Problem with failing memory slot - Revision history

Demonoid724: /* Affected Models */ added confirmed models with this problem

2011-01-28T03:32:58Z

‎Affected Models: added confirmed models with this problem

Hobbymat: /* Affected Models */

2007-08-12T15:49:05Z

‎Affected Models

Hobbymat: /* Problem description */

2007-08-12T15:47:41Z

‎Problem description

Hobbymat: /* Solutions */ Fault description and repair procedure added by Hobbymat

2007-08-12T15:05:16Z

‎Solutions: Fault description and repair procedure added by Hobbymat

Etnoy at 11:22, 13 July 2007

2007-07-13T11:22:14Z

Breaklog: Solution to the bad Ram slot problem on the T30, copied from my site.

2006-08-27T02:35:55Z

Solution to the bad Ram slot problem on the T30, copied from my site.

Jdthood at 20:46, 29 July 2006

2006-07-29T20:46:27Z

New page

Information about the failing memory slot on the T30 model.

==Problem description==
One of the two memory expansion slots in the T30s fails after some time.
Hot weather seems to induce the failure.

==Affected Models==
*ThinkPad {{T30}}

==Solutions==
IBM will replace motherboards of machines under warranty.

@@ Line 11: / Line 11: @@
 IBM will replace motherboards of machines under warranty.
-The problem seems to be associated with the RAM module not making contact with the pins on the slot. This also can happen to the primary slot. To fix this, you need to apply pressure to the modules. One way to do ths is to cut a small strip of metal and fold it in half. Then tape it to the inside of the memory panel so that when the panel closes, it places pressure on the middle of the affected module. Close the door (may not shut all the way), and boot the system. The computer should regcognize all RAM again. If the primary slot fails, the computer will fail to POST, or lock up during boot.
+Quite often the problem occurs first in the secondary memory slot. The root cause of the failing memory slot in T20/T30 series laptops is in fractured solder joints between the RAM memory module socket legs and the motherboard. The solder joint micro-fractures arise after a few years' use as the heavy and unsupported memory module sockets are located under the motherboard. Exposing the laptop frequently to even minor shocks or vibration (e.g. placing the laptop daily onto a table or port replicator) will cause slow fatigue to the solder joints as the memory modules are basically hanging unsupported on the bottom side of the motherboard, and all vibration will cause them to move microscopically small amounts up and down. Eventually the fatigue of the solder joints will be creating a crack on one or more joints, being visible using a stereo microscope.
 ==See also==
 http://www.omskakas.se/2007/07/thinkpad-t30-memory-slot-failure.html

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:22, 13 July 2007
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	The problem seems to be associated with the RAM module not making contact with the pins on the slot. This also can happen to the primary slot. To fix this, you need to apply pressure to the modules. One way to do ths is to cut a small strip of metal and fold it in half. Then tape it to the inside of the memory panel so that when the panel closes, it places pressure on the middle of the affected module. Close the door (may not shut all the way), and boot the system. The computer should regcognize all RAM again. If the primary slot fails, the computer will fail to POST, or lock up during boot.		The problem seems to be associated with the RAM module not making contact with the pins on the slot. This also can happen to the primary slot. To fix this, you need to apply pressure to the modules. One way to do ths is to cut a small strip of metal and fold it in half. Then tape it to the inside of the memory panel so that when the panel closes, it places pressure on the middle of the affected module. Close the door (may not shut all the way), and boot the system. The computer should regcognize all RAM again. If the primary slot fails, the computer will fail to POST, or lock up during boot.
		+
		+	==See also==
		+	http://www.omskakas.se/2007/07/thinkpad-t30-memory-slot-failure.html

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:35, 27 August 2006
Line 10:		Line 10:
	==Solutions==		==Solutions==
	IBM will replace motherboards of machines under warranty.		IBM will replace motherboards of machines under warranty.
		+
		+	The problem seems to be associated with the RAM module not making contact with the pins on the slot. This also can happen to the primary slot. To fix this, you need to apply pressure to the modules. One way to do ths is to cut a small strip of metal and fold it in half. Then tape it to the inside of the memory panel so that when the panel closes, it places pressure on the middle of the affected module. Close the door (may not shut all the way), and boot the system. The computer should regcognize all RAM again. If the primary slot fails, the computer will fail to POST, or lock up during boot.

@@ Line 8: / Line 8: @@
 *ThinkPad {{T30}}
 *ThinkPad {{T20}}/{{T21}} (in some cases)
 ==Solutions==

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 ==Problem description==
-One of the two memory expansion slots in the T30s fails after some time.
+One of the two memory expansion slots in the T30s fails after some time. This is also encountered in some T2x series Thinkpads, and eventually this problem can occur in both memory slots if it is not repaired early enough.
 Hot weather seems to induce the failure.