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DELL Inspiron 8100 RAM Problem

gonwk

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Joined
Jul 28, 2008
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Hi folks,

I know some of you guys will be rolling on the floor and thinking this guy better be using this laptop for paper weight ... or as an Antique.:roll: OK, now that you had a good laugh on me :D and that is A-OK ... may be you can help me out.

I used CPU-Z 1.46 thinking that I had only 256MB RAM in my laptop. So I ran the program and it only shows my Slot #1 (DIMM A) with 256MB.

Well I remember back in 2001 when I bought this unit I had Maxed out the RAM (which is 512MB for this laptop, DIMM A & B) at the time that I bought the unit from good old DELL.

So, I decided to open up my laptop and check & see what kind of RAM I have ... well both of my DIMM are populated ... but CPU-Z and HWInfo Tool only sees DIMM A and therefore 256MB only.

Here is the Specs and Part Numbers on the 2 RAM modules:

- DIMM A: Toshiba 256MB SDRAM PC133 133MHz 144-Pin SoDimm Memory Module Mfr P/N THLY25N01B75 (also I saw this on it 32Mx64 SDRAM, PC133-333-542, Assy in USA)

- DIMM B: DELL Memory MT8LSDT3264HG133C2.D
Micron Technology 256MB SDRAM Sodimm 144Pin PC133 CL=3 Non-Parity 133Mhz 3.3V 32Meg x 64 Memory Module Mfr p/n MT8LSDT3264HG-133C2

Q1: Why my laptop will NOT SEE the second module (DIMM B)?

OK, now when I go to Crucial.com to identify the correct RAM for my laptop ... it provides me with this ...
256MB, 144-pin SODIMM, SDRAM, PC133 memory module CT324414US
Module Size: 256MB
Package: 144-pin SODIMM
Feature: SDRAM, PC133
Specs: SDRAM, PC133 • CL=2 • Non-parity • 133MHz • 3.3V • 32Meg x 64 •

So, I am thinking the only diiference between Crucial RAM and my Original DELL RAM is DELL's is CL=3 and Crucial's RAM is CL=2.

Q2: Is it possible that this CL difference causes my laptop to only see DIMM A?

Q3: Will this RAM work with my laptop ... it is from a local Store ...
256MB PC133 144 pin SODIMM 16x16 (ABP)
Description:
256MB 144pin SDRAM SODIMM 32Mx64 non ECC gold leads unbuffered 3.3 volts PC133 spec 133 Mhz with SPD CAS 3 latency 8 chip count max 1.25 inches tall low profile uses 16x16 dram (use ONLY if system supports 512MB per slot or uses Intel 815E chipset - not for PC100 systems)

Q4: How can I check to make sure my DELL 256MB RAM in DIMM B is not faulty?

Thanks for any Help or Suggestion,

G!:confused:
 
Joined
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do you have a graphics provider? It could be that your system is using the 256mb for graphics only - thus the computer only sees the one stick.

You can also run Memtest86 (google it download from authors main page, burn as an iso image to a disc and boot from it. If you do not have nero and don't feel like paying for it burn4free does the same job... and is free!) allow memtest to run over night and report back with findings.
 
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