TM800 Refuses to boot after RAM install

I have Travelmate 800 which originally had 512MB installed (256x2). I took it to an Acer Service Center and got them to take both out and put one 512MB DIMM into the internal slot hence providing me with a free external slot. I didn't buy two 512MB from them because Acer charges a lot! With the external slot free, I went to a local store to buy another stick of 512MB. I have had no luck. I've tried Crucial 512MB at PC2100, Transcend 512MB at PC2100 & PC2700. Every time I've tried to put memory in, the computer eventually will refuse to boot properly. It boots sometimes, and not others. It is very temperamental. I've just about had it. I follow the instructions to the letter, and according to both Crucial and Transcend, the memory they sold me should work! I have returned the memory, but before I crawl back to Acer and buy their memory for almost twice the price, does anyone here have any ideas?

 

Ang,

What about the ram that came with the unit? I'm assuming you kept them. If you did, put one of the 256MB modules into the unit and see if it boots. If not, it could be a bad systemboard (slot could be bad) after then did the swap. Either that or the memory is just not compatible with the 512MB memory they installed. You may want to have Acer verify this for you, since it should be compatible with the 256MB modules that originally came with the Acer.

-Vb-

 

Hi Venombite

Thank you for your reply. Yes, the computer boots fine when I install the 256MB module that originally came with the computer. A friend of mine suggested I buy Kingston memory, but I'm weary of trying. I've had to return memory 3 times already. The original memory that came with the computer is Infineon, it is also the brand that they installed in my computer at the Acer Service Center. No one that I can find sells that except for the Acer Service Center. My friend suggested I buy Kingston, but I'm weary of trying.

Any thoughts? Thanks again!

 

This might sound silly, but have you tried switching the memory to the other slot? Just flip them I mean.

Editor in Chief http://www.bargainPDA.com and http://www.SPOTstop.com

 

Hi Brian

Thanks for your reply. I can't flip the memory modules. Because Acer designed the Notebook so only one of the memory slots was user accessible. The other is under the keyboard, which is why I had to send it into the Acer Service Center to get it put in. I'm certain the internal module works though, because my computer boots fine when there is only the internal piece of memory installed. It's got to be something to do with this memory that I'm buying. I just can't seem to figure out what is the difference between the two...

 

I would recommend trying the Kingston memory. I've had good luck with them. I guess it can't really hurt, since you've already tried ram from Crucial & Transcend with no luck.

Good Luck!

-Vb-

 

So I decided to go back to Acer to buy the memory. I really didn't want to bother any more local vendors just in case the Kingston didn't work either. When I was there, I asked the technician if he knew why the 3rd party memory refuses to work. Apparently, it will as long as the internal slot has the same CAS latency as the external memory. Because the internal slot uses Infineon PC2100 CAS2 memory, I needed the external slot to have PC2100 CAS2 as well. Crucial/Transcend/Kingston do not manufacture a 512MB module at PC2100 with a CAS latency of 2. Only Infineon does. The only way I could use a 3rd party brand is if both the internal and external were both 3rd party (ie CAS2.5). This kinda pisses me off, because there is no way the internal slot can be third party! Only an authorized Acer Service Center can crack open the computer and not void warranty! And once you go that route, you are forced to use Infineon stuff. I dunno, I seriously think this is stupid, but then again, I'm the one who's out 500 bux. [ !]

Hope this helps anyone who is trying to upgrade the memory in an Acer notebook!