faulty ram slot

[sakkara]

hi i have an a31p
with a faulty ram slot ie
no memory detected in slot and if i try to boot with that slot alone holding ram laptop beeps but wont display or boot
anyone have any idea of a fix and cost
thanks

[Harryc]

T30 machines are known for RAM slot problems caused by solder connections coming loose over time. I can't say that I've heard about this issue on A31/P's, but I suppose it's possible. The fix is to heat up every solder connection associated with that bad slot, reflowing the solder to reestablish the many connections (there are 200 pins on laptop RAM). For T30's the going rate is from $50 to $80 if I recall correctly. Hammerhaed technology out in California comes to mind as an outfit who might do this repair for you. On the other hand, it could be something entirely unrelated to a loose solder joint, in which case systemboard replacement is the next option. Very expensive for an A31P. That repair would run you from $125 to $225 just for the board, if you can find one for that price, and that is assuming that you replace it yourself. I suppose being in New Zealand would make it that much more difficult to source a systemboard.

[sakkara]

hi have used the old folded paper trick placed under ram cover to increase pressure ... and presto ram recognized and memory check shows working fine so loose slot?? or something else

[Harryc]

Yes I would agree that a loose solder joint in the offending slot is the most likely cause of the issue. If you run 1GB or 2GB total RAM, another option might be to run a single 1GB or 2GB module in the good slot. I 'think' that might work on an A31P, but I'll let someone who has tried it to confirm this.

[sakkara]

dont think there is such a thing as a 2 gig ddr ram stick

[Harryc]

Right, so then it's an easier choice. 1GB in one slot or fix the other slot.