X21 and PC133 SODIMM

[billp117]

I ordered 256 meg SODIMM from eBay and received a PC133 module. The guy said it would work in the X21...but it only recognizes the one module with 256 meg...I cannot get it to recognize the built on 128 meg with a total of 384 meg.

It is a Hyundai PC133,
Cas Latency = 3.0
Ras = 3
Ras precharge = 3
Tras = 6

Any suggestions...will a PC100 256 meg module solve my problem?

[qviri]

Does the stick have eight or 16 chips on it?

[billp117]

It has eight chips.

[rkawakami]

I believe you need a 16-chip 256MB module in order to work in the X21. This is otherwise known as a "low-density" module.

[qviri]

The RAM density (dictated by the number of chips) is the deciding factor, not the speed. PC133 can just downclock itself to PC100 if need be.

[billp117]

The strange part is the computer will run...but only the PC133 shows up as the available RAM. The built-in PC100 128MB now shows as blank. Go figure. I did a little more research and the culprit appears to be that I need the 16 chip low density PC100 in order for the X21 to recognize the full 384MB of RAM. I will try that next.

[qviri]

Yeah, it definitely does run. I have not checked with CPU-Z (and I sold my high-density stick so it's a bit late to do it now), but I'd suspect that what's actually happening is the laptop is seeing 128 MB onboard and half of the 256 MB stick.

[pianowizard]

Any suggestions...will a PC100 256 meg module solve my problem?

The simplest thing to do: look for "33L3069" or "33L3070" on eBay. Remember to check the "Search title and description" option.

Or, get this stick from SaberX.

[billp117]

I received the 256 MB - PC100 - 16 chip sodimm today. It installed perfect and I now have full capacity (128 + 256 MB). Sure runs much better with Windows XP Pro.