CF-19 Mk 2 maximum RAM

I would like to upgrade the RAM in my CF-19F Mk2. Datasheet says 4GB is the maximum. But I would like to hear experience from people - is more RAM working? How are your results? Please also let me know which modules worked.

 

I never tried 8GB in a MK2 but you would need to install 64bit OS to use it . I really can't see it being much faster since it's only a MK2. Stay with 4GB and upgrade the HDD with a SSD. I think that would be a better upgrade.

 

I had some 4gb ddr2 sticks out of a Clevo and remember trying them in a CF-30. If memory serves me correctly it wouldn't boot and had a black screen.

8gb will cost you $150+ ,SSD and 4gb is a much better bet as I'm running a 19Mk2 on that myself, runs Windows 7 very well.

 

I looked into 8gb ram multiple times for my Mk2, but the modules are insanely expensive. I bought a Mk5 without a harddrive for just a little more than the ram would have cost, and it is a way better computer all around. Faster, better screen, faster SATA thruput, DDR3 ram, accepts other than stock wireless cards, etc.

If you haven't changed to a SSD in your Mk2, that will really speed it up.

 

I got really lucky and got a Mk5 for $65 plus shipping, took my mint $40 Mk1 with dead touchscreen and changed all the doors, covers and pulled the battery and caddy that came with it. It even had an Intel SSD in it that I sold ,someone fell down on the job that day, it came from a company selling on eBay.

Voila......$110 CF-19Mk5. That I never use. those deals are out there.

 

I found some 4gb memory and did not work...would not boot. Blue screen.

You will like the MK5. This is what I have been using the last 3 years. Works great

 

Yeah I agree that the Mk2 is really not suitable for daily use - even with more RAM. I just use it once or twice a month für car diagnostics. It has SSD and running win 10. But since I need to run a VM on it sometimes more RAM would be welcome. The price for a 4GB module is insane. So I will upgrade to 2x2GB.

 

Another option is to run readyboost on a USB stick when you need it, it will still work for Windows 10. All the ram you want that way.

 

But if I remember it won't work if a SSD is installed or maybe it was W7.

 

Yes you are correct, it's because of the SSD. Forgot about that.

 

I used it for years on a lot of my older Toughbooks and it worked great. I know we have a thread on it some where. The trick was finding the right memory card...class 10 I do believe.

 

Windows sees the SSD and doesn't give you the option to use ready boost in Win 7. But in Win 10 you need to actually go to the USB drive and right click to see it. I haven't tried it in Win 10 as my 3E's are SSD.

Hell, might work. That 3E is the only thing that will ever have 10 on it and I gave it away to the girlfriends daughter. But I could try it real quick........

 

Here is a link to the Readyboost threads

http://forum.notebookreview.com/search/20148286/?q=Ready+boost&o=relevance&c[node]=1012

 

No joy on 10 with the SSD, it doesn't give the option.

 

Another quick question: the second RAM module (that can only be changed after removing the rear cabinet) has some kind of sticker / foil on it. Does this serve any other purpose than hiding the label of the RAM manufacturer? It has to be reapplied on the new module installed? Will be hard to do that since it is not sticky anymore..

 

It serves as heatsink, for as little as you use it and with the SSD installed, I wouldn't worry too much. I always found the spindle drives were the big source of heat. If you were going to use it a lot then sure, replace it.

 

Thanks for your advise. I was more concerned about the RAM module maybe making contact with some other electrical components on the board. But overheating is not an issue in my usage scenario for sure. I even think the tight wrapping / stickers on the RAM module reduce airflow further and might contribute to overheating.

 

Got to remember, no fan so no airflow. Strictly radiant heat flow. The CF-C2 with the core i5 is the same and the bottom gets very warm, as does my 19Mk5.

 

The practical maximum RAM for Intel Core 2 Duo chipsets is 8GB, as User32 noted, and as they also noted, 4GB DDR2 SO-DIMM RAM modules are expensive and often rather hard to find. Service manuals and the like often list 4GB as the maximum RAM because either 4GB sticks weren't available when the specs were written or Intel's marketing materials incorrectly claimed that only 4GB is supported.

I currently have 5GB (1+4GB) of RAM installed on my CF-19FHGAXNS; it was quite a performance boost to go from 2GB to 4GB (since Windows XP is a 32-bit OS and thus it cannot even use the whole 5 gigabytes properly). I've been trying to find an affordable 4GB stick so that I could eventually get rid of the 1GB stick, although that's gonna be somewhat annoying since it requires taking the laptop apart.

Depending on your financial resources and intended use cases etc. you may indeed want to consider a newer CF-19 which supports DDR3, but if this isn't an option for you, rest assured -- Mk2 CF-19's do support more than 4GB of installed RAM.

 

Problem is it's hit and miss on if it will boot the 4gb stick I found, on the CF-30 with a spindle drive it's easy, 8 gb nano USB stick and readyboost.
No as easy on the 19 as the flap must be removed. SSD pretty much takes care of the issue.

 

There is an SD slot and modern SD cards are very fast.

 

Silly me never considered that, I just run an SSD in mine.....that collects dust with the other 3.

 

I use my MK1 pretty frequently, but mostly for car diagnosis too. I am just running 3GB. Best thing I did for a real speed increase, was to put Linux Mint on it. At least one of my car diagnostics programs is available for Linux. The other I am not sure about yet.

I know that the SSD drive made a MASSIVE difference on my MK5. And on this MK1 I am running the Linux off a USB drive plugged into the WWAN port.

These upgrades have made it fast enough it may get daily use and internet browsing is even speedy.

 

How significant is the speed improvement in the Mk2 with ssd? Got an old unit but never looked into swapping out the drive

 

One of the best upgrades you can give a MK2 and the prices of SSD's have come way down too.

 

Thanks, that sounds neat. Looks like I'll be looking into replacing the Mk2 drive soon. Any compatibility issues with certain brands?

 

Very significant. Just do it!

 

I have not had any problems yet. I have got most of my SSD's from newegg.
120gb for around $25.00 and 240gb for $30.00+

 

Good to know you haven't encountered any, thank you. Can't pass this upgrade especially if it'll be a nice touch to both durability and speed performance!