Thinkpads Forum

Hello,

I have a W500 working fine with 4GB of memory (2x2GB) that I tried to upgrade to 8GB (2x4GB), but I can't seem to find compatible DDR3 memory modules locally. I have tried various DIMMs from Kingston and Corsair but I only get beep codes pointing to bad memory and no boot. If I reinstall the 2GB DIMMs it boots and works fine.

Would someone who already has 8GB of compatible memory be kind enough to tell me the brand/type/model of DIMMs installed?

I have found the relevant FRUs at Lenovo's Memory Compatibility - Notebooks page but I have credit with a local store that I would like to use, that's why I'm searching for compatible memory.

Thank you!

PC3-8500 (A.K.A. DDR3-1066) Sodimm or
PC3-10600 (A.K.A. DDR3-1333) Sodimm
If from the likes of Hynix, Elpida, Nanya, Micron or Samsung (my preferred sequence), they should work.
Personally I don't like Crucial, Kingston, Corsair (all overpriced), or non-brand RAM (cheaper but usually doubtful quality).

Note: only 64-bit operating systems support more than 3GB RAM.

Hello,

You are quite right, I had to order Kingston modules (if anyone is interested, the P/N was KTL-TP1066/4G) and they were overpriced. At least they worked without issues.

You don't necessarily need a 64bit OS to see all memory, eg for Linux you just have to install a PAE kernel to make all memory available. The 32bit limitations still exist per process, but that's a non issue for most usage scenarios.

Thanks!

I had similar problem with my T500... Corsair memories were not working, so I had to order Kingston

In 2x4GB configuration, I have the Kingston 1.5V high speed ram installed in two W500, and the Micron factory specified low power 1.3V ram installed in another. No issues.