T400: RAM used Slots without opening? *PIC*

[jwege]

Hi all,

I have got a used T400 Win7 2GB Machine (6474-AH2) from a refurbisher. I ordered it with ONE 2GB MEM card (to be able to install more RAM later). Is there any way to find out if there is really a 2GB card in it (and not two 1GB's) without opening the TP?

Thanks in advance

Admin edit: Added PIC warning, since, well, I added a picture .

[RealBlackStuff]

Download the free version of Speccy: http://www.piriform.com/speccy/download
Run it to see something like this: http://i.stack.imgur.com/1rsBJ.png

[jwege]

Thanks for the tip ... BUT ... (at least the free version) does NOT show the slots like in your screenshot ... it starts at the "type" line ...

[RealBlackStuff]

When you start Speccy (after installation), click on RAM in the left column.
Scroll up?
Mine (also free version, just downloaded) starts with
RAM
... Memory slots
.....Total memory slots
etc.

[rkawakami]

Also memtest86+ generally can tell you which slots are occupied and provide the manufacturer details as long as it can read the module's SPD information. I would highly recommend this since you will be able to verify that the memory module(s) are good.

ref: http://www.memtest.org/#downiso

[jwege]

mmmh. I have Speccy Ver 1.26.698, but clicking on the "RAM" on the left column, after the "checking" I have (blue)
- Memory
- Physical Memory
- SPD

in none of thos cats there is anything like Slots or so.

the only "number" is in the SPD section, it says "Number of SPD modules 0"

[Kilowatt]

Latest Speccy v 1.22.536 (64bit) (or so I thought)

says

RAM

Total Memory slots 4
Used Memory slots 4
Free Memory slots 0

updated to v126.698 same as yours, the same result, as above!

Good luck !

[jwege]

Seems I need to open the T400 ... I downloaded CPUID CPU-Z also and there I do also NOT get shown any infos about the slots like the manual says.

Both programs detect that there are two slots and bith detect 1944 MB of RAM, but none gets me more detailled infos about used slots ... funny?

Could it be the case that in my machine there is "odd/cheap/incompatible" RAM being used that does not show the required infos to the program/WIN7/machine ?

[ilakast]

Try Powershell

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=109996

[Neil]

Removing the palm rest and looking is just much simpler than trying to learn unfamiliar software.

[Philby]

Using ThinkVantage Toolbox is easiest way to se it.

[RealBlackStuff]

I just put some RAM in a T400 that just got in.
Speccy does indeed not show the same screen in a T400 as what I first linked to.
But in the (smaller in T400) RAM section, it will say under:
Channel: Single with one memory stick
Channel: Dual with two memory sticks.
Not good enough for daily use...
I had expected better from those Piri people.

[rkawakami]

Hate to flog a deceased equine but using memtest86+ solves the following:

- small download that only requires a boot diskette or flash drive
- does not require opening the laptop and thus possibly voiding any warranty
- does not require any large software package (e.g., ThinkVantage Toolbox)
- does not need an operating system to run on; preserves the original setup of the hard drive and OS
- will be able to verify that the memory module(s) are functional

[Tasurinchi]

Nothing beats a pair of eyes!

It's just 4 screws... Even with warranty playing a game, RAM is CRU, isn't it?

[Cigarguy]

Nothing beats a pair of eyes!

It's just 4 screws... Even with warranty playing a game, RAM is CRU, isn't it?

I agree and it's probably time to reapply thermal paste and give everything a dusting. Doubt there's any warranty left on anything this old.

[rumbero]

For those who might wonder how to do this in Linux, ensure to have "dmidecode" installed. Chances are that one of the more popular Linux live systems have it already preinstalled, as it is such a versatile diagnostic tool.

To get information relevant and limited to the system's memory banks, just execute as follows:

Code: Select all

# dmidecode -t 6
# dmidecode 2.11
SMBIOS 2.4 present.
Handle 0x0008, DMI type 6, 12 bytes
Memory Module Information
	Socket Designation: DIMM Slot 1
	Bank Connections: 0 1
	Current Speed: 155 ns
	Type: DIMM SDRAM
	Installed Size: 2048 MB (Double-bank Connection)
	Enabled Size: 2048 MB (Double-bank Connection)
	Error Status: OK
Handle 0x0009, DMI type 6, 12 bytes
Memory Module Information
	Socket Designation: DIMM Slot 2
	Bank Connections: 2 3
	Current Speed: 155 ns
	Type: DIMM SDRAM
	Installed Size: Not Installed
	Enabled Size: Not Installed
	Error Status: OK

This simple example was taken on a T61 with one single memory module installed.

Of course, dmidecode can provide lots more information about the technical details of a system than just this simple extract.

[rkawakami]

The warranty I'm referring to is one that may have been provided by the "refurbisher" that the OP bought the system from, not the one from the factory. Most such sellers will guarantee a system's performance as long as you don't start taking it apart. I myself have done this with some laptop sales (putting custom tamper-proof stickers across the removable panels, for instance).

Even though the OP reports the system having Windows 7 already installed on it, with the possibility that it does already have some software that can ID the memory slot usage or that some software could be easily downloaded, installed and interpreted, I'd still suggest getting a copy of memtest86+. For most recent systems, you can get information on the slot usage like this:



Here on my T410, you can see that both slots are occupied by 2GB Samsung modules, with the speed rating and part number clearly noted. I'd consider this information a "bonus" in that the original purpose of memtest86+ is to verify that the memory is fully functional. Note that this information comes from the SPD (Serial Presence Detect) memory that is installed on each module. Each module manufacturer is supposed to properly identify what it is. I'd be somewhat surprised if this information comes back incorrect. About the only thing I can think of is some shady memory dealer that is selling counterfeit modules and they program the SPD info wrong. That in itself would probably lead to the module not working with the system in the first place but stranger things have happened.