600X memory upgrade

[Bernt]

I am thinking about adding some memory to my 600X. Presently I have 64 + 64 +128 = 256 MB, but I suppose I could increase the performance (running XP Pro) by at substituting one 64 by a new 128. But I seem to have som problems in finding suitable memory units. There are many at US-sites, but they do not seem willing to ship anything overseas (Finland). In Finland I found e.g. this unit

Kingston 128MB 100MHz Non-ECC CL3 SODIMM.

Does anyone know whether it is suitable for 600X?

[pianowizard]

You can do much better by replacing the 64MB stick with a 256MB stick. Look for a low-density PC100 module, which has 8 chips on each side. Part number 33L3070 (sometimes referred to as "33L3069" -- look up both) is guaranteed to work.

[ms5133]

There are also PC133 modules that will work, as long as they are low density (16 chip) units.

I am runing my 600x and my 600 on these types of chips.(Kingmax)

[Bernt]

Do you think a BIOS upgrade will be necessary if I add a 256MB module to my 64 + 126 system?

There is a private person in Finland who presently is trying to sell a Samsung 256 MT SDRAM PC100 SODIMM Cl3, 144-pin. He claims that it is suitable for 600X, sounds alright?

[ms5133]

Again..make sure that the module has 8 chips on each side for a total of 16.

My units had the latest available bios installed when I upgraded the memory,so I cannot categorically say an earlier bios would not work,but ideally the latest bios should be installed.

[Bernt]

Again..make sure that the module has 8 chips on each side for a total of 16.

My units had the latest available bios installed when I upgraded the memory,so I cannot categorically say an earlier bios would not work,but ideally the latest bios should be installed.

Is the number of chips possible to tell from a picture, it looks like this

http://www.huuto.net/fi/showitem.php3?itemid=70859705

(looks like 4 chips on one side, to me).

How do I know what version of BIOS I am running, and how can it be updated?

[ms5133]

Before you power up your machine,,depress and hold the F1 key..power on the unit.

This will get you into the Easy set screen where among other details, you will see the Bios model.

Then go to ibm.com and in the search option(upper right) punch in the model nbr of your unit..eg 2645-8eu..This will give you just about all the info you need for your particular thinkpad including the latest drivers/bios.

The chip in your link does look like a high density 8 chip ram..but if you have a guarantee from the seller, you have nothing to lose.

Still, I suggest you post a WTB in the buy sell forum, thats where I got my 256 chips.

[Bernt]

The chip in your link does look like a high density 8 chip ram..but if you have a guarantee from the seller, you have nothing to lose.

Still, I suggest you post a WTB in the buy sell forum, thats where I got my 256 chips.

I have to admit I am getting confused about the chips. What I already have in my machine is clearly 8 chip, the original IBM FRU 20L0265 128 MB, so why does it have to be 16 chip?

[BillP]

8 chip 128 MB modules are low density. For a 256 MB module to be low density it should have 16 chips. I don't think a 256 MB module with 8 chips will work in a 600X.

[Bernt]

8 chip 128 MB modules are low density. For a 256 MB module to be low density it should have 16 chips. I don't think a 256 MB module with 8 chips will work in a 600X.

What would you say about the resukt one gets when one looks for Kingston modules for TP 600X

Search Results for: KTM-TP390X/256

the picture seems to show that the module is high density. Wrong picture, or what??

[Mod edit: shortened URL to prevent horizontal page scrolling, enabled BBCode in post.]

[BillP]

Wrong picture, I guess. See the photo in Ebay auction 140201501958.

[cmarti]

Pm sent.