Help. location of memory module on dv5000z

I must be a real dummy but I can't seem to access the exitsing memory module on my dv5000z laptop. The eventual goal is to install a 1GB pc2700 DDR-333 RAM. I unscrewed the memory module cover. The memory module is located in one half under a metal plate (or at least I think so). The metal plate is on hinge on one side and has two screws on the other side. I can't seem to remove the two screws and I am afraid that I amy be on the wrong track here. (The two screws rotate but don't come out.)

I did a number of google searches and none of the printed or video instructions on HP site detail an actual model.

 

First suggestion I would recommend about the ram is to get pc3200 ram. I bought a 1gb stick from newegg and it work flawlessly in my dv5000.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820141208
A Turion will support pc3200.

As far as getting to the ram the screws on the metal plate, the screws are meant to stay in the metal plate. The best way to get them out is to unscrew them while using your fingernail to apply upward pressure on the screws. You basically have to force the threads on the screws to catch.

Matt

 

Thank you Matt. I was worried about breaking that screw but I followed your advice and managed to open it.

Regarding 3200 vs 2700, do both modules have to be at the higher speeed? What I mean is if one is 2700 and the other is 3200, is the overall performance closer to 2700.

 

With DDR it has the ability to clock down. So basically if you have a system that only supports PC2100 you should be able to in theory put in PC3200 memory and it will work without problems. However the memory won't clock up, so if you have 2 modules they will both run at the slower speed of the 2 of them. So yes a PC3200 module and a PC2700 module in the same computer will run at the speed of the PC2700 module.

Matt