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Using this guide you’ll be able to replace or upgrade memory modules (aka RAM) in IBM ThinkPad T40, T40p, T41, T41p, T42, T42p series laptops. In my case I’ll be working with a ThinkPad T41.
This laptop came with 512MB RAM installed. There are two 256MB memory modules installed. One of them can be easily accessed from the bottom of the laptop. The second module is hidden under the keyboard.
Before you start, turn off the laptop, unplug the adapter and remove the battery.
Removing RAM module located on the bottom.
First of all, remove the memory cover.
Spread latches located on both sides of the memory module until the module pops up at a 30 degree angle, as it shown on the picture below.
Grab the memory module by the edges and pull it from the slot.
Removing RAM module located on under the keyboard.
The second memory slot is located under the keyboard, so we’ll have to remove the keyboard first.
Remove four screws securing the keyboard.
Insert a small flathead screwdriver between the keyboard and palm rest and carefully lift up the keyboard.
Place the keyboard on the palm rest so you can access the cable.
Disconnect the keyboard cable from the motherboard. Now you can access the second memory module.
Remove the internal memory module the same way you removed the first one.
On the picture below you can see the original module.
According to the official hardware maintenance manual for ThinkPad T40/T40p, T41/T41p, T42/T42p, these laptops can take up to 2GB memory total. You can install up to 1GB memory module into each slot.
You should use PC2700 (DDR-333) 200-Pin SODIMM RAM.
Static electricity can kill your laptop. I recommend wearing an anti-static wrist strap while working with internal parts of your laptop.
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November 14th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
Lida,
There are many different brands out there. I cannot recommend any particular brand. If you buy a brand new hard drive, it shouldn’t really matter who makes it.
The new memory module should be detected and configured automatically. No additional steps needed.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:19 am
What harddrive do you recommend? Will the computer automatically recognize the new memory or are there additional steps once the memory is installed?
November 7th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Tracey,
These days you can purchase laptop memory everywhere. In a local electronics store or Internet.
If you have more money than time, go to the store.
If you are ready to wait for a few days, buy it online.
All you need to know is the memory size and type.
I guess you want to get 1GB module. Search for 1GB PC2700 SODIMM.
November 7th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Glad to hear you like the IBM T42…I have one and love it but like Roy, its running slower and I’m thinking of upgrading the memory as while I can afford a new laptop…I don’t want to trade in my thinkpad..love the size and everything about it…except the speed!
Can you recommend where to purchase and what specific memory disks I might need? I’d like to do like you mentioned and do the 1GB +512 MB but having never purchased them before don’t know where to start.
October 25th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Roy,
I have a ThinkPad T42 myself and really like this laptop. I have 1.5 GB RAM installed (1GB + 512MB). Vista runs pretty smoothly and I believe Windows 7 will run even better, haven’t tried it yet on this laptop. Go with 2GB if you can.
I believe you can safely upgrade to a 120GB hard drive and maybe even 160GB drive.
It’s up to you, but I really like my ThinkPad laptop.
October 25th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
Hi, i have an T42 and my laptop has 512 ram and 60Gb of hard disks space. I had this laptop since 2005 and now after all these years the computer has become slow, i like my laptop because its small and light weight. Now i would like to know if i upgrade the ram to 1 or 2 GB would i be able to run smoothly windows 7 or vista, and is there any way i could also change my hard drive. would it be worth it or should i just buy a new laptop.