X30 1GB RAM 1-3-3-1 Beep Code

[phaxmohdem]

I found a couple 512MB PC133 modules in my memory bin here at home, and tried to install them in my X30 to replace the 256MB modules currently installed. I got a 1-3-3-1 beep code for both modules which a little Google research turned up to mean "28 autosize DRam" error issued by the BIOS.

I believe this is being caused because the old RAM modules have 8 chips on them (4 per side) while the new ones I was trying to replace them with have 16 chips, 8 per side.

Is there a BIOS update available for the x30 that will allow the use of these modules? (According to CPU-Z I'm currently rocking the 1.03 BIOS dated 12/02/2002 on this bad boy.)

[edit: ] I just flashed the BIOS to version 1.09 (the lastest) with no luck. Could this be a case of high density vs. low density? Which do I need for the X30?

[rkawakami]

I would think that X30 systems should be able to use any PC133 module; "density" being transparent to the chipset. In fact, the 512MB modules with 16 chips on them are the same "density" as the 256MB modules with 8 chips - they are both using 32MB memories. My guess is that you are looking at two defective modules and/or there's some oxidation on the metal contacts along the edge of the modules. You can usually take a pencil eraser (not ink) and rub it across the contacts to clean them off.

The latest BIOS revision level is 1.09 but it requires the Embedded Controller version 1.03. Both of them can be downloaded from these links:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-44135 (non-diskette BIOS update)
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-44152 (non-diskette Embedded Controller update)

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-44131 (diskette BIOS update)
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-44149 (diskette Embedded Controller update)

Two sets are available, depending upon if you have/want to use a floppy disk for the process. Otherwise, the updates can be run from the hard drive. It is recommended that you first update the system with the new BIOS revision and then do the EC update. Personally, I have always used the diskette method as it does not require any hard drive to be installed in the system. You will also need to have a fairly good battery installed as the update procedure checks to see if there's one in place for safety reasons (loss of power during the update process can turn your laptop into a "brick").

Prior to performing the updates, which I don't think will solve your memory problem, you might want to see if you can run a memory diagnostic program with one 256MB module and one 512MB module installed in the system. A program such as memtest86+ can be placed on a bootable floppy or CD:

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

In some cases, a system with a bad module can be booted as long as there is a "good" one also installed. Since it seems like you have had no problems with the 256MB modules, we can assume that they are both good. If there's any doubt, run both 256MB modules to the memory diagnostic prior to combining one of them with a 512MB module.

[phaxmohdem]

Thank you for that very in-depth reply. I updated the EC and BIOS, still no luck. I tried every combination of mixing good DIMM's with the non-working ones, and no matter which slot the non-working DIMM was in it wouldn't even get to the point I could boot anything, diskette or otherwise. Eraser trick was a no go as well. I suspect you are right then about just having bad DIMMs. Shame.

[sjthinkpader]

Most discrete RAM chips are made generically. But the module may have some special value loaded in the SPD. One such example are modules for Panasonic machines. In that case the modules will not work unless the SPD values are changed.