toshiba memory upgrade & external hard drive ?

toshiba L305-s5915 laptop with only 2gb memory, Great computer, but would like to upgrade memory, but can not find any info on upgrading it. Could i possibly go on tigerdirect and just by a 2gb memory stick, but how do i find which mhz for my laptop? i plan on getting a external hard drive to back up the notebook, but could i set it so every thing saves to it such as virus database, and new updates so it will not use any more space on the laptop itself? thanks a lot appreciate all the help i can get!

Hi, Its vital that you get the correct memory for your machine as there are many different kinds, a lot of which will not work in your computer. To be on the safe side Go here: www.crucial.com click on "scan my system" Accept the Active X control (its safe from this site) The crucial scanner will then try to identify the memory you have, and provide tech spec. of compatible memory, It will also provide you with a price quote Note there is no need to actually buy the memory from Crucial, but they have a very good reputation. As always the choice is yours. The virus data base and updates are tiny in size in comparison to most stuff on your machine. To be most effective the Ext drive can be used for: 1 holding the disc image of your boot partition so that in the event of major trouble that cannot be fixed in a timely manner by the usual means it will be a quick job to re-image your boot partition. 2 Providing a home for any DVD's Cd's music, photos, videos and similar data files as these take up lots of room on your hard drive. It is always wise to consider keeping your data on a different partition..different from your boot partition that is.. Regards paws

Just my luck, does not show my model on cruical any other ideas? thanks

Hello greco400,

What bad luck that crucial.com did not help you.

Try this link to see if it helps until Paws wakes up to assist you.

You could also dowload and run Belarc Advisor as it tells you the type of RAM you have amongst many other things you may like to know about your system.

I agree with Paws re image backup onto an external hard drive. If you would like more detail about image backup just ask as we will be only to happy to assist you.

kind regards,

Hi,
My data sheets indicate that your computer has a standard memory of:
2GB PC6400 DDR2 SDRAM
(both memory slots may be occupied). Total Maximum capacity 4GB
Here is a tech spec for you to check that we are talking of the same machine here:

http://www.csd.toshiba.com/cgi-bin/tais/su…elModel=2205367

Model Name: L305-S5915 Part Number: PSLB8U-0D8038

The Crucial Tool that I mentioned confirms the above information and gives the following data:

Each memory slot can hold DDR2 PC2-6400,DDR2 PC2-5300 with a maximum of 2GB per slot.*

V Maximum Memory: 4096MB
Slots: 2 (2 banks of 1)
USB Support: 2.x Compliant
Chipset: Intel GL40
Standard Memory: 2048MB removable
Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules.
The memory is 200 pin SODIMM and the Crucial tool indicates the following
are compatible:
2GB Part Number #: CT920184 • DDR2 PC2-6400 • CL=6 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-800 • 1.8V •256Meg x 64 and the normal price for this is USD $22.99

A IGB module is also available
Part #: CT920182 • DDR2 PC2-5300 • CL=5 • Unbuffered • NON-ECC • DDR2-667 • 1.8V • 128Meg x 64 • • normal price for this is USD $12.99

If you are in any doubt as to compatibility with your machine then its best to either take your machine into your local computer spares shop or consult a local competent technician who will be pleased to supply and fit the correct memory for you….However you will need to pay a fee for her/his expertise, so it's recommended you get a firm quote before proceeding
regards
paws

Thanks paws! Crucial must of updated and added this model in. Yeah thats the laptop, I only need 2gb to upgrade, but i know it will only read about 3gb but im sure it will help! If i remember correctly cruical showed i had both slots open not to positive, Also Should i buy both in pairs or just get the one? Once again thank you!

Hi, Belarc will tell you what's exactly in your machine or you could take a look inside it (but if you do, take all the usual ESD (antistatic) and safety precautions) You must also ensure your machine is completely shut down (not just in standby/asleep/hibernation) disconnected from the mains and with the battery removed…… As these machines often ship with 2 X 1GB modules if you replace them with 2 X 2GB modules you will need to find a good home/donate the old ones to a worthy cause…. Its best to fit matched modules if you can…less chances of problems that way. Regards paws