Toshiba Satellite 1905. How to remove and replace notebook memory.
Today I had to replace the memory module in Toshiba Satellite 1905 notebook. This notebook has 2 memory slots. One memory slot is located on the bottom of the notebook and you can access it pretty easy. The second slot is located under the keyboard and you have to remove the notebook keyboard before you can remove, replace or upgrade the memory module. By default the memory stick is installed under the keyboard. Be very careful with the keyboard securing strip, it is very fragile and seated in place very tightly.
What memory should I use for upgrading my notebook computer? How to choose the right memory type and size?
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March 8th, 2009 at 7:57 am
I have a Satellite 1905 that I can’t get the cover off to get to the motherboard. It seems to be hanging up at the center back. I have taken out the 3 screws on the back. I don’t want to force it as this computer is not mine. I need to repair the DC connector. Any ideas? Thanks.
March 5th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
>By default, Toshiba installs main memory into the slot located under the keyboard. The
>second slot, on the bottom of the laptop should be empty and available for memory upgrade. You
>have to add more memory into the slot located on the bottom. It is not necessary to remove the keyboard.
I have a Satellite 1905-S303. I ordered the recommended Kingston 512MB memory, and followed the instructions here (and in the Toshiba User Guide. Note that the Guide tells you to use a Phillips #1 screwdriver to remove the screws, but that’s too big, and could cross-thread the screws. You need a Phillips #0 screwdriver.)
I found a memory chip already in the slot on the bottom of the computer, that is supposed to be empty. So, following the instructions here, I removed the keyboard. (Don’t forget to remove the battery first.) Low and behold, the supposedly “unremovable” memory chip there IS removable. I realized that Toshiba initially loaded 256Mb memory chips in EACH of the two slots, to get its advertised 512Mb, along with a so-called upgradable memory slot. So I now have 768 Mb, and will have to purchase ANOTHER 512MB memory chip to get up to 1Gb. Thanks for ripping me off, Toshiba!
February 20th, 2009 at 8:55 pm
Hi,
Recently, for about the last six months my 1905-303s shuts down. As I have read heat appears to be a strong cause of the problem. I regularly dust the underside exterior fan screen but I’m coming to the conclusion that other permanent solutions will be reqiured.
Questions:
If upgrading to 1G of RAM will this cause it to run cooler or warmer?
Would setting up a small independent fan pointing to the laptop fan be of any benefit?
Is there a mini-vac that can extract any internal dust present beyond the external fan screen? I’m familar with canned-air but curious if a product vacs as opposed to blows?
This is my angural debut to this specific problem and any feedback would be much obliged.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:19 pm
Hi, I have little problem with my old Toshiba 1905-303…
I took it apart to replace my not working fan. Now I put everything together and the computer boots up but the screen is not working…
Any ideas why? Any help would be greatly appreciated..
hub
August 2nd, 2008 at 8:14 am
Dear Bob,
Sorry for my late response, I was out and came back very late last night.
Thank you very much for the tips you gave, the diagrams will help a lot, but you are right – remove screws and follow steps it will come apart. I was just lazy and dreamed to get it done a easy way. I will try to fix it this weekend. If I encounter problems, I will ask again.
You have a great weekend.
Eva
July 31st, 2008 at 8:49 am
I don’t have any diagrams. If you read other posts in this dicussion (i.e. 6 ) I don’t have a link to a complete 1905 dissasemby, but if you remove screws and follow steps it comes apart. I did find a link for a toshiba power jack replacement.
http://www.laptoprepair101.com/laptop/2007/12/06/dc-power-jack-repair-guide/
I would say that if you remove the screws much of the steps are fairly obvious. If you run into problems someone can usually help you out. If you are not comfortavle than again Iwould suggest your local repair shop.
July 31st, 2008 at 4:42 am
Bob,
Thank you so much for your reply! I was out and just saw it.
I believe my laptop’s problem is due to dirty heat sink, cause the battery is almost dead. But I still have problems with disassembly. Do I work at the right place? I couldn’t find any instructions, nor diagrams. Since you mentioned plastic strip ( the one around the power button snaps), I guess I am working at the wrong place. Could you please give me some detailed instructions/diagrams or links for instructions/diagrams? Like Sue said, the only info I could find is for replacing memory modules. I found some diagrams on how to clean hear sinks of other laptops, but seems not that useful.
Eva
July 29th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
Bob O,
I also have a Satellite 1905-S303 that has a bad power connector.
Can you please tell me how & where to find the info about taking it apart in order to resolder the connection? Does this site have any diagrams for doing this?
I can only find info for replacing memory modules.
Thanks a bunch!
SueN
July 29th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Eva,
There seems to be several problems that can cause problems with the 1905. One you have read about is the heat sink. It may just need cleaning. You need to continue your disassembly to get to CPU. The instructions on the web site are there, but you have to read several of the e-mails. Once you get the plastic strip off ( the one around the power button snaps out) it is fairly straight forward. There are also two covered screws I had difficulty locating one next to phone jack and one next to s-video port. They allow you to separate the screen from the rest of the unit if you want to work on the motherboard.
I have recently had overheating problems, but I think mine is related to the power jack (big problems on these units). You notice it less if your battery is still working. Have you had overheating if you just use the battery? The power jack is not soldered well and breaks loose from the motherboard. This causes the power to short at times and shut your unit down. You dont’ notice it if your battery is good. I resoldered my power jack, but I think that after the unit heats up it can cause it to short out again.
Resoldering the power jack is not that difficult. I was a total newbie, but I bought a cheap iron and did it ( Although It maybe still loose as I was reluctant to get too much solder on the connection). You probably could take it into a shop and have it redone. Mine is working OK, So I am just going to relace the battery and not run the power except to charge the battery. You can check the connection by moving it up and down and see if it changes the battery setting (i.e does it not detect AC power).
July 29th, 2008 at 4:33 am
This is Eva again. I post a message for help to clean up my Satellite 1905-S303 but didn’t get any comment yet. Recently the laptop encounters frequent over-heating shutdowns. But I am not sure if I am trying the correct places (this is the first time I work on a laptop). Any help is highly appreciated. If you have assembly diagrams or service manual for s303, that would be a big help too.
Thanks very much for your help and look forward to your replies.
July 20th, 2008 at 9:34 am
BoB O,
I am trying to clean up my Satellite 1905-S303 due to frequent over-heating shutdowns. But I am not sure if I am trying the correct places (this is the first time I work on a laptop) — does the heat sink sits near the fan? I opened the cover using T6 and saw couple of more screws. I removed them too, but then I found I still couldn’t get the thing out. Did I work at the wrong place? (I also tried to access the fan, but seems I have to unassembly everything, which I am not comfortable with now, so I stopped) How could I solve the problem? Thanks a lot in advance for any help you might give.
By the way, do you have assembly pictures for S303? it would be a great help if I can have some diagrams. Then at least I know what is what.
Thanks again for any help I might get.
March 7th, 2008 at 4:59 am
I’m also looking to upgrade the memory on my Toshiba Satellite 2450-101. According to the manual I can only upgrade up to 1G. (2 x 512M as there are two slots).
Is there a possibility that I can upgrade up to 2G (2 x 1G)? Is there a motherboard or other compatibility issue?
I think Toshiba Satellite 2450-101 came with 2 x 256MB-DDR266, 266MHz, PC2100, 200p SODIMM, 2.5v, Sync
January 8th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Chaudhry,
I don’t remember this model, it’s kinda old. I think you should be able to access the memory slot from the bottom of the laptop if you remove the hatch.
January 8th, 2008 at 6:38 am
Hi, I have a Toshiba Satellite 2450-101 and I want to upgrade the RAM, will u be able to tell how to dismantle and install the RAM
your response will be much appreciated.
Please send me a copy of the solution to the above email.
thx again
regards
Chaudhry
November 10th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Hi,
I just wanted to post a followup to my previous and others comments. Mine did not have the antenna’s already. I bought a pair off Fleabay for $10. Took the monitor apart (thanks to this website) and installed them. I bought a minipci card there too and put it in. Unfortunately, the card wouldn’t work. After snooping around on the net I read you have to block off one of the pins with a piece of tape. After I did that we had liftoff! I also replaced my two 128mb chips with two 512’s. The back one was easy of course. The one under the keyboard was a little more difficult. Instead of totally dismantling the laptop I just removed the keyboard. Below it is a very thin metal sheet. With some careful snipping with a pair of heavy scissors I cut out around the chip. Pulled it out and replaced it. Put it all back together and now we’re smokin with 1gb of ram. The difference was HUGE! I also wiped the drive and did a fresh install which sped it up even more. This PC has been problem free for me since day one and I have been more than pleased over the years.
November 10th, 2007 at 12:00 pm
Bob,
Thanks a lot for the reply, removed the two screws one next to eth and the other next to S-video still no luck.
Some other screws are holding the mobo to the case,this Adapter problem is a real crap with toshiba.
November 10th, 2007 at 4:55 am
Hi-
Taking the 1905 is a b#tch. I don’t have my daughter’s had, but i had to resolder the power connector also. There are two screws that anchor the hinges. They are on the back near the ports as I recollect, one by each hinge. they are covered by small plastic dots. I broke one plastic holder for the metal hinge before I discovered my mistake. Super glue was able to repair that. Also be sure to remove keyboard and plastic strip but i am guessig you are past that poit.
Good Luck
Bob O.
November 10th, 2007 at 4:01 am
Hi,
I’m also looking exactly for the same purpose,i’m half way through some where couple of screws are holding tight,not able to detach the board out.
November 8th, 2007 at 11:11 pm
Hi all,
I have a Toshiba 1905-S303.
I have to resolder the power connector to the main board
Does anyone have any diagrams/pictures on dis-assembly of this unit to get at this power connector so I can solder it??
Thanks you soo much!
Sincerely,
Cindy
November 5th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Any one have toshiba satellite 1905-s303 service manual ?
Please email me link to geekallround AT yahoo DOT com
TIA
October 11th, 2007 at 8:32 am
Nope, if the wireless antenna cables are installed, you should see them in the wireless card area. Looks like you don’t have these cables installed in your laptop.
You have to install these cables inside the display panel, under the LCD screen.
October 11th, 2007 at 8:05 am
Hi..Im having the same problem as Bob.. when I opened the bottom of my 1905 to install an internal wireless card.. NO antenna cables!… When I looked behind the slot, there is a little hole where they should come from the display. Does anyone know if they are on the other side of the motherboard near the power board?.. or still tucked away in the display unit itself?.. How do I take apart the display unit for this computer to find out?.. or does anyone know before I start?.. Can I just attach two antenna cables in the bottom and snake them around the mother board?.. Should I ground them to the metal frame?.. would this work?. .thanks for any help
September 18th, 2007 at 6:28 am
Hi,
I need to replace the USB board on a Satellite 1900 (I guess should be the same as 1905). Do I need to be a master in resoldering or it is a quite easy thing to do?
It sells for around USD20.00 and I think it’s time to change it since both the ports are quite unusable
June 13th, 2007 at 1:18 pm
Hey there,
Firstly, thanks for taking the time out of your life to make this website: I know what a pain in the arse they CAN be.
Moving on, I have a Toshiba Satellie 1900-110 series, or the one pictured above…anyway, I was wondering, what DVDs can I read from? Is it just normal movie rental and bought DVDs or does it include DVDs like DVD-RW and such…the manual just says it is a DVD-ROM drive, Read-Only-Memory.
Also, is it me or is the fan for the processor really loud in this laptop?
Thanks in advance, Tom.
May 6th, 2007 at 1:08 pm
Hey,
I Have a Toshiba Satellite 1905-S301 and will like to replace the graphic card that came with the laptop to a better efficient one. How can I remove the graphic card safely, and which can I use in its place thats more productive but as small as the original one, or be able to fit in its place. I have a ATI Mobility Radeon X600.
Thanks,
Henry
April 19th, 2007 at 7:38 am
Hi,
I know this is getting a little old but it’s the only site I can find with information so here go’s…
I see in your picture of the bay that holds the ram there is a cable already for the WiFi. I’d like to add a radio to my 1905-S277 but I don’t see the antenna cable in that area. Should it be there even though the unit was built originally without that option? Could it be tucked up underneath something that I can’t see or possibly I need to open the unit up further? If I don’t have an antenna already can I add one if I’m handy? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanx, Bob.
January 19th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Well, me again
After having a lot of problems with getting my Toshiba Satellite 1900 started again, I took it in to have it looked at. The tech guy told me “most likely, the motherboard is fried.” That being said, what are my options? Here is the link to my exact laptop on the Toshiba website: http://www.toshiba.ca/web/product.grp?lg=en§ion=1&group=223&product=321&part=513
Anyone know how I should part with the laptop now, as I assume it isn’t worth fixing? What could I get for it? Should I try and sell it as one piece or part it out? This sucks, I needed that laptop for school too
Thanks for your input.
Cheers,
Steve
January 9th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Hello,
I own a Toshiba 1905-S303 and I purchased a MSI6833B MiniPCI Wireless card. The card seems to install fine and I think i got it to start the Microsoft Zero Configuration correctly.
However, when I try to look for a signal it tells me that there are no signals available. I know that there is a signal available because I can find my router and connect perfectly when I plug in my PCMCIA card in.
I bought the internal card to get rid of any unecessary bulges to my laptop.
I have the white antenna cable in the Main and the black one in the AUX.
The solution for this problem has been published here.
December 12th, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Carmelo-
You need to remove keyboard to get to remaining screws. There is a diagram on removing the keyboard on the original posting. I believe there are five screws. That should do it. I dissassembled my unit, but have not soldered yet. I am just going to resolder old jack as it is loose.
I also am cleaning out the heat sink, it was filled with dust. My CPU fell out when I turned over the system board. It did not appeared to be locked into the socket, and the huge heat sink makes it impossible to turn the locking screw. It is well anchored with the heat sink clamps, however, but a word to the wise once you release the clamps holding the heat sink, the CPU comes out. The sink is industrially glued so I guess this was the only way they could do it.
December 9th, 2006 at 11:46 am
I’m trying to replace the DC Jack on my Satellite 1905-S303, I have removed all screws from the bottom of the unit, rear of the unit under the blanks, and under speaker covers. Are the screws under the keyboard? it seems to be stuck on both sides in the middle of the unit. Is the a diagram availible?