Toshiba M35x memory upgrade problem

Hi,

I just tried to upgrade my Toshiba m35x laptop with a gig of memory. It originally only had 256. My problem is that nothing seems to work if I install memory in slot B.

For example, I first tried to add the 1 gig ram to slot B (in addition to the original 256 still in slot A). Booted up and the new gig went completely unrecognized. All it recognized was the 256mb.

Next, I took out the 256 out of slot A and put the 1 gig in slot A - leaving slot B empty. Booted up and everything was fine - the laptop recognized the gig of ram.

So then I tried to put the original 256 ram in slot B (with the 1 gig still in slot A), booted up and got nothing but a black screen. I tried this a couple times to make sure the 256 was inserted correctly and still got the black screen.

So now I just have the new 1 gig in slot A with nothing in slot B and it works fine, but I would still like to add the 256 in slot B.

I checked several sites, and they say that I can use 2 differing amounts of memory in this laptop. Also, I can have up to 1 gig in each slot.

So why doesn't slot B seem to work at all? I find it also strange that the 1 gig in slot b just goes unrecognized, but the laptop works fine. And with the 256 in slot B, I get nothing but a black screen. 2 different behaviors from the same slot. Any ideas? Thanks a lot for any info.

 

run a Memtest86+ scan with each ram module in Socket A at a time..!! and are you using PC-2700 ram..??

 

Hi - thanks for the response. Yes, I'm using pc-2700.

I've checked both ram modules in socket A and they both work fine. The trouble comes when I try to put one of them in slot B. (while putting one of them in socket A first)

I get 2 different results from the modules. With the original Toshiba 256 module in socket B, I get a black screen. And with the new 1 gig module, the laptop boots up fine - it just doesn't recognize the gig ram module. It only recognizes the 256 ram in socket A.

Maybe the B socket is faulty? Or maybe the sites that say I can use 2 different amounts of ram in each socket are wrong? Not sure.

-thanks again

 

have you tried a BIOS upgrade..??

 

No. I checked Toshiba's website, and they only offer a BIOS upgrade that requires a floppy disc drive, which seems strange to me.

Do you think an upgrade would fix the memory/socket B issue?

 

Since the problem is related to hardware....it should be solved in the BIOS..!!
Since the OEM BIOS may not have any advanced options for memory, it is best to do a BIOS upgrade..!! Is it possible for you to use a CD instead of a floppy..??

 

I am wondering how well the Intel 855GME chipset supports 2GB RAM.

The Intel datasheet says, for the 855GM:

But, for the 855GME it says only:

That says a lot less, for better or worse. However, the Intel features comparison clearly says 2GB.

I would put the BIOS upgrade as the first priority. If you don't know anyone who has a USB FDD for occasions such as this then you'll have to look into making a bootable CD with the BIOS on. There are plenty of guides available. Google listed this one first.

John

 

Thanks for the help. It's frustrating that Toshiba doesn't offer an upgrade file for a bootable cd. According to their help files, they started doing this for most of the upgrades 5 years ago - but not for my model.

I think I'm going to hold off on this. I've read a bunch of posts from people that screwed up their pc after using the bootable cd. My laptop is running fine after putting in the new gig, and it doesn't seem worth the risk for another 256mb of RAM. (I'm not exactly a tech wiz)

So thanks again. This site is great.

 

You can make one with Nero.