Will a PC133 SoDIMM work to replace a PC100 SoDIMM?

[Zenmervolt]

Both are 144 pin SoDIMM chips so the pinout on the PC133 matches the pinout on the PC100. My computer is an IBM ThinkPad A21p with 2x128 MB PC100 SoDIMM's. It's a P-III M 850 and the motherboard uses the Intel 440BX Chipset. The maximum RAM is 512 MB using 2x 256 MB 144 pin SoDIMM's. I am trying to extend the useful life of this laptop for another year or so and doubling the RAM seems to be the reasonable way to go about it. CompUSA has a good deal right now on 256 MB 144 pin SoDIMM's ($29.99 after rebate) and considering that the normal price is $69.99 (which is still the cheapest I've seen) I think this is probably the time to do this, but I can't remember if PC133 RAM will work at PC100. I'm 99% sure that it will (since both have the same pinout and voltage) but I don't want to buy memory that won't work.

So, will it work?

ZV

 

[ScrapSilicon]

with a 440bx ..its really a ymmv.. gl

 

[michaelh20]

The solution

Guaranteed compatibility, no messing around if you're wrong.

But compusa should also return it for you if it doesn't work.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: ScrapSilicon
with a 440bx ..its really a ymmv.. gl

Hey, in 2000 when I bought that laptop, the 440BX was a kickass chipset (better than the 440LX anyway). Sadly, it was about 2001 when I stopped paying attention to new hardware and now I'm paying for it. I just need the ThinkPad to get me through the next year, by then I'll have gotten a job and I'll have built myself a new system for home use and the laptop can become a glorified text editor.

ZV

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: michaelh20
The solution

Guaranteed compatibility, no messing around if you're wrong.

But compusa should also return it for you if it doesn't work.

Guaranteed $113.99 for the PC100 part too. Spending $29.99 each is one thing. Spending $113.99 each is a whole other ballgame.

ZV

 

[mikecel79]

It may work. I'm not sure if the Thinkpads could take high-density chips which is probably what that stick of PC133 is. What brand is the memory? I'm sure the manufacturer can tell you if it works.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: mikecel79
It may work. I'm not sure if the Thinkpads could take high-density chips which is probably what that stick of PC133 is. What brand is the memory? I'm sure the manufacturer can tell you if it works.

It's PNY.

ZV

EDIT: Bloody hell. Big, bold warning on PNY's site: "PC133 modules are no longer compatible with PC100 modules." (Italics added.) So it used to be, but isn't anymore. Wonderful. Oh well.