Toughbooks & RAM module specs

Hi all,
Firstly, I'll admit not paying much attention to specs of memory sticks, mostly because it's one of those things that you install, get it working and you forget about it!

So... I wanted to max out the ram on my CF-29NTQGZBM that had 512mb onboard. According to the CF-29 FAQ, my Mk5 needed 200 pins, SO-DIMM DDR2 PC2-3200.

Off to the shop but the operator insisted that the Corsair 1Gb DDR1 400mhz PC3200 is similar and will work. Guess what?... it didn't! For one, the Corsair module is a tad wider by approx 1mm and wouldn't fit into the memory slot! [odd because I thought these go by industry standards]. Since there's no way for me to test, this stick is going back to the shop but meanwhile...

I looked into a CF-51RCLDFBM Duo (Mk3, T2300) and installed in the 2nd slot was a Crucial 1Gb DDR2-667mhz PC2-5300 module. I swapped it out and tested it in the 29. Interestingly, despite spec'ed for PC2-3200, the PC2-5300 worked like a charm and the 29 was much zippier!

My daughter's CF-51LCMDDBM 1.73GHz Centrino (Mk2?) is spec'ed for PC2-4200 (both CF-51s actually) but likewise, the Crucial PC2-5300 worked flawlessly.

The big questions beckon to be asked. What does the numbers 3200, 4200 & 5300 mean? Speed of RAM? Also, if I continue using the PC2-5300 RAM in place of PC2-3200 or PC2-4200, will there be a performance boost or hit and more importantly, will it cause irreversible damage?

Appreciate any thoughts before I see magic smoke from my toughbooks!!

Ron in SG

 

Hi Ron,

The stick of ram the shop sold you is the wrong one DDR1 will fit only in to a computer or laptop with a slot for DDR1,

It is the noch in the sticks are diffrent so your CF-29 needs DDR2 and I has to be DDR2 not DDR1 if the DDR1 was forced in it would cause some magic smoke.

The numbers you are asking about is kind of to do with the speed on the memory. you can put 5300 into a computer or laptop that needs 3200 or 4200. 4200 in to a computer that need 3200. But if you put 3200 in to 4200 or 5200 it could cook the memory, or the computer or laptop will not boot.

 

Yeah... You need DDR2 PC 5300 for your CF-29N.... I've seen slower RAM in these MK5s.... I had one today that had 512MB of PC4200 in it... The 1GB stick of PC5300 revved it up nicely.

There are several places on the web that sell RAM that will tell you what the best configuration is for your laptop.

 

Go to newegg or tigerdirect. They have a program that will tell you exactly what your model needs. Also they have good articles on the in's and out of memory modules.

 

I guess the computer shop found the memory spec of a non Mk5 CF29 hence flogging you the DDR1 I hope you took it back, got the correct memory and a little money back! DDR2 is way cheaper than DDR1!

As for memory speeds, yes, they make a difference, but it doesnt matter what speed you use, or if you mix speeds, you will not do any damage to the machine... its common practice to ship computers with memory slower than the motherboard will take, just to save a few pence... memorry will either run as fast as the bus, or as fast as its timings, which ever is lowest. If you mix different speeds, it will run as fast as the slowest module...

 

Not advisable on Toughbooks
These are fussy
You will blue screen a cf-29 mk-2 using pc2100 ram instead of pc2700 or higher
The mk-1 cf-29 works great on pc2100
Same issue for cf-30’s
Pc4200ddr2 is for the mk-1’s , not advisable to install this slower speed ram in a mk-2 that uses pc5300ddr2 , but again the faster ram works great in mk-1’s

The Rule for cf18/19/29/30/74 series is the recommended speed/timing or higher


Alex

 

Hi all,
I've learned lots from the generosity of forum members and am glad to say that the 1Gb DDR1 module was exchanged for a 2Gb Kingston KVR667D2S5/2G (double the RAM but even cheaper than the DDR1!!). This went into my desktop-replacement CF-51RCLDFBM 1.66GHz Duo, together with another 1Gb module of Kingston KVR667D2S5/1G (in slot #2), making it 3Gb. I understand that the CF-51 Duo T2300's max out at 4Gb but pretty pointless when WinXP Pro will only recognize/use 3.5Gb [did I get that bit correct??]

Two additional 1Gb modules were installed in the lug-about 29 and my daughter's CF-51LCMDDBM. Needless to say, the units respond much faster and we're all very pleased! A big big thank you to all who chip in, with reassurance that I can't go wrong with the gurus' collective wisdom.

Who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks?!
Ron in SG

 

Hi Ron,

You are correct about XP and 3GB of ram.

It's along time since I heard that saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"

 

well... when you're an old dog, the proverb kinda apply!

 

Before I forget, I did browse through the newegg's site but couldn't find the articles you mentioned. Could you help light the way, please? Many TIA as always.

Guys, I'm curious though. Is there any appreciable difference in reliability, durability or quality amongst brands like Kingston, Hynix, Samsung, etc.
Ron in SG