2GB RAM on T42?

[cembry]

I'm trying to upgrade my T42 (2374-B50). Now it has installed 1GB of RAM in two different modules. I have 2x1GB modules DDR 333MHz (both the same). When installing them together the notebook won't start. Installing 1,5GB (1GB in main slot + 512MB optional or 512MB main slot + 1GB optional) goes to normal start. I have tried both 1GB modules with this combinations. Flashing BIOS to 3.23 doesn't help. I have no idea how to make this two 1GB modules working. I wanted to try with other brand of 1GB modules (to have 2x1GB from two differents manufacturers), but I have no spare modules in reserve. I tried my two modules in my R40 and they're working correctly together. What can I do to let T42 start with my modules? Thanks!

[RealBlackStuff]

Welcome to the Forum.
It sounds as if one of those modules could be partly defective.
Compare them very closely, and report what type memory chips you find, and any numbers/letters on those chips.
Download this program Memtest86 and run it on each module separate, in each slot, as well as in each combination you just mentioned.
http://www.memtest86.com/download.html
Also, use a pencil eraser to clean the gold contacts of the RAM modules. Blow off the rubble before you put them back in.
If you have canned air, perhaps you could also blow out the RAM slots in the laptop itself.
The T42 requires standard PC2100/DDR266, but will also work with PC2700/DDR333. These will only run at PC2100 speed, but should not cause any problems.

[hackncrack]

Hi all:

Interesting issue described by cembry - not sure if I'm experiencing the same thing, but here are my facts.

Oh, before I go into details: I appreciate the post by RealBlackStuff, but I'm not sure it addresses my issue. If RealBlackStuff taps back, question: Do you have a T42p and have you upgraded to 2GB? If so, what chips are you using?

I'm running a T42p (2379) that I bought new, with a single 512 MB stick RAM installed. Two weeks ago, I bought two dirt cheap 1 GB sticks online (I can provide the make, but I don't think it is relevant as I show below). Popped one stick into the secondary RAM socket and try to boot. After a few attempts, the best I got was a computer hung-up with the windows splash screen. When I tried to check BIOS, the BIOS froze.

All right, I have bad sticks, right? dirt cheap-no big deal. Because I was bored, I stuck the same stick into the primary socket (under the keyboard, removed the 512 stick) and BINGO - everything is fine. Hmmm ... well let me see if I can use two GB sticks - see above. Nothing.

All right, perhaps the secondary port is bad (never used it before, have been running the original configuration since new). To satisfy my curiosity, I stuck the 512 stick into the secondary port - BINGO - I am now running with 1.5 GB.

To conclude, the new, albeit cheap, sticks seem to be fine since I am able to run 1GB in the primary socket. I have not swapped the two GB sticks, because the evidence leads me to conclude the sticks themselves are fine. I did run the standard PC doctor diagnostics in the 1.5 GB configuration, but not memtest86 - didn't see the point if the cheap GB stick in the primary socket passed the PC Doctor tests. Furthermore, both sockets seem to be fine - e.g., no dust or other particles causing interfering with the connections.

Am I missing something?

Only thing I am left to think is that the cheap sticks I'm using does not work with the second socket on my thinkpad and I need to try another brand. I would welcome corrections to my thinking and suggestions. If anyone has a T42p with 2 GB, please post the brand.

[RealBlackStuff]

I have some T40s that take the same RAM as a T41/p and T42/p.
Cheap no-name 2x 1GB PC2700 runs fine. (Markings: 1GG333 002EJC14&). They do use Samsung chips.
I ran those OK in a T30 before.
With 2x 1GB PC2700 Samsung RAM (IBM FRU 31P9835) in the T40, no problem either.

[cembry]

I made some research with memory modules and my T42 (as suggested by RealBlackStuff). 1GB modules are TRUMP DDR 1GB-333MHz (D1SC0816D). The chips are also Trump. Testing memories with MemTest shown no errors. Combinations of modules were following:
1GB (main) + nothing (optional)
nothing (M) + 1GB (O)
512MB + 1GB
1GB + 512MB

I tried those combinations with both of 1GB modules I have. 1,5GB of RAM goes to normal start of Windows7 (regardless of placing 1gb and 512mb modules in slots). Both slots of my T42 accepts 1GB well, but there's problem using 1GB modules together in both slots.

[sktn77a]

Not sure what to tell you other than 2x1Gb memory chips DO work in the T4x. You 333MHz (PC2700) memory is what is spec'd for the T41 and T42. The T40 spec was 266MHz (PC2100) but it works fine with 333Mhz memory, albeit running at 266Mhz. You need to post the specs (is the CAS latency 2.5?) to see if you got some "alternative" memory!

[cembry]

Yes, the CAS latency is 2.5 for my Trump modules.

[ajkula66]

I've installed 2GB on dozens of past T4x units, but have had issues with certain RAM manufacturers, notably with Kingston's Value RAM. Never an issue with Hynix, Micron, Elpida, Samsung, regardless of whether they had a FRU or not.

Right now I'm typing on a T42 with 2 Elpida 1GB DIMMs.

How many chips does each of these modules that you're using have?

[cembry]

The Trump modules have 8 chips per side - totally 16 chips.

[2think]

no problems with using 2x Crucial 1GB DDR PC2700 SODIMM CT12864X335 on a T42 with BIOS 1RETDOWW (3.20), Release Date: 2006-02-27.

[netzspannung]

I use two 1gb Kingston ValueRam pc3200 modules, rated at 3 cas. They run at 2.5-3-3-7 by default (running as pc2700) and take a 100% stable overclock to 2-2-2-5 with the i855 tool in my t42. They have a gazillion of small chips on them, I guess 16 (8 each side)

When I tried to mix 1gb kingston pc 3200 with 512 elpida 2700, the system actually got noticeably slower than with 2x elpida 512 2700 in parallel. I guess not everything is simple about laptop memory

[sjthinkpader]

... and take a 100% stable overclock to 2-2-2-5 with the i855 tool in my t42...

How do you know that you are running at 2-2-2-5? at 333Mhz? Measured with an analyzer or a scope?

[awolfe63]

It is possible that the 1GB sticks you have are a little thick and won't both fit properly.

I've done 2GB on 5 different T40/41/42s without any problems - but I did have 1 machine where the second slot was fussy. It took a few tries to get everything seated properly.

[Binh]

cembry
My thought is that your memory modules are not standard, they require higher conditions for working (for example require more power, or some tough hidden timings, etc.). When one module works alone, the motherboard can provide these conditions, but when two modules are installed, the motherboard on your T42 is not able to meet the conditions (but your R40 can).
Could you, please, download the SPDTool software and read the module's information in SPD chip ? You can compare it with other normal modules.
P.S. When use SPDtool, only read information but do not write any thing to SPD, it may damage your memory modules.

How do you know that you are running at 2-2-2-5? at 333Mhz? Measured with an analyzer or a scope?

I think he used software (CPU-Z, for example). There some software tools that can change the memory timing: 855tweaker, Rightmark memory analyzer,...

[synergy]

How much real life speed gain can you get from overclocking the RAM?

Can you even OC the CPU as well?
I know that it can be done on the desktop PC but never heard of it on the notebook PC.
Can the T40 handle the extra heat? Is it worth the trouble?

[sjthinkpader]

...

I think he used software (CPU-Z, for example). There some software tools that can change the memory timing: 855tweaker, Rightmark memory analyzer,...

Sure, nothing wrong with challenging the guy. After all CL=2.5 at the normal timing of 333Mhz is 15nSec tCA, CL=2 would mean 12nSec.

How much real life speed gain can you get from overclocking the RAM? ...

Since Windows access are pretty large, in thousands of bytes; increase clock would bring the most benefit, then CAS latency (CL), then RAS access time, in the order of frequency of ocurance in the system. Increase clock also brings heat. That is why the 400Mhz R52/T43 systems are much hotter when working.

[synergy]

sjthinkpader.
My 2GB of RAM is from the reputable company with the lifetime warranty on them.

It's rated at 2.5-3-3-6. DRAM freq of 132.9MHz. FSB:DRAM ratio of 3:4.

Do you recommend that I overclock the RAM if possible?
My T40p runs rather cool.

[sjthinkpader]

If you are not changing the clock, it's not overclock technically and will not change heat much. Later production ram are usually quicker in getting data to the output buffer and beat the 2.5 CL spec'ed in PC2700. But he benefit is relatively little as subsequent data is on every half clock, no different from the standard PC2700 spec. This is because CAS Latency only happens at beginning of the Column Address valid and again when the page address ends (FFFF...).

[RealBlackStuff]

That is why the 400Mhz R52/T43 systems are much hotter when working.

T40/41/42 run at 400MHz.
R52/T43 run at 533MHz.

[awolfe63]

That is why the 400Mhz R52/T43 systems are much hotter when working.
T40/41/42 run at 400MHz.
R52/T43 run at 533MHz.

At lower DDR2 voltages. So generally less power.

[sjthinkpader]

T40/41/42 run at 400MHz.
R52/T43 run at 533MHz.

Just the memory bus, PC2700 at 333Mhz and you are right, PC2-4200 at 533Mhz.

...

At lower DDR2 voltages. So generally less power.

More switching consume more power. Lower voltage helps but switching is the dominant factor.

[netzspannung]

How do you know that you are running at 2-2-2-5? at 333Mhz? Measured with an analyzer or a scope?

I use a tool called i855tool, it can talk directly to the chipset and change timings. Info from Sandra 2009 confirms this and changes values accordingly.. I found this tool here on the forum.. There is an improvement in overall responsiveness - the computer is not faster in general, but web pages scroll more smoothly, for example. The problem with this trick is that I have to reapply it after each standby/hibernate