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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.
May 18th, 2013 at 1:56 am
Thanks for these clear instructions. Wanted to put a new pair of RAM in because i needed to upgrade to a linux needing more memory than the laptop curently has, this should fix the problem nicely, and i can probably refit the old ram chips in an even older laptop XD.
Kudos on the work,
Peter.
February 15th, 2013 at 1:17 am
I have Thinkpad T42 and the specs are:
Inter(R) Pentium(R) M
1.80GHz processor
592 MHz, 1.00GB of RAM
How much memory can i increase and how much speed can I increase, please suggest,
Thanks
November 10th, 2012 at 11:15 am
J’ai fait la mise à jour tel que recommandé (2X 1 Go) et ça fonctionne merveilleusement bien.
Un grand merci pour les explications claires et détaillées. Je n’ai prie que 15 minutes pour faire le travail.
Super!
September 3rd, 2012 at 8:44 am
@ Kevin,
No, you cannot use DDR2 memory in your laptop. The motherboard supports only DDR memory, not DDR2.
You’ll have to go with PC2700 modules.
August 28th, 2012 at 4:44 am
Hi, Thanks for the tutorial it really helps a lot. I have a question here though, can i installed other RAM beside PC2700 (DDR-333) 200-Pin SODIMM RAM that you recommend? because i’m about to buy one of these rams before read this article. They are Vgen Sodimm ddr2 1gb pc5300 and/or Vgen Sodimm ddr2 1gb pc6400. Can my IBM T40 use these RAM ?
August 9th, 2012 at 6:54 am
What an easy computer and thanks for the memory spec. Well done.
August 1st, 2012 at 5:51 pm
@ John,
It’s possible that thermal grease between the heatsink and CPU dried up and has to be replaced.
Here’s an example: http://www.insidemylaptop.com/apply-thermal-grease-laptop-processor/
July 31st, 2012 at 12:46 pm
My
T 40 is still locking up.
I cleaned the cpu fan.
Now what ?
I did figure how to repalce the ram chips.
I cleaned the fan blades. It is still hot and locks up.
Not as soon as B 4.
Now what do I do?
I am knott a Geek.
Just a dude.
An old dude.
May 24th, 2012 at 3:12 am
much appreciation for the help
May 18th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Daniel,
I believe it has to be spread out over both slots, which means that it’s 1 GB max per slot. The laptop itself has a maximum of 2 GB so I think that even if you tried to put 2 GB in each slot, it either wouldn’t boot up or it would max out at 2 GB RAM.