Inspiron 3700 and memory

[crazy_vag]

I got a handme down Dell Inspiron 3700. It has a P3-500 with 128MB of memory. Turns out it had a bad hard drive which was easy to replace. However, it desperately needs more memory. So I bought a 256 MB PC133 SO-DIMM module for it, and plugged it into slot 2. Here are the stats from it:
PC133(3) 256M*8

Upon bootup, I got memory errors with the final message saying "Memory amount decreased". Going into bios shows me that I only have 128 MB installed. I tried putting the 256MB module in slot 1 and the 128MB original in slot 2, but it wouldn't boot. Took out the 128MB, and it won't boot.

Now, I suppose there's a chance that I got a defective module, but let's assume for a second that the memory is good. What sort of compatibility issue am I encountering? This is my first time mucking with laptops, and it seems like the rules from desktops do not apply here.

The manual does state that the laptop can take 256MB modules. The existing module is a PC100 module, but I don't think that's the difference. I got that module from newegg for about $42, and would rather shell out $135 to Dell.

The only item I can think of is that the Dell module is PC100 32M*64.

-martin

** EDIT: Let me add that I did flash the BIOS to the latest rev, but obviously that didn't help. **

 

[iamme]

did you try putting in ONLY the 256MB sodimm?

also, try this:

http://forums.us.dell.com/supp...pgrade&x=0&y=0

 

[crazy_vag]

Originally posted by: iamme
did you try putting in ONLY the 256MB sodimm?

Yup.

128 only (either slot) - boots fine
128 in 1 + 256 in 2 - memory size reduced
256 in 1 + 128 in 2 - won't boot.
256 only (either slot) - won't boot

 

[Frightcrawler]

I hate to break it to you, but your laptop uses PC100 sodimms according to crucial.
http://www.crucial.com/store/l...0+Series&submit=Go

 

[crazy_vag]

Originally posted by: Frightcrawler
I hate to break it to you, but your laptop uses PC100 sodimms according to crucial.
http://www.crucial.com/store/l...0+Series&submit=Go

What does that mean? If I get PC133 sodimms instead of PC100, then it won't work?

I guess I'm not sure, what part of the memory spec makes the module incompatible. Desktops are clearly more lenient with the type of memory you feed it.

-m

 

[cbehnken]

It's a Dell

My bosses Dell desktop is the same way. We've tried at least 10 different modules in it and all of them produce errors. I guess he is stuck at 256 MB until he wants a different computer.

 

[CombatChuk]

Originally posted by: crazy_vag

Originally posted by: Frightcrawler
I hate to break it to you, but your laptop uses PC100 sodimms according to crucial.
http://www.crucial.com/store/l...0+Series&submit=Go

What does that mean? If I get PC133 sodimms instead of PC100, then it won't work?

I guess I'm not sure, what part of the memory spec makes the module incompatible. Desktops are clearly more lenient with the type of memory you feed it.

-m

Some PC133 memory require a different voltage that's probably why it's not working on the notebook.