Thinkpads Forum

I tried to upgrade my 770Z using a Celeron 500Mhz cpu. I also changed the system memory (the hard to reach one) to a 128MB PC100 SODIMM. When I attempted to boot up the system, all I got was one long beep and a few, 2 or 3, short beeps, and then nothing. No screen or any other indications that it was turned on.

I restored it back to original configuration, but I have seen posted that the Celeron will work with this upgrade. Or am I wrong? Otherwise, I will get a PIII 500 non-speedstep cpu and try again. Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Try making sure that you didn't bump any parts loose, make sure the memory is fit sugly in the slot, but can still be easily removed, make sure the CPU is seated snugly with no bent pins and make sure the hard drive is in properly. If all of the above fails, try removing the RAM, then booting, then if that still yeilds no result, try putting the original CPU back and seeing if it works then.

First off, is the Celeron you're using made with On-die cache? It probably is, but if not that might be the source of your problem.

Are you sure that the processor is good? I got a crappy p3-550 off eBay and it was defective.

Have you updated to the latest BIOS? These are all pretty much just common questions. More specifics would be helpful.

Was the memory high density, or low density (number of chips on module) cause I know that can make a difference. What brand is the memory? I tried using inexpensive ram in my upgrade but it wouldn't post with it. I had to send it back and get Crucial ram.

The P3 would be better than the celeron anyways. You might want to consider a Speed Stepped 600 or faster p3 so that it would draw less power and run cooler, thats just a word of advice.

I went ahead and restored the 770Z back to original and it works. I'm still checking on the memory I used. Also, since I have found that other persons have had problems using the Celeron for this upgrade, I now have a PIII-450, non-speedstep cpu that I will try. I also got another low density 128Mb, pc100 sodimm that is the Crucial brand that I will try as well. I'll post the results after I get the thing put back together.

Thanks for you suggestions.