A couple of T30 questions

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MrFanel · #1 Post by **MrFanel** » Mon Oct 23, 2006 12:10 pm

Hey all,

I recently acquired a MINT T30 but have a few questions:

A. Seems like only one DIMM slot is working; when I put a RAM module into one of the slots, the laptop would beep in this sequence: 1-3-3-1, but the other one works fine. If I stick RAM in both slots, the computer would only recognize the amount of RAM in the working slot (i.e. if I stick 256 MB and 512 MB, it will only see the 512 MB in the working slot). Is this a defective slot or is something else going on?

B. Anyone know of a cheap place to get a replacement battery? This laptop has been sittin for 3 years and the battery was used a total of 19 times... it only holds half charge now.

MrFanel · #2 Post by **MrFanel** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 8:51 pm

bump...

Website · #3 Post by **tfflivemb2** » Tue Oct 24, 2006 9:00 pm

I must have slipped past this thread yesterday.

Here are some answers:

A. Some T30's are known for having a problem with the second ram slot. Up until earlier this year, IBM/Lenovo would correct this problem for free, EVEN if the system was out of warranty. Supposedly, there was some kind of replacement of the system board to correct it. However, some members of this forum that were not lucky enough to get theirs fixed in time, were able to place something between the ram and the ram cover to keep the ram properly seated. One word of caution on this, if you try it yourself...becareful not to use anything that will prevent air from getting to the ram stick, to keep it cool. Use something that will still allow airflow around it. Try searching the forum for the ram slot problem. (ie. "T30 slot"

B. I would recommend reconditioning the battery, using the process mentioned in Battery Maximizer. This will hopefully reset your battery. If it doesn't work, then eBay is probably your cheapest bet for getting a replacement battery.

EDIT: Just curious about your signature....what is a T21A?

MrFanel · #4 Post by **MrFanel** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 11:11 am

tfflivemb2 wrote:I must have slipped past this thread yesterday.

Here are some answers:

A. Some T30's are known for having a problem with the second ram slot. Up until earlier this year, IBM/Lenovo would correct this problem for free, EVEN if the system was out of warranty. Supposedly, there was some kind of replacement of the system board to correct it. However, some members of this forum that were not lucky enough to get theirs fixed in time, were able to place something between the ram and the ram cover to keep the ram properly seated. One word of caution on this, if you try it yourself...becareful not to use anything that will prevent air from getting to the ram stick, to keep it cool. Use something that will still allow airflow around it. Try searching the forum for the ram slot problem. (ie. "T30 slot"

B. I would recommend reconditioning the battery, using the process mentioned in Battery Maximizer. This will hopefully reset your battery. If it doesn't work, then eBay is probably your cheapest bet for getting a replacement battery.

EDIT: Just curious about your signature....what is a T21A?

Thanks for the answers!

The T21A was a corporate laptop; I don't know if it was a widely available unit or not... but the specific laptop had a PIII 800 in there, 256 MB PC100 RAM, 20 GB HD and a 4x4x24 CD-RW drive. This laptop was insane... it survived being fully submerged in water. But the power supply in it died after 4 years of use.

Edit: So I called IBM; they wont do anything since the repair thing expired on May of last year... I can't seem to find any ideas on how to get it to work - but I hear that you can just stuff something on the RAM module and it will automagically work?

ronbo613 · #5 Post by **ronbo613** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 5:16 pm

I had the same RAM slot issue, thanks to the info found in this forum, I was able to determine what it was and call for a system board replacement with less than two weeks left on the warranty. It took two trips to the repair shop for them to finally get it right. If I had the problem and couldn't fix it, I'd probably just buy a 1G RAM module and stick it in the good slot.
As far as batteries go, this place was the cheapest I could find for an IBM branded battery, I saw some aftermarket ones for about $40 on eBay.

#6 Post by **rkawakami** » Wed Oct 25, 2006 5:35 pm

If you don't mind the Frankenstein surgery scars, this place has re-celled batteries available:

http://www.batteryrefill.com/laptops/ib ... _T30.phtml

They take original IBM batteries, remove the cells and replace them with slightly higher capacity ones (no, no Sony ones!). You basically buy one of their re-celled batteries and when you receive it, send them yours for them to re-cell and re-sell.

Not financially connected with them; just a satisfied customer.

klouse · #7 Post by **klouse** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 11:31 am

“Probably just buy a 1G RAM module and stick it in the good slot.”

I’m having this same issue memory expansion slot issue, so I figure selling my 2 512 MB modules and going for a 1 GB module.

1.is this do-able ? is there a danger of damaging the memory?
2.If yes – does anyone have any recommendations?

Thanks you in advance for any help

klouse

Orevin · #8 Post by **Orevin** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 12:04 pm

You can try this approach first:
http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/Problem_with_ ... emory_slot
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=30251

You wont damage the memory or your laptop with an upgrade, if you follow this installation guide:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-42404

or watch the movies on how to remove and install the memory chips.

klouse · #9 Post by **klouse** » Tue Nov 07, 2006 1:19 pm

Thanks for the tip! - Orevin

I tried the cardboard under the memory panel trick (3 different thicknesses) - no luck
I guess it's worth another shot

My concern is no installing the memory. It's more if I stick a GB module into one slot that it won't overheat anything.

Also what would be the correct GB Module?

Thanks,
Klouse

uberT · #10 Post by **uberT** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 8:29 am

I'm getting to the point where my 512MB of memory is barely adequate on my 2366 T30. Is there any way to test for this problem on the 2nd slot? Should I just get a 1GB module and forget about the 2nd slot? Preferred sources?

Thanks.

klouse · #11 Post by **klouse** » Wed Nov 08, 2006 10:59 am

I tried the cardboard trick last night and my first attempt – success! Other than the Memory cover bulging out.

Then like an idiot I decided to try to change the position of the Cardboard – after that I could not get the darn thing to read the other 512 MB (30 minute later, I gave up)

I still like ronbo613 suggestion to place 1 GB stick in the good slot and call it a day. But I’m worried that the slot won’t handle the 1 GB and ending up causing more problems and If I can use a 1 GB stick, what is the recommended GB stick?

Thanks,
Klouse

A couple of T30 questions

A couple of T30 questions

Sounds like ronbo613 has a good idea

Thanks for the tip! - Orevin

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