RAM: Logical upgrade path? [img warning]

[uberT]

subject machine: T30, about 4 yrs old. Original description:

Original description: P4-M 1.8GHz (512KB), 256MB RAM, 40.0GB HDD, 14.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, 8x-3.3x DVD-ROM, Cisco 802.11b wireless(MPCI), Modem(CDC), Ethernet(LOM), UltraNav, Secure Chip(TCPA), Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

I am at the point where I'd like to add another 512 MB of RAM for a total of 1 GB. My machine had an additional 256KB added prior to delivery to me.

I am wondering if my most direct path is to purchase a single module containing 1GB or should I purchase two 512MB modules?

Also, since I currently have two memory modules plugged in and functioning, do I need to be concerned about this widespread motherboard issue where people have had trouble when adding memory?

Thanks for any help.

[rkawakami]

I am wondering if my most direct path is to purchase a single module containing 1GB or should I purchase two 512MB modules?

A single 1GB module would leave you better positioned to further increase your memory in the future. You only have to balance the (assumed) extra cost of one 1GB module vs. two 512MB modules. I haven't priced DDR modules recently, so do your homework. You may even find PC2700 ones that are cheaper. Just be sure to match the CAS latency (CL) specs. I believe that the T30s use CL2.5.

Also, since I currently have two memory modules plugged in and functioning, do I need to be concerned about this widespread motherboard issue where people have had trouble when adding memory?

If you are experiencing no problems with your existing two modules, you probably won't have problems with two new ones (assuming they're good). Only if you overstress something when removing/installing the modules do I see you having any issues. My understanding of the memory slot problems is that it will affect ANY module (doesn't matter what size) that is installed.

[uberT]

I am wondering if my most direct path is to purchase a single module containing 1GB or should I purchase two 512MB modules?

A single 1GB module would leave you better positioned to further increase your memory in the future. You only have to balance the (assumed) extra cost of one 1GB module vs. two 512MB modules. I haven't priced DDR modules recently, so do your homework. You may even find PC2700 ones that are cheaper. Just be sure to match the CAS latency (CL) specs. I believe that the T30s use CL2.5.

Also, since I currently have two memory modules plugged in and functioning, do I need to be concerned about this widespread motherboard issue where people have had trouble when adding memory?

If you are experiencing no problems with your existing two modules, you probably won't have problems with two new ones (assuming they're good). Only if you overstress something when removing/installing the modules do I see you having any issues. My understanding of the memory slot problems is that it will affect ANY module (doesn't matter what size) that is installed.

Ray, thanks for your comments. The price differential between 1GB and 2x512MB is minor from what I can see. I'd like to keep it as simple as possible. This machine has been 1st class, as my other IBMs have been, but the company is recommending it be replaced since it's beyond 2 years. That's their thought process, not mine.

I suppose getting the 1GB makes most sense from a couple of perspectives.

So, 2700 is now interchangeable with the 2100?? Is the latency spec easy to find in published specs? I am not familiar with it at all. Any other concerns?

Thanks.

[tfflivemb2]

So, 2700 is now interchangeable with the 2100?? Is the latency spec easy to find in published specs? I am not familiar with it at all. Any other concerns?

Yes, PC2700 should be backwards compatible with PC2100.

I too would recommend the 1GB stick, since it will be cheaper to add a 1GB stick later, if wanted, then trying to replace the 2 512mb sticks with 2 1GB sticks.

It is also a better resell factor...though that might not matter since it sounds like this is a business owned machine.

[rkawakami]

So, 2700 is now interchangeable with the 2100?? Is the latency spec easy to find in published specs? I am not familiar with it at all. Any other concerns?

PC2700 is slightly faster than PC2100. Also, since it's just a bit "newer" than PC2100, you will probably see those modules costing a little bit less. It's the old problem about buying old memory; the most ancient (and slowest) stuff, tends to cost more than the newer, faster memory just because of its scarcity.

The CAS latency should appear somewhere on the label of the module. I believe that most any PC2700 module you can find will operate at CL2.5 so that shouldn't be too much of a problem. If it's labelled CL3, I wouldn't even try it unless you have an absolute guarantee of returning it. I believe it's possible that a PC2700 CL3 could run at PC2100 CL2.5 timings, but there's no guarantee unless I do the timing calculations or find some information online. Also, using PC2700 modules will NOT make your system run any faster. All you are doing is running the module slower than what it's capable of.

Here's a quick overview of DDR memory:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DDR_SDRAM

[uberT]

OK, thanks again. I found this Kingston on fleabay. Seems like it hits the criteria you mention.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... &rd=1&rd=1

there doesn't appear to be any shortage of these.

[Beech200]

Uber,

I thought the max ram for the T30 was 1024?

I have the latest bios update. Does this bios update allow for more that 1GB?

[tfflivemb2]

Originally, the T30's max was 1GB, but since there was a later BIOS update, the max is now 2GB.

[uberT]

thanks for mentioning that. Most websites still proclaim that 1GB is max.

I there any reason I couldn't buy a 1GB strip and leave one of the existing 256MB modules in place? Does that defy any sort of fundamental laws of memory useage?

Thx.

[rkawakami]

You should be able to mix and match different module sizes without any problems.

[uberT]

Nice, I've just never heard of 1280MBs of RAM before.

[uberT]

Gateway machine updated last night for $20...it's gone from 128MB to a stunning 192MB with the new memory strip. While it doesn't sound like much, the machine is running with vigor!

I think the WIN98 OS, plus all the background services including anti-virus, had gobbled nearly all available RAM by the time the machine had booted and reached a steady state. I now have approx 60MB of "free" RAM following boot up. It certainly is making a difference.

My 1GB strip for the T30 should arrive within a day or two. I'm anxious to get it installed.

[uberT]

OK, the 1GB strip for my T30 arrived and things aren't going quite as well as I'd hoped When I boot up I get this blue screen:



Machine just reboots over and over.

Memory purchased is Kingston P/N KTM TP9828/1G


Thanks for any suggestions.

[rkawakami]

Two things:

- If you revert the laptop to the original memory configuration, does it boot correctly?
- Was the laptop fully shut down/powered off before the new memory was installed (i.e., laptop not put into hibernate mode)?

[uberT]

Yes, I can put the old memory strip back in, everything is normal, I am typing this from the T30.

Yes, the machine was completely powered down and battery and power cord removed.

Thanks.

[uberT]

Error report contents

The following files will be included in this error report:


C:\Temp\WER5277.dir00\Mini020207-02.dmp
C:\Temp\WER5277.dir00\sysdata.xml


Error signature

BCCode : 1000000a BCP1 : 77AC5388 BCP2 : 00000002 BCP3 : 00000001
BCP4 : 804E6639 OSVer : 5_1_2600 SP : 2_0 Product : 256_1

[rkawakami]

As your original memory setup is still working then that points to the new memory module as being defective/incompatible. Searching for the specs on the Kingston TP9828/1G module seems to say that it's a PC2700 CL2.5 module which should work in your T30.

What is the BIOS version you have in the system? If it's real old, you may need to update it. I believe I saw something to that effect awhile ago.

BIOS Update (non-diskette) for T30

Also check to see which version of the Embedded Controller you are using as BIOS updates can depend upon the EC version.

Carefully inspect the edge connector of the memory module (the gold traces on both sides). Look for any contamination/bridging between adjacent traces, as well as the quality of the surface (shiny, no obvious pits or voids in the gold area). If you don't see anything wrong, then you could try cleaning the contacts with a PENCIL eraser by lightly rubbing it across the edge of the module. If none of this helps, then I would guess that you have to return the module to the seller and report it as non-working.

[uberT]

As your original memory setup is still working then that points to the new memory module as being defective/incompatible. Searching for the specs on the Kingston TP9828/1G module seems to say that it's a PC2700 CL2.5 module which should work in your T30.

Yeah, that's kind of where I am at. I suspect it's incompatible. The specs says it should work.

What is the BIOS version you have in the system? If it's real old, you may need to update it. I believe I saw something to that effect awhile ago.

I have the newest version available. The embedded controller is the latest. Just for laughs I rolled back the BIOS from 2.10 to 2.09 and that made no change. I get the same warning message.



Carefully inspect the edge connector of the memory module (the gold traces on both sides). Look for any contamination/bridging between adjacent traces, as well as the quality of the surface (shiny, no obvious pits or voids in the gold area). If you don't see anything wrong, then you could try cleaning the contacts with a PENCIL eraser by lightly rubbing it across the edge of the module. If none of this helps, then I would guess that you have to return the module to the seller and report it as non-working.

I did the pencil eraser trick. No change...same error message.

One thing I notice that appears unusual to me. I can put the 1GB stick in the secondary slot and the machine boots and gives the blue screen of death posted above. If I put the chip in the primary slot where the OE IBM strip is located, the machine doesn't boot at all.

I guess I need to find out if anybody has successfully upgraded a T30 2366 to 1GB or more.

Thanks.

[pianowizard]

I guess I need to find out if anybody has successfully upgraded a T30 2366 to 1GB or more.

At least several forum members have successfully used 1GB modules in their T30's. Also, there are only two types of T30, 2366 and 2367, and they both use the Intel 845MP chipset. So, it should work on yours too. Where did you get your 1GB module from, and is it possible to test it on another laptop that's known to take this type of RAM?

[tfflivemb2]

I tested 2 1gb sticks in the T30 that my nephew is using...

[uberT]

I guess I need to find out if anybody has successfully upgraded a T30 2366 to 1GB or more.

At least several forum members have successfully used 1GB modules in their T30's. Also, there are only two types of T30, 2366 and 2367, and they both use the Intel 845MP chipset. So, it should work on yours too. Where did you get your 1GB module from, and is it possible to test it on another laptop that's known to take this type of RAM?

Thanks. Yeah, I've been reading the comments by a few folks who have appear to have successful upgrades (with Crucial memory). I bought this Kingston stick from a person on eBay with a good feedback score.

We do have a much newer T43 in the house. I don't know if this memory stick is compatible with that machine. I think it's setup with 512MB as well.

I've been doing some more tinkering. At one point the machine booted and made it all the way to the desktop (without any icons) with the MS dialog box stating "loading your personal settings" before it froze. I felt a bit of hope at that point. I've since let the machine re-boot 10X or so and it's never made it back to that point.

I've also removed both 256 sticks and attempted to boot with just the Kingston. It won't. The power comes on, the HD runs for a fraction of a second and then you hear the fan blowing and that's it.

[uberT]

I tested 2 1gb sticks in the T30 that my nephew is using...

Successfully? Any tricks to get it to run??

Thanks.

[uberT]

I'm kinda dead in the water not knowing if the stick is incompatible or the stick itself is having problems.

I wonder if I can return it to Kingston to have them verify whether it's in good operating condition or not.

[rkawakami]

Based on all of that, the only thing that comes to mind is:

"He's dead, Jim!"

Now, if this happens with a totally different module, then it's time to look a little closer at your machine.

The T43 uses a totally different type of memory module (DDR2) and can't be swapped.

And yes, you should be able to RMA the module back to Kingston and have them check it out.

Edit: Just noticed that you purchased this module off of eBay. Can you not contact the seller and ask if he/she has another module you can try?

[pianowizard]

We do have a much newer T43 in the house. I don't know if this memory stick is compatible with that machine.

No it's not. Most Pentium 4 and early Pentium M laptops use PC2700 memory, e.g. T40 - T42.

The power comes on, the HD runs for a fraction of a second and then you hear the fan blowing and that's it.

You've tried reseating the RAM, right? Make sure the module is pushed all the way in. Also, did you properly ground yourself prior to handling the RAM?

[uberT]

Guys, I am not feeling good.

Yes, I have had the sticks in and out numerous times this evening. I understand the importance of grounding out before touching the sticks.

One slot holds very securely. The other slot is kind of loose in comparison. However, I don't think that's an issue...both 256MB sticks work just fine

[tfflivemb2]

Yeah, I'm with Ray on this one....I think that the stick is either defective, or not what it is supposed to be.

Is there a model/part number on the 1gb stick?

P.S.
I had no problems at all with the 2 1gb sticks in my T30. It was already on the latest BIOS, so I didn't have to fiddle with that...

[pianowizard]

Is there a model/part number on the 1gb stick?

The OP said it earlier: it's Kingston P/N KTM TP9828/1G

[uberT]

[uberT]

original config on this machine was 256MB. I had the VAR upgrade to 512MB. I have no idea if this machine had the 2nd RAM slot defect. It's never been an issue for me. Machine was produced 9/2002.