Thinkpads Forum

Hello,

I have a TP600E and 2 128 MB Ram Modules (Corsair/same Model). The TP isn't recognizing one RAM bank (the one which is next to the CD Rom) and so I can only have 32 or 160 (with a 128 Ram Module in the other bank) MB Rams.

What can be the reason for this error?
I've also tried to disable the internal 32 MB Ram but with no satisfaction.

best regards
Michi

Welcome to thinkpads.com!

I'm assuming that you have tried the same 128MB in both slots and found that you are having a problem with that module being identified in a particular slot.

If that's the case, then I would say you have a problem with the contacts in that connector and/or a problem elsewhere on the motherboard. You can try to clean the contacts with a foam-tipped swab dipped in a small amount of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol). This may be enough to get whatever dirt, grease or other contamination off of the electrical contacts. Cotton-tipped swabs can be used but you must remove all of the strands of cotton left behind, as sometimes the contacts will grab ahold of them.

Another thing to try is to use a pencil (not ink) eraser and rub the contacts on the memory module (both sides!). This might help improve the connection as well both would normally only be done if you had a problem with one module and not the other.

If these cleaning operations do not fix your problem, then there may be a broken connection of the memory module connector on the motherboard. That would be a much harder problem to find and fix.

many thanks for your response i will try to claen the contacts of the module and the slot with a "brake cleaner" (contains isopropyl alcohol) and I hope that this will solve the problem

i report my results

Be very careful! Some cleaners can attack or affect the plastics used in electronic equipment. If you can, just use plain old rubbing alcohol.

assuming the memory part is good, note that the contacts in the DIMM socket can be damaged by carlessly inserting the memory..
a visual inspection should show all the tiny wirelike contacts are in place and lined up..

only use the eraser if the contacts show some darkening..