Inspiron 5100 won't accept PC3200/DDR400 SODIMM

I got a 5100 that came with 2 256MB PC2100/DDR266 SODIMMs from Dell.

I replaced both sticks with PC3200/DDR400 and the system won't boot. It will boot with one 256MB stick and one 512MB stick but it then only reports 256MB total ram.

So these new PC3200/DDR400 sticks don't work.

What's up with that? I thought faster than OEM spec. sticks wouldn't be an issue. At least that has been my experience with desktop machines???

Dell spec:

Package Type: 200-pin SODIMM
Logical Type: 64x64
Speed: PC2100 / 266 MHz
Description: Standard SODIMM

G.Skill spec:

* Package : 256MB pcs (1x256MB) 512MB pcs (1x512MB)
* IC Spec : Hynix D43 or Samsung CC or PSC or Others
* CAS Latency : 2.5-4-4 (PC3200)
* Test Voltage : 2.75 V
* PCB Board : 6 Layers PCB
* Speed : DDR 400 MHz (PC3200)
* Type : 200-pin DDR SDRAM
* Error Checking : Non-ECC
* Registered/Unbuffered : Unbuffered

 

I would venture to say that the RAM won't downclock far enough to run in your laptop.

Since you have PC2100 [266MHz DDR; 133MHz effective], and you put in PC3200 [400MHz DDR; 200MHz effective], it's not downclocking and thus can't run in your system because your motherboard can't support it.

You should be able to use DDR333 [PC2700], as that will most likely downclock, but the only way to be completely sure that the memory will work in your notebook is if you get DDR266.

Looks like you'll have to return that.

 

i thought the highest compatible ram for something that takes 2100 is 2700. like chaz said, i dont think your system will recognize 3200.