Posted: 8/22/2009 12:17:23 PM EDT
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I replaced the keyboard on my Thinkpad today, and while I had it off I added another piece of memory. I left the original 1GB in the bottom slot and added a 2GB into the top slot. I was sure I got the right type of memory, it's a DDR2 667 SO-DIMM. Well, I snapped it into place, put the palmrest back on and turned the computer on. It started up fine, but when I go to My Computer/Properties/General, it's still showing 1GB of RAM. I haven't run any other tests.
What would be the first step to seeing what the problem might be? Maybe I missed a step? |
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Unfortunately, due to motherboard limitations, seemingly valid RAM arrangements sometimes won't work. I suspect that's what's happening in your case, although I would have expected an error message at startup if you tried an invalid configuration.
For example: I have an older PC with 3 physical RAM slots, but certain combinations of modules aren't allowed. You can install 3 GB of RAM, but it has to be PC1600, PC2100, or PC2700 speed. If you use the fastest RAM that was available at the time (DDR 400 MHz PC3200), you can only install 2 GB, and you must use the 2nd and 3rd banks. So, it may be that your notebook can have 3 GB RAM, but only if you use RAM modules with a slower speed rating - perhaps DDR2 533 MHz. Valid memory configurations should be documented in the computer's manual, or at least on the mfg's. website. Hope this helps. |
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Well, with the original 1GB in the bottom slot and the new 2GB in the top, it recognized only 1GB. But then I tried putting the 2GB in the bottom slot and the old 1GB in the top and it now recognizes 3GB. How strange is that? Sometimes happens that way. I would suggest running a mem test just to be sure it is all good. |
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Well, with the original 1GB in the bottom slot and the new 2GB in the top, it recognized only 1GB. But then I tried putting the 2GB in the bottom slot and the old 1GB in the top and it now recognizes 3GB. How strange is that? Sometimes happens that way. I would suggest running a mem test just to be sure it is all good. is there one you'd suggest? |
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Well, with the original 1GB in the bottom slot and the new 2GB in the top, it recognized only 1GB. But then I tried putting the 2GB in the bottom slot and the old 1GB in the top and it now recognizes 3GB. How strange is that? Sometimes happens that way. I would suggest running a mem test just to be sure it is all good. is there one you'd suggest? I use the one in the BIOS if there is one, otherwise check CNET Downloads or sourceforge.net |
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Use CPU-Z, it will show you the type of ram, speed, timings, manufacturer, etc.
http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php |
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As long as the 3GB shows up when I go to My Computer/Properties/General, should I just forget it? Also, on my Windows Task Manager, under Physical Memory, it shows that I have just over 3GB. For RAM testing software, check this out: http://www.memtest.org/ I think you have a little more RAM listed in the task manager because there is a small amount of RAM built into the CPU. |
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Use CPU-Z, it will show you the type of ram, speed, timings, manufacturer, etc. http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php thats a damn good program. been using it for years. |
