Old RAM not found

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I have a ThinkPad R51e which showed 256MB RAM and decided to upgrade this by
adding a 1GB module.
Now, no matter which slot the 1GB or the 256MB modules are fitted into, the
result shown is 1024MB.
An auto upgrade of BIOS (presently 1.58) did nothing although there is a
1.61 listed as available it did not download. Embedded controller program is
1.01

Can someone please tell me how to acquire the total installed memory for use?
 
What is the total if you do not install the 256meg. If 1024, then the system
is not seeing the 256 meg card. Make certain
the card is seated properly. They can be hard to install.
 
If no help, plug in the 256 only and check the total. Could you have somehow
damaged the 256 card?
 
Thanks but, the 256 shows up as 256 when installed in either slot alone, as
does the 1GB and I have switched them around between both slots!
 
Thanks, I think that I must reluctantly accept that you have the answer. The
thing is, I purchased the 1GB from Crucial (great outfit) but to date they
have not suggested incompatibility.
Do you know of any programs which will present an analysis of memory chips
(type and etc)?
 
Crucial is very dependable and usually accurate. They also guarantee their
products. They will tell you the type of memory your computer requires. Your
best bet is to contact them.
 
Thanks. I think I'll ask them if they can provide a 1GB module which is
compatible with my 256MB one.
 
rodaire said:
I have a ThinkPad R51e which showed 256MB RAM and decided to upgrade
this by adding a 1GB module. Now, no matter which slot the 1GB or the
256MB modules are fitted into, the result shown is 1024MB.

An auto upgrade of BIOS (presently 1.58) did nothing although there is a
1.61 listed as available it did not download. Embedded controller program
is
1.01

Can someone please tell me how to acquire the total installed memory for
use?
Click to expand...

I have been following this thread...

You have a system which you bought memory for and when you install said
memory, you are not gett8ing what you expect. You seem intent on keeping
the 256MB module for some reason.. Personally - I would have just spent the
extra $48 and maxxed the system out - and that may still well be your best
bet. I see no reason to have 1280MB of memory when you could get rid of ANY
possibility of incompatibility and save yourself the stress (and perhaps
give yourself enough of a performance boost to keep the machine a little bit
longer) and time wasted by expanding the machine to it's full 2048MB maximum
limit...

Having a matching pair of memory - both from the same company, purchased at
the same time, etc - gives you the best chance of success and the most 'bang
for your buck'...

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=ThinkPad R51e Series (All Types)

Good Luck...

(You may even be able to call them, explain, and get the other stick at a
discounted price as-if you bought both sticks at the same time. Otherwise -
send it back for a refund and order two matching sticks.)
 
Thank you. You really have a way of cutting to the nitty-gritty :-) If only
it were that simple. You see, the machine in question is owned by a disabled
person and I was just attempting to renovate it for a minimum cost.

Then again, I have this unfortunate habit of pursuing lost causes!

Thanks again and for the links.
 
Chances are that the 1Gig of RAM plus Bios are at the heart of the problem.
The 1Gig module may cause the BIOS to set a different memoy access mode than
was used with the 256M module. A second 1Gig module or leave things at 1 Gig
are two possible configurations. If the system is old enough, there is a
possibility that it will only recognize 1Gig of ram. Many of the older
laptops expected to see at the most two 512M modules or one 1Gig. Another
issue can be video RAM. Some laptops will utilize up to 256M of RAM for
Video RAM, taking it out of the BIOS memory count. If this is the case when
1G is installed, these laptops usually show less than 1Gig installed and may
have a quick flash that shows the video memory size.
 
Thanks for that. The fact is that with the 1GB installed in either slot,
available memory is 896mb (if my memory serves me correctly) while the system
properties screen shows 1024MB so I guess to end this thread I shall give up
and go with the present install of 1GB and ignore the transparent 256MB
module.

Many thanks to all who participated.
 
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