T60 Memory: A few questions

[akela_topchi]

Dear Friends,

This is my first post at this forum. Before ordering my first ThinkPad, I joined this forum. This is really great forum, and it really helped me decide. Recently, I ordered a T60 (1953 E4U 1.83GHz 100GB 512MB).

I opted for 512MB RAM because RAM is costlier at Lenovo.
Now I want to upgrade.

I asked the sales rep about the maximum memory that T60 1953 E4U can be upgraded to. I was told that it's 4GB. I searched on this forum, and found a few thread that discussed the same topic. It seems that because of some technical limitation (I don't know if this is correct term to use) T60 will only recognize 3GB. At Crucial.com confirms this - See "How much (Memory) do I need" section @ http://www.crucial.com/store/ListParts. ... pe+1953%29.

My questions are -
- Is this correct? Is there no way the whole 4GB can be used by the system?
- Instead of using a 200-Pin memory, can I upgrade my T60 with PC2-5300 "240-PIN" DDR2-SDRAM 667MHz? Will there be some compatibility problems?

Any suggestions for some proven and tested memory options? I did some reseach myself. As I am looking for good memory at average/low price, I found Crucial and OCZ to be good options. Did not find any PC2-5300 in OCZ products. Kingston seems good, but its pricey.

Thanks for your help!

[akela_topchi]

Hi Chris, Thanks for the answers!

When I talked to Lenovo, the sales rep told me that it can be upgraded upto 4GB. So I thought that probably there is some solution for 3GB/4GB problem of T60.

[Liam_]

You could upgrade to 4GB of ram. First of all, why do you need such an enormous amount of ram?

Second, please see this topic. I'm sure you already took a look at it.

So, when you have 4GB of ram, Windows will only use about 3GB and a process in Windows will only use a maximum of 2GB.

Then again, what programs do you run so that 2GB of ram wouldn't be enough?

[akela_topchi]

No, I am not upgrading to 4GB. I am installing only 2GB.
I just wanted to verify whether the information I got from Lenovo is correct or not.

[claudeo]

The maintenance manual is available online on the Lenovo web site. It lists all the supported memory combinations. And it does state that the maximum is 2 x 2GB, with a note stating that only 3GB will be recognized.

[Liam_]

No, I am not upgrading to 4GB. I am installing only 2GB.
I just wanted to verify whether the information I got from Lenovo is correct or not.

Ok, sorry, I misinterpreted your post. You can get 2GB in a T60p, just check the manual if you want to be 120% sure.

[tpribors]

Does the T60 use 1 DIMM or 2? I'm considering upgrading to 2GB. I have a 2623DDU with 1GB. If there is only one then it is clear I need to change to a 2GB DIMM. However, if there are 2, is there a way to tell (without opening the case) if there are 2 DIMMS installed (in which case I need to install only 1 1GB DIMM) or am I better off using a single 2GB?

[pianowizard]

Does the T60 use 1 DIMM or 2?

2.

is there a way to tell (without opening the case) if there are 2 DIMMS installed (in which case I need to install only 1 1GB DIMM) or am I better off using a single 2GB?

You need to remove the palm rest to see the memory modules. Or you can instead use a system info program (e.g. PC Wizard) downloadable from majorgeeks.com to find out.

[tpribors]

I decided to open the case and there is only 1 DIMM installed.

Can I add another 2GB DIMM to get 3GB or do the DIMMs have to be matched in size (for interleaving and other hardware purposes)?

[pianowizard]

Can I add another 2GB DIMM to get 3GB

Yes.