TOSHIBA Satellite Pro 4600

Hello everyone. I wanted to ask for help regarding this laptop.
I decided to buy this jewel on ebay, it is fully functional and now I would like to install a Compact Flash to speed it up a bit. I was wondering what adapter is needed, what should I buy?
I already have one of the CF, but I don't know how to connect it.

I thought there were several 4600 models with a variety of configs. I've owned a few and they were always much better than I expected. Great laptops.

Some had an optional PCMCIA slot on the side as an option, so you might find an adapter for compact flash (check the physical size!)

Also, there might be an internal mini PCI slot; you might find an SDcard adapter that works. Not sure if a compact flash adapter would fit.

https://archive.org/details/toshiba-service-manual-satellite-pro-4600-series/page/n1/mode/2up?view=theater

Edited by AximUser 2024-01-27 3:07 AM

It might be that there is a IDE connector inside, so have a IDE to CF adapter and stick it in there. I think you need to somehow place it together, maybe with a good double sided tape etc.

Search for "IDE to CF mod for laptop".

-stingraze

As soon as it arrives, I'll check and let you know.

Photos of the ports, slots and insides would be useful.

Either an or is most likely. Anything else and it is unlikely to be bootable.

The laptop has arrived. Here are the photos requested.





I assume it takes this adapter, but there is a problem, if I counted correctly, this laptop only has 43 pins. One is factory blocked.
I can't find a 43 pin adapter...

The four pin cluster out on the side are jumper pins. Nothing to do with the IDE connection.

Yep. That's a normal 2.5inch IDE. 43 pins are correct, the HDD pins are made like that. 44pins IDE to CF converter will connect fine.

Edited by stingraze 2024-01-30 3:49 PM

Question: If the pin slots are 43, how do I insert an adapter with 44pin?
From the photo I highlighted that one slot is "clogged".

Oh, I misread your question - why I should never reply on a phone, heh.

IDE doesn't use PIN 20, it is they keying PIN (sets the orientation). You can cut it off, just don't put the adapter in upside down.

OK that's great!
Question: What happens if I put the adapter upside down? (simple curiosity)

You'll put 5v down data PIN 7 & 8 as well as connect data lines to ground - http://paulski.com/zpages.php?id=1717

Best case, nothing. Worst case you kill your CF card.

I suspect if you look at the PCB you will spot PIN 20 quite easily.

OK, thanks a lot!
Listen, is it possible to increase the RAM of this laptop?

As I said earlier, you need to show us all the ports, slots and lift the keyboard and show the motherboard.

A photo of the base plate with the model info would help too.

Here are the photos requested. Installed RAM and what's under the keyboard.









I found this. It should be compatible. I could get 2 with 256MB of RAM.
https://www.offtek.it/toshiba/aggiornamenti-memoria-laptop/satellite-pro/satellite-pro-4000-serie/satellite-pro-4600-serie-ram
https://www.memorystock.com/orderitem.asp?it=493ms-118&MnfId=&MdlId=16979

Edited by NarakuITA 2024-01-31 11:41 PM