If you have one of these Laptop models:

eMachines:
M6805
M6807
M6809
M6810
M6811

Gateway:
7405GX
7410GX
7415GX
7422GX
7426GX
7505GX
7510GX
MX7508
MX7515

All these models come with PC2700 DDR333 MHz RAM Modules. There are two slots, one on the underside of the laptop that is very accessible through a RAM slot door. The other module is located under the keyboard that requires a lot more work and will void warranty.

All these models can be upgraded to 2GB of PC2700 DDR333 MHz 200-Pin RAM, OR 2GB PC3200 DDR400 MHz 200-Pin RAM, that's it, no DDR2 PC3200 400MHz, PC4200 533MHz, or PC4300 533MHz, these WILL NOT FIT OR WORK.

I have personally upgraded 3 machines, my 7422GX from 1GB PC2700 to 1GB PC3200 (2 512MBs), an M6805 with PC2700 512MB (2 256MB Modules) to 1GB PC2700 (2 512MBs), an M6810 with 512MB PC2700 (2 256MBs) to 2GB PC3200 (2 1GBs). I've used Centon PC3200 myself, all these systems came with Samsung PC2700 RAM so chances are your's does too.

If you do not want to take your laptop apart to get to the slot under the keyboard, if you have a 512MB laptop, that means you have 2 256MB PC2700 RAM modules, you can keep the inaccessible 256MB, and upgrade to either 1GB, or 512MB RAM to make 1.25 or 1.5GB RAM. Remember that you cannot interchange PC2700 and PC3200 RAM to attain 400MHz, that means if you stick with the inaccessible 256MB or 512MB PC2700, you cannot get a PC3200 stick to run at 400MHz, it will run at PC2700 333MHz speed. You have to stick with the same types of RAM for both slots, or the chances are it won't work.

If you have any more questions, post here. I've seen a bunch of threads asking about memory upgrades about these models and I figured one thread can do the job. If I made a mistake or want me to add anything, let me know. And for those who have successfully upgraded, please post your comments and what brand and size and type of RAM you chose.

Thanks spinitch! Stuck FAQa are always nice.

Only thing, there is nothing physical keeping you from mixing PC2700 with PC3200. These machines seems to be very picking about using two diferent stick though. Another thing to keep in mind, if you can get a PC3200 stick to work with the OEM PC2700 stick, SPD will run both sticks at PC2700 speeds.

Is there much of a difference from going PC2700 to PC3200?

See this thread: http://www.notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=119026

There's plenty debate on upgrading. Overall I can feel difference on the switch from 1GB PC2700 to 1GB PC3200. In terms of gaming, definitely, in terms of benchmarking, definitely. Games just run more smoothly. If you just browse the internet and run Microsoft Office, probably not. If you're not a hardcore user, then I'd stick with a simple upgrade or let it be. If you have time and money, 2GB PC3200 and a 7,200RPM hard drive would be worthwhile.

the brands of ram used to upgrade would be helpful too!

So I would be better off going with like corsair, kingston, ocz, etc...

Thunder, can you edit the title to FAQ: Memory Upgrade on eMachines M68(XX)/ Gateway 74(XX)GX, MX75(XX), to make it easier, I edited the PC3200 and PC2700 interchange speed, thanks thunder.

I've used Centon and PNY PC3200 RAM, i've read other people using Corsair, OCZ, Crucial and Kingston with no problems. The OCZ and Corsair have CAS 2.5, so those would be the fastest RAM available.

done deal

I'm using (OEM) Kingmax 1GB PC2700, CAS 2.5 on m6809 together with the default Samsung 256MB on internal slot.

i just purchased a 1GB stick of crutial from newegg and it works great.

I did a 1 gig ddr 400 kingston stick from newegg too, works like a charm.

What about the new 2 Gig DDR sticks? They are not DDR2.

Tried to research on a 2GB sodimm DDR stick and didn't really come up with anything. I doubt the motherboard would be able to read 4GB of RAM, or even the BIOS. I only know of the highend laptops like Alienware and Sager that can support 4GB with 4 slots.

It shouldn't need a BIOS issue, unless the BIOS has been specifically locked to only read 2GB for some reason. The memory controller is completely contained on the processor. One thing to consider though, Windows XP (or an 32-bit OS) will only utilize 3.5GB of RAM.