RAM: Logical upgrade path? [img warning]

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#61 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 8:55 pm

Can't really tell from the picture, but it appears that the "Err-Bits" column has all of the lines at "08000000". If so, this indicates that a SINGLE output pin of the module is having problems. I'm not sure how memtest86+ assigns the bit data to the output pins of the module but I would guess that it's either DQ59 or DQ4. Looking at the design document for DDR SODIMMs:

JEDEC Design Reference Specification

that would be pins 6 (DQ4) or 189 (DQ59). If you can, see if there's anything that looks different from the rest of the pins on the module. Even-numbered pins are on one side, the opposite side has the odd pins. According to your SODIMM picture, "P1" (on the left) is pin 1 so that side are the odd pins. If all looks good on the edge, then the problem lies with the memory chip associated with that output pin. I can't say which one it is without knowing how the printed circuit board is laid out, but a simple unconnected solder ball could be the real problem. Since your 1GB module uses ball grid array (BGA) components it's going to be impossible to visually inspect them. About the only thing I can suggest is to put fingertip pressure on one chip at a time while starting up memtest86+. If you can verify that doing this will make the module pass the diagnostic, you can pass that information back to Kingston for their failure analysis.

uberT · #62 Post by **uberT** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 9:22 pm

the chip is on its way back to the mfr this evening. They agreed to replace it with a new stick under their "warranty" even though I have no bill of sale. They are insistent that it’s the wrong part and it won’t work. They are asking to see written documentation addressing the change from 1 GB to 2 GB max RAM, which I can’t provide or locate (yet).

I can certainly re-sell this new sealed part and be at breakeven. The temptation will be nearly overwhelming to open the part and see if it indeed works in my machine. I haven’t decided what I’ll do.

I’ve also ordered (should be in possession tomorrow, $30) the exact 512MB part Kingston identifies for my T30. Either way, it will work out and I can just pick up a 2nd 512MB stick for short $$$ and be done with it.

Thanks to all for helping out.

pianowizard · #63 Post by **pianowizard** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 10:55 pm

uberT wrote:They agreed to replace it with a new stick under their "warranty" even though I have no bill of sale.

I think most memory stick manufacturers don't ask for a sale receipt. All they want to see is, for example, an intact "lifetime warranty" sticker, an intact serial number sticker, etc.

Website · #64 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Thu Feb 08, 2007 11:16 pm

Unfortunately, page 113 of the spec sheet for the Intel 845MP Chipset still says 1GB, but there had to have been an update.

uberT · #65 Post by **uberT** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 6:50 am

pianowizard wrote:
I think most memory stick manufacturers don't ask for a sale receipt. All they want to see is, for example, an intact "lifetime warranty" sticker, an intact serial number sticker, etc.

that's good to know. They did ask for a serial number off the chip before issuing the RMA. All stickers appeared to be intact.

michaelkadar@netzero.com · #66 Post by **michaelkadar@netzero.com** » Fri Feb 09, 2007 5:30 pm

Well I have the latest Bios upgrade 2.10 and EHC 1.07 I put in Crucial 1 gig stick DDR 333 PC2700 Cas 2.5 in slot 1 and I get 1Gig.

I also have a bad slot 2 that works with the paper trick

( fold up a 3X5 card and pack it over the memory) I left the second 256 in slot 2 and still only got 1 Gig on my computer, not sure if I can see more than 1 Gig.

With both 256s that give me 512 so I know I can make the second slot work. I am not convinced 2 Gig works on this chip set.

I am happy with 1 Gig.

Anyone Know how to up the speed on the front side bus, I am at 1.60 GHz same as my Pz.

uberT · #67 Post by **uberT** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 3:17 pm

Michael, thanks for your comments. I may give up and just settle for 1GB total.

My new KTM-TP0028/512 arrived this afternoon and running like a champ in slot #2

pianowizard · #68 Post by **pianowizard** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 3:32 pm

uberT wrote:My new KTM-TP0028/512 arrived this afternoon and running like a champ in slot #2

Glad to hear that something finally works!

uberT · #69 Post by **uberT** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 4:59 pm

Yeah, me too !! I can't believe what an improvement there is for the $30 invested !!

The machine runs awesome!

michaelkadar@netzero.com · #70 Post by **michaelkadar@netzero.com** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:11 pm

I have spent over 40 hours searching the net, which does not support a single 1 Gig stick and I have tested it on two T30 using 1gig + 256 and 512 and only get 1 gig. Who ever said they got more than 1 Gig lets see the proof, either from a document or a screen shot from my computer or ram test showing the PZ and chip set. I am a Sr. EE /computer expert, but I could be wrong so let’s see your proof. I have a bmp of my proof how do I add it to the forum?[/img]

#71 Post by **tomh009** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:16 pm

Michael, you need to upload your photo somewhere -- after that you can use the IMG tags to post it in this thread.

michaelkadar@netzero.com · #72 Post by **michaelkadar@netzero.com** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:19 pm

where? I have never did that before.

uberT · #73 Post by **uberT** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:35 pm

michaelkadar@netzero.com wrote: I am a Sr. EE /computer expert, but I could be wrong so let’s see your proof.

Michael, thanks again. I can't find the written documentation either. However, one of the forum moderators did make a post in the 1st page of this thread suggesting he has successfully run 2X 1GB strips in a T30. I've asked him for further clarification to add to this discussion.

uberT · #74 Post by **uberT** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 5:41 pm

here's 512MB + 256MB:

#75 Post by **tomh009** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 6:38 pm

michaelkadar@netzero.com wrote:where? I have never did that before.

Any web site will do -- if you don't have anywhere to upload, you can use ImageShack (http://www.imageshack.us/).

Website · #76 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:05 pm

I wish that I still had the ram sticks with me. I can attest to the fact that the T30 that my nephew is using can handle 2 1gb sticks at the same time, and report them as 2gb. I did this to test the ram, not the T30.

There are numerous threads on this forum that discuss this.

As for a site to load pics, I use Photobucket.com.

pianowizard · #77 Post by **pianowizard** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:06 pm

Is it possible that some T30's use a different chipset?

michaelkadar@netzero.com · #78 Post by **michaelkadar@netzero.com** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:12 pm

I find it intresting that crucial says you can only use 512, but the 1 Gig works.

Thank for your help.

uberT · #79 Post by **uberT** » Sat Feb 10, 2007 8:19 pm

Michael, all the websites I've seen still claim 512MB per slot is the max permissible RAM.

uberT · #80 Post by **uberT** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:01 am

WOW, I had my first full work day with the new ram yesterday. It’s like running a different machine. Screens build much faster, programs open faster, no more black menus (common problem towards the end of the day) and Photoshop runs like never before and opens instantly. It “seems” like it shuts down quicker, but that could be my imagination. Absolutely no glitches to report.

Website · #81 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:51 am

If you put in one of your other sticks of ram, does it show more than 1gb ram?

uberT · #82 Post by **uberT** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 10:56 am

tfflivemb2 wrote:If you put in one of your other sticks of ram, does it show more than 1gb ram?

I can't answer that just yet - - I am still waiting for Kingston to send me a replacement stick and they're taking their sweet time

Website · #83 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 11:46 am

So then, what do you have it in right now?

uberT · #84 Post by **uberT** » Tue Feb 13, 2007 11:56 am

Kingston 512MB (2nd slot) + OE IBM 256MB (primary slot)

uberT · #85 Post by **uberT** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 4:13 pm

Kingston 1GB (slot 1) + Kingston 512MB (slot 2):

uberT · #86 Post by **uberT** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 4:19 pm

#87 Post by **rkawakami** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 5:20 pm

So, uberT, is the replacement Kingston module the same part number as you had posted back on Feb 3rd?

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 843#246843

If so, then there must have been a loose solder ball or a blown pin on one of the chips from your original module (from looking at the output datalog of memtest86+). Is Kingston supposed to provide any feedback to you as to the cause of the failure?

pianowizard · #88 Post by **pianowizard** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 5:29 pm

uberT, congratulations! Are you going to buy a second 1GB stick to get 2GB total?

uberT · #89 Post by **uberT** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 5:57 pm

rkawakami wrote:So, uberT, is the replacement Kingston module the same part number as you had posted back on Feb 3rd?

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 843#246843

If so, then there must have been a loose solder ball or a blown pin on one of the chips from your original module (from looking at the output datalog of memtest86+).

Is Kingston supposed to provide any feedback to you as to the cause of the failure?

Yes, identical part number - - that's all they offer.

I sent a note a few mins ago to the technician/telephone support guy I was dealing with. I'll let you know if he can identify the failure mode.

uberT · #90 Post by **uberT** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 6:03 pm

pianowizard wrote:uberT, congratulations! Are you going to buy a second 1GB stick to get 2GB total?

No, I think I am done. I honestly don't see any further improvement with this latest configuration (going from 768MB to 1.5GB). I probably should have left the brand-new 1GB stick in the box and re-sold it. However, the curiosity was too much to handle.

I'll most likely keep the 1GB strip in Slot 1 and sell the other 3 sticks (2X 256MB and the new 512MB) stick. I am probably getting close or have exceed the max the computer needs. Comments?

Thanks for support, guys! I do appreciate the help and thoughtful comments.

RAM: Logical upgrade path? [img warning]

More than 1 Gig on a T30

you can't get 2 Gig on an IBM thinkpad T30

Re: you can't get 2 Gig on an IBM thinkpad T30

Here is my proof

TAH - DAH

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