Thinkpads Forum

I have to switch some memory between machines, and want to know if I could run PC3-12800 RAM in a X201 - the module would be a 4GB Hynix which is a genuine lenovo FRU.

Lenovo states PC3-10600 is the max supported speed, but I have seen some threads with claims of 12800 working, but without any hard evidence of what particular brands/modules...

Can anyone shed some light?

Thanks a lot.

In general, any faster DDR3 memory should work; it will just run at the max speed the laptop supports.
There are some exceptions I know of with very low-latency modules; some laptops can't adjust to their timings. People have gotten around that by modifying the SPD chip on the module. Pretty sure that shouldn't be an issue with Lenovo parts.

In my experience this generation ThinkPad is very picky with DDR3-12800 modules.

I tried Corsair Vengeance, Hynix and Elpida modules in my X201 (all 12800) and they never worked, I tried it in three X201's (I had similar experiences with T410, T510 and W510). Although I read some users managed to get some RAM working, I can't recall which modules though...

I'd say you give it a try, it won't break anything, just make sure the AC adapter and battery are disconnected before swapping the RAM.

Usually make sure this is 16 chips module type. This is classed as 2Rx8 configuration.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection

Tested on my X201s by myself, which would be the same for your X201.
(1600MHz = PC3-12800)

DOES NOT WORK - Kingston HyperX 1600MHz DDR3L 4GB x2, CL9 1.35V, these are 1Rx8 (single-ranked, double-sided)
DOES NOT WORK - Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz DDR3L 4GB x2, CL9 1.35V, these are 1Rx8 (single-ranked, double-sided)
WORKS - Samsung 1333MHz DDR3 4GB x2, CL9 1.5V, these are 2Rx8 (dual rank, double-sided)
WORKS - Crucial Ballistix 1600MHz DDR3L 4GB x2, CL9 1.35V, these are 2Rx8 (dual rank, double-sided)

We have a list building up here too if you are keen: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=118247

Ahhh, excellent folks - just the ticket!

thinkpadcollection wrote:Usually make sure this is 16 chips module type. This is classed as 2Rx8 configuration.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection

Thanks for this - I have 2Rx8 in most of my thinkpads (stock) so I will stick with this.

Tasurinchi wrote:I
I tried Corsair Vengeance, Hynix and Elpida modules in my X201 (all 12800) and they never worked, I tried it in three X201's (I had similar experiences with T410, T510 and W510). Although I read some users managed to get some RAM working, I can't recall which modules though...

hengster wrote:Tested on my X201s by myself, which would be the same for your X201.
(1600MHz = PC3-12800)

DOES NOT WORK - Kingston HyperX 1600MHz DDR3L 4GB x2, CL9 1.35V, these are 1Rx8 (single-ranked, double-sided)
DOES NOT WORK - Corsair Vengeance 1600MHz DDR3L 4GB x2, CL9 1.35V, these are 1Rx8 (single-ranked, double-sided)
WORKS - Samsung 1333MHz DDR3 4GB x2, CL9 1.5V, these are 2Rx8 (dual rank, double-sided)
WORKS - Crucial Ballistix 1600MHz DDR3L 4GB x2, CL9 1.35V, these are 2Rx8 (dual rank, double-sided)

We have a list building up here too if you are keen: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=118247

Brilliant stuff! I will try Hynix 1600Mhz DDR 4GB (x1), CL11 1.35V 2Rx8 to be exact. If it works I will purchase a matching stick. If not I better go with tried and tested!

Samsung M471B5273DH0-CH9 works @533-7-7-7-20 timings [PC3-10600 2Rx8]
Hynix HMT351S6EFR8C-PB works @533-7-7-7-19 timings [PC3-12800 2Rx8] (these are pulled from a Dell laptop)
Kingston HyperX PnP KHX1600C9S3P1K2/8G works @533-6-6-6-18 timings [PC3-12800 2Rx8]
Nanya NT4GC64B8HG0NS-DI works @533-7-7-7-19 timings [PC3-12800 2Rx8]