Question About Maximum Memory in a T30

[kc27]

I had a T30 that ran with 2gb of RAM installed. A replacement motherboard I purchased (model T30 2366KU1) is listed on the Lenovo site as having a maximum capaicty of 1gb.

Does anyone know if the T30s had differing RAM capacities? On another thread, it was suggested I upgrade to the latest BIOS, but I am already at what I believe to be the latest BIOS version (1IET71WW (2.10 ) 06/16/2006).

I don't think I did anything special to get the 2gb to run in my previous T30. Does the memory capacity of the T30 laptops vary? I had assumed if my T30 ran with the two 1GB sticks of RAM, then all T30's would run with that much RAM.

The reason I got the second motherboard is because I dropped a flashlight "c" size battery on the keyboard of the first laptop and killed the laptop. Is it possible I could have damaged the RAM when I did that, too. The computer just died instantly when the battery hit the keyboard - I'm don't know if that can have any affect on the RAM. Is there any way to test RAM, other than finding another laptop that works with 1gb sticks of RAM and trying the RAM in it?

Any ideas on this would be appreciated.

[RealBlackStuff]

Every T30 with newest BIOS-2.10/ECP-1.07 can run 2x1GB.
If not, you have a RAM slot problem (usually the one near the front) or bad RAM.
The RAM slot can be resoldered, plenty posts about that on this forum.
RAM can be tested with Memtest86 from http://www.memtest.org/
T30/T40/R50 all use the same RAM (PC2100 or PC2700), try/test it in one of those, if you can.
Your own T30 without any RAM should beep: 1-3-3-1. If not, dump the mobo (again).

[kc27]

The replacement motherboard runs with 512mb in either slot, so I don't think the issue is slot related.

As a test, I left the 512mb stick in one of the slots and put the 1gb slot in the other. The computer never even gets to the IBM splash screen. I tried it with the second 1gb slot and got the same results.

[RealBlackStuff]

Test those RAM modules, or borrow some other 1GB modules.
Also, use a pencil eraser and rub the contacts on both sides of the RAM module with it, until they 'shine' again.
Clean off debris and retry.

[kc27]

Thanks RealBlackStuff - the eraser did the trick - now the T30 shows the 2gb of RAM. After I got the RAM installed, I ran two memory tests using PC Doctor and MemTest Deluxe, and the memory passed both tests.

FYI, Before cleaning I had tried the RAM in another laptop, and it couldn't see the memory, either. I'd never run in to that problem before, so thanks again for passing along the RAM contact cleaning advice.

[RealBlackStuff]

The layer of gold-plating they use for the contacts is so flimsy, that it corrodes eventually.
The eraser just removes the corrosion.
Good to hear it's working again.

[westsailor]

Every T30 with newest BIOS-2.10/ECP-1.07 can run 2x1GB.

I want to upgrade the RAM in my T30 to 2 Gb.

My Bios is 2.10 but what is ECP-1.07?

How do I know if I have it and if not, how do I get it?

[Majestic]

"My Bios is 2.10 but what is ECP-1.07? "

ECP = Embedded Controller Program

"How do I know if I have it and if not, how do I get it?"

At boot up, go into your BIOS Setup. Your current BIOS and Embedded Controller Program version will be displayed there.

You can download the latest ECP version here......

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-42358

[westsailor]

Well that was clear enough.

Thanks!