[tunaaa]

Hi, I've got a Toshiba Satellite Pro A120 laptop (model no. PSAC1E-05T021EN, purchased Sept 07) that came fitted with 2x1GB Samsung DDR2 533MHz 200-pin RAM. I want to upgrade to at least 4GB so my first question is: does my machine support more than 2GB RAM?

Motherboard details (From CPU-Z)
Model: Portable PC (0x000003EC - 0x103CB030) version A0
BIOS: ACPI Bios version 3.20

I've got my eyes on some 2x2GB Patriot DDR2 800MHz PC2 6400 200-pin RAM that's going cheap. However, will this be compatible even though frequency is different? Will performance suffer as a result?

Also, I'm hoping to upgrade to 64-bit OS to make the most of my RAM - will my system support this and what's your advice?

Thanks

[Mumbodog]

You mean A210? and there are 3 models of this one.

EZ2210
EX2202X
EZ2203X

[tunaaa]

Thanks. No, it's the A120 - I brought it around Sept 07. They may have discontinued it now I'm not sure.

[Mumbodog]

Cannot find it on the Toshiba website, was going to look up the specs.

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/t...?nav=Download#

Use www.Crucial.com or www.Kingston.com to look up the specs.

Here is what crucial said about that system

Number of Slots 2 Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*

http://www.crucial.com/store/listpar...oshiba&cat=RAM

[Mumbodog]

The kingston site has a more extended list of the A120-xxxx models, check there to see what they say.

[tunaaa]

Thanks. It says the laptop can come with DDR2-533 or -667, but can I still use DDR2-800 as an upgrade?

Here's the Kingston specs page:
http://www.ec.kingston.com/ecom/conf...submit1=Search

Also, although it says that only 3-3.5GB will be recognized, if I use a 64-bit OS will all 4GB be recognized? And is the 4GB RAM limit due to the MoBo or OS?

Thanks

[Mumbodog]

I think that Kingston may be wrong about it being capable of 4gb, but who knows.

I use a 64-bit OS will all 4GB be recognized?

Yes.

And is the 4GB RAM limit due to the MoBo or OS?

OS, yes

Mobo, yes and no, first the memory has to meet the mobo requirements, and since I cannot find specs from toshiba, we are not sure if the mobo can use 2gb or 4g.

So if your laptop can use 4gb and you put a 32bit OS on it, it will only recognize 3-3.5 in windows.

If your Laptop can only handle 2gb and you put more in there, it will either not post or boot, or it will see the memory incorrectly and cause problems addressing it in windows.

but can I still use DDR2-800 as an upgrade?

Waste of money if it is more expensive.
Most likely the biso will not recognize it and get a no post, or it will clock the speed back to 667. It is best to install the memory speed it was designed for, 667.

[Mumbodog]

You can upgrade your Toshiba Satellite Pro A120 Series (ATI Chipset) Laptop to up to a maximum of 2.0 GB Memory

http://www.memorystock.com/memory/To...TIChipset.html

System Information
Maximum memory: 4.0 GB
Standard memory:
Slots: 2 sockets

http://www.4allmemory.com/index.cfm?...model_id=60742


as you can see, conflicting information.

[Mumbodog]

I think I would email toshiba support with your full model number and ask them.

http://www.tacp.toshiba.com/customersupport/contact.asp

[tunaaa]

as you can see, conflicting information.

Yeah thanks - I got that with the Crucial scan too, so I'm not sure what to make of it all. Btw I'm hoping to go for the DDR2-800 as it's currently going very, very cheap.

I'll try the Toshiba, though I've already tried their forums with no response so far. Thanks for your help.

[Mumbodog]

Btw I'm hoping to go for the DDR2-800 as it's currently going very, very cheap.

wherever you buy it, be sure to check their return policy in case that lappy does not like it.

Post if you find out any new info.