laptop wont start after memory upgrade

TRSjimbob · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:09

i put another stick of ram into my laptop and now on boot nothing works, when booting it comes up with a black screen and goes no further and doesn't show the bios options either. does any body know why and how i can fix this ?

Justintime · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:11

Try the RAM on its own. It could be a density issue etc.. or the RAM itself is incompatiable or DOA.

Jordan97 · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:13

What is the make and model of the laptop and the RAM?

TRSjimbob · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:36

the laptop is lenovo 3000 g530 and the ram is "A data memory expert" but i might have figured out the issue, i think the ram in the laptop is ddr but im not sure and im putting in ddr2

im an idiot :|

Justintime · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:38

I've got one in for repair and its definetly DDR2 mate.

Jordan97 · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:40

TRSjimbob said:
the laptop is lenovo 3000 g530 and the ram is "A data memory expert" but i might have figured out the issue, i think the ram in the laptop is ddr but im not sure and im putting in ddr2

im an idiot :|

What size is the RAM module?

TRSjimbob · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:44

the ram is just 1gb but it would make the laptop run nicely for casual use.

Jordan97 · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:48

And what speed is it?

TRSjimbob · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:52

i have no idea, how do i find out ? (im a bit of a noob)

TRSjimbob · 30 Jun 2011 at 20:58

ah i think its 533mhz? does that sound right ?

Jordan97 · 30 Jun 2011 at 21:48

Sorry for the late reply, had to go somewhere.

Yes that sounds OK for a DDR2 Module.

I have found the source of your problem: the RAM is not compatible with your laptop.

Here is a list of RAM that is guaranteed to work with the Lenovo 3000 G530 Series. It is also manufactured by Crucial; a very reliable and high performance brand.

Justintime · 30 Jun 2011 at 22:19

Of course theres also alternatives, 533 is PC2 4200, looks like the laptop needs at least PC2 5300 i.e 667Mhz memory. The one i have in for a new screen has 2 Samsung 1Gb PC5300 sticks.

EggCustard · 4 Jul 2011 at 23:44

Sounds like a SPD data mismatch is going on and the system BIOS is getting confused hence halts before POST.

I would remove all originally provided RAM and try the Adata SODIMM on its own. That should work. If so get an identical stick or another third party provider such as Kingston, Crucial, Corsair.

The one that originally shipped is probably a Hynix module?

Anyhow, absolutely make sure you're not forcing a 200pin DDR SODIMM into a 200pin DDR2 SODIMM slot. The notch is somewhat different but if you're desperate whose to say you can't almost succeed. Fortunately unless the pins on the SODIMM align with the pins on the SODIMM slot it won't work anyhow.