T61p 8GB RAM installed only showing 4GB in BIOS

[backseat]

Win 7 64bit with 2x4GB modules installed. BIOS and Windows show 4GB only. BIOS version 1.21, ECP 1.06

On here it has 8GB supported for BIOS 2.19 ECP 1.08 http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Unofficia ... mory_specs

So I am about to do a BIOS update to see if it can register the full 8GB, the recent BIOS http://support.lenovo.com/en_VN/downloa ... D=DS013943 state that once installed can not revert back to the previous version.

My question is should I install the latest BIOS 2.29-1.08 or a much older version listed on ThinkWiki that supports 8GB?

Thanks.

[backseat]

Just upgraded BIOS to version 2.29-1.08 and it still only recognises 4096MB in BIOS and Windows 7 64bit.

Any other ideas how I can get the full 8GB? I have also tried 1x4GB + 1x2GB and the same result, 4096MB installed according to BIOS.

[rumbero]

Any other ideas how I can get the full 8GB?

The BIOS version shouldn't make any difference. I never had any trouble running 2x4GB with even older BIOS releases.

You might want to consider that your mainboard could possibly have one broken memory slot:

• Did you already before try 2x2GB or 2x1GB or 2GB+1GB in this machine?
• Does the 2x4GB memory you used properly work in another machine?
• Are you aware that possibly not all memory brands are compatible?
• Did you make sure to only purchase known good brand modules?
• Did you use equal memory modules (=a matching pair)?

Please give us some real technical information instead of just describing superfluous symptons:

• What brand and exact specs are the memory modules you tried?

Personally, on two distint T61, i use "2x4096MB (=8GB) HYNIX SO-DIMM DDR2 PC2-6400 800Mhz 200pin CL6, 256Mx8 double-sided (16 Chips)", as shown on http://bilder.afterbuy.de/images/84079/ ... SO_800.jpg, without any issues at all since day one.

[ac12]

Try swapping the memory modules
2G module in slot 1, 4G module in slot 2
check how the computer is reading the memory
then swap
4G module in slot 1, 2G module in slot 2
check how the computer is reading the memory

You want to see if the computer reads 2, 4 or 6GB.
If it is reading only 1 slot, ie slot 2, then after the swap it should read 2G. Then slot 1 might be bad.

Also try them individually to identify if one of them is bad.
4G #1
then
4G #2

I did read some place that "sometimes" there might be an issue with unmatched memory, 2 memory modules with different specs. So they work individually, but they don't work together.

[backseat]

Also I'm running Windows 7 Enterprise 64-bit which according to MS I should be fine upto 192GB RAM http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library ... _windows_7

Machine type is 6457-5KM

[backseat]

OK - here are the real technical details.

Existing setup that works:
1 x 2GB 2Rx8 PC2-5300S-555-12 Hynix - this came with the machine (not sure if original)
1 x 2GB PC2-5300-1288 256MX64 200 SO DIMM DDR2-667MHZ CL5 Hynix (added later)

Those 2 module work and I get 4GB.

Now I purchased 2 additional 4GB modules non-matching pair of Kingston 4GB PC2 5300 DDR2 667 KVR667D2N5/4G-SP

If I install:
1 x 4GB - I get 4096MB
1 x 4GB + 1 x 2GB - I still get 4096MB
2 x 4GB - I still get 4096MB
2 x 2GB - the orginal setup, 4096MB

You might want to consider that your mainboard could possibly have one broken memory slot:

• Did you already before try 2x2GB or 2x1GB or 2GB+1GB in this machine?
• Does the 2x4GB memory you used properly work in another machine?
• Are you aware that possibly not all memory brands are compatible?
• Did you make sure to only purchase known good brand modules?
• Did you use equal memory modules (=a matching pair)?

Memory slot is not broken, it works on 2 x 2GB
Can not test on another machine
Purchased Kingston, they seem to work individually
They were not purchased as matching pairs but are exactly the same modules

[backseat]

Try swapping the memory modules

After iterating the combinations I'm sure one of the 4GB modules is bad as it won't post in either slot. If the other module is installed in the same slot, and the faulty module installed it will POST ok but limited to 4GB.

I can get 6GB only if the 2GB module is in the lower slot, having the 4GB module in this slot seems to limit it to 4GB.

End result is 6GB working and a faulty RAM module.

Thanks for all the tips.

[RealBlackStuff]

You bought Kingston RAM of the KVR family.
That is Kingston Value RAM, meaning it is possibly the lowest quality as tested(?) in the factory.
It may work in some machines, but not all.
Try not to buy any Value type RAM from any brand, .
Return both modules and get 2 others.
If you bought from a shop, take the laptop with you and try them out there.

[TuuS]

I've used the kingston value ram in a t61 that I purchased new in 2008 and it worked great. I bought some for a similar model and had one chip causing problems and they replaced it with no questions asked. I've never had an issue other then that, and although it is their cheaper priced ram, I suspect that is a marketing thing, not a quality issue, but I'd definitely consider the experiences of others here as credible and just because I've had no problem doesn't mean your's isn't bad.

I've also never had a problem with a T61/T61p recognizing 8GB. It's not officially supported, but it works for everyone else so I can only assume you have a hardware problem of some sort. If you want an affordable source for ram, I got 8GB of generic ram on ebay for $82 a couple weeks ago and it works great.

The generic manufacturer is "Komputer Bay", it's brand new, it works, and it's got a lifetime warranty. I guess the warranty is only good as long as the company is in business, but I've seen them trading for at least a few years, and unless you find a really good sale or rebate, I doubt you'll get a better price. (I only wish these units could use DDR3, I have gotten it for less then half this price.

Here is the ebay sale I got, I don't know the seller and have only purchased once, but I'd consider buying from them again.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110633031429?ss ... 124wt_1015


ps. be careful about what you say when talking to the seller. They are likely to lookup a T61 and see it's listed as 4GB max and tell you there is nothing wrong with the ram.

[backseat]

I will try find some other RAM but there were few options that would ship to Australia, which is why I went Value RAM. Next time I will try a matched set if these are available to ship here.

Cheers.

[billp117]

Kingston Memory comes with a Lifetime Warranty...contact them and get an RMA. That should solve your problem.

http://www.kingston.com/anz/support/rma.asp

[JeffCullen]

FWIW I have this kit:
http://www.mushkin.com/Memory/Essentials/996685.aspx
in my T61p and it works perfectly.