Thinkpads Forum

Hi,
I recently purchased a TranScend 2GB 200 pin 667 SODIMM for my T61 1GB laptop and tried the upgrade. The BIOS failed to recognize the additional memory, so I swapped the existing memory modules and now, the bios and OS recognize only the 2GB, but the earlier 1GB that is now in the second slot is not being recognized. I also upgraded my BIOS version but still face the same issue. ThinkVantage also shows "Not installed" in memory bank 2/3, and 2GB is memory bank 0/1. How can I go about ensuring I can use them both? Would the speed mismatch among them be an issue? I think the earlier 1GB SODIMM is 533 Mhz.

Thanks

Try the original 1GB stick in the second slot, with nothing in the first slot. If the machine beeps and does not boot the slot is bad. If it boots, then I'd start to look at compatibility issues.

clean both memory chip contacts with denatured alcohol

Press quite firmly to make sure the module is seated properly. It's easy to not do that well enough.

Thanks all! I tried booting up with the new memory in the Slot 1 alone. The system beeped with 1805 error, asking me to install memory in slot 0 or less, but still went ahead and booted. After that, I added the older memory in slot 0 and viola! the BIOS and Windows recognized them both!
I don't see a significant improvement in the boot times, though. Could it be the older 1GB RAM chip is running at 555 Mhz and the new 2 GB is running at 667? Would I be able to run these 2 in dual mode?

Thanks

Why are you expecting an improvement in boot time?

So, do you still get the 1805 error when you boot with both chips now?

As far as boot time is concerned, it should take slightly longer to boot with more memory as the computer does a memory check before booting.