Problem upgrading memory on an R50

Message

AndyKH · #1 Post by **AndyKH** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 9:09 am

I have an R50, in which I had an extra 256 MB memory installed by the retailer when I purchased it yielding a total of 512 MB memory (2x256, at least that's what I ordered, but I haven't checked it myself - 1x512 was more expensive). I have now bought 1GB additional memory - kingston value RAM PC2700 CL2.5. The full product number is KVR333X64SC25/1G. I have tried to install the SO-DIMM 3 times, but every time when I turn the PC it doesn't POST - nothing is shown on the screen at any time - also I haven't heard any beeps, but I'm not entirely sure I had the speaker turned on (will try again and update this post I in fact it does beep). When I remove the RAM it boots as normal.

Is there any issues with the R50 only allowing 2 SO-DIMMs at a time (I haven't found anything in the manual)? I assume the R50 is able to utilize the SPD and handle different CL values so it won't cause a problem if the existing SO-DIMMs have another CL value.

It's my first experience upgrading notebook RAM, so any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks in advance

#2 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 4:55 pm

Your R50 will work fine with one SODIMM installed but according to the compatibility list here that ram is not compatible with an R50.
You will pay a little more for guaranteed compatibility ram but it will work properly when installed.

#3 Post by **Harryc** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 5:00 pm

Kingston value RAM is not known to be widely compatible with Thinkpads. I used to buy Crucial PC2700 when I had T4X and R5X machines. It's kind of pricey these days ... great RAM though.
Crucial PC2700 at Newegg.com

mediasponge · #4 Post by **mediasponge** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 6:17 pm

I bought some PNY "Optima Memory" PC2700 that works fine in an A31p (running as PC2100). You can get it from Newegg, but I ordered mine from Frys.com as it was a little cheaper. The part number is N1GBD27OPT (1 GB PC2700 333 Mhz).

AndyKH · #5 Post by **AndyKH** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 7:34 pm

Thank you for the answers.

I just HATE IT when manufaturers can't follow a standard well enough to ensure compatibility (if that's the reason). Who is to blame here, and why on earth does Kingston manufature some memory modules that does work with the R50 and some that doesn't? Is it IBM/Lenovo's fault because they have built a check into the BIOS like it's the case with HDDs and wireless cards, or is it because IBM or Kingston don't follow the standard?

Also: It didn't really got communicated in my original post, but I'm planning to use all 3 SO-DIMM slots, that won't be a problem, will it?

Thanks

EDIT: Do Lenovo have a compatibility list with regards to memory, or should I just buy Kingstons thinkpad memory? Is Crucial guaranteed to be compatible?

JonathanGennick · #6 Post by **JonathanGennick** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 8:58 pm

AndyKH wrote:Is Crucial guaranteed to be compatible?

Here's a pertinent link to an answer in Crucial's FAQ:

http://www.crucial.com/kb/answer.aspx?qid=3374

The key sentence from the above link is:

"And we guarantee the memory you buy through the Memory Advisor will be 100 percent compatible with your system, or we'll refund the price of the incompatible module."

FWIW, I almost always buy my memory from Crucial. Their web site makes it drop-dead easy to look up the exact memory that you need for your system. I've had nothing but happiness from buying their RAM.

#7 Post by **carbon_unit** » Sat Jan 12, 2008 10:10 pm

JonathanGennick wrote: FWIW, I almost always buy my memory from Crucial. Their web site makes it drop-dead easy to look up the exact memory that you need for your system. I've had nothing but happiness from buying their RAM.

Same here.

Problem upgrading memory on an R50

Problem upgrading memory on an R50

Who is online