Laptop Memory Compatibility

Lennys_Shinpad

Hello,

I recently bought a RAM upgrade for my Laptop. The old RAM was SDRAM PC100 and a stick from Ebay which was stated to be "PC133 (backwards compatible with PC100)". When I installed the new RAM, my machine wouldn't boot up and it made beeping noises.

The RAM has PC133 on it. Is there anything I have to do with the RAM to change it to PC100?

Thanks.

Belnahua

You also have to watch ECC and NON-ECC, some laptops are very particular.

You might be able to run the laptop with either, but not both memory in.

Unfortunately, it's a case of sell it back on Ebay (unless you can get a refund).

I suggest you double check the memory of the laptop, I think Crucial has a good memory checker, although it won't be as good as the original manufacturer's spec sheet.

weegie.geek

Generally speaking, the ram will run at the speed the motherboard tells it to, and for a machine as old as yours that'd probably going to be determined by the speed the CPU's FSB is running at.

Are you trying to run both sticks at the same time? That *MIGHT* be causing problems. Is the PC133 stick definitely working? A lot of stuff like that's on ebay as untested, either (a) because it's worth so little it's not worth taking the time to test it, or (b) it's knackered. On ebay, I always take untested as a euphemism for dead.

nullogik

PC133 SD RAM should work as a substitute for PC100. The PC133 RAM just runs at the speed of the PC100 which is slower.

It sounds like the RAM might be faulty. Did you isolate yourself from static before touching it?

Belnahua

nullogik wrote: »

It sounds like the RAM might be faulty. Did you isolate yourself from static before touching it?

Eh? No self respecting tech ever uses anti static precautions - unless the client is watching of course!

I've installed countless pieces of memory, kit etc, and never once used static mats, nor have I ever had a problem!

Just watch that ECC/Non Ecc config, that's how I've been caught out on laptops of this age!

nullogik

Well there is no harm from protecting yourself against static - it doesn't have to cost anything to do this.

vyseyboy

Try swapping the modules around in all possible (2?) configurations, blowing dust out from the connectors, and finally, clearing the CMOS.

To clear the CMOS, look for a reset button on the outside of the laptop.
This <i>sometimes</i> makes picky RAM combinations come to life, in my experience.

Please note, this might also clear / change other customised settings, so if you aren't aready familiar with BIOS settings, it might be a good idea to find out how to enter the BIOS and navigate the basic settings.

Belnahua

vyseyboy wrote: »

and finally, clearing the CMOS.

Why? Why are so many people on this board so keen to hit the factory default reset button?

It's not the be all and all to all problems, and can often make the problem worse, as not only have you not solved the original problem, but you've now wiped the settings that did work!

phildamb

Lennys_Shinpad wrote: »

Hello,

I recently bought a RAM upgrade for my Laptop. The old RAM was SDRAM PC100 and a stick from Ebay which was stated to be "PC133 (backwards compatible with PC100)". When I installed the new RAM, my machine wouldn't boot up and it made beeping noises.

The RAM has PC133 on it. Is there anything I have to do with the RAM to change it to PC100?

Thanks.

I would double check the exact standard that your laptop is compatible with and also the amount of RAM it is able to address. Some laptops have the first stick installed under the keybaord and have the additional in the memory slots on the bottom of the laptop.

vyseyboy

Belnahua wrote: »

Why? Why are so many people on this board so keen to hit the factory default reset button?

It's not the be all and all to all problems, and can often make the problem worse, as not only have you not solved the original problem, but you've now wiped the settings that did work!

The motherboard might be implementing the tCAS and tRAS timings that were stable on the old module with the new module, which might not be stable when using them. It's not very likely to be the cause of the fault, but it might rule it out. And for a quick reset to default configuration, and 30 seconds setting up any customised options, I'd say worth it.

spud17

There are some sellers on ebay who sell cheap High Density RAM, this is often dodgy and not all PCs/ Laptops can use it.
The laptop probably requires LOW Density RAM.

Ebay article HERE