How do I add memory to my laptop ?

[wearetheborg]

Newbie wrt hardware. I have an old Dell inspiron 5000 with 128 ram and 500Mz celeron.
With the router that I just got, I'm thinking of putting it in use. I think CPU is fine, but ram needs to be upgraded. What kind of ram should I get ? Any decent tutorial websites on how to go about ugrading ram ? Never opened a computer/laptop before. Playing around with the laptop should give me some experience which might be handy later on

 

[Morph3us]

Not to sound like a wet blanket... but maybe if you have questions about this, it may be wise to have them installed...professionally. Or... some one you know could assist you... Playing around with a laptop, could inadvertantly create a useless brick, courtesy of static electricity....

 

[corkyg]

Actually, most all laptops come with a User Guide, and in it, it tells how to upgrade the RAM. They are usually in the form of two SODIMM slots accessed through a door on the bottom.

That will also give you the specs for what you can put in - a lot depends on the laptop's BIOS as to what it can handle.

My guess is that a Dell Inspiron 5000 can handle at least 256 MB in the form of two 128 SODIMMs.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Dell is useful for SOMETHING
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/pblan/removing.htm#customer

Scroll down just a little and you'll see

Unscrew cover, release memory module, insert new.

And according to this:
http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts....M&model=Inspiron+5000+Series&submit=Go
It can support a max of 2x256MB PC133 SODIMM.

 

[Slicedbread]

Dell Inspiron 5000 Series
That is your models official support site.

 

[imported_goku]

Originally posted by: Morph3us
Not to sound like a wet blanket... but maybe if you have questions about this, it may be wise to have them installed...professionally. Or... some one you know could assist you... Playing around with a laptop, could inadvertantly create a useless brick, courtesy of static electricity....

lol, you are a wet blanket. This is anandtech, what makes you think that working with a laptop is anymore difficult than working with a desktop?

 

[cheesehead]

You need PC100 or PC133 SO-DIMM SDRAM memory. It's a bit rare nowadays.
You will likely have a small door with "M" next to it on the bottom of your laptop. Remove the door.
Put the memory into the slot at a 45 degree angle. It can only fit one way; there's a notch on one side but not the other. (Don't force it!)
Make sure it's in all the way, and evenly.
Push down the memory so that it is flat against the motherboard. Two metal clips next to the memory should snap into place.

If you have any questions, PM or E-mail me at spasticteapot@gmail.com. Sending pictures never hurts, either.
Also, if you're in the Madison, WI area, I can install it for you.

 

[Morph3us]

lol, you are a wet blanket. This is anandtech, what makes you think that working with a laptop is anymore difficult than working with a desktop?

We are talking about MEMORY ppl... Upgrading memory for you is like putting air in a tire.... Not installing a hard drive, switching out a chipset fan that has gone out, etc... Again, NOT TRYING TO BE RUDE, hence the comment, "not to sound like a wet blanket", but if you are this behind on the game, why not incourage the person to read "Upgrading and Repairing PCs" by Scott Mueller, instead of incouraging them to create a brick that doesn't work....

Upgrading and Repairing PCs