Why didn't my new RAM work (T400)?

[Oro]

I purchased a 4GB Samsung DIMM to upgrade the memory in my T400.

I did some research and saw that they could sometimes be finicky so I ordered a PC3 2-Row, Samsung 12800.

I received a PC3L and it was 1 row. Is that likely the reason? Likely the 1 row issue, or also the low-voltage? What do I need them to send me to make sure it will be compatible?

Thanks!

[CASPER]

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[jaspen-meyer]

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[CASPER]

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[axur-delmeria]

Have you tried the RAM on another laptop to confirm that it works?

If it works, can you run CPU-Z on that laptop, then post a screenshot of its SPD tab, like this:

Sample SPD tab:


Can you also run CPU-Z on your T400, then post screenshots for the Memory and SPD tabs?

Sample Memory tab:

[thinkpadcollection]

This will not help at all with CPU-Z on type of memory especially lack of 2Rx8 reporting also if the computer is not available to test and current notebook not bootable with this newer memory? And I do not wish to hear about one row and such. This correct term is rank. Needs to be 2 ranks which is 2Rx8 which is 16 chips module. PC3-12800 does not matter. I had this running in a T420 with 12800 module as 10600 running.

And cannot claim that 1.35V means can do dual voltage. It is certainly not. Have to be guaranteed to have dual voltage module from the memory maker, that means have to be 1.5V for older notebooks.

Sorry to be pedantic and I was not happy with all the misinformation.

Cheers, thinkpadcollection

[CASPER]

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[rjwilmsi]

The T400 does NOT support 4 GB 1Rx8 memory modules. 2 GB 1Rx8 work, 4 GB 2Rx8 work. 4 GB 2Rx8 can be DDR3L and will operate automatically at 1.5V.

Though in my experience when I say does NOT support 4 GB 1Rx8, in testing with a T410, the machine may power up and complete POST with 4 GB 1Rx8 installed, but if you start a memory test the machine will crash or restart itself within seconds. I assume loading an operating system would also fail quickly. While the T410 starts up, I suspect the older T400 won't even do that with 4 GB 1Rx8 modules.

You need x20 series (e.g. T420, X220) or later to use 4 GB 1Rx8 DDR3 (have tested loads in X220 machines).

[Dragunov]

I purchased a 4GB Samsung DIMM to upgrade the memory in my T400.

I did some research and saw that they could sometimes be finicky so I ordered a PC3 2-Row, Samsung 12800.

I received a PC3L and it was 1 row. Is that likely the reason? Likely the 1 row issue, or also the low-voltage? What do I need them to send me to make sure it will be compatible?

Thanks!

My experience has been that PC3 12800 won't work in a standard T400, however, I have two, T400's that have 8gb of PC 1333 each, and they work fine. Same with the R400.