HomeHere are excellent instructions for upgrading memory on HP Pavilion zv5000 series laptops in seven relatively easy steps. I found links to the disassembly pictures while reading comments on Ask Laptop Freak site and decided to compile them into a guide. Upgrading memory on this laptop could be tricky because one of the memory expansion slots is located under the keyboard. According to HP specifications for zv5000 you can install 2 memory modules up to 1GB each. You should use PC2700 333MHz memory modules.
STEP 1.
First of all, you can add one memory module into the expansion slot on the bottom of the laptop.
STEP 2.
Remove seven screws pointed with red arrows.
STEP 3.
Carefully lift up the keyboard cover. You’ll have play with the cover in order to release plastic latches.
Enlarge image 3.
STEP 4.
Remove four screws securing the keyboard.
STEP 5.
Carefully lift up the keyboard. You don’t have to disconnect the keyboard from the motherboard in order to access the memory expansion slot. Just turn the keyboard over and place it upside down on the palm rest.
Enlarge image 5.
STEP 6.
Here’s the memory slot you are looking for.
Enlarge image 6.
STEP 7.
Spread latches on both sides of the memory module and remove the old 256MB module and install a new one.
HP Pavilion zv5000 laptops will not take more then 2GB (1GB module in each slot).
Enlarge image 7.
UPDATE: HP Pavilion zv5000 LCD removal and backlight replacement instructions
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February 4th, 2009 at 5:32 am
Dude, this tutorial is owesome.
I got one ZV5000 last time i´v been to US, and now i can give it an extra life.
I just need to make sure i can change the inner slot as well, because HP says that it only support 1280mb.
Thanks a lot, u have fans in Brasil.
See ya…
January 28th, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Thanks, the instructions were clear and the pictures really helped!! Worked like a charm.
January 26th, 2009 at 11:25 am
Thanks.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:53 am
Simion,
In an HP Pavilion dv5000 the CMOS (RTC) battery is soldered to the motherboard, on the opposite side from the CPU socket. You cannot find this battery in the manual because it’s not replaceable, it comes with the motherboard. I guess you can unsolder the battery from the motherboard, but I’m not sure if it will fix whatever problem you have.
Take a look at this picture of the motherboard.
January 26th, 2009 at 9:20 am
I’d like to know were is the RTC battery on hp pavilion zv5000 because I want to reset the bios.
sorry for repost, but i need the answer, because in the manual isn’t specificat
January 25th, 2009 at 10:23 pm
Simon,
Yep, this lappy has many screws.
You’ll find step-by-step disassembly instructions in the official service manual, it’s a 4MB pdf file. Might take some time to download.
I believe in this model the power jack is soldered to the motherboard. In order to resolder or replace the power jack you’ll have to remove the motherboard.
January 25th, 2009 at 10:21 pm
Ayanna,
A memory module with 184 pins is used in desktop computers and you cannot use it in a laptop. You have to buy a SO-DIMM module which has 200 pins.
You linked to a Crucial 1GB PC2700 DDR 333MHZ 200PIN SODIMM module and it should work just fine. That’s the right one, if you are looking for a 1GB module.
January 25th, 2009 at 1:30 am
I need to go one step further and solder a new dc connector. It is a maze of screws and layers. Any chance of getting pics or a description on how to proceed. Thanks
January 24th, 2009 at 9:09 pm
This is the link to the one I am thinking about purchasing. Will this work with an hp pavillion zv5000
January 24th, 2009 at 9:01 pm
I am pretty ignorant when it comes to all of this. I would really like to purchase some more RAM for my hp pavillion zv5000. After reading this I feel comfortable that I can do it and have been searching for PC2700 333MHz memory modules. I’ve come across plenty at amazon but I am a little confused about the different PIN numbers I’ve seen. I’ve seen some that say 200PIN, 184PIN, etc. I was wondering what is the best to get and does the PIN numbers even matter, what do they mean? Thanks so much.
January 22nd, 2009 at 6:41 pm
I just upgraded my HP zv5000 to 2GB ram. I followed your easy directions and replaced both memory modules in less than 5 minutes. I now have 2GB from Crucial Technology up and running. Thanks for the detailed instructions.
January 14th, 2009 at 6:31 pm
Just replaced 2 x 1GB of what I understood was the correct memory for my zv5000
However, now my laptop boots up ok, but just when done, it reboots again. Now in perpetual loop of loading all the way to the desktop, then rebooting. Any ideas? The couple of times the desktop loaded for more than a few seconds I checked the configuration and it showed 2GB. Why reboot then?
January 8th, 2009 at 4:56 am
I’d like to know were is the RTC battery on hp pavilion zv5000 because I want to rest the bios.
January 5th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Many Thanks!
Nice work!
Ron
January 5th, 2009 at 12:59 am
Richard,
Do you mean to use these memory cards in a different laptop? Sure you can.
January 4th, 2009 at 7:14 am
is it possible to use the memory cards of a Toshiba tera S2? I have two of 1gb left.
January 3rd, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Thanks for the instructions. I upgraded my HP zv5000 to 2GB ram. I started with a single Kinston 1GB chip from FRY’s. Blue screen at start-up. I returned the Kinston chip and bought two Corsair 1 GB chips. I installed both in 10 minutes. Up and running with no troubles. Thanks! Nate
December 30th, 2008 at 9:17 am
Thanks for the tutorial! Someone just gave me their old zv500, with some more memory this will be a great laptop.
December 25th, 2008 at 11:29 pm
Ben M,
You can use either slot.
December 25th, 2008 at 9:05 pm
I’m putting in a 1 Gig, and a 512, does it matter witch slot I put each one in?
December 21st, 2008 at 12:03 pm
Sten J,
Looks like both of them are 1GB PC2700 modules.
Both memory modules should work just fine.
December 21st, 2008 at 11:57 am
Thank you for this information.
I live in Sweden and would like to buy the memory to my Pavilion zv5000 here.
Can someone please tell me if it’s the right memory here and/or here (there are pictures)?
December 13th, 2008 at 8:18 pm
this is heaps good
it helps heaps
thanks so much
December 9th, 2008 at 9:56 am
Great instructions. Followed the steps exactly and I’m back in business. While I had it apart I cleaned the cooling fans and grills. What a mess!
Thanks
November 21st, 2008 at 10:29 am
I am up and running much faster, with the new cameras and size of each photo, it used to take a while to browse them, now i can zip thru them with ease. THANKS for the help, it was so easy and simple.
November 19th, 2008 at 4:56 am
Just wanted to say thanks for your effort…
November 13th, 2008 at 5:34 am
Like other potential upgraders, I spent hours on the internet searching for the location of the second slot. Your illustrations (and thank you for the information)solved the problem. During my installation, I experimented and discovered that the memory system worked with, a 1GB in the first slot, and my remaining 256mb in the “under the key board ” slot, for my HP Pavilion zv5368.
October 31st, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Great guide!
I can confirm this works on my Pavilion zv5000. Very happy now… hopefully I can get a few more years use out of this.
Cheers!
October 23rd, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Thank you so much. That was a perfect tutorial. Five minutes and I upgraded from 512MB to 2GB on my aging zv5320 with two sticks I bought off ebay. Will hopefully get a few more years out of it yet!
October 17th, 2008 at 6:30 am
I did the test (tried both Quick and Advanced) and it was successful. What can I try next?