sure to ground yourself. Touch something metal (like a tap) for a couple of seconds and you should be fine.

    9. Loosen the 2 captive screws (1) that secure the memory module compartment cover to the computer.

     

    10. Spread the retaining tabs (1) on each side of the memory module slot to release the memory module. (The edge of the module opposite the slot rises away from the device). Remove the memory module (2) by pulling the module away from the slot at an angle.

     

    11. 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.

    12. Insert a new memory module into the memory slot at an angle of approximately 30 degrees aligning it to the angle of the memory slot. Memory modules are designed with a notch (3) to prevent incorrect insertion into the memory module slot.

    13. Push the memory module down so that it’s completely fixed. If the memory does not fit easily, push the memory module down while puling the memory module latches outward. The module should be seated so that you don’t see any of the gold contacts.

    14. Test it. Before you close your case, insert the SIM and replace the battery. To install the battery again, slide the battery into the system. 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 start-up screens or in the properties for “My Computer”. You can also Hold F10 during startup. The BIOS Setup Utility screen will open and the System Memory item shows the total amount of memory installed in your netbook. If everything works correctly, you are done and you can close your case. If you have any problems, go to step 13 for troubleshooting tips.

    15. 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. Did both side clips snap to hold the module firmly in place? 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.

    16. Close the memory compartment cover and fasten the 2 screws.

HP 2140 Mini-Note Netbook Complete RAM Memory Upgrade Guide

A memory upgrade is often the best and easiest way of increasing the performance of a Netbook and the cost to upgrade the RAM actually amounts to a relatively trivial amount of cash.  The HP 2140 Mini-Note has 1 RAM slot and supports up to 2GB of RAM. The netbook ships with either 1GB (XP) or 2GB (Vista). The 1GB Models can be upgraded to 2GB, the 2GB models however can NOT be upgraded, due to hardware limitations. The HP 2140 has no memory bay door and you have to remove the keyboard to replace the original 1GB SODIMM. However, it’s  not difficult to do and the job can be done in a couple of minutes. Upping the RAM will speed up opening new applications, running multiple applications at once, and switching between software applications (multi-tasking). Here’s a complete guide on how to upgrade your HP 2140 Mini-Note’s memory.

Purchase the right memory. For your 1GB HP 2140 Mini-Note you need a standard 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM laptop memory module (not desktop memory). Select a 2GB DDR2 SODIMM memory module of 667MHz. This may be referenced as PC2-5300. Recommended brands include, but are not limited to, Crucial, Corsair, Kingston, Patriot, and Viking.

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The computer has one memory module compartment, which is located under the keyboard. There is, however, only one memory slot on the motherboard so this means that you’ll have to remove the current 1GB RAM module in order to insert a new one. The procedure to replace the memory is described below.

1. Shut down your Netbook completely and close the display.

2. Disconnect all external devices connected to your HP 2140 Mini-Note.

3. Power off your netbook if it’s on. Also, unplug the AC power adapter!

4. Prepare your Mini 110 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.

5. Remove the battery. This will prevent you from accidentally shorting anything on the system board during this process. Slide the battery release latches to release the battery.

6. Discharge residual power by pressing the power button.

7. Be sure to ground yourself. Touch a piece of unpainted grounded metal (like a tap) for a couple of seconds and you should be fine.

8. Remove the 3 screws from the back edge of the computer.

9. Turn the computer display-side up, with the front toward you, and open the display.

10. Grab the keyboard gently on the screen side and apply even pressure to pop it out. It is scary because it sounds like it is breaking, but this is normal. Lift the top edge of the keyboard (1) up and remove the keyboard from the computer (2).

11. Remove the existing memory module. Pull away the retention clips (1) on each side of the memory module. The memory module pops up. Grasp the edge of the memory module (2), and gently pull the module out of the memory module slot at an angle.

12. 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. Do not touch the components on the memory module and try not to touch the gold colored contacts as this can damage the memory.

13. Insert a new memory module into the memory slot at an angle of approximately 45 degrees aligning it to the angle of the memory slot (2). Memory modules are designed with a notch (1) to prevent incorrect insertion into the memory module slot.

14. Gently press the memory module (3) down, applying pressure to both the left and right edges
of the memory module, until the retention clips snap into place and it’s completely fixed. If the memory does not fit easily, push the memory module down while puling the memory module latches outward. The module should be seated so that you don’t see any of the gold contacts.

15. Insert the front of the keyboard into the keyboard tray (1), and then press the keyboard into place until it clicks.

16. Close the computer display and turn the computer upside down on a flat surface.

17. Replace the 3 screws on the back edge of the computer.

18. Test it. Replace the battery. To install the battery again, slide the battery into the system. 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 start-up screens or in the properties for “My Computer”. You can also Hold F10 during start-up. The BIOS Setup Utility screen will open and the System Memory item shows the total amount of memory installed in your netbook.

Note that the system might show 1.75GB of RAM in stead of 2GB. The graphics chip on the board doesn’t have its own discreet RAM and borrows from the system. The missing 0.25GB is being used/reserved by the graphics chip.

If everything works correctly, you are done and you can close your case. If you have any problems, go to step 13 for troubleshooting tips.

19. 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. Did both side clips snap to hold the module firmly in place? 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.

Good Luck!

HP Mini 5101 Netbook complete RAM Memory Upgrade Tutorial

A memory upgrade is often the best and easiest way of increasing the performance of a Netbook and the cost to upgrade the RAM actually amounts to a relatively trivial amount of cash.  The HP Mini 5101 Netbook has 1 RAM slot and supports up to 2GB of RAM. The netbook ships with either 1GB (XP) or 2GB (Vista). The 1GB Models can be upgraded to 2GB; the 2GB models however can NOT be upgraded, due to hardware limitations. Upgrading a 10.1-inch HP Mini 5101 Netbook is very easy, even when you’ve never done something like this before. It will only take a couple of minutes. Upping the RAM will speed up opening new applications, running multiple applications at once, and switching between software applications (multi-tasking). Here’s a complete guide on how to upgrade your HP Mini 5101 Netbook’s memory.

Purchase the right memory. For your HP Mini 5101 Netbook you need a standard 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM laptop memory module (not desktop memory). Select a 2GB DDR2 SODIMM memory module of 800 MHz or 667MHz. These may be referenced as PC2-6400 or PC2-5400. HP recommends an 800MHz module and a faster module is backwards compatible, so an 800 MHz SODIMM will definitely work, even when the original one is a 667MHz or 533MHz module. All memory modules operate at the maximum system supported speed of 533 MHz. Recommended brands include, but are not limited to, Crucial, Corsair, Kingston, Patriot, and Viking.

(#ad or paid links)

  • Crucial 2GB Single DDR2 667MHz (PC2-5300) CL5 SODIMM 200-Pin Notebook Memory Module CT25664AC667
    This is by far the most popular Netbook memory replacement at the moment.
  • Crucial 2GB Single DDR2 800MHz (PC2-6400) CL6 SODIMM 200-Pin Notebook Memory Module CT25664AC800
  • Corsair VS2GSDS667D2 2GB (1x2GB) DDR2 667 MHz (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory
  • A 1GB 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 your Netbook completely.

    2. Disconnect all external devices connected to your HP Mini 5101.

    3. Power off your Mini 5101 if it’s on. Also, unplug the AC power adapter.

    4. Prepare your Mini 5101 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.

    5. Remove the battery. This will prevent you from accidentally shorting anything on the system board during this process.
    a) Slide the battery release latches (1) to release the battery.
    b) Remove the battery (2) from the computer.

    6. Discharge residual power by pressing the power button.

    7. If your device has WWAN capability, remove the SIM.
    a) Press in on the SIM (1). The module is partially ejected from the SIM slot.
    b) Remove the SIM (2) from the SIM slot.

    8. Be sure to ground yourself. Touch a grounded piece of metal (like a tap) for a couple of seconds and you should be fine.

    9.
    a) Slide the battery latch again (1), and the memory module compartment cover pops open.
    b) Remove the memory module compartment cover (2).

    10.
    a) Pull away the retention clips (1) on each side of the memory module. The memory module tilts up.
    b) Grasp the edge of the memory module (2), and gently pull the module out of the memory module slot at an angle.

    11. 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.

    12. Insert a new memory module:
    a) Align the notched edge (1) of the memory module with the tab in the memory module slot.
    b) With the memory module at a 45-degree angle from the surface of the memory module
    compartment, press the module (2) into the memory module slot until it is seated.
    c) Gently press the memory module (3) down, applying pressure to the left and right edges of
    the memory module, until the retention clips snap into place. Make sure the memory module is completely fixed. If the memory does not fit easily, push the memory module down while puling the memory module latches outward. The module should be seated so that you don’t see any of the gold contacts.

    13. Insert the tabs of the memory module compartment cover (1) into the notches of the compartment. Press the cover down until it snaps into place (2).

    14. Insert your 3G SIM card if you have one.

    15. Test it. To install the battery again, slide the battery into the system. 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 start-up screens or in the properties for “My Computer”. You can also Hold F10 during start-up. The BIOS Setup Utility screen will open and the System Memory item shows the total amount of memory installed in your netbook. 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. Did both side clips snap to hold the module firmly in place? 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.

    Enjoy!