How To: Revitalize an Aging Notebook on the Cheap

Step 1: Add Memory

One of the quickest, easiest and least expensive ways to improve a notebook's performance and reliability is to put in more system memory. Five years ago, the 256MB of RAM that came soldered to the motherboard was sufficient. Today, with operating system updates and more demanding applications, it's a drop in the bucket. Figure that it will take about five minutes to add memory.

My ThinkPad has one slot for adding memory and uses PC2700 SODIMM modules. I put in a 512MB module that cost about $30, tripling the amount of system memory to 768MB. (I used Infineon memory, but any brand would have worked.) I could have added a 1GB module, but at $75, it would have eaten up most of my budget and wouldn't have given me much more computing power.

Ironically, the first step in this hardware project involves getting and loading the CPU-Z utility. Among other things, this nifty program shows how much memory is installed and its key specs.

Go to the Memory tab, and write down the frequency and other information that's listed; we'll need it later.

Next, shut off the system, remove the battery and find the trapdoor underneath the system where the RAM is hidden. It'll probably have a logo that looks like a circuit board.

After unscrewing and removing the cover, slide the new module into the slot, making sure that the gap in the board lines up with the plastic divider.

If it doesn't fit, don't force it. Try wiggling it a little or angling it in.

Once the module is seated, snap it down, locking the board into place. The eraser end of a pencil is the perfect tool to use to make sure nothing delicate breaks.

Finally, start the system up and run CPU-Z to make sure that the new memory specs match the original specs; the only number that should change is Size, which should now read 768MB. Now, sit back and enjoy the extra performance.