Thinkpads Forum

Hi everyone,

I'm a bit noob... so, excuse me if it's a silly question : I own a X61s with currently 2x512 Mo RAM (DDR2 PC5300). I'd like to add some memory : according to the manual, I can only put up to 2x2Go RAM in, and only DDR-667 PC5300. I've read on this forum that any X61* would accept up to 2x4GB RAM and also DDR2-800 would fit. So, what is it really ?

I've made some Googling, and also went to Crucial site where I'm told DDR2-800 would fit...

My X61s is TYPE 7669 one...

Last but not least : I've flashed Middleton BIOS yesterday. What would I benefit the most from ? Extended memory (2x512 Mo to 2x2Go, or 2x4Go) or SSD instead of current out of factory HDD ?

Thanks everyone for reading me !

Edit : typo

X61 takes up to 2x4GB PC2-5300 or PC2-6400. Both work at 5300 speed.
But go for PC2-6400, it runs a bit cooler than PC2-5300.
Middleton's BIOS pushes the HD-speed up to SATA II.
An SSD of ~250GB or larger is highly recommended.
Look for a top-quality one like Sandisk Extreme Pro.
With 4GB or more RAM you also need a 64-bit OS.
4GB or 8GB will be decided by your wallet.
If you run VMs or many programs at the same time, get 8GB.

Hi RealBlackStuff : thanks for your answer ! The processor (Core 2 Duo it seems) on my X61s is able to handle a 64-bit OS, right ? That's just for confirmation. I'll definitely try to squeeze a few more years of this laptop : I love the format, and it's mainly used for work (LaTeX editing/compiling, sometimes Virtualbox, and browsing) so it should be possible !

The processor (Core 2 Duo it seems) on my X61s is able to handle a 64-bit OS, right ?

Yes. You can run a 64 bit OS since your machine has a L7500 cpu, which is 64 bit.

Great, great news ! Thanks for the information

Will 7mm SSD drive fit in my X61s ? I've read there that I need to find a "regular size" (9.5 mm) hard drive ?

Yes, it will fit.

Damm, I love how reactive this community is ! And always giving great info ! Thanks everyone !