Thinkpads Forum

Officially, according to IBM documents the maximum memory is 320MB, based on the 64MB on the systemboard and a 256MB SoDIMM in the available memory slot.

A search of the Web found these two postings:

http://groups.google.co.il/group/ott.fo ... 0%26sa%3DN

Note About memory upgrades: Laptop will work with standard PC66 and PC100 SoDIMM memory modules. PC133 is also reported to work too. The RAM is upgradeable to 512MB using two 256MB SoDIMM PC66 Low-Density modules. All PC66 SoDIMM modules 128MB and under are supported, while SoDIMM modules 256MB are supported if it is in 16x16 configuration instead of 32x8 configuration. (This is an undocumented tip, IBM says this laptop only works with up to 256MB, while it actually works perfectly with 512MB using lower-density 16x16 configuration 256MB SoDIMM modules.)

http://groups.google.com/group/ibm.ibmp ... 72a0c1e9eb

The 570E can take up to 512MB of PC100 memory (NOT PC133!) by disassembling the system and replacing the 64MB stick of memory that's in a slot on the MB with a 256MB stick, and adding another 256MB stick to the normal memory slot.

This information seems to imply that the 64MB SoDIMM on the systemboard is removable. Other information on the Web seems to indicate that this 64MB memory was soldered to the systemboard.


I would appreciate any information about the ability to remove the 64MB SoDIMM from the systemboard and the to 512MB.

Thanks!

Steve:

In theory it should work. The chipset is Intel 440BX for both the 570 and 570E according to what I've found in google searches and that should handle 512mb. I was not able to find out about how the 64mb ram is mounted (in socket or soldered). If you find out anything I'd also be interested as I have a 570 in good condition. I was planning on just adding a 256mb low density module to replace the 64mb dimm that's in the slot. I think that should speed up w2000 considerably.

I need to get a 2nd stick of 256mb memory in order to try this memory upgrade. I will let you know the results.

You might be interested in my 570e configuration:

I am running Win2k SP4 plus:
- TravelStar 40MB, 5400 rpm HD
- AVG 8.0 (free)
- Battery Bar (free)
- FireFox 3.0.10
- Office 2000
- IBM Wireless A/B/G Cardbus
- IBM Access Connections (4.42)

For a 9+ year old machine, I am impressed that this is still a very functional machine

I recently dis-assembled a TP 570E "parts machine" to visually inspect the systemboard. The 64mb of memory is soldered to the motherboard; it cannot be removed.

My 570e works well with a 256mb PC100 CL2 SoDIMM and the base memory of 64mb. The system reports 327mb (not 320mb).

I am running Win 2K SP4.

Steve:

Thanks for the info on the soldered in ram on your 570E. I guess I'll just get a 256mb low density module and be happy that 327mb is even possible with the 570. With win2k it should work fine.

Someone gave me the 570 a year or two ago because it was running "too slow" and was unusable. She had loaded it up with way too much software along with not ever having defragmented the HD (win 2K on the machine). I removed the bloat and got it defragmented (it's the original drive) so it was usable. But with just 128mb ram it was not that swift. I offered to return it to the original owner, but she had moved on to another laptop and wasn't interested. So it's become a "project" for me. I'll put in the 256mb of ram which should do wonders with win2k and the mostly ms office programs that are installed.

Again, thanks!