Wierd T21 memory slot problem

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^kerberos · #1 Post by **^kerberos** » Fri Oct 12, 2007 2:12 pm

Hi all!

First of all, I know that there are plenty of threads etc. about the memory problem, but because none of them seemed to fit my problem I did a new thread.

So, I have T21 (2467-4AG) with 2x256mb memory sticks purchased from through this forum. I list the symptoms in (somewhat) chronological order:
- Everything worked fine
- Then around every second boot another stick wasn't recognized
- I insert various different pressure patches which worked at first and then didn't
- Latest thing, I tried to "pull up" the pins in order to get better contact
- Now it recognize both sticks but shows wierd/normal memory fault-related problems.
- Both sticks work separately in both slots but not together..

So, I don't know what to try anymore. And I'm living at the moment in Germany and new Mobos here in eBay seem to be pretty expensive and rare (please correct me if I'm wrong).

If somebody in Germany wants to offer a X-series thinkpad I'm ready to take offers..

#2 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Sat Oct 13, 2007 5:03 pm

Download the Memtest program here: http://www.memtest.org/
it fits on a floppy or get the .iso version to burn it on a CD.
run it for 2-3 cycles with 1 memory stick in slot 1, do the same in memory slot 2, then put in the other stick and run the program for both slots.
Then put in both together and run it, then swap the sticks and run it again.
Sooner or later the the failing stick will show up.

Website · #3 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Sun Oct 14, 2007 11:14 am

Can you post the part numbers for the two sticks of ram?

^kerberos · #4 Post by **^kerberos** » Tue Oct 16, 2007 10:29 am

I think the other stick is now gone for good. It seems to recognize very randomly the chips, because it sometimes shows that the capacity is 128mb, 192mb and the actual size is 256mb.

I'm still fearing that there is something wrong with the memory slot/s because the computer runs only with one stick but still manifests some wierd hang-ups.

I post the numbers as soon as I'm back at home. Can I ask why you need them?

Robbyrobot · #5 Post by **Robbyrobot** » Wed Oct 17, 2007 3:31 am

Let me just ask what's probably a superfluous question: are these memory modules PC133 or PC100 and if PC133 how many chips are on _one_ side?

^kerberos · #6 Post by **^kerberos** » Thu Oct 18, 2007 9:52 am

These chips are PC133 ram, but they have 16 chips (8 per each side) so thus they're low density ram.

And they had worked previously just now I started to have more serious problems.

I repeat my other question: Does anybody have a spare 256mb 16-chips ram module for sale?

madmaven · #7 Post by **madmaven** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 12:59 pm

I have a T21 that will freeze sometimes and just quit sometimes (shut off) then at times it will not boot at all. the on; caps; num; icons light up for a second then only the on light emains, no hard drive activity. It will not boot until after I open the memory and reseat it, it then will boot up and run for a while.
The chip is a 256 mb with the 16 chips on it PC 100. I ran the mem test for 9 cycles and it continually passed. I have 2 low density 256/PC100 chips in my sony laptop, so took one and it booted fine with it but it froze on resume from suspend ( as often happened with the other chip) and would not boot up. So since this is a known good chip. its probably not the memory. I have tested both slots and this happens in both slots. This morning I cut up some old credit card and put pieces in between the chip and cover to try the pressure trick after sitting several hours it just came out of suspend ok I hopethat will fix it but
the only repeatable action to make it work is reseating memory to get it going, otherwise its problems are not associated with just one action. ex. cold or hot boot, If anyone has any ideas please let me know as it is drivin me crazy!
THanks
Check ebay there are several of the chips available
for pc100
256MB PC100 SODIMM IBM FRU 33L3070

SMA · #8 Post by **SMA** » Thu Nov 01, 2007 3:08 pm

madmaven:
From your description there is not much that indicates that you are really having memory problems.
Hopefully you have been removing the ac adapter when you have been swapping memory modules. And, I believe, that this is what has made you think that reseating the memory modules has helped.
Next time, try removing the ac adapter and let the machine rest for a while, and then see if the effect is the same as when you have been touching the memory modules.
Your machine does not have the exact BoD symptoms, but it is close to it.

alphawolf · #9 Post by **alphawolf** » Mon Dec 03, 2007 10:58 pm

I have the same problem with a T21. It's probably not your memory chips. I have two 256mb chips, and the machine randomly recognizes them, sometimes one, sometimes both, sometimes neither. I swap them around, sometimes getting it to work. I sent the chips back to Kingston (lifetime warranty), and same symptoms with the new chips. I'm guessing something weird with the motherboard. No relation to the time the computer is on (ie, not heat related).

Wierd T21 memory slot problem

Wierd T21 memory slot problem

memory problem or bad Mobo?

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