Packard Bell m5 265 Upgrade questions: Install new ram? fans? etc

Hi everyone!

I'm new here, so bear with me please...

I have a Packard Bell M5 265 with the standard 256MB ram. The specs I've found say that it can support up to 1GB. I've googled, but have only found a vague reference that the ram is under the keyboard. Is there an easy way to get at the ram slots?

The fans are really noisy, especially the smaller fan in the back, has anyone tried to replace it, and, if so, where did you get a replacement?

Finally, does anyone know if its possible to swap the celeron processor with a P4?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

 

Your computer is very old and not supported on the internet anymore (well, except for here ). Read the manual that came with your computer. If you look at the bottom of your laptop, there should be a cover or two held down by a few screws. The RAM is probably under there. It won't hurt your computer at all if you unscrew those covers and check out what's under there; and that's where the RAM probably is anyway.

As for your other questions; no, it is not possible to change the fans or processor.

Your computer is a fossil, and it's not worth it to try to upgrade the RAM. Rather, save up some more money and buy a new notebook.

 

Yeah, I know its old...but I hate to waste a working computer. I have "old" notebooks spread around the house for reading ebooks, writing code, etc. Damn small Linux is great for older hardware.

Unfortunately, no go on the lids beneath the computer. There are 2: one covers the HD, the other one gives access to the rather large cooling unit, with CPU heatsink. I even removed the WHOLE bottom shell...still no RAM...

Like I wrote in my original message, I found an obscure reference to the RAM being located under the keyboard. I just cant find any easy way the lift the keyboard.

Anyway, thx for talking time to reply!

 

Hey no problem, glad to be of service!

About removing the keyboard: I'm not sure how to do it; my laptop has paneled plastic surrounding it and nothing to unscrew or pop off from the top.

I did some searching about RAM under keyboards in general, and apparently most laptops with RAM under the keyboard have two screws on the bottom of the laptop marked with a "K". After you unscrew those, you might be able to pull the keyboard out. Don't be afraid if the keyboard bends a little bit; they are semi-flexible (just don't twist or stretch it hard).

That's as far as my thinking takes me. Good luck!

 

Well, again, thanks for your reply. Unfortunately, still no cigar...

There are 2 "K"s underneath, but they are in proximity to two sliders locking/unlocking the battery. There is one "K" on the left side of the machine, below a narrow slot, but it seems more like a receptacle for å wire lock, rather than a latch or push thingy to release the keyboard.

Maybe this notebook was made by dwarfs, and one needs to recite a magic phrase to lift or slide it out... ;-)

As with all things, before you know what the secret is, it seems impossible or incredibly poorly made...

Again, thank you!

 

Well, I'm pretty sure that all the screws marked K have to do with the keyboard. I read that the K screws on the bottom are usually in close proximity with the battery... I'm sure it won't affect the battery latches if you unscrew them. BTW, make sure you take out the battery before you fiddle with the laptop.

Maybe you just have to unscrew all the K screws, and try to lift out the keyboard itself, gently, and pulling from different angles until it comes out.

 

I've just done a M5 260 which will probably be the same. Memory is under keyboard and you need to get off the speaker cover to access.
I used a pointy thing under corner next to 'delete' key to pop the cover retainer being careful not to put any pressure on the actual 'delete' key. Once popped you can pop the rest of the clip right to left along top of keyboard. Pull cover foreward to release back tabs. keyboard is retained by I think 5 tabs along top of keyboard (ie between 2 & 3 key etc) that can be be pushed back to release top edge of keyboard.
Memory is on RHS beneath metal plate.

 

This was absolutely correct! Worked like a charm...thank you for the tip!

Now, I only need to find a new small, square fan and Im all set!

Again, thanks to all for replying!

 

Great, glad that worked! Rep for Jason

 

Just thought I'd post a small update.

1. As everyone now knows, I found the RAM slots, there are two, 1 allready had 256MB; I added 512MB and am very happy.

2. Noisy fan. I searched high and low, and found a site in the UK (hxxp://www.laptopfans.co.uk/laptopnonoise/BS3005H2B.htm) that had the fan I needed, but at 27 pounds...I wasen't THAT desperate. During my search, I came over an an interesting video on youtube, that showed how to cure a noisy fan -- and it worked! (hxxp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zkweJKSOYgo)

3. Something I hadn't mentioned was that the laptop got VERY hot and shut itself down after a whiles use. I was pretty sure that had to with the CPU overheating. I bought a tube of Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste, thinking to clean and reseat the heatsink/fan assembly. No go. I finally took the round fan out of the assembly, and found that the coppery cooling fins were totally clogged with dust. Clean that out -- perfect!

I now have a perfectly working M5 265.

Just thought I'd let everyone know.

 

Hey congrats! My duct system is probably due for an un-dusting too...