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    T61p crash with two DIMMs

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by irfrausto, May 28, 2008.

  1. irfrausto

    irfrausto Notebook Guru

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    So I think I have this problem. Specs:

    2.2GHz C2D
    2x1GB DIMMs
    160GB 7,200RPM HDD
    570M


    I'm sure it's related, but I'd like confirmation on whether or not heat affects the two DIMM problem. I have a T61p from October and in the cold months I didn't really experience too many crashes so I put the problem at the back of my mind. Now with summer coming up and the temps rising I've noticed that I've been crashing more frequently, especially during the day.

    If anything having Lenovo replace my motherboard will at least make sure they reapply the thermal grease on my CPU/GPU, but I figure it's the DIMM problem since my CPU temps never rise about 75C and my GPU never rises above 80C. I should say this all happens when playing games. The machine is rock solid otherwise.

    Anyway, my main question is: Is it worth it just to get the new motherboard revision? About how long is the entire process from sending the notebook out and having it return? Finally, does it matter if I send them a machine with a formatted HDD? Currently I have XP installed, but the notebook came with Vista. Should I restore back to factory defaults before sending it out?

    Thanks for any help!
     
    irfrausto, May 28, 2008
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  2. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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    I have noticed that heat does effect components, causing more crashes. But what exactly is the problem? Just that it crashes? You refer to it simply as "the DIMM problem". :confused: Have you run Memtest on it? ;) :p
     
    pixelot, May 28, 2008
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  3. zachtib

    zachtib Notebook Consultant

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    I'm running Linux, so I don't get the bluescreen, but a couple of times, my laptop has hardlocked. When it does, the Caps Lock light blinks until i manually powercycle.

    I have 2x2GB, btw
     
    zachtib, May 28, 2008
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  4. irfrausto

    irfrausto Notebook Guru

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    I thought the problem was widespread enough to refer to as the "two DIMM problem". :D

    I've ran games using just one of the DIMMs and it's never crashed. Then again I haven't tested that method extensively for hours on end. I've only noticed that when it's a cold day I can play without it crashing and when it's warm (like we had a couple of weeks ago in L.A.) I can't play more than 30 minutes without getting a hard lock and having to push the power button to shut down.

    As long as I detail my problem like that will Lenovo replace my motherboard no questions asked?
     
    irfrausto, May 28, 2008
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  5. pixelot

    pixelot Notebook Acolyte

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    Tested the RAM?

    Lenovo might replace it...I think Dell would.
     
    pixelot, May 28, 2008
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