T43p - Thinking of replacing the 2Gb stick with a 2x1Gb kit

[genci88]

I currently have a single 2Gb memory stick installed in my Thinkpad T43p. I am planning to replace it with a 2x1Gb kit in order to enable dual channel. I should be able to do so with minimal expense, if I sell the current stick on eBay.

Before I went through with this, I wanted to test the DIMM slots to make sure they are working.

I understand that the maximum amount of RAM I can put here is 2Gb. However, is there a restriction as to where I can put a single 2Gb stick?

The 2Gb stick is currently located under the keyboard. It works fine there. However, when I pull it out of there and insert it in the other DIMM slot under the laptop (and leave the keyboard DIMM slot empty), the computer beeps and won't boot.

Is this typical for a T43p? Or do I have a bad DIMM slot?

[ajkula66]

You might have a bad slot.

Try another DIMM in that slot before you go for 2x1GB.

Good luck.

[genci88]

Thanks.

Unfortunately, I don't have another DDR2 stick handy (I have an R51, but that one uses DDR1). So, for the moment I guess I'll forgo the Single -> Dual channel "upgrade". :p

[Tasurinchi]

I'll forgo the Single -> Dual channel "upgrade". :p

Well, to be honest. I don't think you will notice a huge performance increase.

[RealBlackStuff]

Also, even though some (not all) T43/R52 work with a 2GB module, these machines were not made for that!
They really should have a max. 1GB module in each RAM slot.
I'm convinced that 2x1GB will work perfectly. RAM slot failures in the T43/R52 are extremely rare.

[genci88]

Also, even though some (not all) T43/R52 work with a 2GB module, these machines were not made for that!
They really should have a max. 1GB module in each RAM slot.
I'm convinced that 2x1GB will work perfectly. RAM slot failures in the T43/R52 are extremely rare.

So you are saying that even though the slot is not able to read a 2GB stick, it might be able to read a 1GB one?

[Tasurinchi]

So you are saying that even though the slot is not able to read a 2GB stick, it might be able to read a 1GB one?

I have 2x 1GB sticks in my T43p (see sig below) and is working without any issues

[genci88]

Just an update for those of you who might stumble upon this thread. I recently replaced the single 2Gb stick with a 2x1Gb kit, and it works perfectly! Now I have dual channel lol.

So, even though the system wouldn't boot when I placed that original 2Gb in the bottom slot (instead of the "beneath-keyboard" slot where it works great), it would boot just fine when installing 2 1GB sticks in each slot.

This is the kit I bought: Crucial 2GB (2 x 1GB) CT2KIT12864AC667.

These are the configurations that I tried:

- Top slot: 2Gb
- Bottom slot: ---
Works good

- Top slot: ---
- Bottom slot: 2Gb
Doesn't work. System doesn't boot.

- Top slot: 1Gb
- Bottom slot: 1Gb
Works good

[T400plus]

I am curious..very..
Did you notice any performance change.
?
I have a T41 and a T400.I am on the lookout to buy a T43/61 in the scrapmarket here (mumbai).

[dr_st]

No one can _notice_ performance change of single channel versus dual channel.

It is typically possible to _measure_ it with the proper benchmarks, but it's marginal.

[lukee]

I think noticeable boost can be seen in applications with high RAM performance requirements - video encoding, editing etc.