DDR SODimm memory compatibility

[sheac12]

Someone please tell me I am not crazy. I thought DDR memory(speed wise) had to be backwards compatible? I.e. if my system requires PC2700 then I can purchase a chip that is PC3200. I ask because I purchased a stick of PC3200 1GB off Ebay (K4H1G0838A-TCCC) and it doesn't work in my laptop (Inspiron 8600). Anyone have an idea?


Thanks
Colin

 

[Dahak]

most of the time it will work, i have come across some machines where they wont. You could check to see if there is a bios update. they usually help with memory compatibility too.
also can check to make sure the machine is able to take 1gb sticks

Did a quick check, and it should accept the 1gb stick, you can also try the 1gb stick by itself.
could be a compatibility issue between the 2 sticks

 

[sheac12]

Yeah the max ram is 1GB stick. I have the latest update of the bios. I tired it out in two other laptops(both dell inspirons 9100, 8200) and still no go.

 

[sheac12]

I have tried it with just the 1GB stick and the 1GB with a 256MB stick. The computer (8600) doesnt even boot either way. The 9100 boots but only sees the 256, as does the 8200.

 

[sheac12]

Huh, well I just checked the manufacturer's website and the ram is backwards compatible to 2700(DDR333) so I think I got hosed.
link
http://www.samsung.com/products/semicon...ponent/1Gbit/K4H1G0838A/K4H1G0838A.htm
The ram is CC stepping

 

[Dahak]

sounds like a bum stick

 

[SuperNaruto]

u got link ? sometimes eaby memory are not the greatest... hopefully its a bad stick but there might be a density issue

 

[sheac12]

I think it is a bad stick, I went over to my buddies and tested the stick there. He has a Inspiron 9100 and an HP ZE4420US. It failed in both. I went to Worst Buy and got an other stick with then same number of chips. I threw that into the laptop and it worked. I am attempting to get the ebayer to take it back but he is refusing....Guess it is time for ebay/paypal resolution......

Thanks for the ideas,

Ebay link so no one else gets screwed.....
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi...&viewitem=&item=230099850771&rd=1&rd=1

 

[yellahawk]

Too late!!! I got screwed by the same seller!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=230099208053&ru

I bought a 1GB stick for my Toshiba Satellite A80. I confirmed that it should work, but the computer will not recognize that memory has been added.

 

[Bad Dude]

Samsung has a lifetime warranty, couldn't you RMA it there?