Is it possible to fix laptop memory slot failure with a guitar pick? Yes, it is. You will not fix the memory slot itself, but you can work around the problem. 🙂
Today I received a Toshiba Satellite Pro 4600 laptop with the following complaint:
Apr 23, 2020 For example, if your motherboard was designed for DDR4 RAM, the memory slots of your motherboard cannot fit other types of RAMs like DDR3. Besides, the motherboard memory slots usually are integrated into the board and cannot be changed. So, it important to make a memory compatibility check on your motherboard. How Do I Know My RAM Compatibility. Jul 15, 2019 RAM slot, socket, or a memory slot is a gap on your computer's motherboard where you can insert your RAM. Depending on the motherboard type, there might be up to four memory sockets. If you have a high-tier motherboard, you can even have more. There are three most common types of RAM.
The laptop starts and works properly, but recognizes only one of the two memory modules installed. The laptop has two 256MB RAM modules installed, but registers only 256MB.
First of all, I removed the memory cover to find out if both memory modules are installed correctly. The laptop had two 256MB Kingston modules installed and they were seated properly.
When I started the laptop and entered the BIOS setup menu, I found that only one of the two memory modules is detected and the laptop registers only 256MB (262144KB) of RAM instead of 512MB (524288KB).
Just a side note. In the computer world 1MB=1024KB. That's why 256MB=262144KB and 512MB=524288KB.
I tried reseating both memory modules but it didn't help.
After that I tried installing both memory modules in both memory slots one by one and here's what I found. The laptop worked absolutely fine when both memory modules were installed into the slot A, but failed to boot with both memory modules installed into the slot B.
Apparently, there is nothing wrong with the memory modules and the laptop has a faulty memory slot B. The memory slot is permanently soldered on the motherboard. If one of the slots fails you'll have to replace the whole motherboard or use the laptop with only one working slot.
Buying a new motherboard for this older laptop wouldn't make any sense because it's too expensive, but the laptop is still in a good working condition except the faulty memory slot B, so I continued playing with that trying to find the solution.
I noticed that the laptop start normally with the memory module installed into the faulty slot if I slightly press on the module with my thumb. And this gave me an idea.
This guitar pick is going to fix my laptop. 🙂
I installed both RAM modules back into the slots and then placed the guitar pick over the module in the slot B as it shown on the picture.
I thought if I close the RAM door it will press on the guitar pick/memory module and it will have the same effect as pressing on the module with my thumb. And it worked!
Both memory modules were detected properly and the laptop registered all 512MB. After 'the fix' I tested memory with Memtest86+ and the laptop passed the test.
I wouldn't call it the best solution for fixing a faulty memory slot but in some cases it will work.
Turismo de poker definicion. By the way, I didn't charge the customer for this 'repair', he knows what is going on and how I 'fixed' his problem.
If you are installing a RAM (memory) upgrade in your computer, or you are considering it, the following tips and information may help.
Memory buying tips
If you haven't purchased the memory yet, refer to our tips to finding the right RAM for your computer.
- Computer memory buying tips.
Before getting started
If you've purchased the RAM and you're ready to install it, run down this checklist before beginning the installation.
- Ensure you are familiar with ESD and its potential dangers.
- When installing the memory, make sure the computer is off and unplugged.
Locate memory slots and install memory
Follow these steps to safely install RAM modules in your computer's motherboard.
DIMM (DRAM, SDRAM, and DDR) memory installation steps
Note
Memory buying tips
If you haven't purchased the memory yet, refer to our tips to finding the right RAM for your computer.
- Computer memory buying tips.
Before getting started
If you've purchased the RAM and you're ready to install it, run down this checklist before beginning the installation.
- Ensure you are familiar with ESD and its potential dangers.
- When installing the memory, make sure the computer is off and unplugged.
Locate memory slots and install memory
Follow these steps to safely install RAM modules in your computer's motherboard.
DIMM (DRAM, SDRAM, and DDR) memory installation steps
NoteWhen handling memory, hold it by the sides at each end of the module. Be careful not to bend, flex, or drop the memory while handling it. When pushing the memory into the computer, do not apply an excessive amount of pressure. Doing so could cause damage to the memory module, and the slots on the motherboard. Finally, when installing the memory, distribute the pressure evenly by pressing on both corners of the memory module.
Once the memory is purchased, locate the memory slots on the computer motherboard. If no memory slots are available on the computer, one or more memory modules must be removed before the memory can be installed.
NoteIf the computer has a small form factor, it may be difficult to access the memory slots. You may have to temporarily remove cables or expansion cards before you can access them easily. When disconnecting anything from the computer, make sure you can remember where each cable and card goes.
Each slot on a motherboard that supports a DIMM is a bank; therefore the computer works if one memory module is purchased.
Examine the memory module before installing it into the computer. At the bottom of the memory module, you should notice one or more notches at the bottom of the card. These notches look like those shown in the picture below.
Make sure that the notches match up with the memory slot you are installing the memory into. These notches allow the memory to be installed only in one direction. If the memory is incompatible, it will not physically match with the slot.
After verifying the notches and direction, the memory needs to be installed, move each memory slot tab out or away from the memory module. These tabs will snap into place as the memory module is installed.
Once these tabs are moved out, gently and firmly push the memory module into the slot. As the memory module is being pushed, the two tabs should snap and hold the memory module into place.
After the memory is installed in the computer, plug the computer back in, and turn it back on. As the computer is booting, the memory should be automatically detected and set up. If you have any difficulties with the memory detected or set up, enter the BIOS setup, and verify the memory is correctly detected by the system.
RIMM memory installation steps
What makes RIMM memory modules different from DIMM memory modules is the C-RIMM memory module. This module allows the computer to have a continuous flow of data. When installing a new RIMM, remove the C-RIMM. This module is a small circuit board and has only a few or no chips on it.
When the C-RIMM module is removed, and the two tabs are in the outward position, push the RIMM memory module to a vertical or 90-degree angle. As the memory module is being pushed, the two tabs should snap and hold the memory module into place.
Notebook (laptop) memory installation steps
Before the memory can be installed into a notebook, the memory slots must be located. If you are unfamiliar with where these slots are located, below is a listing of possible locations:
- On a compartment on the bottom of the laptop.
- Under the keyboard.
- In the computer.
If you cannot locate the slots after looking at each of the above recommendations, we recommend you contact the computer manufacturer for additional help and information.
Once the slots are located, the next step is to install the computer memory. Today, most laptops follow the same memory installation.
Because laptops are thin compared to a desktop computer, the memory banks are horizontal with the laptop. The memory must be inserted at an angle (approximately 75 degrees). Once it's in the slot, press down on the memory to snap it into place. The memory should also lay horizontally with the computer.
SIMM memory installation steps
30 and 72-pin SIMM memory modules must occupy a bank. Computers that use 72-pin SIMMs have two sockets as one bank. Therefore, two memory modules of equal value must be installed in pairs, unless instructed otherwise by the computer or motherboard manufacturer.
The installation of most SIMM memory is the same. The memory is placed into the slot at a 75-degree angle and while still in the memory slot, moved to a vertical (90-degree) angle. As the memory module is moved to a vertical position, it should snap into place. When installed, ensure that both sides of the memory module are snapped into place. If a memory module is not installed properly, it could cause damage to the computer.
We recommend the larger memory modules be installed in the lowest available banks. For example, if the computer has two 4 MB memory modules and you're installing two 32 MB memory modules, place the 32 MB memory modules either in banks 0 and 1, or 1 and 2.
NoteSome computer manufacturers may require SIMM modules be installed in a certain order. So, if your new computer memory installation does not work, consider switching the location of the memory.
Set memory in BIOS
Once the memory appears is installed into the computer, test it. Put the case back on the computer. Connect the keyboard, monitor, and power to the computer. Turn on the computer.
TipWe recommend you do not connect the rest of the cables yet. If you experience problems, you may have to disconnect all the cables again.
As the computer is booting, enter the BIOS setup, verify that the memory is detected, and if necessary, adjust the settings to match your memory specifications. When verification and configuration is complete, save the settings, exit BIOS, and reboot the computer.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems when installing the RAM, refer to our Computer memory help and support. Casino in oklahoma city area.
Additional information
Ram Slots Matter Crossword
- See our memory definition for further information and related links.
