T430 can’t POST after RAM upgrade WARNING PICS

[tba]

I upgraded the RAM in my T430 (dGPU disabled, i7-3840QM, 1vyrain) from 2*4GB (Samsung and Hynix) to 2*8GB (Puskill DDR3L 1600). It won’t POST in that configuration. I get beeps: long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long.

When I replace one of the 8GB modules with one of the 4GB modules it successfully POSTs, but the 8GB module isn’t recognized in BIOS.

I’m quite sure the new RAM was properly seated, as I tried several times.

This is a picture of the new RAM next to the old: https://ibb.co/BPns05V

Suggestions?

[RealBlackStuff]

T430 needs 1.5V RAM, such as 2/4/8GB PC3-12800 / DDR3-1600MHz.
You are trying 1.35V PC3L / DDR3L, which doesn't work here.

[tba]

Really? Everything I’ve read (e.g., this: https://medium.com/@n4ru/the-definitive ... ff3f6a8e2e) suggests the T430 will use DDR3L RAM, and this: https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/373 ... ad+of+DDR3 says DDR3L is dual voltage and can operate at 1.5v too.

[RealBlackStuff]

Some DDR3L also work under DDR3 and v.v., but not all.
That's what you get from a cheap Chinese knock-off RAM with 2Rx4 instead of 2Rx8.

[kfzhu1229]

I believe your RAM is just low quality at this point. It claims to be 2Rx4 while it clearly does not look like 2Rx4 to me.
I know you are trying to save up because the 8GB sticks are ridiculously expensive right now on the height of the pandemic. Maybe try looking for good branded second hand options? And make sure it says 2Rx8.
Also I thought both T530 and T430 natively support DDR3L?

[Screamer]

I get beeps: long-short-short-short, short-short-short-long.

According to the UEFI/BIOS error and beep codes page, this could possibly mean that there's something wrong with your new RAM modules.

When I replace one of the 8GB modules with one of the 4GB modules it successfully POSTs, but the 8GB module isn’t recognized in BIOS.

Do you mean that the BIOS detects only 4 GB of RAM?

I’m quite sure the new RAM was properly seated, as I tried several times.

Suggestions?

The RAM's contacts. Are they visibly dirty or 'foggy'? Wipe it off with an eraser head if it's not clean.

(e.g., this: https://medium.com/@n4ru/the-definitive ... ff3f6a8e2e) suggests the T430 will use DDR3L RAM, and this: https://www.ifixit.com/Answers/View/373 ... ad+of+DDR3 says DDR3L is dual voltage and can operate at 1.5v too.

Assuming that the said T430 has an Ivy Bridge processor, of course, it can use DDR3L with no issue. However, if it has a Sandy Bridge processor, the RAM modules will be forced to operate at DDR3 (1.5 V) as its memory controller is not capable of running DDR3L (1.35 V) RAM.

DDR3L is indeed dual-voltage capable, but some manufacturers do not fully comply with the JEDEC's DDR3L specifications.

I believe your RAM is just low quality at this point. It claims to be 2Rx4 while it clearly does not look like 2Rx4 to me.

I second this statement. 2Rx4 RAM modules would have a total of 32 RAM chips, which is not physically possible to fit onto a standard SO-DIMM. This particular RAM module appears to be a 2Rx8 configuration from the looks of it.

Also I thought both T530 and T430 natively support DDR3L?

They do, although they must have an Ivy Bridge processor installed as Sandy Bridge's integrated memory controller does not support DDR3L.

[Natakranta]

I can add from my own experience, my T430 Type 2347-1G1 (Ivybridge, Intel GPU only) is happily running 2x8GB PC3L 12800S Samsung RAM sticks. The plastic on RAM slot has writing "DDR3 RVS 1.5V", so indont know if it is actually using the L and running it at 1.35V or is the Samsung Low Voltage sticks being able to run on 1.5V
picture

[tba]

Thank you all for your help. After the assistance of a very kind person in the ThinkPad discord, I’ve established that the new RAM is faulty and have returned it.

Can anyone shed more light on the difference between 2Rx4 and 2Rx8?

[kfzhu1229]

It's the chip and rank configurations for the RAM stick I believe, it determines how many chips you have that forms in total 8GB on your stick, and whether it is one sided or two sided mounted on the PCB.
You should only use 2Rx8 ones as that was the only configuration that the chipset is designed to run with. I have a pair of Kingston HyperX 8GB DDR3L sticks in 2Rx8 living in the T530 (now Latitude E6430 instead) and it's still working after 4-5 years.