Memory upgrade in x40, thinkpad wont start

[grommmm]

So, after i put the additional 512MB RAM, the thinkpad wont start. Just the "on"-light is on, battery is charging, but all i see is a black screen. After i take the RAM out, the thinkpad is starting normally.

the RAM-module should be the right one (SO-DIMM PC2700 333), and the method of installing should also be the right one, as presented at the IBM/Lenovo website.

Any suggestions on how i get the thinkpad to work with the 512MB RAM?

Regards,
Ljupcho

[rkawakami]

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

It sounds like the 512MB module is defective or you have a problem with the motherboard. Since it appears that you can't get the system to boot properly, running a memory diagnostic program is out of the question. That leaves trying out the module in another system which also uses PC2700 DDR SODIMM or putting in another 512MB module.

[grommmm]

thanks for the prompt reply!

well, it sounds like i need to contact the seller, which i did (wrote an email). so, if this is somehow solved, will write the solution here.

i just bought the x40 just for a special task that lasts another 3-4 months, so i'll contact that retailer too.

regards,
Ljupcho

[mikeh]

Could this be a case of high-density RAM?
Does it have Samsung chips?

[grommmm]

you know what guys, i think they sent me the wrong RAM. the pin-number is correct, the module goes into the slot w/o any problems, but they gave me a 400Hz istead of 333Hz, i think.

its a holiday in germany today, so i'll probably have a reply from the seller tomorrow.

[mikeh]

Using RAM rated at a higher speed wouldn't cause any problems.

[grommmm]

i cant wait to start with the dumb questions

so, if the module goes in into the slot w/o problems, it should basically work? at least boot up?

I think the x40 is designed for 333 and 266, right?

[mikeh]

You'd think so, but no. Google "high density DDR".

[sjthinkpader]

I'll be surprised if "high density DDR" is the issue with SODIMMs in X40. I've used 8 chips TSOP (high density?) and 16 chips BGA/TSOP (low density?) 512MB DDR SODIMMs in X32, X40, T40-42, R50-51 without any issues. The X40 chipset was designed late enough that 2 RAS vs 1 RAS+ extra address issue had been resolved. Even an A30 can use high density 128MB (16Mbx16 x4 chips) SODIMM.

I have a Minolta printer that took a single RAS (64Mbx64), 512MB, DDR module. When a 2 RAS module was inserted, only half of the memory was recognized. Curiously, when I set out to look for this single bank module, the market place was confused with the terms "single bank" and "single side".

I think Ray is right, that module is probably defective.

[grommmm]

thanks for the help guys.

i updated the BIOS also, thought it might have an influence, but was wrong.

After i got one of those automatic replies from the seller (send it in, we ll figure the problem out), i sent it in, so i m waiting...

oh, it wasn't high density, checked.

[grommmm]

ok guys, thanks again for your help. to close it up:

the 512mb ram with 400Hz bustakt: it didnt let this puppy to boot.

i returned it and got another one:

a 512mb ram with 333Hz: had blue screens with it

i returned it and got another one:

a 512mb ram with 333Hz: going pretty smooth with it.

persistence payed off.

I have Windows 7 RC1 on this x40, 1GB ram, and it is running very well, no glitches, no nothing. No Aero effects too, but didn't expect that to work.
Except for the known video driver issue and a bluetooth driver issue (although i can sync my blackberry over bluetooth, but cant transfer files) it all functions great.


regards

[mikeh]

Good to hear it is OK.
No Aero at all? Then I'll just have to boast about how good Compiz/Linux looks on the X40

[sjthinkpader]

I wonder if this would get a better video driver onto a X40/X41:

1. Install Vista, update video driver to latest
2. Do a Windows 7 upgrade instead of clean install

I have a Win7 clean install running on my X40 now and no Aero. I have a 16GB Samsung SLC SSD on order to do this but vendor had not delivered yet.

[grommmm]

@mikeh - yes, no Aero at all

@sjthinkpader - the video driver issue is kind of dealt with. someone "exported" the vista-driver http://vinf.net/2009/01/12/windows-7-an ... -solution/ so the problem is kind of solved. But still no Aero, and i think i am not able to use a beamer cause the video card driver isnt the "right one".

For Aero and all other compatibility issues - gonna solve them later in the sommer with another thinkpad >= x6*.

Its really great that Windows 7 runs smooth even on the x40, it came out like, 2004, right?

[rkawakami]

a 512mb ram with 333Hz: going pretty smooth with it.

persistence payed off.

If you haven't done so already, I would fully test out the new module using a memory diagnostic program such as memtest86+. The program is designed to check the performance of the memory to make sure that all of the bits are properly working. Do this before any warranty/guarantee period from the seller expires.

ref: http://www.memtest.org/#downiso