Increasing RAM in an older laptop

B

boba

Geek Trainee
I have an elderly Toshiba Satellite laptop model 1800-314 also known as 1800-S314
Satellite 1800-314 Cel 1.1GHz/...

It still has it’s original ram module of 128MB. Which is labelled as
HYNIX
PC100U-222-620
HYM71V16M655AT8M-P AA
128MB SYNC 100MHZ CL2

I would like to add an additional 256MB module.
The Toshiba part number for a 256MB module is PA3086U-1M25
Toshiba -

When I google PA3086U-1M25 I find it is available from £50 to £80 which I can’t justify for a 5 year old machine.:(

I’ve noticed you can pick up a 256MB 144pin SODImm PC100 CL2 module on ebay and if you bide your time you can get one for around the £18 mark.
This is what I’d like to do.:)

What is putting me off is that I have read on places like the official Toshiba forum Community Forums that these types of laptops can be a bit fussy about ram upgrades (not booting or not showing the correct amount of memory) and they only recommend a PA3086U-1M25. But I suppose they would say that wouldn’t they!:rolleyes:

So my question is will any 256MB 144pin SODImm PC100 CL2 modules work or do I have make sure it has certain characteristics. If so what are they?

Hope you can
Cheers
Bob:D
 
Unfortunately, older PC100 and 133 SDRAM is getting scarce. If you remember basic economics with supply and demand, the price goes up. If you can get a second module for cheap, try it, otherwise keep hunting and see if some is letting a stick go for cheap. Many sites have a trading forum that you might be able to use to find a stick you're looking for.
 
I'm pretty sure I can source one off ebay at a reasonable price.

But to cut down the likelihood of getting the wrong type I was wondering if there are types to avoid.
I've noticed that the chips on some modules are mounted on one side rather than both, some have 4 chips some have 8 or even 16 (low or high density? :unsure: ) does that matter?
What does PC100U-222-620 mean. I suppose PC100U means 100MhzUnbuffered but what about 222-620 ?

Would any 256MB 144pin sodimm PC100 CL2 module do?
I know no one can give me any guarantees but any pointers would be appreciated:)
 
Off-hand, I'm not sure. It could be just a code for a specific module. It could be an indication of the lowest timings guaranteed. I just don't know, although my first guess would be the former of my two assessments.

In general, you should be able to snag any 144-pin PC100 SODIMM and run with it. I'd say that Toshiba is probably pulling your leg say you must purchase that module. On the other hand, when they tell you that, they're essentially saying that one will work for sure. As someone with an older laptop in use, I'd just go with something cheap and see how it goes. There's exceptions, but not where I'd pay that much for a new module.
 
Thanks for the reply:)
I was wondering if the 'buy from Toshiba' was just a ploy. The thing is I haven't got the experience to know for certain.
Perhaps loads of people have put ram in similar laptops without a hitch, but you only get to hear about the handful of people who have had problems.

Another thing I read about is that some laptops recognise modules with say 16 chips of 16MB=256MB rather than 4 chips of 64MB=256MB or 8x32MB. That wasn't from Toshiba though but from an obscure site, so maybe it's just one persons experience. Anyone heard anything like before in case I'm fortunate enough to get a choice on ebay?
 
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