RAM bus speed?

I've got a CF-52 no idea if it's Mk1, 2 or ?? The SKU is CF-52CCABXBM. Anyway, I want to increase the memory size. My understanding is that it's DDR2 ram with a maximum capacity is 4GB. With 2 slots that leaves me with 2GB per card. I have two 1GB cards in there now. One of the cards has PC2-5300s which I think is the bus speed? My question is is there a maximum bus speed I can install when I replace these cards?

I see other bus speeds available like PC2-6400, -8000... all the way up to 9200 for DDR2. Should I get the fastest possible bus speed or keep it to the 5300?

 

The 6400 might work but it will dial back to 5300 probably.

It's a Mark1. Without looking it up it will probably be 32 bit only anyway. 32bit max ram (usable) is <4GB.

http://www.panasonic.com/business/iframes/toughbook-computer-support-search-downloads.asp
MK2 G and above for 64 bit. See above link.



https://us.panasonic.com/business/iframes/toughbook-configurator.asp

 

The 6400 will work. At one time you could get them cheaper than the 5300 but not sure now. I have used them in many of my Toughbooks but like jeff said it will only run at 5300. That is because that is all the motherboard is set to do, 5300 max.

 

Thanks for the support docs link Sheepman! I already had entered my info in the configurator site before posting, but thanks for sharing that one too. After I posted I continued searching for posts about memory and came across this thread:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/thr...speeds-and-compatibility.744207/#post-9551669

So I'm not sure it will slow down. Seems it depends on the front bus speed? but regardless it doesn't seem there will be harm in going with a faster bus card. So I will see what's the best speed/cost value and purchase.

I'm glad to have found this subforum and that it is still active! I actually joined this forum several years ago, but never got active with it. And I've had my toughbook for a few years as well, but never got around to completing my pet project with it. I already purchased a 750gb HD a few years ago with the intent to dual boot Win7 & WinXP. I want to use this primarily for diagnostics on my car. But now I also want to upgrade the RAM and wireless card. I think I have the Intel 4965AGN & intend to replace with an intel 6235 or maybe 7260. Any thoughts on those cards?

 

Thanks folks. So I have continued to look for what my FSB is. Based on the processor installed: Intel Core 2 Duo T7100 / 1.8 GHz, it appears to be a 800MHz FSB

https://ark.intel.com/content/www/u...ssor-t7100-2m-cache-1-80-ghz-800-mhz-fsb.html

If so then not only will the PC2-6400 (for 400 MHz FSB) be an upgrade over the PC2-5300 (333 MHz FSB), but I could likely go up to a PC2-8000 (533 MHz)? Does that sound reasonable?
See this link from crucial explaining the clock rate for the different RAM:

https://www.crucial.com/usa/en/support-memory-speeds-compatability

 

Have you tried looking for DDR2 PC2-8000 laptop memory yet ? I could not find any but it's probably just me being tired

 

C2D 64-bit CPU. Your max is 2x 4GB DDR2 PC2-6400 modules, recommended max is 2x2GB.
Anyway, this 800MHz RAM will run at 667MHz on your laptop, but at lower latency (better).
Don't forget you need SO-DIMMs, so no pc2-8000 etc

 

CF 52's are difficult to upgrade wifi cards. The early models are the worst ones.
You can experiment and see if a newer card works, but there is a good chance it won't.
The BIOS is designed so that only a certain couple of cards will work..


CF-52 WiFi BIOS whitelist

http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/cf52-upgrade-wifi-bios-limitation.753379/#post-9667734

http://forum.notebookreview.com/search/21951283/?q=cf+52+wifi&o=relevance&c[node]=1012

 

Yes, I have found some. but some RAM listed on sites is indicating that PC2-6400 modules are 800MHz.... now I'm all confused. lol

Thanks Maley. where does that info come from? what is C2D?

Thanks I've looked at some of this thread and will finish it later, but it seems to indicate the best upgrade possibly would be the 5100 card or 5300 card? I was hopeful of using the intel 6235 card.

 

5300 rocks if you install a third antenna.

 

And the answer is....Core 2 Duo

 

C2D = Cost Two Dollars?

Caught Toughbook Disease?

Complete Toughbook Denial?

Cool Toughbook Dude?

 

Thanks Shawn. I finally finished reading that thread and the other linked/embedded threads within it. Seems the user with a CF-19mk2 only had success with another 4965 card after trying several possibilities. Ideally what I want is a card with faster speed, dual bands AND bluetooth capability. the 4965AGN doesn't have the BT. Is there any other option known by anyone to have these 3 features?

 

The model CF 52 you have has Bluetooth on a separate dedicated card.
You will need to get one of those. Bluetooth on a wifi card will not work on that model.
Like I hinted at before, a Intel 5100 or 5300 is what I would try. 5100 would have the best chance of working and only needs 2 antennas. If you are a little handy, a Intel 5300 with a third antenna will really increase performance. An aftermarket flag antenna will stick under the little plate to the right on the palmrest.

Intel 5300 features
• Up to 450 Mbps of bandwidth
• Up to 2x greater range
• IEEE 802.11a/b/g and Draft-N compliant

 

Thanks Shawn. That's good to know this has a separate BT card. But what about the issues that user had with the 5100 card in the thread you linked? That doesn't happen with the CF-52? You indicated the MK1 would need a 4965 card:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/threads/cf-52-wifi-bios-whitelist.703862/#post-9035489

Mine is a Mk1 I believe. The SKU is CF-52CCABXBM.

Lastly, can I upgrade the BT card too? Have you done that on your CF-52?

 

That was a while back. Memory is not as good as it used to be.
Somedays lately I need to look to see if I remembered to put on pants that morning.

Your mk1 will probably need the 4965 then, but cards are so cheap, grab a 5100 or 5300 and try them. Probably 2 bucks a card on the bay.

That user had a unit that did not originally have wifi. That is a more difficult thing to overcome than just upgrade to a better card.

That bluetooth card is the only one that will work. Later mks switched over to bluetooth on the wifi card.
I don't use bluetooth. I just experiment with the hardware.

CF-52CCABXBM
Status:
DISCONTINUED
MSRP:
$1,899

Description: WINXP (VISTA COA),
INTEL CORE 2 DUO T7100 1.80GHZ,
15.4" WXGA,
80GB, 1GB,
56K MODEM (RJ11), 1GB ETHERNET,
INTEL 802.11A/B/G,
MULTI-DRIVE

 

lol! I can remember to mine on, but not remember where I'm supposed to go.

Anyway, I read somewhere on this forum that the screw size on the cover was torx7 security bit. I tried my smallest size torx 8 and it didn't fit. Is that for certain the screw size to access the wireless card?

 

I only remove those once and toss them. Replace with standard screws.

I dont know the torx head size for sure.
I have a multi bit driver to take those off. Cost $10 or something on ebay.
Maybe home depot or lowes would have one.
That small will be tough to find retail though.

 

I have 5100 cards scattered around and I think I saw that pictured daughterboard here somewhere.

No bluetooth card so far except the one in a CF-52GUNBEAM or BRAM or something.

My 500 hour 52 just has a blank in the bluetooth slot...it's the little door to the right of the keyboard.

5100 cards I have plus a 4965AGN (three antennas)

 

Private message started

 

Thanks much Shawn & Jeff. I have ordered 5300 card & was able to remove the torx screw holding the cover for my wireless card ( using a mini screwdriver). It was indeed a 4965AG_ not the 4965AGN. The 5300 is coming from china and will take a couple of weeks.

In the meantime, after sitting around for such a long time the hard drive is failing. I'm getting a error message that "HDD failure is imminent". Luckily I have another to replace it with. The original has Win7 loaded on it and I want to copy that onto mew new drive. Best method, software,app, suggestion for doing so?

 

It's not Toughbook specific. Acronis True Image etc.

 

Plus one vote for Acronis

 

My memory cards finally arrived 2x2GB PC2-6400. Thanks all for your advice & guidance. Any precautions to take when replacing the cards? Is it as simple as swap and reboot? or do I need to manually reconfigure in the BIOS too?

 

Unplug the charger and remove the battery. Hold the power button on for about 10 seconds. Static electricity is a killer so make sure you touch something metal before you open it up.

 

Do not use water to clean dust inside your laptop. Dark beer only!
Check your dimms are SO-dimms or you'll have to cut them.

 

Thanks. The metal touch to discharge any static electricity I knew about I had not heard of removing the battery and holding the power button down. Thanks

Sent from my cheap Droid turbo using Tapatalk

Thanks. I knew to order SO-DIMMS

Sent from my cheap Droid turbo using Tapatalk

 

So I opened the memory card slot to replace the existing cards and noticed one of them was taped down....? Is it ok to remove this tape or should I not? What's the purpose of this tape?? Should I retape the new card too if I replace it?

I did replace one of them. Booted up to make sure the BIOS recognized it and it did. So now I have a whopping 3 MB of RAM. lol

On a more serious note I need to back this HD up pronto. It is absolutely sloooooww.
Hope to have time to do so today.

Sent from my cheap Droid turbo using Tapatalk

 

Tape is normal.
Reuse it if you can.
Otherwise no big deal to not replace it.

 

Thanks Shawn.

Sent from my cheap Droid turbo using Tapatalk

 

Insulation from arcing etc. Kapton tape is a good thing to have on hand.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kapton

https://www.ebay.com/itm/30mm-100ft...589681&hash=item5686a2286a:g:FTIAAOSw3mpXNPSQ

 

ok got my wifi card. so is the replacement process:

1. delete the drivers associated with the existing 4965 card
2. remove cords, shut off power, open up wifi card access panel
   
3. remove the existing card
4. install new 5300 card
5. button up panels, power up laptop
   
6. install drivers for the 5300 card
7. activate wifi network and .... should recognize new card and begin working?

is that about right?

 

You forgot to remove battery.

 

I forgot one other thing.
Download the drivers for the new card BEFORE you remove the old one.
Hard to download them after when you won't have internet access.

 

actually i would still have internet access via ethernet cable, but I added the pre-cautionery step anyway.

So the replacement process:

1. delete the drivers associated with the existing 4965 card
2. download drivers for new 5300 card
   
3. remove cords, shut off power, remove battery (de-gauss or eliminate static electricity buildup)
   
4. open up wifi card access panel
   
5. remove the existing card
6. install new 5300 card
7. button up panels, power up laptop
   
8. install drivers for the 5300 card
9. activate wifi network and .... should recognize new card and begin working?

is that about right?

 

Download drivers BEFORE you delete old drivers!

 

Also worth "degaussing" again between steps 6 and 7.
(Hold power button in on position for at least 30 seconds).

 

Do not delete at all )
Too many steps.

 

I predict we'll see USB flash removal/insertion multi-step manual soon )