ThinkPad T530 RAM(memory) Upgrade problem

HI,

I recently purchased T530 and along with it I purchased a G.Skill 4GB ram. I used the laptop for a day to make sure everything works well before I installed the RAM module. Now, when I installed the memory module, the laptop is not detecting the module. At first I thought the module might be defective so I replaced the main module that came with the laptop(Ramaxel Technology 4GB RAM) with the new G.Skill module under the keyboard and the laptop works fine. I put the module that came with the laptop in the 2nd memory slot and laptop fails to recognize it.

I think that the ram slot might be defective and might need Lenovo to look into it or probably replace it(mobo?) unless there is some sort of setting that I have to change to make it recognize the extra RAM that I added.

{edit: I put RAM modules in the 2nd slot with the slot below keyboard empty, but the laptop fails to start.}

I installed HWInfo and compared the Ramaxel Technology RAM and G.Skill RAM to find that every single detail mentioned matches except, of course, the name of the memory module.

Any advice? The laptop is less than 10 day old and I'm not happy that I need to take off from work when the Lenovo technician comes home to fix it. I hope Lenovo is going to replace the motherboard with a new motherboard(?). I don't think I can return this laptop and get a new replacement.

Sucks...

 

HWInfo. This shows ~800MHz and single channel mode. All the info on this is the same for Ramaxel module as well.

 

Maybe you could test the aftermarket RAM with MemTest86+ and see what that reports? First with just that, then with both in the laptop.

I'm surprised that Lenovo switched over to Ramaxel... My W520 came with a Samsung RAM module.

 

You have checked both RAM sticks in the first slot (under the keyboard) and each does work there. So, I don't think the problem is with either RAM stick. No memtest will fix the second RAM slot for you.

Another thing you could try (which involves money which, buy buying a single G.Skill, you have tried to saved in the first place) is to buy a pair kit, then try both of the sticks together. Just to be sure. However, I have mixed and matched RAM sticks -- of different manufacturers and sizes -- without problems.

Good luck.

 

I don't think different manufacturers should be a problem. Every single property of the two sticks match. If I leave the first slot empty and have either of the ram sticks in the second, laptop just doesn't start. I think it is hardware issue. I will call Lenovo today and see how they can help.

Thanks for the help.

 

Called Lenovo, they are sending a technician on Tuesday.

I have a question for people who have dealt with onsite support. What if the mobo is defective and needs to be replaced? Do they do it onsite or do I have to ship the laptop to their repair site? If I have to ship it, will I get a replacement laptop? Also, will they fit a new mobo or a refurbished mobo? I really don't want a refurbished on this brand new laptop. I have hardly used it for 4 days....

 

They'll swap the board right before your eyes. Technician will have the parts with him/her.

That being said, they can replace it with a "serviceable used part", or with a brand new one. It's the luck of the draw and you have no say in it.

Good luck.

 

It'd suck to get a used part on a brand new laptop esp. when I paid for a new one. Let's see how it goes...

 

You own a model which has been around for less than a year, so even a "serviceable used" part is likely as good a new one , in all fairness.

What is important - at least in my book - would be that the machine gets fixed promptly and properly so it can start paying for itself...

Good luck.

 

that's true and I have 4 year onsite warranty if anything fails (hopefully it doesn't) again anyway...

 

The technician just left. He was very good. He had over 40 years of experience in IBM field(his own words). I got to learn more about the laptop and am now confident that I can take these things apart myself, it wasn't that difficult.

He didn't even try the second memory slot. He talked to me about the problem and went straight to replacing the mobo. I did ask him if the mobo was new, he said he wasn't sure and it might be on the box. While he was busy changing mobo, I took a look around, but didn't find any mention of date anywhere on the mobo or any paper in it. He mentioned that they pick up items from airport and go straight to the customers and have no authority in choosing the replacement items. From the look of mobo, it looked exactly the same as mine. No scratch nothing and clean. The BIOS on it dates back to September 2012 which is same as the BIOS I had when I got the nee machine. The second RAM slot works fine now and system is reporting 8GB in dual memory channel which is good. I will take some time to test out all ports and interfaces to make sure everything is working fine.

HWInfo shows that the memory modules are running at 800MHz and max capacity is 1300MHz. Shouldn't it be running at 1600MHz? or is it single channel at 800 and dual at 800*2 which manufacturers don't clearly mention?

 

Glad to hear the happy ending. DDR means "double data rate." So 800MHz rating means each module is operated at 1600MHz, as expected. (Nothing to do with "dual channel.")