Thinkpads Forum

Hey guys,
I knew the W500 doesn't support 12800 RAM, but I got a good deal on 2x4GB modules, originally from an unkown Lenovo Thinkpad.
I installed them, but only get 1-3-3-1 beeps.

Is there any way around this? I don't mind the downclock.
I also got a SATA3 SSD so I can migrate these parts to a better Thinkpad in the future.
I'm pretty sure I have the latest BIOS.

Worst case scenario, I guess I'll try to make a trade.

If those DIMMs are giving you the aforementioned beep code, the only thing you can do is return/sell/trade them...there's no workaround for getting them to "behave"...

Had a feeling I'd get this answer. But thanks anyways

Problem now is, my local store doesn't carry 1066. Will I be able to install 1333MHz?

Fusion wrote:Will I be able to install 1333MHz?

Maybe.

I can't recall what I have in my R500F, but can look at it and post the details later...

That would be great.
Looks like I may have found a pair of used Kingston KVR1066D3S7/4G locally, contacting seller now.

I'm usually leery of Kingston Value RAM but YMMV...

My DIMMs are 1066MHz...just checked.

For all I know you can always use higher rated RAM.

... unless they are from an unknown, untested source...

All I know is the 1600MHz ones are Hynix and seller said they were originally in a Lenovo and he's upgrading to 16GB.
Google search says IdeaPad G505 for example. PN is hmt451s6afr8a-pb.
I too thought they would "just work", except downclocked.

ajkula66 wrote:I'm usually leery of Kingston Value RAM but YMMV...

Not a huge fan myself, although I think I have KVR in my R60 with good results.
I can also bid on a pair of KTA-MB1066K2/4G from a MacBook.

So I finally found a pair of Corsair 4GB 1066 modules, but I popped them in and got 1-3-3-1 again.
Afaik, I have the latest bios update. What else could be wrong?

Edit: Just found a thousand threads about the Corsair RAM problem. This sucks.
I can barely find any 2x4GB 1066 being sold anywhere. This is frustrating.

Fusion wrote:So I finally found a pair of Corsair 4GB 1066 modules, but I popped them in and got 1-3-3-1 again.
Afaik, I have the latest bios update. What else could be wrong?

Edit: Just found a thousand threads about the Corsair RAM problem. This sucks.
I can barely find any 2x4GB 1066 being sold anywhere. This is frustrating.

Best Buy carries a lot of DDR3 RAM for about $70 for an 8GB kit (2 x 4Gb). To the best of my knowledge, faster RAM will work, but at the slower speed allowed by the system. As long as its not ECC or buffered you *should* be good with it. I slapped 8GB of PNY into my W500 and it runs great. IMHO, Crucial is the best but PNY was available for immediate pickup so I went with it.

Dudes,
It has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the rated speed of the RAM at all
GM45/PM45 machines including W500 don't take DDR3 4GB 1 Rank 8 banks, such as the one below
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kingston-KVR13S ... 337wt_1362

If you look at Intel data sheet, the maximum size per bank supported is 256Mbit, The one in the link above has 512Mbit

You will need 2Rx8 DDR3 for W500,such at this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/4GB-2Rx8-PC3-10 ... _25wt_1362


Intel datasheet for GM45, Page 62
http://www.intel.com/Assets/PDF/datasheet/320122.pdf

I too am running a 4GB PNY DDR3 module from Best Buy in my W500. It's listed as 1066/1333Mhz. Originally I used it in my Toshiba L645D, which did not play well with the two previous PNY modules before this one.