T23 RAM Low density vs High Density

[mattbiernat]

i found this:

Tried this years ago on my 2647-9BA when a friend offered to give me a spare 256Mb PC133 she had.

I already had a stick of 256Mb PC100. System hung on startup.

She gave you a high-density stick.

now when i will be buyting RAM for T23 how the heck should i know whether its high or low density?
take a look at here:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductLi ... in+SO-DIMM
please advise me.

[gator]

T23 takes in high density PC133 RAM modules. You can identify them by counting the number of memory chips on the board. Low density chips will have total 16 on a 256MB module (8 per side). A "high denisty" 256MB module will have a total of 8 (4 per side). The max. RAM T23 can take is 1 GB (512MB in each slot).

As for T60, you need to get DDR2 (667Mhz, 200 pin) PC5300 modules. Crucial is a good brand, and many have reported that they work well with thinkpads.

[pianowizard]

i found this:

She gave you a high-density stick.

Zern had a T21, which required low-density modules. Your T23 doesn't care.

[ianf]

just to add ,
they dont like the mix of density types, found out after several attempt at installing xp. i removed the 256mb module and left in the 512. the 256 (hyundi) works well on other t23s here.


ian

[schiesz]

I just bought three high density PC133 chips for my T23 and X23 and I cannot get any of them to work. The X23 doesn't do anything, but the T23 beeps out a code. I'll try it again and see if I can identify the code.

Any idea why PC133 ram would not work in these machines? I do not know the CAS rating for them, but I thought the T23 and X23 were pretty forgiving on RAM (not like earlier T series).

[rkawakami]

What's the model/part numbers off of the memory? The T23 should be able to operate off of 512MB sticks with either 8 or 16 chips on them. The bad memory beep code will be 1-3-3-1 or 3-3-1. Either CL2 or CL3 can be used. The problem with the modules could be anything from one/some bad bits, to a disconnection of one of the leads on a package, a static-damaged pin or misprogramming of the SPD.

[schiesz]

The beep code on the T23 is 1-3-3-1. The ram is "micsys" brand, 8 chip, and says "MSSD133512MB28136127"

I have tried all three chips in various configuration in the T23 and X23 and get the same result for all of them.

It seems odd for all three new memory modules to be bad, so I can't help but think there is something else going on. I just checked the BIOS on the T23 and it is the newest version (1.20).

The X23 is giving the same code (1-3-3-1) I just couldn't hear it from that wimpy little speaker.

[rkawakami]

Their web site does not list any SDR modules, which is not too surprising since it's old tech. I've located an online store (PacificGeek.com) and an eBay seller (TekGems) who appear to sell/have sold Micsys modules. If you have verified that any other PC133 module works in your system, then I'd say you should ask for a refund.

[schiesz]

Yes, both machines are working fine with other PC133 modules right now, so I guess its time to get an RMA. I got them from geeks.com, and I guess the $33 price really was too good to be true.

[rkawakami]

An eight chip 512MB module uses 64Mbit components. I'm pretty sure that they require the same refreshing as 32Mbit parts so that shouldn't be the problem (the traditional "low" vs "high" density issue). $33, if that's shipping included, is a good price. I've noticed recently that eBay prices for 512MB PC133 has been coming down a little bit. Some deals have been made for just under $30 on "off-brand" modules and even some Micron sticks have gone for $35-$45.

edit: Changed $40 to $35 after a quick eBay search. All eBay prices are quoted with shipping included to me in CA.

[mattbiernat]

yes i have finally decivded to upgrade my T23 ram. someone in U.S. is getting my 512mb stick as we speak and will ship it over to Poland. maybe i will finally manage to connect my T23 to the internet and update windows to the most recent service pack.