Need advice on T-22 Memory Modules

[nrsmith100]

Hi all,
I have a T-22 running Combo Win 98 se (which I don't use) and Win 2000 Pro S.P. 4 and Bios 1.06 w/ 128 RAM. I am attepmting to upgrade my RAM to 512 but am having a problem. I am a Volunteer working in Kyrgyzstan and as such had Memory sent to me from the States. After recieving and installing the following pattern came about: With two 256 Ram modules the system will not boot, not even to the initial IBM screen. If only one Module installed (either slot) still no boot. If however i leave original 128 module in and add 256 module, the system will recognize the added memory (384 shown in BIOS screen) begins to boot, but will not load windows, instead it goes into a repeating pattern of booting IBM Screen, slecting 2000 and start to load windows and rebooting to IBM screen. I don't want to send modules back unless I know they are the wrong ones, since Kyrgyzstan is very far away. So: RAM modules sent I suspect are basic 100 SoDimm Non-Parity from Edgetechcorp. This company also makes modules specific for the T-22. Do Thinkpads require specific modules, or should these basic chips work. Any thing else I should consider beofre undergoing the long process of re-ordering modules from the States and sending these ones I have back. Suggestions?

Thanks for your help I really appreciate it. Nate Smith, PCV Kyrgyz Republic

[tfflivemb2]

Welcome to the Forum!!

Do these sticks have have 8 or 16 black chips on them? The ram for your system has to be PC100 LOW DENSITY ram. You can tell if it is low density if it has 16 black chips, 8 on each side. Standard PC100, 4 black chips on each will not work.

[nrsmith100]

[quote]Do these sticks have have 8 or 16 black chips on them? The ram for your system has to be PC100 LOW DENSITY ram. You can tell if it is low density if it has 16 black chips, 8 on each side. Standard PC100, 4 black chips on each will not work.[/quote]


Sorry it took so long to respond, internet can be a bit flaky out here in the hinter lands of Central Asia. the Chips i recieved have 8 total chips, 4 on each side, [i]However[/i], The Original 128 memory module also has only 4 chips on each side. So is the Low Density a requirement for modules containing higher than 128 RAM?

It looks like the best bet may be to send back and re-order the T-22 specific chips, then if it doesn;t work I'll know something else is amiss. This Forum is great thank you so much! Is there anything else i should consider with this problem??

[nrsmith100]

I guess it would be more helpfult o give the exact model of T-22. mine is a 2647-8EU. This was a corporate ordered Laptop that was surplused to me shortly after my arrival. But the original Module only has 8 total chips. So I guess I either need Low-Density, or should I try one of those new Crucial Chips that are running at 133. though I don't see how that would help me. Is it possible this Laptop was ordered with some different hardware than a regular 2647-8EU? Like a different motherboard?

also, I tried upgrading Bios, but it didn;t take effect. instead of shutting down, it just rebooted and stayed exactly the same. this was the non-disk program from the lenovo website. would upgrading Bios to 1.12 help? (I have 1.06)

thanks again, and I'm sorry for the slow response rate.

[tfflivemb2]

Hi Nate,

Sorry, I should have been more clear. Low Density PC100 256mb sticks have to have 16 chips (8 on each side). 128mb sticks also have 4 on each side, the same as 256mb high density ram.

You have the wrong ones, however, there is now a sticky at the top of the T2x conference that lists 256mb ram sticks that can be ordered from Crucial that are PC133 and are GUARANTEED to work in your system. This means that it will come with a WARRANTY. Apparently, Crucial has figured out how to make PC133 ram low density and work just right in the T20-T22 Thinkpads. This option is cheaper than trying to track down low density PC100 256mb sticks.

[nrsmith100]

Thanks for your help. I will send the chips back and order the ones from Crucial. they look like a great deal. Hopefully nothing will happen on the way over here. Will let you all know how it turns out.

Thnks again for your great help. nate

[nrsmith100]

Hey guys,

Well Ijust installed the Crucial Memory Chips, and since I am writing this....everything is a-ok . the chips worked without any problem. It has taken four months and one set of incorrect chips to do it, but the remainder of my service shall be delighted with speed and multi-tasking previously unknown.

thanks to everyone who had input. greatly appreciate the help.

Nate