I have a HP DV5220 , i am planning to upgrade the RAM on it and needed to know if i have to replace the 1 gig on it or add 1 gig to it .. it is only expandable to 2 gigs and i don’t know if there are 2 slots or 1 slot only and hence the dilemma as to ordering 1 gig ram or 2 gig ram.. any help will be greatly appreciated.

the motherboard is HP part no. 417021-001, i don’t know if that helps ,, the ram on it is — 333MHz, 200-pin, PC2700 Small Outline Dual In-Line Memory Module (SODIMM)

According to the official PC user guide for HP Pavilion dv5220US, this laptop has two RAM slots and both slots can be accessed from the bottom of the laptop.

Here’s a quoted from the user guide:

The computer has one memory module compartment, which is located on the bottom of the
computer. The memory capacity of the computer can be upgraded by adding a memory module to
the vacant expansion memory module slot or by upgrading the existing memory module in the
primary memory module slot.

You’ll have to remove the RAM cover and take a look inside the memory module compartment.
If you have two 512MB modules installed, you’ll have to remove them and replace with two 1GB modules.
If you have only one 1GB module installed and the second slot is empty, you can add one more 1GB module.

I am trying to upgrade the memory to 2GB. The computer will not boot with both new modules inserted (2 Crucial 1GB modules PC2-4200). It will boot with 1GB installed in either slot as long as the original 256MB module is inserted in the opposite slot, but will not work when both 1GB modules are inserted. There are 2 slots and the maximum is 2GB for this computer. I was told to update the BIOS which did not work. I am currently using 1 of the 1GB modules and the 256MB module that came with the computer.
I have a Toshiba Satellite A105.

Apparently there is some kind of conflict between your Crucial memory modules and chipset on the motherboard. I guess you’ll have to use different memory brand, try Kingston instead.
I just checked witch 1GB memory modules Toshiba lists for Satellite A105 laptops. The mention the following brands: Samsung, Hynix, Elpida.

I have a problem with my Laptop. I have got a Compaq Evo N1020v and recently bought a new PC2100 512MB Memory Module. I replaced my current 256MB one with the new one and it works perfectly. When I insert the 256MB in the second slot the memory increases to 768MB but while working after about 30 minutes the computer freezes, the mouse pointer even freezes and Ctrl + Alt + Del, does not do anything, it stays frozen. I thought that it might be that the memory is not compatible with each other so ordered another 512MB from MemoryX. After inserting the new one, the computer works for about 30 minutes then freezes. After changing BIOS Settings nothing helps. What I have noticed is after the first time I restart after it has frozen, the computer already freezes at the login and does not get further, after another restart the computer freezes before even getting to the login. After taking out the one 512MB the Laptop works perfectly again. Could you please help me as I don’t know what is wrong.

I think there is a problem with the memory slot on the motherboard. Here’s what you can try to narrow down the problem. Run the laptop with each memory module in each memory slot. If the laptop works fine with both memory modules installed into the slot A but freezes with both memory modules installed into the slot B, most likely the slot B is bad. Also, you can narrow down the problem by running memory test utility, I usually use Memtest86+. I linked to this utility in Useful Links.
If both memory modules passes test in the slot A but fail in the slot B, the slot B is defective.
Unfortunately, in this case you’ll have to replace the motherboard or use it only with one memory slot occupied.

I’ve got a couple of questions regarding my Toshiba A25-S307 laptop. I’m looking to upgrade two key components first is my RAM. So I ask this, is there any specific brand I should go with or does it not really matter about the brand? Second question is do I need PC 2100 or PC 2700, and if available should I get it in dual channel? And for my final question what is the largest hard drive and RPM speed I can put in my laptop without over heating it. The reason I’ve turned to you, is due in large part to the run around I’ve been getting from Toshiba.

According to the Toshiba specification for this model, you should use PC2100 memory and can install up to 1GB (512MB+512MB). There are no recommendations about memory brand, but I would go with brands like Kingston or Crucial. I believe both companies offer a life time warranty on their memory. You can use PC2100 or PC2700. If you use PC2700 it will automatically slow down to PC2100 speed, you shouldn’t have any problems by using PC2700. This model doesn’t support dual channel technology.
60GB, 5400RPM is the largest and fastest hard drive that Toshiba installs into this model. You can use any larger hard drive. I don’t think that you’ll experience any heat issues if you install 7200RPM hard drive.
By the way, both memory slots are located under the keyboard. Here’s a guide that shows how to access the memory slots on Toshiba Satellite A25 laptop.

Hi! I have a Toshiba Satellite A45-S120. I just bought a replacement keyboard, and also a 1gig of memory. I was looking for a site that will help me/show me how to replace the keyboard. I’d hate to bring it to a shop for this. I look forward to your reply. I think the memory is easy enough, but not too sure about the keyboard.
Thank you!

Sure, it is pretty easy to replace or upgrade the memory modules…but only after you remove the keyboard. In Toshiba Satellite A45 both memory slots are located under the keyboard. I have created a guide for replacing broken laptop hinges and you can use the guide for removing the keyboard and replacing the memory module. You have to follow steps 1,8,9,10,11,12 and 17 (only for memory replacement).

I have a Toshiba Satellite A45-s120 notebook and I want to upgrade the memory. How do I take the unit apart to put it in?

I have created a guide for replacing hinges in Toshiba Satellite A45 laptop. You can use the same guide to remove or replace memory modules. In this model memory modules are locate under the keyboard and you have to remove the keyboard first. You do not have to go through all steps. To access the memory slots, follow steps 1,8,9,10,11 and 17.

I upgraded the memory on my laptop from 1 256mb card to a 512mb card in slot a and put the 256mb card in slot b. I have a toshiba A45 S120, do i need to take the 256 card out for it to work at 512 pace, or does it matter that i have two different size cards in the slots?

Toshiba Satellite A45-S120 laptop has two memory slots available for upgrades. This model will accept up to 2GB. You should use PC2100 DDR266 memory modules. You do not have to remove the 256 memory module. It is perfectly fine if you use two different size memory modules in both slots. If you use 512MB in slot A and 256MB in slot B, the laptop should recognize 768MB installed. You can use 128MB, 256MB, 512MB or 1GB modules in each slot. Another story would be with the memory speed. Your laptop is designed for PC2100 (266MHz). Most likely you can use PC2700 (333MHz) module but it will clock down to 266MHz and you memory card will run at PC2100 pace (266MGz).