Compal FL90. Increasing ram memory from 2GB to 4GB or 8GB

Hi all,

I know there are are several threads covering this issue but they are old and a bit confusing to me.

My question is simple. The laptop doesn't work when I insert 4 GB of ram. I think that an upgrade of the BIOS is required. What BIOS version should be used? Do you know a safe source to download it? What is the safest procedure to update the BIOS? Would that version work with all the combinations of 4GB (2x2 or 1x4) and 8GB (2x4) of RAM?

Thank you for your help.

 

I used this -> Compal FL90 BIOS disc

Do not use 1.19, but 1.18

Flashing via USB is best I think - just don't use the USB stick that you got as free give-away, but a "decent" one.

2 x 4GB would be best, but 8GB DDR2 is VERY expensive (because rare). 2 x 2GB would be best, you can get it used for 30€/$ on ebay. Only get 8GB if you NEED 8GB.

Good luck

 

Many thanks, Dr. Colossos.

I have two more doubts:
- I read that some people had problems updating the BIOS and their computers got blocked. Should I take any precaution like updating with continuous versions? I mean going from 1.07 to 1.08 then 1.09, then 1.10..... or there is no difference if go for version 1.18 directly?
- I might need 8 GB of ram so I bought 1x4GB module... is that OK if I combine 4GB plus one of my previous 1GB modules making 5 GB in total or it is mandatory to have two equal modules?

Thanks again!!!

 

if you have 2x1, or 2x2, or 2x4 GB, you can access the RAM with the doubled bandwidth (dual channel).

You cannot do that, if you mix rams with different sizes.

And you can always brick your laptop when updating BIOS for many reasons. Not sure if it is safer to go from 07 to 18 in one step, or flashing 6 times, or 7 to 8 to 9 ... after all, each step can fail.

Have the battery loaded and have it on the power supply, and go for 07 to 18, I'd say. But read the readme first, and see if there are any suggestions on how to do it.

Good luck!

 

Dr.Colossos, doesn't memory still work in dualchannel in mixed configurations (say we have 4GB+2GB, so 4GB works dual-channel and 2GB in single channel) like on newer chipsets e.g. PM45/GM45?

 

Yes, you are right, this does work with some boards/configurations.

I do no longer own a FL90, so I am not sure if it works with that.

Cheers

 

Yes, you are right, this does work with some boards/configurations.