zt3000 Memory...PC2100 or PC2700?

Hi Again,

I was looking into extra memory for the zt3000, just for info in case I ever want to upgrade. Now, I was told by the HP rep before ordering that the memory (as of 7/2004) was PC2100. When I have looked up on crucial.com for zt3000 memory, they sell PC2700 200pin memory. MemoryX.com sells 200pin PC2100 memory for the zt3000.

1. Is there a way to tell by looking somewhere in my notebook, what I actually have PC2100 or PC2700 memory and how many pins?

2. If I open up the accessible memory slot, will the current memory stick (I have 2) tell me w/o me having to pull it out?

3. I have read of people using the PC2700 memory in zt3000s and x1000s. Can someone tell me which one it is...PC2100 or PC2700?



Thank you in advance.

 

It should be PC2700. If HP used obsolete PC2100 memory I'd be surprised. At absolute worst PC2700 will run at PC2100 speed if the notebook insists.

 

Actually, I believe the memory used in all their ZT, X & NX series are PC2100 (266Mhz). I believe is was one of their cost cutting measures.

1. Check the module and it should have 266Mhz, DDR266 or even PC2100 written on one of the stickers, don't worry about pin count, a DDR SODIMM is what you need for your notebook

2. Possible, but the sticker may be on the other side of the module, just pull/push the 2 clips holding the module down outwards and the module should lever up (approx 30-45 degrees) on one side, pull it out and take a look on the other side. When done, put it pack in the same way you pulled out

3. It should be PC2100. You can use PC2700 (33Mhz) memory in this unit. Just check the CAS level (should be 2 or 2.5) and make sure you buy memory with the same CAS level.

Hope this helps.

-Vb-

 

What is the CAS level?

There is no diagnostic I can run to tell what the memory is without opening the notebook up? (nervous about doing this being I am very new to notebooks. I have not even opened my desktop yet). I guess it would not hurt to remove the panel and hope the sticker is on the side that is facing me so I do not have to move it.

Thanks

 

CAS is how many CPU clocks are needed for one RAM cycle. The less the better.


Here's how to find out everything about CPU and RAM withoit braking in the machine:

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php

Download it and run.

 

Yes, nornmally the faster the better, but in this case, the notebook may not be able to handle the faster memory. So it's best to stick with the same speed when buying new memory, just to be on the safe side.

-Vb-

 

The notebook should run the RAM at the fastest speed and latency it knows about up to what the SODIMM says it supports, right? So getting PC2700 CAS2 or 2.5 may be overkill at the moment but it shouldn't hurt anything. If the SODIMMs are different, the notebook runs at the lowest common denominator.

It might be worth opening up the notebook and replacing the original PC2100 SODIMM. In any event, buying what Crucial recommends is rarely wrong.