A few people have asked me about memory upgrades for the webbook, it comes with 512MB of RAM which isn’t bad when running Ubuntu, but some people (me for example) just can’t leave things alone and want to shovel in as much RAM as will fit. So this begs the question, “how much RAM will fit?” so I did some research to find out.
It turns out that the webbook has a single SO-DIMM slot in the little compartment on the base of the webbook, below the touchpad. The module it is fitted with is a 512MB 200pin SODIMM DDR2 PC-4200. Breaking this down, 512MB is the capacity of the module, half a gigabyte. It is a 200pin SODIMM which is the shape of the package and the number of little copper connectors (you don’t have to count them all). SODIMM modules can be DDR and DDR2 and the little notch is slightly different on each so you can’t fit the wrong type. You want DDR2 for the webbook. PC2-4200 relates to the speed of the memory. You can fit faster memory which might be labled PC2-5200 or PC2-6400 however the speed is limited by something called the frontside bus so the webbook will just treat it as PC2-4200. I tested a 1 GB PC2-5200 module but the memtest86 benchmark showed it running at the same speed as the original PC-4200 module. I have a 2GB module on order, which is apparently the maximum the webbook will support, but I am not sure if that is just because there don’t appear to be any 4GB SODIMM modules available yet.
RAM can be delicate so if you are going to change the memory first find a sensible place to work with no dust and no obvious sources of static. Unplug the webbook from the power and take out the battery, then just undo the two screws holding the RAM compartment shut. Carefully push out the shiny catches at each side then the RAM module will pop up. You can then slide it out. Pop in the new module and push it down against the springs until it clips into place. Don’t force it, if it doesn’t want to go then check that it is fully inserted. If the notch doesn’t seem to be in the right place then you have a DDR module which won’t work.
Once your memory is in, put the cover on and screw it back together, refit the battery and switch on. After the bios hit escape to get to the Grub menu. From here you should see the Memtest86 option. Go down and select that and let it test your memory. Let it run until your boredom threshold is reached and if there are no errors then hit escape to turn off and then you can boot up normally. If you do find an error then just send the memory back.
| Brand | Spec | Tested by | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novatec | 1GB PC2-5300 | Alan Bell |  Works fine |
| Dane Elec (via eBay) | 2GB PC2-5300 | Craig Jump |  Graphics corruption (the graphics card shares 64MB of main memory) |
| Crucial | 1GB 200PIN DDR2 SODIMM 128MX64 PC2-5300 | Jonathan Kay | Works fine |
| Corsair | 2GB Corsair Value Select, DDR2 SO-DIMM PC2-5300 (667), 200 Pin, Non-ECC Unbuffered, CAS 5 | Stuart Taylor | only one GB recognised and used |
| Crucial | 2GB, DDR2 SO-DIMM PC2-4200, 200 Pin | Alan Bell | only one GB recognised and used |
Alan, as per my email tried a generic Ebay 2GB 5300 dimm and it didnt work.. corrupted video, have a 1gb on order.. if anyone gets a 2Gb going let me know
Craig
did you try memtest86? Can’t remember if I asked you to check that.
I think I will update this post with links to stuff known to work/not work.
Alan, any luck with a 2GB SO-DIMM? Its one of the very very few things holding me back on picking up one of these little gems. I suspect as its a ViaC7, that it runs on the CN700 series chipset, and from experience with an embedded ITX system, they were limited to 1GB.
I have heard conflicting reports about 2GB. The factory say it should work fine and they tried a Kingston 2GB module. Craig Jump tried one that didn’t work. I have one on order, I will let you know how I get on.
I’ve just bought and fitted 2gb of corsair value select, however the webbook will only recognise 1gb of it minus the shared video memory. Reeeally odd! My friend tried this on his webbook, both purchased the same week and his does the same! If anyone could email me with advice would appreciate it. Sounds like the webbook is already ready for a bios update though?
that is odd, I didn’t know memory could do that. I have a Crucial 2GB module arrived today, I will try it later. I will ask the question about the bios, I am not sure there will be an update yet but it could do with being a bit smoother when setting it to boot from USB devices and SD cards.
Thanks alan. I cant see if being faulty memory either as me and my friend have both purchased the same memory/
this is the memory purchased if it is any help.
http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=548348
I have updated the table accordingly. Did it work OK other than only being half the size it should be? Does Memtest86 work and report just 1GB with no other errors?
I am running xp so no way to test the memory yet. The system seems stable though and i’ve been able to install vista successfully on my virtualbox, where previously i couldn’t as couldn’t allocate enough memory to virtualbox. Its been on for 2hrs now since installing the memory, no blue screens, no graphic errors.
Just fitted my 2GB PC-4200 module, just as you reported it works fine, but only sees 1GB.
@ Tim – According to lspci the chipset is a CX700, not the CN700 however both of these on the via website claim to support up to 2GB.
The CX700 spec sheet is at http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/chipsets/c-series/cx700/ however the pretty picture shows this as upto 2 DIMMs so it is quite possible that there is a 1GB limit per DIMM. As only one slot has been implemented in the webbook design we are probably restricted to just the 1GB
Alan is it possible that one of the design team at Elonex would be able to confirm this?
so we know now its not an isolated incident with just one make of memory. Hope this issue is fixed and we can all use 2gb, my machine is flying on 1gb so far though.
@Adam, I have already sent an email, might take a while before I get an answer from the right person. It is looking very much like the maximum is 1GB from the single DIMM.
if it is a max of 1gb this would be a real shame, its quick as it is, but could be that little bit quicker! it may also put people off buying, memory can make so much difference and with memory prices as they are its a very cheap upgrade to do.
Greetings All, I’ve just upgraded from a Nokia n800 and I’m well impressed.
One question regarding memory, would you guys recommend buying 2gb or more NOW and only have a max of 1gb recognised so that when the bios upgrade happens I don’t have to buy another module?
What’s currently the biggest available?
@dave
I am really not very confident that a bios upgrade is going to enable a full 2GB to be used. I suspect it has something to do with the position of the shared memory the graphics card uses. There is a slim chance however I suppose, and there isn’t much difference in price between the 1GB modules and the 2GB modules and if you have several laptops you might end up shuffling memory about. So isn’t crazy to buy the 2GB module, on the understanding that there is a small chance you will be pleasantly surprised by it working fully at some point in the future. The same goes for the speed rating. It doesn’t hurt to get faster ram, but it won’t use the speed. It might give you a bit more flexibility swapping RAM about in the future.
Hi Alan & Dave
I bought my webbook three days ago and I am starting to learn my way around Ubuntu. It’s a great little machine, and I have just installed this memory:
http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/partspecs.aspx?imodule=CT12864AC667
Really easy to do and works like a dream – BBC iPlayer is still a bit stilted in fullscreen mode, but YouTube videos are fine now. I’m looking forward to the fix for the headphone/speakers issue, but the big thing is a the need for a simple restore/recovery method. The techniques I have found to clone the HDD are beyond me at the moment, so a custom SD or USB pendrive solution would be great (I don’t have a USB CD drive) as this would include the bits of Ubuntu you have customised for the webbook.
Thanks for creating this blog, and for the support you are giving to newbies like me – your blog was a major factor in my decision to go with the webbok and is very much appreciated.
Cheers, Jim
Have just ordered 1GB 200PIN DDR2 SODIMM 128MX64 PC2-5300 from crucial
fingers crossed
Hi All, I asked Elonex “If i were to upgrade from the standard 80gb to a larger hard drive, How do i go about reinstalling windows XP on the new drive, as the Webbook comes with no XP disc although there is a COA on the bottom ?
Also what is the maximum memory and memory specification that can be installed in the Webbook”
Here is the reply
Reference your questions below the maximum Ram is 1GB and largest Elonex supported drive id 160GB.
The system had a built in hidden partition for recovery so if wanting to change the actual drive only way would be to use a drive imaging application.
If you find you can’t reimage the drive and do want to upgrade to a larger hard drive then we can offer you a return service to our service centre.
The Charge for this facility would be
Collection and return £28
Swap out of HDD and reload factory image £38
All prices inc vat.
To add to this, i have just purchased a 1gb 200-pin DDR2 SODIMM 128MX64 PC2-4200
This only registers as 448mb so looks like i needed to order PC2-5300
@Stu P,
interesting, what brand of memory was that? Post a link if you can. PC2-5300 will only run at the speed of PC2-4200 but it should recognise all of a 1GB stick with either speed. You can install Linux for free on your 160GB drive. I can help you with that for free too. Swapping hard drives is very easy on the webbook, just one screw and it comes out and another two screws hold the cover to the disk. I can’t quite see why the ceiling for the HDD size should be 160GB, that might just be the biggest they have tried. If anyone has a really big 2.5″ drive like this 320GB one they can try I would be interested to know if it works. I know that some SSD drives don’t work, we tried a 64GB SSD similar to that used in the Macbook Air. That did not work at all.
HI.
I bought a 1gig chip from Crucial 1GB 200PIN DDR2 SODIMM 128MX64 PC2-4200 and this doesn’t work as such only 448 mbs showing in the memtest. The original chip is 512 ddr2 PC2 5300. So as the Original has the higher it would seem that this 1gig chip isn’t quite fast enough. And jsut maybe there is a misprint somewhere.
Demi.
the graphics card takes 64MB of the main memory, 512 less 64 is 448. So that is where the 448 comes from. If you have a 1GB chip it should register in the webbook as 960 available for RAM. The speed should not matter, but I am not sure why your 1GB chip is only using 512MB. Anyone else like to take a guess?
I gathered the GFX would be using the missing 64mbs. Perhaps the chip isn’t very good. I’ll tyr it in my Toshiba later tonight (this has 2 banks for ddr2 memory and is using 2 x 1 gig.
If the memory chip is at fault I’m not sure what crucials policy is on returns, but thats for tomorrow.
Demi.
I just tried the igig Chip speed 4200 in the tosh and its not working. Tried a 1gig ddr2 5300 chip in the web book and Thats running at 1gig – 64mbs for the gfx.
Demi
so the 4200 didn’t work in the webbook or the Toshiba? sounds like bad memory to me. Glad you got the 5300 working.
Just from looking at these posts, I’m wondering whether the people putting new RAM in their webbooks are actually taking the old RAM out when they do it.
If Elonex have set this up the way I think they may have, there is a chance the motherboard is configured to only look in the first slot for memory, whicdh means if people upgrading their memory are just putting the new SODIMM into the second slot, it won’t be read.
Could be wrong about this, but I have a feeling I’m not.
Alan
@Alan
The webbook has a single slot so I am pretty confident that the old RAM is coming out! This did cause a bit of confusion because the Motherboard can in theory support 2GB of ram, but that is in a 1GB+1GB configuration. On the webbook it seems the top whack is a single 1GB chip.
Good suggestion but I am afraid you are in fact wrong
Hi
Just got an Ubuntu webbook and very impressed after years of Windows.I tried to put 1GB of memory into it (Crucial 1GB 200PIN DDR2 SODIMM 128MX64 PC2-5300 as above) and it would only recognise 512MB (excluding the shared video memory).Any ideas anyone?
Regards.
Hah, I just reread the original article and realised I had once again put my foot firmly into my mouth – for some reason the phrase ’single sodimm slot’ didn’t register.
My apologies.
@wobs, looks like Demora and Stu P had exactly the same issue with the Crucial ram. On the other hand Jonathan Kay had success with exactly the same chip. Sorry, I have no idea what is going on here.
Thanks for the reply.I even had a look in the BIOS but there doesn’t seem to be anything in there which helps. Very odd. I don’t feel inclined to keep buying 1GB cards until I find one that works.
So far 512 seem quite adequate (just as well really).
Just installed a new Corsair ValueSelect 1GB DDR2 PC2-4200. Seems to be working fine. =)
Now my only remaining problem is to get a webcam working with Skype.
Bingo!Just installed Corsair ValueSelect 1GB DDR2 PC2-4200 and it works fine.
Just installed Corsair ValueSelect 1GB DDR2 PC2-5300
only seems to recognise 512mb???
I just checked with a second stick I bought for a friend, and its got the same problem. Any ideas?
Just to confirm i bought “Corsair ValueSelect DDR2 667Mhz 1GB 200Pin SODIMM PC-5300″
http://www.dabs.com/ProductView.aspx?Quicklinx=4B16&CategorySelectedId=11150&PageMode=1&NavigationKey=11150,4294952421,43190000,4294957152&InMerch=1
Any ideas Alan?
@Rich, no, I am perplexed. Different people have had this problem with 1GB modules but then success with another one. There doesn’t seem to be any pattern to it. Not the brand (several people had Corsair chips working) , not the speed(some people had 4200 some 5300), not the webbook (seems most people have tried a different ram chip and it worked). I don’t get it.
When i get to work tomorrow, i’ll see what happens on the other webbooks. Its odd.
A-Data HYGGE1A1625ZHZ (1GB – Hynix chips) Works
Samsung M470T2953GZ3-CH6 (1GB – Samsung chips) Works – seems much warmer than the other DIMMS, but is still stable.
Kingston KVR667D2S5/1G (1GB – Qimonda chips) Works
Samsung M470T6464DZ3-CE6 (512MB – Samsung chips) Works
As i am not an expert on computers is it hard to change to RAM yourself without damaging the computer? i heard read about something called electrostatic discharge, is this something i need to worry about when changing to RAM?
Also my chat doesnt seem to work, can you explain how to use it for hotmail accounts?
@stephen, no not hard at all, just treat it like you would treat a CD and hold it by the edges. I would advise you not to wear nylon clothes, but I would advise that anyway!
I vaguely remember playing around with a computer years ago that if you put memory in with chips on both sides ( double sided? ) it would only recognise half of the memory. If you put memory in with chips on one side it recognised all the memory. I wonder if it’s the same sort of thing. I don’t have a web book but was thinking of getting one but this 1gb memory limit is kind of putting me off.
The Corsair ValueSelect 1GB DDR2 PC2-4200 I put into my Webbook is a “double-sided” device and it works OK.The Webbook will recognise 1GB – it’s just a bit hit & miss finding the right chip.
The Corsair chipI put into my Webbook is a “double-sided” device and it works OK.The Webbook will recognise 1GB – it’s just a bit hit & miss finding the right chip.
I have been looking at 1gb notebook memory on the net and have noticed some are 8 chip and some are 16 chip. another possibility maybe.
I have just upgraded my webbook’s ram to 1gb, i brought a PNY SODIMM DDR2 667MHz PC-2-5300.
How do i test wether it works or not?
how so i know if my webbook is reading all the memory and not just 512MHz’s of it?
thanks in advance,
Joe
when you switch on the webbook just after the bios screen hit escape and select memtest86 from the menu. If it is all there you should see 960MB of ram because 64MB goes to the graphics card.
brilliant!
managed to work that out actually… realized that it was already shwon on this blog.
just to let you know that the ram i installed worked fine and was read by the machine.
ta
joe
Hi Alan,
I’m back again (I got bored with having a laptop that worked properly so I’ve bought another Webbook off Ebay for a nice price)
Do you have any more news on BIOS upgrades in regard to more than 1Gb of RAM being recognised?
Cheers, Dave
I have just installed 1GB module of Kingston Valueram in my Ubuntu webbook & it works fine.
Module number – KVR667D2S5/1G