[ltp] Thinkpad 240X memory and hard disk upgrade

[Shingo Tamaru]

Hi, Charles.

> Anyone had any luck putting a 256MB SODIMM into their 240X?  Do I need a
> PC100/133 SODIMM instead of the 66/100 one that was working fine in my
> 240?

First, 240X adopted 440MX chipset, which inherently take only up to
256MB. There is no way around to go any higher.

Second, 240X has a built-in 64MB RAM which takes one of the two
memory banks. On the other hand, a 256MB SODIMM also occupies
both two memory banks. This means that a 256MB SODIMM causes
hardware conflict with the onboard RAM. There is no software
solution for this.

There are two solutions that I know for going up to 256MB
total memory in your 240X.

1: If you are brave (reckless?) enough, you can disable the
onboard RAM by modifying the circuit, or simply remove the RAM
chips. This Japanese guy removed the RAM chip from the mobo of
his 240Z and inserted a 256MB SODIMM. He reported it worked
just fine.
http://www.mars.dti.ne.jp/~ayase/tp/tp240z.htm
(Maybe you cannot read Japanese. Just look at the second
picture from the bottom.)

2: One Japanese company is selling a 192MB SODIMM designed for
440MX based laptops including ThinkPad 240 series.
http://www.vertexm.com/products/VN10S-192M.html
I don't know if this company can ship their product overseas,
but you can try to ask.

I don't know if there is a company selling such products in the
US or not. If anybody out there knows such a company, why
don't you post that information to this ML?

Hope this helps you.
Shingo