How to Upgrade RAM Memory of the Fujitsu LifeBook MH380 Pine Trail Netbook - a Complete Guide

Adding RAM is often the most cost-effective upgrade you can make to speed up a computer. When a computer runs short of RAM, it's forced to swap the overflow data on and off of the hard drive, which can significantly slow performance. Fortunately, upgrading netbook memory is often one of the easiest computer upgrades. Do you want to get a little more power out of your Fujitsu LifeBook MH380 Pine Trail powered Netbook? Upgrade that 1GB memory module with a 2GB SODIMM. It will speed up opening new applications, running multiple applications at once, and switching between software applications (multi-tasking). Here's a complete and easy guide on how to upgrade your Fujitsu LifeBook MH380's memory.

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Purchase the right memory.

Intel Atom N450 (Pineview) based machines can't access more than 2GB of RAM in total. A 1GB memory module is installed in the memory slot at the bottom of your computer. There is, however, only one memory slot on the motherboard, so this means that you'll have to remove the current RAM module in order to insert a new one. For your Fujitsu LifeBook MH380 Netbook you need a standard 200 pin DDR2 SODIMM laptop memory module (not desktop memory). Select a 2GB DDR2 SODIMM memory module of 800MHz or 667MHz. These may be referenced as PC2-6400 or PC2-5400. The 800MHz stick will work, but it won’t make a difference in speed as it’s just throttled down to the motherboard bus speed of 667MHz. Recommended brands include, but are not limited to, Corsair, Kingston, Patriot, Hynix and Viking. You can compare prices and specs here:

Netbook SODIMM Memory Section

Examples

• Crucial Technology CT25664AC800 2GB 200-pin SODIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 Memory Module $54.99 (23% off) at Amazon. This is a very popular netbook memory replacement at the moment: 
  
  
• Crucial 2GB 256Mx64PC2-5300 CT25664AC667 DDR2 200-Pin SODIMM Laptop Memory $53.10 (26% off) at Amazon.
• Kingston 2gb Sodimm Module PC2-6400 200 pin 800mhz, 667mhz and 533mhz Compatible - KVR800D2SO/2GR  $55.98 at Buy.com.
• Hynix 2GB DDR2 RAM PC2-5300 200-Pin Laptop SODIMM Major/3rd $49.50 at Geeks.com.
• Kingston 2GB 200-Pin DDR2 SO-DIMM DDR2 667 (PC2 5300) Laptop Memory Model KVR667D2SO/2GR - Retail $55.99 Newegg.

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A 1GB memory module is installed in the memory slot at the bottom of your computer. There is, however, only one memory slot on the motherboard so this means that you'll have to remove the current RAM module in order to insert a new one. The procedure to replace the memory is described below.

1: Shut down your Netbook completely.

2: Disconnect all external devices connected to your Fujitsu LifeBook MH380.

3: Power off your MH380 if it's on. Also, unplug the AC power adapter.

4: Prepare your Netbook by placing it upside-down on a flat surface with some form of soft padding. Static electricity can damage your module and other computer parts. Make sure that you are working in a static-safe environment. Remove any plastic bags or papers from your work space.



5: Remove the battery. This will prevent you from accidentally shorting anything on the system board during this process.
Slide the left battery release latch (labeled “1 HOLD”) to the left and hold it.
Slide the right battery latch (labeled “2”) to the right.
While continuing to hold the left battery latch, slide the battery out of the battery compartment and remove it.



6: Discharge residual power by pressing the power button.

7: Be sure to ground yourself. Touch a large piece of metal or grounded metal (like a tap) for a couple of seconds and you should be fine.

8: Loosen the 2 captive screws that secures the memory module compartment cover to the computer.



9: Spread the retaining tabs on each side of the memory module slot to release the memory module. (The edge of the module opposite the slot rises away from the device). Remove the memory module by pulling the module away from the slot at an angle.




10: Most memory will be sold in a piece of hard, clear plastic. Gently remove the new module from the packaging by pressing on it from the plastic side. Avoid bending the module or applying too much force to the packaging. When you remove the SODIMM memory module from its packaging hold it by the edges, try not to touch the gold colored contacts as this can damage the memory.

11: Insert a new memory module into the memory slot at an angle of approximately 45 degrees aligning it to the angle of the memory slot. Memory modules are designed with a notch to prevent incorrect insertion into the memory module slot.

12: Press the connector edge of the module firmly down and into the connector until it lodges under the retaining clip. You will hear a click when it is properly in place. If the memory does not fit easily, push the memory module down while puling the memory module latches outward. The module should be seated so that you don’t see any of the gold contacts.



13: Before you close your case, replace the battery. Slide the battery into the compartment; the left battery release latch will click into place. Slide the right battery latch to the left to lock it.

14: Test it.
Turn your computer back on. The BIOS automatically detects the amount of memory in the system and configures CMOS accordingly during the Power-On Self-Test (POST) process. There is no hardware or software (including BIOS) setup required after the memory is installed. You should see the new amount of memory displayed on your start-up screens or in the properties for "My Computer". The screen which appears should show approximately 2GB of RAM. The memory capacity reported in Windows is less than the actual capacity of memory. This is because BIOS or the onboard graphics uses a portion of memory or claims it for further use.

You can also hold <F2> during the POST. When the Fujitsu logo appears on the booting screen, press the <F2> key to enter the BIOS Setup. The BIOS Setup Utility screen will open and the System Memory item shows the total amount of memory installed in your netbook. If everything works correctly, you are done and you can close your case. If you have any problems, go to step 15 for troubleshooting tips.

15: Troubleshooting. If you have trouble with your new RAM, check these things first. Check the power cords. Is everything plugged in properly? Check the module. Did both side clips snap to hold the module firmly in place? Try removing the module and replacing it to make sure it is seated properly in the slot. If you're still having difficulties with your RAM, check the Crucial FAQ section. You may find an easy solution for your problem.

16: Close the memory compartment cover and fasten the screw.

Fujitsu LifeBook MH380 - $449.00 (Amazon).