Thinkpads Forum

Hello again everyone,

I have a TP 600E which won't boot with a second stick of RAM istalled. I have tried 32mb - 64mb & 128 mb modules, of the 66mhz & 100 mhz variations, (but NOT mixed together), with no success.
Machine boots ok with just 1 Module of any type, e.g 32, 64 & 128mb & either 66mhz or 100mhz.

I have also tried all the above with the onboard 32mb RAM disabled, (by Ctrl D etc in Setup & changing B20 from 80 to 81). This does reduce the startup RAM okay but doesn't make any difference to the problem.

The Model type is 2645-RR8? (Not sure about that though) & is definitely 300mhz with the latest bios update, IBET54WW. OS is Windows 2000 with Sp4 Update installed.

If no-one can help solve this problem, would a 256mb or a 512mb RAM Module work?

Have you tried checking the dimm slot to make sure that it is clean. I have heard that you can use a toothbrush to clean the contacts.

Thanks tfflivemb2
It's worth a try, but with all the RAM chips I've tried, you'd think that would have cleaned it up enough.

Odd. Does your computer also make a stange buzzing noise after memory check when you have a second bank of RAM installed because if so, we both have the same problem.

However, the chips I have on hand, which are 32mb, have not been previously tested and even though I've used a toothbrush to try cleaning my memory slot, I don't know how thourough the cleaning was. Later on, I might try turning off the computer, make sure no power is running through the system by removing devices and the cmos battery then soak the toothbrush in isopropyl alcohol then brush the contact and do the same to both chips then wait for both to try. If that works, I'll let you know.

EDIT: I tried cleaning the memory slot throughly with the toothbrush damp in isopropyl but unfortunatley, the slot still doesn't work. I'm not sure what's wrong with the slot at this point, whether it's something serious or if I just missed a spot when cleaning but I figure I'll just live without it.

256MB PC100 should work just fine. I've never seen a 256MB PC66 part.

512MB parts will not work, and I've never seen a 512MB PC66 or PC100 part anyway.

Does one stick work in either slot, or is it always the same slot that seems broken? It could be that you have a broken slot. Broken systems with working system boards are on ebay all the time.