CF-29 Everyone told me not to do it!

But, hell I had to try!

I am just going to blurt it out, I tried a stick of Cosair RAM that I got on sale in my CF-29N, and it not only booted, it seems to be running fine. But, how to know?

In Windows 7 Pro it shows 2.25 GB of RAM, I have only 256 on my mainboard, and 1.99 of total "usable" installed memory.

Perhaps, I just got lucky, or it could be because I only had 256MB on the mainboard, or maybe I will have problems later.

So, I am looking for a good RAM checking program that will let me know if this is working as well as it seems. Any ideas?

 

I suggest running some burn-in test that will put heavy loads on your computer just to be absolutely sure it is stable. It would suck if you were doing somthing important in the future and the computer bombs on you. Grats on the early success.

Try PassMark BurnInTest

 

MemTest86 works for me ...

 

This will let you know if there problems with the ram. Good Luck sounds like you bit the bullet and got lucky.

 

Not to complain but I wonder why only 1.99 is listed by Win7 as "Usable?" Perhaps the mainboard is shutting down the internally mounted 256MB some how? But Win7 sees all 2.25 GB.

 

MemTest86 and report amount of ram shown in bios
On-board Video takes some of the total


Alex

 

Yeah, but does it make sense that a whole 256 MB is used for video memory? It was never set like that before. I will have to validate my Win7 before seeing how my BIOS is set, my 30 days is up tonight.

 

The reason that I thought only up to 1GB add-on ram was supported was I looked in the bios on my mk-4 and 2GB would only add 1GB extra
Tried on my cf-18 Mk-5 as well
Never thought to see what windows reports

Alex

 

So we have now established that the CF-29 MK4/5 can handle above the max 1.5GB we always thought, is that what Im understanding?

 

azrial I bet you could really help me, I have a cf29ndlgfbm mk5. I put the western digital 320g hd the other day no problem, then I put windows 7 on board. I got win 7 ultimate complete not the upgrade. I am having driver problems now. no audio and no function key. I ordered a ddr1 pc3600 ram only to find out it will not fit. the guys told me what to order in my other post. now I am thinking if you got a 2gb to work I might be right there with you and try it also. I was going to PM you but I do not see a link to do that. can you advise me on driver downloads. I can not get anything to work with win7

 

Retesting 2GB ram in cf-18 mk-5 and cf-29 mk-4

Generic 2GB 667 reports 1.5 total in bios
Fails to boot into windows error extended ram module fail

Kingston KVR667D2S5/2G reports 1.5 total in bios
Fails to boot into windows error extended ram module fail

I have a few more to try




Alex

 

MAKE IT WORK! MAKE IT WORK! use a magic wand or something

 

No luck for me
The other 2 sticks were the Kingston again
I bet that the Cosair that Azrial is using would work as I could not even boot into windows with the 2GB ram that I have

We will have to wait


Alex

 

Mine is a Crucial 2GB 200 Pin DDR2 SODIMM 256x64PC2-5300 for those looking for it on Google.

It is part number CT25664AC667. I am sorry, I reported it as Cosair erroneously earler.

Good Luck!

 

Did you check the bios screen?

Alex

 

Will I am no expert, perhaps just lucky. I will be testing the RAM more throughly tomorrow. I listed exactly what I used in the post above if you want to try it. I really hope that it works for others, otherwise, mine is just a fluke and may become problematic. As yours is also a CF-29N, it will be a good test.

As to the drivers, I used the XP Hotkey drivers without problems, but am thinking of using the CF-19 Win7 drivers as described in this POST.

Hope that helps, let me know and good luck to all!

 

Sorry, for the delay, I just checked. Mine shows 2048 in the BIOS. But it was as I remembered, this BIOs does not give the setting for reserving a certain amount of RAM to video memory.

So, that re-begs the question, why is only 2048 "utilized" by Win7, even though it sees the whole 2.25GB.

 

2048 is the maximum capacity of the unit per hardware info but for windows. I don't know.Lol


ohlip

 

Is it possible that Windows scales the shared video memory based on the amount of total memory that the bios is reporting?

 

I wonder what could be done with a bios hack?

 

Next step is to run memtest to see if its OK to use that way
It can be run from a cd

Alex

 

Yes, I downloaded an .ISO last night, I will try and test it tonight and report back.

Have anyone else had any luck?

 

Well I just run the built-in Win7 memory test and it found no problems. I am also going to run Memtest86+ later tonight, but so far, so good!

I have been pondering why it worked, and for possible reasons I came up with:

1. My Momboard only has 256MB mounted from the factory and maybe 2.25GB is a go, but 2.5GB is not for this chipset.

2. Just the luck of electronic tolerances.

3. The Mark 5, and perhaps the Mark 4 chipset will do it, but the earlier ones won't. Mine is a CF-29N. As Willpelton also has a CF-29N, I look forward to his results when he gets the correct RAM. I also am interested in Tomcat57's results.

That is a good surmise, with no wqy for the end user to configure the amount of memory set aside by the BIOs it would make sense for the BIOs to be preset to use a certain percentage. Given my choices and this not being a game machine, I will certainly prefer less, like 128MB, or even 64MB.

I will say this, this notebook is pretty snappy now!

 

This discussion made me curious. I installed a stick of Crucial CT25664AC667 in my CF-29 Mk4 which has 256mb onboard memory. It shows 2048mb in the bios. Windows shows 1.99gb. It seems to work perfectly however, for some reason, the onboard memory is disabled.

Glen

 

As I said, the chipset only allow up 2048mb. Just like on cf-m34N, if you install 512mb it recognized only 256mb also the cf-28(600mhz). That is their maximum capcity. I am not talking about Mr. maximum and Mr. Hugies.Lol..


ohlip

 

I tried an Kingston and an Wise modul, but I had no luck. Could u please tell us the timing values of ur RAM-modul? U can read them by using the small utility CPU-Z.

 

So far (2) confirmed both with 256mb onboard memory


Alex

 

Here's CPU-Z report on that memory chip.

Glen

 

I posted the specs and model of my RAM earlier, it is a Crucial 2GB 200 Pin DDR2 SODIMM 256x64PC2-5300. This RAM seems most commonly used in Apple computers for some reason.

It is part number CT25664AC667. The Specs are as follows:

– CAS Latency: CL5
– Data Integrity Check: Non-ECC
– Form Factor: SO DIMM 200-pin
– Memory Specification Compliance: PC2-5300
– Memory Speed: 667 MHz
– Module Configuration: 256 x 64
– Registered or Buffered Unbuffered
– Storage Capacity: 2 GB
– Supply Voltage: 1.8 V
– Technology: DDR II SDRAM
– Type: DRAM

The best price I have found on it is at Newegg.com for $43.99 with free shipping.

I ran Memtest86+ as suggested the other night and it found no issues.

I would be curious of the CF-29 and CF-18 model numbers of all who get this to work! Mine is a CF-29N3LGZBM. The description is, " Intel Pentium M 778 1.6GHzLv (Centrino),13.3" NON Touch XGA, 256MB, 60GB, Intel 802.11a+b+g, WIN XP SP2, TPM1.2, no drive."

NEW

According to the old CF-29 Mark5 Spec sheet, the chipset employed by the CF-29 Mark 4 and 5 and I believe the later CF-18 is the Mobile Intel® 915GMS Express Chipset where the Intel webpage explains it all. As someone here previously pointed out, the chipset will not work with more then 2GB of system memory. The Intel® 915GMS graphic controller is limited to 128MB of USM (Unified System Memory). So, I guess that 1.99GB showing in system memory, 128MB in use by the video and 128MB sacrificed to the pixies that live in my TB would account for all of it.

Sorry, I like to beat a horse until I am am sure that it is dead!

 

I don't know HOW I missed this awesome post! I have had a lot of stuff happening lately.. Leaking roofs, A/C going out.. orders to fill... But that is no excuse to miss an excellent post like this... This should stay on top and be stickied! (Into the CF-29 thread.)

(Yeah, I'll get around to doing it!)

 

I ordered a stick of this Ram to try on my cf-29 mk-4 and cf-18 mk-5
The ram that have and tried has the same specs, but did not work
This may work with 256mb on board units only, but I have to test
I won't be out anything as I have lot of newer models that except 2GB

Alex

 

I also have patriot memory 2gb, 200pin, 5300, 667mhz no worky. beeping error message when booting. I guess its better if you do have pc4200, 2gig.


ohlip

 

I just bought to sticks from Newegg of the exact type that Azrial posted.... The thing is .... It is only $1 more than a 1GB stick! (Or at least last time I ordered it) What a pisser!

 

It's working with pc5300 Teo
No one has reported it working on pc4200, and I don't believe that is the answer to this

I think the secret is that it works with the rare 256mb on board units and will not work on 512mb models

I have to try the same brand as others are using successfully to confirm this though


Alex

 

Mine is a CF-29L4LGZBM

Intel Pentium M 778 1.6GHzLV (Centrino),13.3" NON Touch XGA,256MB,60GB, Intel 802.11a+b+g, WIN XP SP2, Rubber Backlit Keyboard, No Drive.

Glen

 

Right... MK4s and MK5s work... But what about MK1, 2 & 3.... I wonder if the 2GB DDR would work?

 

Tried Kingston KVR667D2S5/2G on my 29N with 512 onboard. Same RAM specs as what Azrial used but no booty, no worky.
Ron in SG

 

Wow, I am sorry to hear it! I was really thinking that yours was one of the ones that was going to be successfull, as mine is also a CF-29N.

So, did anyone get to to work with 512 RAM on the main board, if not, I am thinking that may be the catch! I believe that we have had one report of success besides mine and that board was also 256MB.

Other then that, I can only surmise that we are just talking the luck of electronic tolerances!

I guess that some brave soul could take one for the team and volunteer to remove half the RAM from their Mk4 or Mk5 motherboard...

 

You must of be reading my posts
I am fairly sure thats the issue, but will try with the identical ram you used on my 512MB on board models
Ron tried the same kingston ram that failed on my attempts
I am thinking that your CF-29 256MB model will show 2GB total with the two different 2GB modules that failed when I tried them

Alex

 

Well of course, I always read your posts!

However, I thought that you were quoting me as I theorized this in my first post.

Perhaps, they use the Intel® 855GM chipset which is also designed to support up to 2GB, of DDR memory.

Mine appears to be using 2GB for main memory, 125MB for UMA Video memory and 125MB wasted. I think that you can see it here when I posted a picture of my notebook to show memory usage.

BTW, Didn't anyone like my Win7 logo?

Time to crash, I am kinda Toughbooked out today! :SLEEP:

 

You might of said it first,
But I said it more often


Alex

 

All my Mk4 29L and Mk5 29N work with 256 ram work. 512 are a no go.
Using crucial 2GB

 

DRAT.... 20 hours too early!

 

Hi to all,

I have also try 2GB of ram in my new CF-29 (mk5) and it works and I went into dxdiag and it told me the graphic card was using 128MB of ram.

On xp go to run and type in dxdiag and go to display and look to see graphices is using.

I will look at the stick of ram later and post the info about it.

 

You forgot to mention the all important on-board ram size



Alex

 

Sorry Alex,

onboard ram is 256MB

 

Well it is looking like 512MB RAM on-board is the deal breaker! I kind of suggested it humorously earlier, but it would be interesting so see what would happen with a momboard with a bad on-board RAM chip to see what would happen with half the RAM Dremeled off, or more realistically a trace cut that would disable a bank.

Also no one has reported this working with a Mk1-3, despite the fact that the Intel855GM chipset is designed to work with up to 2GB RAM as well.

I thought that more of the Mk1-3 were built with 256MB on-board, and the 855GM also supports UMA, but I " think" that the UMA is limited to 64MB, which, again, "may" be a deal breaker.

 

There were some MK2&3s with 512 on-board as I recal... Maybe even the 1.2 GHz... It's been so long since I have had a 1.2... I forget... I guess the configurator would tell the story though..

Now Bill.... You'd better get some sleep tonight... Don't pull an all-nighter unless you have company!

 

It could be expensive to try 2GB sticks of notebook ddr ram in the earlier Mk's
I had 2GB sticks of straight ddr ram in a few desktops and remember it was quite expensive and rare

Alex

 

Hi to all,

I think I have worked out the resion the Mk5 and mabe the Mk4 will take 2Gb of ram.

It is the chipset in them the will work with up to 2Gb of ram. I have a friend who has a netbook with 512MB on the motherboard and a slot for a stick of ram and when we put 2GB in it only saw the 2GB of ram.

As far as I can rember CF-29 Mk5 and mabe the MK4 has the same chipset as his netbook.

I will check it next week when he come back from US.

CF-29 Mk uses a express chipset (the chipset has PCI-E) that why MK5 and mabe the Mk4 can take 3g mobile broadband modems.