Home
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.
If you find this article useful, please consider making a donation to the author. Thank you!
April 19th, 2009 at 11:16 pm
I just purchased an IBM Thinkpad T41 from a friend, with 512 DDR installed on it, and i also have 2 1gbDDR from my other laptop when i upgrade to 2gb per slot.
now, i want to use that 2 1gbDDR to my T41, is it possible? this is the specs of my 1gbDDR PC2-6400 240-Pin DIMM
Thanks…
Lister
April 1st, 2009 at 6:35 pm
Thanks a bunch. BTW… the machine has never worked so quickly as it does now. Apparently it did not like the other slot it was in.
Dale
March 31st, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Dale,
Yes, if you want to add another memory module, you should use a PC2700 module.
March 31st, 2009 at 12:17 pm
HI,
I am having trouble with the Blue Screen of Death….. randomly.
I have read that the Ram may be the culprit. I decided to look in the machine. My T42(refurbished by IMB) had one 512 pc2700 memory card inside(not the one easily accessible) I decided to put the card into the easily accessible slot to see if the laptop runs better.
If I want to add another 512 card, should it also be 2700?
Thanks
Dale
March 15th, 2009 at 5:43 pm
Johathan,
Make sure the memory module is installed correctly.
Test your laptop with the original 256MB module installed in both slots and after that test it with a new 1GB module installed into both slots.
Will it work with each module separately?
March 15th, 2009 at 5:40 pm
Mark Boernerr,
I don’t think that the restore CD calls for a 40GB drive. I have a ThinkPad T42 myself and recently I replace the original 40GB drive with a 80GB drive. After that I was able to use the same original restore CDs set. Also, I have an extra 1GB module installed and it didn’t cause me any problem during OS installation.
The question is if your laptop can handle a new 160-250GB drive. I don’t know that, haven’t tried it myself.
March 10th, 2009 at 5:51 pm
Thanks for the helpful advice. I am trying to upgrade my T40 which has only the base 256MB RAM. I bought a Kingston 1GB 2100 module, and I am having a similar problem as one of the previous posters. The computer beeps but won’t start up. I am guessing that it’s either a compatibility issue with the original module, or it’s faulty. I was told to upgrade the BIOS but that didn’t work. Any other suggestions/thoughts?
March 10th, 2009 at 11:03 am
I was given a IBM t41 with out a hard drive or installation disk. I’ve called IBM and they will sell the disk for $45. I’ve found 2×1gb 2700 ddr notebook memory from an HP computer for $20. I want to put a 160-250gb hard drive in the machine. the original disk calls for a 40 gb drive, will there be any problem installing all the new parts and getting this machine up and running? thanks for any imformation.
Mark
March 7th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
Needed to replace the keyboard. Thanks for the detailed help!
March 7th, 2009 at 3:35 am
Of all the sites viewed to upgrade RAM, this was the most precise and clearly presented information available.Going from 256mb to 2GB is like owning a new notebook!
Thank You.
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:29 am
Thanks!!! i was woundering where that annoying 256mb memory is hiding
February 21st, 2009 at 9:34 am
Hi,
THANK YOU!! I never thought that I’d tackle the job of upgrading memory myself – but the steps necessary were so clearly posted that I knew that I could do it. Also, thank you for saying exactly what RAM I needed to buy.
You made something that was so alien to me simple.
THANK YOU!!!
February 17th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
This tutorial gets 5 stars! Outstanding! Thank you!
February 10th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
Really helpful instructions. Thanks
February 4th, 2009 at 1:01 am
IBM has had a habit of being conservative on memory and you might try low density modules in any of the TPs. I had trouble with a pc2700 in my t41 and when I installed a pc2100 it worked fine. I also had a problem with HI Density PC133 in a a20 and had to buy LO Density modules. HI density works in a t23 but not in the a Series.
January 26th, 2009 at 7:29 am
Just insall 2 identical RAM modules of exactly the same specification (brand and speed, size etc.) and this will allow dual channel operation.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:45 am
Ray
so how do you fix this issue?
January 21st, 2009 at 1:07 pm
To Roger:
Using 2 Identical Ram modules will allow it to work in Dual Channel, currently you are in single channel mode and the issue you are having maybe because part of what your system is trying to read from Ram might be split between the 2 rams, and locks up trying to access large data.
December 28th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Roger,
Here’s what you can try. Remove memory modules one by one and test your laptop with both memory modules installed into different slots.
If your laptop works fine with the original 512MB module installed into both slots but locks up with the 1GB module, it’s possible that your new module is defective.
If your laptop works fine with both modules installed into the first slot but locks up with both modules in the second slot, it’s possible that you have a faulty memory slot.
talbert said:
Yes, it could be compatibility issue, but before you buy another module I would try my suggestion.
Also, you can remove the 512MB module and run Memtest86+ on the 1GB module. If the module fails test, it’s bad.
December 28th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Rory,
You don’t have to remove the keyboard in a ThinkPad T20 because both memory slots can be accessed through the bottom door.
According to the hardware and maintenance manual, there are many different optional hard drives listed for this model, up to 60GB drives. Check out the page 171. By the way, in the same manual you’ll find instructions accessing both memory slots.
December 27th, 2008 at 11:19 pm
Hi Roger.I think your 1GB memory card might not be compatible with your original one.It is said that it’s better to choose the same type memory module on the old laptop because of the compatibility ,or choose the memory with good performence in compatibility.Try another brand,kingston is a good choice
December 27th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
I installed 1 gb in the bottom slot making a total of 1.5 gb now. laptop locks up on occasion now where it didnt do this at all with the 512mb memory. any ideas on what could be causing this?
December 27th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Hi, an excellent tutorial, i was wondering would a similiar process be followed for an IBM Thinkpad t20 as the T40s laptops to upgrade memory. Also how would you increase the c hard drive memory on this laptop?, i want to hold on to the laptop but the memory is small 512mb and the c drive has only 6gb.
December 26th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Hi,
These instructions were very helpful for the upgrade.
Thanks
December 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 pm
After waiting so long, finally I found “short & clear”, step by step tutorial. Thanks, I appreciate it.
December 17th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I appreciate it thanks.
Gord
December 17th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Gord,
You can replace just one memory card on in the bottom easily accessible slot. If you install a 1GB module, your laptop will see 1.25GB total
December 17th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Hi…just wondering, if there are two 256mb installed, do I have to replace both or can I just replace the easily accessible one with a 1g card?
Many thanks
December 15th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
Ed,
You can go with PC2700 RAM which is backward compatible with PC2100.
December 15th, 2008 at 1:44 pm
I have 256MB PC2100 RAM installed in my ThinkPad T40. I want to upgrade. Should I look for PC2100 or I can install PC2700?